Last weekend I had the privilege of hanging out with a new friend whom I had met earlier this summer for the first time. I knew Brian and I had a lot in common, and we spent a lot of time talking. Unfortunately, he had to return to his home city down in Lafayette.
You see, Brian had a thirst to learn about faith, especially my faith, and I think it was that spiritual connection of brotherhood that brought two perfect strangers together so quickly. We knew each other through a good mutual friend here at Goshen, but it became quickly evident through our talks this summer, and this last weekend, that we knew each other even more so through God.I grew up in the Mennonite Church. I sang the hymns, listened to sermons, went to Sunday School, etc etc. It wasn’t until high school that I realized I wasn’t growing spiritually. Hymns still to this day don’t move me like the high-energy worship services I attend now do. River Oaks Community Church, though not Mennonite, is my new place of weekly and sometimes biweekly, growth, worship, and education. But what’s missing so far? Community. Fellowship. Brotherhood.
I have many close friends here that I’d consider sharing just about anything with, but I found in Brian something missing from my immediate community. I found someone to talk to about my spiritual walk. Someone to share struggles with and goals I’ve conquered. We’ve only spent a small time together chatting, but it’s clear to me that this brotherhood doesn’t take much more than that which is the natural connection God wove into our lives.
