You Are Welcome

Saturday a few brave-hearted members of our church ventured out to deliver small packages of candy, Gospel tracts, Scripture of John and Romans, as well as information for our church services. It was a way of letting local residents know of our church and that they were welcome to visit. It was also a way to share the good news of Christ and salvation. Yes it was blustery, snowy, and cold. And yes we had to walk to the homes’ front doors to place a plastic bag door-hanger on each knob. We didn’t want to intrude on the people’s privacy, only leave a calling card of welcome.

Getting to some places, a four wheel drive vehicle was a blessing and snow boots were definitely welcome. We managed to visit quite a few homes, about 175. There were a few times we actually spoke with homeowners if they were outside or came to the door to see what we were doing. Some of the homes were still without power and had generators running. Some homes had no tracks. We weren’t sure whether anyone was home or if owners were curled up inside trying to keep warm, but we left a welcome package for them to find. We had a pleasurable morning, talking, and meeting a few new people. No one refused our bag of goodies and we were frequently rewarded with smiles.

There were several linemen in the area repairing the downed electric lines. It was difficult work I’m sure with the cold and the wind. We stopped and gave them treat bags as well, thanking them for their work. The truck’s license plates were from another state, so I am sure none of them will be visiting our church, but they will leave Pennsylvania with a sweet memory and a copy of the Scripture.

I was able to meet and talk to one of my cousins. I knew he and his wife lived in the community we were visiting. I’d seen Joe and his wife walking their dog, but didn’t know which home was theirs. My daughter Anna had already grabbed the welcome package and was walking down the stairs to the home’s front porch, when I saw their last name blazed on a large plaque at the front of the home. I jumped from the car and we did a double welcome greeting when my cousin’s wife came to the door. She called to Joe and we talked for a few seconds. It was great to see him again. We coulbn’t linger. We still had a lot of welcomes to pass out.