There's This House

There's this house.

Over the Thanksgiving break I was reminded about the day our church bought a house. It sits in the back of the property and as the church was growing, they wanted to purchase it.

The pastor led us to prepare for a Sunday that we would bring an offering to the church to buy the house. He called it "The Chest of Joash Day" believing that God would do a work.  The day came and as the entire church, row by row, walked down the aisle to the chest to place their offering in, we watched God at work.  My mother happened to be with us that morning and as I turned around to see her behind us in line, I asked, "Why are you in line..with a check?"  She replied, "I'm investing in my grandchildren's future." And she did with a $200 check.

That day the church sacrificially gave over $50,000 and then bought the house.

The house housed some staff members for a while and after they moved, the questions began to circle of what was it to be used for now.

The answer was not long in coming.

It became, what we lovingly referred to it as "the youth house" and it became a house of solace. Our house of faith.

This wasn't a fancy house with modern amenities. This was a wood framed house that had additions built into it. It was old. It was cold in the winter and hot in the summer. The windows did not shut well and the doors didn't fit the frame. But our hearts fit there and  it was well loved.

It is hard to put into words the feelings about this house. Not only did the youth have their own place, it became a place that when we gathered, we expected God to move. And so many times, He did.

Because, there's this house:

I could talk about the music...and there was lots of music. Students began to bring their talent and use it to honor God. There were jam sessions and worship sessions. We had several adults who gave of their own personal time to work with these students and help them learn how to lead worship and play as a group. Many of these students went on to offer their talents in churches after they graduated. The worship sessions in the place were Spirit-filled.

Because, there's this house:

I could tell you about the Friday night's and  lock-in's that happened there. Food, candy, a fire-pit to roast marshmallows and so much more. Shaving cream, food games, manhunt, mafia and Sardines. Bible study and girl talk. It all happened and we fell in love with each while it was all going on. Extended family does not begin to explain the relationships that were deepened during this time.

Because, there's this house:

I could speak for hours of the Bible study and lessons that happened in there, week after week. Students with Bibles, papers and pen gathered together to learn. We discussed and studied so many topics and verses. After a while, there were some that asked if they could lead the study and so the baton was passed. We stood or sat in a circle many times and prayed, wiped away tears, comforted and just leaned into God.  He was and is always faithful.

Because, there's this house:

Let me tell you about all the adults that wandered in and out of this house. They gave of themselves to help out students. They gave time, money, effort, patience and so much more. They traveled with us, slept on church floors, cooked meals, cleaned up, endured the elements in a hot and cold bus, and prayed with students, loved them, advised them and guided them in the ways of the Lord.


And because there was a house, and because God chose to work, we have had the immense privilege to watch God work in their lives then, and even now as they have become adults in an adult world.  Somewhere along the way we bought into the idea that the next generation counted. They mattered. They were and are loved by God and loved by us.

One of the songs we used to sing was "House of Faith" by Geoff Moore and the Distance. It was, for want of a better word, our theme song:

"Let the doors swing open to the house of faith
Every tribe and nation, every tongue and race
Under Jesus' banner, let us all embrace
There can be no labels, in the house of faith"

I pray that all churches, no matter the size, realize that the next generation matters. They matter to God and they matter to the local church.

When my mother walked the aisle and placed her check in the chest, she said she was investing in her grandchildren. She did exactly that. But what she could not have known is that her great grandchildren, years later would also benefit from ministry at times from that house.

Who can fathom what God has in mind when He presents an opportunity? No one.

Who can ever know the impact you have on a life that is searching? Only God.

Let the doors swing open to the house of faith......there can be no labels in the house of faith.

A good remembrance for us all.