PERSONS OF PEACE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
It’s amazing what can come out of sharing some home-grown avocados! Jennifer and Jon decided to use their bumper crop of avocados as a way of connecting with their neighbors, both those they’d already met and some new ones. They were hoping to reach a particular family, but no one answered the door. As they headed home, however, they saw some other neighbors getting out of their car. So they walked over, offered the avocados, and were immediately invited in for a visit. In 16 years, the only interaction they'd had with these neighbors was at a pancake breakfast Jon and Jennifer had hosted in their driveway on the 4th of July. Read more...
With the World Series playoffs on the TV in the background, the hosts started talking about their kids and life as empty nesters. The wife mentioned that she had met Jennifer’s dad on his walks. When Jennifer mentioned one of her biggest concerns was him falling during one of his daily walks to the mailbox when nobody else was home, the wife said she had made it a habit to stand out in her driveway to watch and make sure he made it back into the house. “I was overjoyed. I can’t believe I didn’t even know someone was watching over my Dad! It took an intentional opportunity to meet our neighbors to find out my dad had a guardian angel!”
The couple asked what church Jon and Jennifer attend and actually specifically asked to hear their testimonies. It was a great opportunity to share about Spectrum Church, community groups, and what God was doing in their lives. Jon was able to give the ‘medium’ version of his testimony, followed by Jennifer, who gave her short version. After two hours of deep conversation, Jon and Jennifer said goodbye.
Later, Jennifer remarked to Jon that it must have been God’s timing to be in the right place at the right time, to be able to spend the evening with these neighbors and share about Jesus and the church. "It’s amazing to see how God gives us opportunities to share our stories when we’re prepared and ready to do so. In the Irvine-Tustin Community Group, we’ve been learning about hospitality, sharing our personal stories, or testimonies, and about how Jesus commanded us to Love Our Neighbors (Matthew 22:39)." It all came together that night for Jon and Jennifer.