by Erin Hoy
Colonial HC, a Kettering-area house church, has had several opportunities this summer to engage neighborhoods with Watermelon Parties. Watermelon Parties are designed to reach kids with the love of Jesus through songs, games, crafts, snacks (including watermelon!), and a gospel presentation.
The house church took time off of their regularly scheduled meeting time to prepare for and host the parties. Using resources provided by Apex, the church passed out fliers and personally invited their neighbors to the parties.
Approximately twenty kids showed up to one of their events, most of whom were non-believers. The kids were attentive during the gospel presentation and asked questions throughout. At the end of the presentation, three kids invited Jesus into their lives. Members of the house church had conversations with those kids after the event. The idea is that house church members will follow up with the families of those who accepted Christ and continue developing the relationships that were started at the party.
One of the Colonial HC members, Scott, was able to teach for another HC’s watermelon party as well. It attracted a large number of people from India. Interestingly, at this party, the adults were very alert to what was being said.
In addition to being an outreach opportunity, these parties served to build community within the house church. Shared experiences and working together as a team foster healthy interdependence and help us to see the value that each person contributes to the body as a whole.
God knows the level of impact that these and other events have on people’s hearts. It is up to us to be faithful to the work that He calls us to do! Let us all be praying for the eyes to see the opportunities that God gives us each day to be His ambassadors in our spheres of influence.
Tags: region 3