Starting Things Off

He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
  — Matthew 18:1-5

I joined FBC Mesquite because my uncle asked if my wife and I would sing in the choir. Given that I have no musical talent and my son is only 3 I assume we were the package deal that brought my wife with a music degree and the voice of angel to his church. I was unaware that God was calling me to this church to find my first real Church Family. I was raised in a Jewish home, but never really identified with the faith. From the monotone canned prayers in Hebrew to the "Chosen People" mindset, it didn't allow for any real community outreach. I love music and I love helping people, but nothing has brought me real happiness in years that I have felt volunteering and doing everything I can to help FBC Mesquite grow. I have made so many friends that have helped influence me to love Christ even more, their conviction and love for this church has shown me what a Church Community is all about. 

When we first signed my son up for school we chose a Christian school in our neighborhood, I began to realize he was coming home asking question about God I didn't really know. Questions I had only recently been asking at church, I needed to get more informed. With all the great people and ministries here I quickly figured out my involvement was imperative. Getting Harrison involved was only half the equation, he sees God's grace through me as well as the world around him. 

Matt Scott held a parenting class at the church and I went in very scared. I was relived to find out there were parents with children of all ages just as fearful of the world we live in, and eager to find out how we can help our children navigate it. We live in a fallen world and God's grace is there to be had through the love of Christ and the giving of ourselves to our savior. From the everyday questions about God to understanding social media's place in our home, there are so many resources at Church to help us. Keeping Christ in our home is just as important as coming to Church and now I understand my role better.

I recently worked with Clay and Brooke Robinson on getting the nursery and playground facility cleaned up and up to date. They have shown me a great model for being parents in Christ and how to be a good husband and Church member. Their leadership in the youth and young adults projects around FBC Mesquite encourages me to get my hands dirty. I would highly recommend if you have a young adult in need of some direction their MYA class on Sunday mornings is very helpful. They have added furniture and repainted to give the room a fresh look and inviting feel. 

Steve Bidwell has shown me and my family that it's not how fast or slow you get to Church it's that you show up with an open heart. In the giving of our time and love we spread the good word, and though this we glorify Him. I have only heard Steve at the pulpit a few times but it's my interactions with him that show me God works through us all.

The whole Church Family has been paramount in my family's better understanding on what our role in the Church should be. From every sermon, to lunches, to one on one talks with the Church staff I can say I have found my Church home and encourage everyone to get out the word. Changes are coming to FBC Mesquite and all of God's Glory will been seen if we just open our eyes to it.