It all began with a thought. “It’s time to meet the neighbors.” I had just bought a home and moved into a new housing development that was still being built up with homes. Some homes were a year old, others were just recently completed and waiting for buyers. Other homes had recently been purchased with families moving in, like myself. And there were still places with empty lots available for sale. Everyone I met seemed caught up in their own little world. People were friendly, but nobody really stopped to talk.
Therefore, I decided to make God Stories bags and do a “meet and greet” the neighbors, welcoming them to the neighborhood, even though I had just moved in myself less than a month ago. What fun I had. I bought small items to fill up each of their bags. I put in a note pad, a pen, some snacks, some individual candy, and a God Story book and rack card. Then I wrote out a personal message on a note card and put that in the bag. On the note card I included the scripture from Numbers 6:24-26. I also wrote, Hi Neighbor, I live at ________address. I am glad to be a part of such a nice community. If you ever need prayer for anything, I will be glad to pray for you. You are important to God. Blessings.
Then I went around to each of the neighbors, introduced myself and gave them their welcome bag. I got a lot of surprised looks which turned into happy conversations. I learned that most of the people on my street had also recently moved into their homes. Some exchanged phone numbers with me. Others invited me into their homes, and some conversed outside. There were mothers with young children, border patrol agents, several teachers, a nurse, and others who worked from home. It was a wonderful time getting to meet my neighbors.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 says, “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means, save some.” God is no respecter of persons and neither should we be. Connect with people. Learn about them. See how you can bless them. What can you pray with them for? Show an interest in them. Be all things to all men.
P.S. Maybe at Christmas I will make cookie goodie bags, because Jesus is the reason for the season.
Suzanne Soto
La Feria, TX
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