Hurricane Ike Produces Unforeseen Benefits for 'Equipping to Share' Attendees
The impact of Hurricane Ike on Texas last fall was enormous. Its subsequent effect on a group of 65 who attended an Equipping to Share workshop at Memorial Lutheran Church in Katy, Texas, produced some dramatic results as well.
"About a week after our EtS workshop on September 6," wrote the workshop host, "we had an unwelcome visitor named Hurricane Ike, which totally disrupted any normalcy in our area for months. However, on the positive side of that misfortune, there was an opportunity to witness by serving many."
"I think the workshop helped many of us realize that to witness, you don't have to go out cold and knock on doors but just witness by being there for others in need—to help and serve where and when you can and to pray with one another," the woman added.
Echoing other responses Lutheran Hour Ministries receives about its EtS workshops, this one-day on-site witnessing training program generates an in-house enthusiasm to serve and share the Good News. "Since the workshop, our congregation has seen a more combined effort in outreach—as well as in-reach—instead of just a group of five to seven people taking part," the host added.
The workshop has also had a catalytic effect in the formation of new small groups within the church, and several people have invited others from the community to come, the host said. "We also hold our outreach meetings once a month in a more exposed area, such as a restaurant or a café, in hopes that others will see our excitement about serving our Lord, and also see that our church is a place where they are welcomed. Our mission is to minister to the heart of our community area, and the workshop definitely played a key part in getting us started."
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