Small Group Stories
In time of Need...
My name is Steve Morgan and my wife Judy and I lead an adult New
Testament discussion class on Sunday mornings at 9:30 called “You’ve
Got Mail”. I was diagnosed in 1984 with a genetic disease called
Polycystic Kidney Disease or PKD for short. It was discovered when I
passed four stones in twelve months. I was soon to learn that this
serious condition could eventually lead to kidney failure, and I needed
to carefully monitor my health from now on.
This spring, at age 58, I learned that my kidneys were failing, and
that I would soon have to go on dialysis to stay alive. The only other
treatment was a transplant and so I began my journey to find a living
donor and get my kidney transplant before I had to go on dialysis. This
was a race against time and I knew it!
The first thing I did was to reveal all of this information to my small
group at our next weekly meeting. Although saddened to hear of my
health crisis, my church family of close brothers and sisters in Christ
gathered around me and supported me with love, encouragement, and
prayer. They kept me and my family lifted up for the months that it
took to finally have my surgery on September 9, 2008. This wonderful
group kept my attitude positive, my focus strong on success, and was
available anytime to help or just talk.
On the day of surgery, my group family was there at the hospital with
me and Judy, some as early as 5:30AM! They waited patiently until my
daughter Ryan (my living donor) and I came successfully through the
transplant surgery. They sat with Judy and comforted her as she
anxiously awaited the outcome of surgery. Judy later told me that
having our small group present at this intense time gave her tremendous
peace and even joy as God showered His grace and mercy on us all.
During the four days I was in the hospital, my “family” visited often,
bringing gifts and helping relieve Judy so she could rest. When we left
the hospital, my “family” was there to help transport all the wonderful
flowers and gifts I had received from so many people.
Now that I am home recovering, my “family” often calls or visits,
bringing food and running errands for me. Their help and encouragement
has and continues to mean the world to me and Judy.
While at the hospital, a nurse commented to me what a wonderful and big
family I had - lots of brothers and sisters! She said she had never
seen such a close family of siblings who easily shared their love with
each other.
I can only agree that my “family” is close because we love each other,
we worship and praise our loving God often, and we connect with each
other frequently. Without my small group, my life would be less full
and incomplete. My family’s support got me through my transplant and
will always be there for me-no matter what! Their presence in my life
is indeed one of God’s richest blessings to me and Judy.
- Steve Morgan
A Safe Place
Several years ago Craig Strickland suggested the members of Hope
Church join a small group to get connected. I was interested but a
little doubtful and afraid I would not be accepted or that I might be
bored. I felt uncomfortable because I thought the others would be very
knowledgeable about the Bible and I may not fit in. Even worse I
thought they might be upthight, controlling, or judgemental. Boy was I
wrong!!!
We met our small group leaders John and Laura May at their
home in Germantown with about 20 other diverse individuals. John and
Laura were new to the idea of leading a small group and said they had
no idea how they got involed in being group leaders, but I do. God had
a plan for us along!!! I believe the Lord actually chose each member of
our group to go on this journey together. Many of us were either
unchurched or dissolutioned by previous experience with other religious
institutions. We began our first meeting with 20 visitors and ended up
with 13 faithful loving members after several years together. I believe
our diversity is a key element. Individually, we are like small scraps
of material that are frayed on the ends, different patterns, different
colors, and different sizes. God is the thread that sowed a beautiful
patchwork quilt of “His” Christians together. His love protects us,
holds us together, and gives us warmth, strength, and compassion for
one another. Our small group members are NOT judgmental we love each
other and have become very good friends inspite of our differences.
Even more amazing we have fun together at our meetings and our socials.
Our small group meets to study God’s word but we go to parties,
dinners, and at holiday’s we deliver toys and meals to people in need.
We have fun with each other and tease each other like Craig, Ely, and
Bruce do at church. We know each other well enough now to laugh a
little about our flaws and always compliment our strengths.
At every meeting we ask if there are any prayer request and we always
pray for one another. Whenever a group member has a surgery or a death
in the family someone is sure to support them with food or any other
type of help required. I believe that we all try to love each other the
way God has commanded us to love one another. We are not perfect at
this and I am sure there are times we have unintentionally caused hurt
feelings or frustration of one or more group members but we are all
trying our best. I believe that I am a better Christian and a much
happier person having been a part of this small group. I know God has
many more things to teach me through this group and I will stay as long
as they will have me. I would like to Praise and Thank God for leading
me to this small group through Craig!!
Sincerely,
Cathy Struna
A Place to be Imperfect
I have spent the majority of my life chasing after things that never
existed, the perfect job, the perfect woman, the perfect self-image,
and the perfect friends. It wasn’t until I accepted Christ that I
realized, He doesn’t want perfection, I really can’t attain perfection,
and all He really wants is for us to be just the way He made us. Now,
lets move back to small group life here at Hope Church. That is what
it’s all about…a group of friends that you can “do” life with that
accept you for who you are and what you are. During the time of my life
when I was chasing after those non-existent things, I was wasting my
time with friends who were non-existent. A small group family is made
up of people who truly exist and are doing their best to be who God is
calling them to be.
I had never experienced this type of closeness among such a group until
I joined a small group here at Hope. Now, I am incredibly grateful and
blessed that God has answered my prayers and surrounded me with such a
wonderful group of friends who truly care about me and provide support
when I need it. It has been a privilege to serve as the leader of a
small group. I challenge those of you listening to accept the strength
of Christ (Philippians 4:13) and take on a leadership role within a
small group.
My prayer is that each one of you steps out and either finds a small
group or takes the initiative to lead your own group and when the time
is right you’ll know it. God Bless!
In His amazing grace,
Nick Ray