I wrote previously that David and I recently became members at our church. I am so, so thankful for our church.

A few weeks ago we weren’t going to be there in the morning because I was not feeling well. David called our class teacher and shared a prayer request regarding my gestational diabetes so our class could be praying for us and the decisions about my treatment.

That evening I was feeling better so we went to the evening service. We didn’t even make it out of the parking lot and someone came over and asked us about my situation. As it turns out, they announced it in the morning service. It hadn’t been our intention to have it announced there, but that was what happened. And I’m glad it did.

I cannot begin to express how loved we have felt so quickly by this congregation. I literally cannot walk ten steps through the church without someone stopping me and asking me how I am doing, telling me they are praying for me and the baby, etc. I received phone calls from a few women and a card from another woman. We’ve been asked if we need meals or any help with anything. People – both men and women – have been so kind and concerned.

This is PRECISELY why I wanted to be in a smaller, more family-like church. We are KNOWN. We are not lost in a crowd of people I would never know if I passed them on the street. This is also PRECISELY why I wanted to become members and not just visit indefinitely. Because we shared our testimonies and our story, people know us. Because we became members, people know we are committed to the church. We aren’t visitors who might or might not be around in a few months. We made a commitment to them and now I see their commitment to us. And, frankly, it just blesses my socks off.

I really look forward to getting past the pregnancy so I can get more involved at the church and not miss so many prayer meetings and services because I’m not feeling well. I am thankful to be in a church where those opportunities are available to me. But mostly I am so grateful to be in a congregation where we are known and loved. It was a long journey, but perhaps the long journey just makes the results that much sweeter.