Sunshine Valley

Bible study

     Sara 2 took charge of setting up the Bible study group. Not everyone that wanted to participate had either a smartphone, a computer, or a social media account. It had to be organized the old fashion way. She put up a sign up sheet at church. And printed off material for their first class. She and Evie were talkin’ once, twice a week sometimes. 

     The first Bible study would be sharing your testimony. Getting to know each other. And handing out the first real lesson. The first one would be at Sara’s apartment. Room providing. Then they would decide if they wanted to move it around and how often they wanted to meet. Sara decided on snacks instead of a meal. 

     She about died when the first knock came to her door. It was Evie. She had showed up early to help with any set up. 

     “How many signed up?” She asked. 

     “10. I have seating for 6. Della is gonna bring some more chairs incase people show up that didn’t sign up. In all 15 people showed up. 

     “This is exciting,” Evie whispered. “A lot of people are here.”

     She gave a nervous giggle, “I know.”

     Rebecca and Simon showed up. Even Pastor Sam. And a lot of people Evie didn’t know. But that was a good thing. 

    Sara welcomed everyone to her home and what she prayed was the first of many Bible studies. It was made known that this was a Bible study and was not church. Everyone was welcomed regardless of religious standing. It was her goal to have them learn from each other and the Bible. 

    Everyone was asked to bow their heads in prayer as Bradley led the opening prayer. 

     Sara told them about a box she had sitting on the table. She asked everyone to put ideas down that they wanted to do a Bible study on in the future. And another box was on the counter, a blessing box. Each person could write down something they were thankful for and they could open the next Bible study with those. 

     Evie and Jack just sat there and listened as those that wanted to shared their testimony did. “God is good.” He said quietly, patted her arm. 

     “Yes, he is.” She smiled sweetly at him. 

     The testimonies shared were a mixture of stories; a drug addict, someone who was just lost in the world, a former criminal, a runaway. Stories were shared about how Jesus saved a marriage, a life, a family in crisis. Others still about that much needed job, a place to live, a much needed church family. 

     The group decided to move things around and meet at different homes. Snacks were perfect. They would meet once a month on the third Thursday of the month. The first Bible study would be about Noah and the flood. They were encouraged to tell their friends and make copies of the lesson. 

     Ginni, a friend of Sara’s offered to host the next one. 

     Bradley and Patty walked Jack home. Della and Evie stayed to help with the clean up. When they had finished, Sara plopped down on her couch with a great big sigh, “that was wonderful.”

Sunshine Valley