Friday, August 8, 2014

Connected





My journey at First Baptist started a few years ago. I attended a church in Stayton for twenty years, but due to my health, I needed to go to a church that was closer to home. The one I chose was First Baptist.  I had a few concerns about attending:  Is the teaching rooted in the Word of God?  Is it a praying church? Is it a church that is too big? (Would I meet people? Would I be invisible? Would I be accepted? Would I make friends?)



My first Sunday was amazing.  I attended the first service and heard the Word of God taught.  Pastor Mark was challenging and convicting.  What a blessing to hear a pastor that is not afraid to say the hard things along with the good things.  I do enjoy his teaching but it doesn't always feel good.  After all, sometimes growth hurts.



I went to the CLC and they had a coffee shop!  Coffee was not one of my concerns but it sure was a nice bonus.  To top it off, I was a given a coupon for a free latte.  Did I mention I sort of like lattes?  My favorite is sugar free, non-fat vanilla latte, just in case you wanted to know.



After coffee, my friend took to me to the Overcomer's Community Group.  This is a class just for women. There were single ladies, older ladies, widows, young ladies, and married ladies. What an amazing group of women.  I immediately was welcomed and felt totally accepted.  The teaching was very good and I knew I would grow.  This group of ladies knew about the power of prayer.  I knew I had found my new church home.



Being part of the Overcomers community group has been an incredible experience.  They take care and support each other spiritually and physically. Seeking God and growing spiritually is the focus in the class. There are new believers who are just starting their walk with the Lord.  There are believers who have walked with the Lord for many years.  There are those seeking.  All are welcomed and accepted. The group prays for each other and God answers.  We have seen such miraculous answers to prayer. 



Overcomers has made me feel connected to a group of wonderful ladies.  They have become like family.  We have times of fellowship outside of class.  There is a retreat once a year, monthly game days, outings to different places, parties, and going out to eat almost every Sunday afternoon. Talk about fun! These ladies know all about it. Our times together always include lots of laughter. You never know what will happen when we get together.



I am so thankful that God led me to Overcomers.  It has greatly enriched my life.  It has connected me to an incredible group of women and has connected me to the church as a whole.  It has been such an impact on my life.  Now a few years later, I am the leader of this wonderful group.  How God has blessed me! I truly love this group of women.

--Teresa Blount