On a blistering hot Friday, the Summer Café crew from Cherry Point United Methodist Church showed up to serve meals to the community. As they all checked in with each other, it was clear each one was carrying the weight of life on their shoulders that morning. Stress and worry, coupled with the heat had everyone feeling a little down in the dumps.
To make it more challenging, the local hospital was scheduled to lead a CPR training right after the summer feeding program ended. This already tired crew worked hard ‘talking each other up’ and smiling through the morning. God had taught them over the eleven years of this program, that he shows up for them with exactly what they need… right when they need it most. Today, these women needed strength and encouragement.
The phone to the church rang in between the Café closing and the CPR class beginning. The brand-new Pastor at this little church had run home in the pouring rain to bring her own DVD player for the CPR class because the one at the church would not work. She returned (btw…soaking wet but still smiling). Typically, volunteers let the calls go to voicemail for the Pastor. On this day, one of the hearts walked by the phone… stopped and felt the need to answer the call.
On the other end was a young woman. New to town, she and her military husband had made plans to be married that day. They had done everything possible to be prepared, but someone cancelled on them. If you have experience with the military, you understand that time waits for no one or woman. Deadlines and paperwork are firm. She was frantically trying to find someone who could marry them that day. The Pastor began working and praying to help this young couple.
The Café crew, which had been exhausted, perked right up! One shouted, “We are going to have a wedding!” Later that day, after the couple had conferenced with the Pastor and all of the legal things had been done, we did in fact have a wedding. The most perfect wedding I have ever seen, and I have seen a LOT of weddings.
The women from the church had a cake ready, prepared the sanctuary, picked up a bouquet for the bride, and had cards ready for the couple. The Pastor had the wedding march ready to play on her iPhone and pulled together the most beautiful service for strangers who were now family. She didn’t talk to this couple about fees or a donation, she simply loved them. It was a beautiful thing to witness.
The women from the church divided equally on the side of the bride and the groom. The young marine had his best man also stationed locally, ready to help. The bride was alone and new to the community. So, one of the Café Crew women served as the Maid of Honor to the overwhelmed in a WONDERFUL way… young woman. One served as photographer to capture the day for this young couple who will sacrifice so much for all of us in the years ahead. Tears flowed freely and joyfully as the Pastor pronounced them “Husband and wife” and we all shouted “Hallelujah!”
God shows up. That Friday morning, tired hearts needed to be filled and God showed up in full and glorious force for us. He used us to allow this young couple to see the power of His love in the hearts of strangers who no doubt…are now family. He reminded our…more seasoned hearts, what it was like to be young and in love! As you move through this week and wonder if God is at work beside you, remember that sometimes…. we have to stop and answer the call.
“Most important of all, you must sincerely love each other, because love wipes away many sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 CEV.
If you would like to view past editions of A Message from Kim, follow this link: https://sounddistrictnc.org/category/from-district-lay-leader/
If you would like to connect with Kim please do so through her email, k.smith@nccumc.org