BEing the church is still what God calls us to do today. But what does that look like? One day each week we will hear stories from within our Cross Creek community, of people who are taking intentional steps to BE the church to their community. This week we will hear from Christi Lawson, and what BEing the church looks like in her life. Christi and her husband serve as Foster parents, opening up their home to serve the needs of children in need of a family to care for them. Here are a few questions we asked and Christi’s answers:
Can you tell us what spoke to your heart about serving your greater community in this way? Was it the people you would be serving or maybe the cause itself?
Christi: Growing up we always had different people staying with us. My parents were always very hospitable. Both of my grandmothers stayed with us until they passed away. I can think of a dozen other people that stayed in our home as well. My parents have been an inspiration to me to help people in our community. Two years ago my husband and I decided to take foster care classes. I have always had a strong passion for adopting, and this seemed like a way to do that. We have had two little ones with us for the past two years now and hope to adopt them later this fall.
Has this experience changed you at all? How so?
Christi: This has been a huge growing experience for our family. God has helped us through many challenging moments in the past 2 years. God is always asking us to do a little more for others.
Are there any verses that come to mind when you think about serving in general or serving in this way?
Christi: There is always a blessing that comes from your struggles. My verse more recently has been,” the joy of the Lord is my strength”. There is no way that I could get through my days without the strength the Lord gives us on a daily basis.
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
