My name is Johnna Cory and I went on a spring break mission trip to South Bend, IN. Our team served at Transformation Ministries. This was my second time to go, and I have brought something back with me each time. The first year, we went door to door in the neighborhood asking them what they knew about Transformation Ministries. Most had very busy lives. Some people were feeding their kids or dogs or weren’t home at all.
This year we got to hear of how those encounters with the neighbors had really changed the foundation of Transformation Ministries. The staff is now going out to meet and talk with people in their yard – meeting them as they are. We heard one story of a family who had felt the impact of the continued visits. They now go to church and have a community for their kids as they grow up. I got to meet this family last year and now see how their life has changed from just one visit at the home.
We came back to Kansas City right before Easter and I wanted to bring that same sense of belonging to my neighbors. I wanted to meet them where they are and bringing them the love of Christ. My Mom and I decided to make about 100 cookies and take them to our neighbors’ around us. We also invited them to church on Easter.
Often, a relationship starts with a little hello or act of kindness, which can eventually turn someone to Christ. These trips have helped me realize the importance of seeking out non-church-going families, going out into the community and showing them love and healthy relationships. ¨We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us.¨ 2 Corinthians 5:20