People in Idaho

“Only the Holy Spirit can create real fellowship between believers, but he cultivates it with the choices and commitments we make. Paul points out this dual responsibility when he says ‘You are joined together with peace through the Spirit, so make every effort to continue together in this way.’ It takes both God’s power and our effort to produce a loving Christian community.” Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Life

This week has been such a testimony to what it is to have real fellowship. Everyone in Idaho has been so wonderful to us. We arrived Saturday evening and were invited into the City of Refuge director’s home for dinner and a campfire. Ron and Mary Youderian (directors) have been so kind by ensuring we have meals to eat, offering to take us to the movies, and taking us to the local Mormon temple (an interesting experience!). Brandon, the case worker here, took an hour out of his morning to sit down and ask questions about who we really are individually…and not just about Latreia.

Sunday we spoke at Alliance Covenant church where we had four different offers for lunch at people’s homes after the service. Another woman is bringing us food this week and yet another brought us a series of books to read while on the road. It is so encouraging to not only see the generosity of people but how they desire to truly know us through fellowship. This is such a vital component of the Christian faith and something I wasn’t sure Latreia would have with our traveling schedule. The awesome part is that it is the power of the Holy Spirit (not us) which has enabled us to make connections with these random people across the country…and it is refreshing to have been here three days and feel like we truly know people.

Another rewarding part of this week is the fellowship with the men who come to the mission. Every night we sit down to dinner with them and tonight we had Bible study with two men who are in the Christian recovery program. Over ice cream at the local dairy they shared their amazing testimonies with us. They both give full credit to God for giving them a new purpose for life and a future after having hit rock bottom. It is so encouraging to see how God can take a person’s life and completely lift them up out of despair. It reminds me that none of my problems or stresses is too big for God to handle…and that He won’t give me anything I can’t handle.

They say it is the people that make the place; Idaho Falls is a wonderful place…
Kelly