Roommate Ministry, Part II

Oh, frabjous day!! I know, I know, I get a little carried away with my affection for the Lewis Carroll poem "Jabberwocky." I remember learning it when I was in fourth grade and acting it out for a class. Since then, it has been my favorite poem of all time, and most years, I try and implement it in some way, shape, or form into my classes. Well, another frabjous day took place a couple of weeks ago. After several weeks of study with the minister at my church, my roommate Don was baptized!

I still remember how excited he was that Saturday several months ago when he asked me if he could come to church with me. He displayed that child-like exuberance Christ spoke of when He answered the question, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?" Don's lived with me since June of '09, and not too long after he moved in, I asked him about his religious affiliation. When he told me he considered himself agnostic, I knew I had my work cut out for me as far as being a witness and example to him. I'm not sure what prompted him, but when he asked to come to church with me, it opened my eyes to new possibilities for our relationship. That same youthful passion he showed in his initial desire to attend services with me has continued to grow and grow. He really has set an example for me as far as faithful attendance and daily study. Don works third shift at HEB and usually when he attends Sunday morning services, it's after coming home from work just a few hours before. Honestly, since his baptism I've felt more of a challenge (it's definitely not a "burden" or "pressure" I feel) to improve my walk with God and sense of service. You know, it's actually been a very good thing because for most of my professional life I've lived by myself. There was never anyone to be accountable to at my house or apartment. Now I have Don (and another roommate who actually is a long term sub at my school) who have dedicated themselves to a certain lifestyle, and we should all three be lifting each other up and encouraging each other.

Monday was the monthly Mega Monday service night at our congregation. The night usually consists of a potluck dinner, and then the attendees split up and work on various service projects around the building: cleaning, restocking, following up on visitors. It's always a great opportunity for a free meal (remember, I'm a single guy), a chance for service, and great fellowship. I called to remind Don Monday night when I was on my way to the building, and wouldn't you know it, he was already on his way up there as well. I hope that this aspect of our relationship continues to grow. Obviously my Holy Grail has been finding a Christian mate of the opposite sex, but after college I never really had any "church friends" to lean on and develop relationships with. God definitely does work in mysterious ways. There are multiple experiences in my life where I can look back and see what a possible reason was that God had for me at that time. I always hope and wish I can learn from my mistakes and apply the lessons from some of the stupid decisions I've made to becoming a stronger servant. I'm very excited to see how my relationship with Don can grow.