Judy, a pastor’s wife, told me that her husband went to Meijer almost daily. He chose the same checkouts on a regular basis and always talked to the clerks. He knew them by name and offered to pray for their families and share about Christ. They shared their lives piece by piece with him. Once he prayed with one, the news spread to the others that he would pray with them if they asked him.

Imogene has lived in an apartment for almost 14 years. When a new person moves in, she knocks on their door and shares something homemade, like a loaf of bread. She finds out if they know the area or have moved from farther away. A few days later, she hangs an invitation on their doorknob welcoming them to join her Bible study group. She makes chance meetings in the hall or laundry room an opportunity to stop, chat, and get to know them more. Several have shared that they are lonely and have not made many friends. She encourages them to come make friends with her small group and enjoy some vegetarian food.

Shirley missed Ingathering the night her church went through her neighborhood. When the Ingatherers identified the church they were from, Shirley’s neighbors all commented that their neighbor and her family were also Adventists. They all talked about her cookie parties at Christmas and salad suppers in the summer. Many were happy to donate to the church because Shirley often talked of the work the Community Services does for the area.

Doug passes out Discover Bible school cards in his community. When people at work have questions, he recommends they get the lessons. His co-workers continue to discuss the new things they are learning with Doug when they are in the break room.

John and Lynn walk every evening in their neighborhood. They have become acquainted with people’s gardens, pets, and often stop to talk with neighbors who are out getting their mail. When they invited people to their home for a Christian Christmas party, they had over 20 people attend.

Diane and Ralph have shown up at their neighbors' homes with hot soup when they heard they were ill, or brought mail and newspapers to their doors so they wouldn’t have to venture out to the curb. Now they can share their faith.

When I moved to the Lansing area, my neighbor on one side was critically ill. I tried to think of what I could do to meet her needs. One day she called to say she was praying for me and all of the other neighbors. She asked if I had any prayer requests. Because she reached out to me, I have been able to share with her. When you are a friend, people will trust you and listen when you share how God works in your life.

I remember street preachers in Berkeley, California, who shouted out the gospel, called for repentance, and preached about sinners. People just looked at them with curiosity, but I never saw anyone approach them with questions or concerns. Does your lifestyle invite others to ask you about your faith?

Laurie Snyman is a certified social worker and counselor who writes from Holt, Michigan.