Behold How Good and How Pleasant it is for Brethren to Dwell Together in Unity (Psalms 133:1), C.L.

I am currently in charge of the marketing and human resources departments in a retirement facility. On my day off I volunteer with another Christian sister at the Amana Christian Bookstore in Berkeley. I find that being with other believers on this one day is much more pleasant and refreshing than dealing with all other earthly matters.

Having been brought up by atheist parents, I praise the Lord that I was able to receive the gospel and be baptized in the local church during my senior year in high school. What attracted me most was the sweet care I experienced from the families and other students. I was especially touched that one sister diligently called me several times each week for prayer, prayerful reading of the Bible, and fellowship. I felt very much at home when I was with this family, and also spent much time with their three young children. It was during this time that I learned to say, “I love You, Lord.”

I went to a private Christian college for one semester after graduation. Having only been saved for a few months, I thought that this would be a positive experience because, after all, it was Christian. To my surprise, the atmosphere was very dead spiritually, having many requirements but no life. The closest local church was an hour away, yet many times the believers in that local church came to take me to the meetings. I was deeply moved by their care, but I knew I needed to move back closer to home, and more importantly, closer to the church.

For the remainder of my college years I lived with a young family and another sister meeting with the church. I thoroughly enjoyed being with them and sharing the Lord together. They helped strengthen my prayer life and encouraged me to attend many church conferences and retreats. Many families opened their homes and hearts, inviting students for dinners, providing spiritual and physical nourishments, a peaceful atmosphere for studying, and on occasions a shoulder to cry on. Even the times of doing household chores became a pleasant experience, as we would pray and sing while completing various tasks.

These precious experiences caused me to realize that I cannot live the Christian life on my own. Often I look to other believers as a source of encouragement. Moreover though, I know I need to stop trying to do things on my own and just trust in the Lord in every situation. Thank you, Lord, for bringing me to the local church.