Join the party!

_{^{by Phoebe}}

“Call me when there is another big gathering in future!” One of the first believers who had moved from the village of Takhro said when she heard that many fellow brothers and sisters in Christ had visited the village to do outreach events. She wanted to witness what God is doing in her own village although she had moved about five hours drive away. She did not want to miss out on the fun. She did not want to miss out on the party.

Whenever we have any outreach events in the village, there will definitely be excited children and youths. There will also be parents who will be urging their apprehensive children to be part of the events. There are also bound to be bystanders or passerbys who just wanted to see what the banter is about. I can also tell that one of our church members’ husband who does not attend church is also quietly observing us as he helps his wife prepare meals for the visitors.

When there is a celebratory party, it is hard not to be part of it. It makes one naturally gravitate towards it because it is so attractive and so exciting. It reminds me of the story of Bob Goff and his family who started a New Year’s Day parade in their community in San Diego and the rule is that nobody is allowed to watch the parade. Everyone who wanted to be part of it had to participate – from marching down the street or cooking out in the Goffs’ backyard. Those in the community loved to be involved and the parade became so popular that people planned their holidays around it. There were no parade watchers, but only parade participants.

A greater party that we can look forward to is when Jesus returns again to claim His church. This is the marriage supper that is mentioned in Revelations 19:6-8 when a great multitude rejoice and cry out to celebrate the coming of the bridegroom. There will be no more tears, no more death, no more mourning, no more crying, no more pain (Revelation 21:4). There will be a new heaven and new earth.

However, there are others who are still hesitant to join the party. There are those who are still at the side wondering if it is worth it to join the party. There are yet others who have not seen the party.

Pray for more people to want to be part of this party. And pray that God help us be His witnesses to make it an attractive party so that others will be drawn to it.