GN!VdC Newsletter January 2011

NOTE: This column is only the opinion of person writing this article and does not represent or speak for GNVdC but from his/her own personal view.

"My Walk Afterwards"
by Victoria Clifton
GNVdC #43
Table of Hannah

The Hallmark channel is great in depicting Christians baking cookies, drinking coffee together, and lending a hand. As little children we are told that Christians should be giving, patient, and examples of Christ's love. I always thought that was a fairytale. In the real world once outside a church pew I couldn't tell a Christian from a non-Christian.

Then one day I was invited to GNVDC # 43 and I sat at the table of Hannah. Oh I walked in and thought: "look at all the pretenders. I bet they couldn't be like this outside the weekend." I even thought it was a bit sappy. It made Hallmark look jaded! But I made it through the first night and that dreaded period of silence. When I awoke on Friday morning a bit bewildered and thinking what did I get myself into? The most amazing thing happened: People were smiling. No words were yet spoken but the smiles let me know that I was accepted and was part of something bigger than myself.

The outpouring of love demonstrated throughout that 72 hours showed me how to live. It showed me that I was responsible for being a light in a dark world. Did I show other's Christ's love? Was I a true friend? Did others want what I had? Before this weekend I would honestly had to answer no! I was religious but did not know how to live and be a vibrant child of God. I did not show the simplicity of worship through my actions and servitude.

I learned that fellowship through song and study accompanied by laughter made for a joyous time. I learned that through these simple interactions you come to care for each other and that we are all valuable and useful to our Lord.

I am now in my fourth day a new Christian by no means perfect but teachable. One with a heart for sharing the love I found with others. I am grateful to the many in this movement who shared their lives with me. Who offered up prayer and petitions on my behalf and who showed me the true meaning of Christian fellowship.

We are the walking example of the Gospel. For some the only Gospel they will see. What do people see when they look at you? Do they see a grateful spirit? Do they see joy and contentment in your soul? Do they see the love of God shining through you? Because of my weekend I ask myself these questions everyday. I pray to bring honor to the Lord and not dishonor. I pray for Him to increase more and more in me every moment of my 4th day and that I may decrease. I pray to be used!

When I walk in love God is present.   1 John 4:12