On a recent trip to Latin America, Jess* and George* spent the whole first day searching for a “house of peace”. The house of peace search was something they’d learned during their pre-trip training. It comes from Luke 10:1-9.
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” — Luke 10:1-9
As they walked up and down neighborhood streets, they prayed that God would lead them to a person whose heart was ready to receive Christ’s love, and it wasn’t long before they knocked on Mary’s* door.
Mary welcomed Jess and George into her home. She was incredibly hospitable and friendly, and it was very clear that God had led them to her. They asked her if they could pray for her, and then they shared the gospel. Mary listened intently and after hearing of Christ’s great love for her, she joyfully accepted Him as her Lord and Savior.
The next day, Jess and George went back to Mary’s house and led her through a Bible study. They taught her how to share the gospel herself and helped her practice. Mary was overwhelmed with gratitude for what Jess and George had taught her and couldn’t wait to start telling others about Jesus.
By the end of the week, Mary had shared the gospel with several others in her neighborhood. In just a few short days, God completely transformed her life, and was now using her to help transform the lives of others as well.
A few weeks after returning home, Jess followed up Mary to see how she was doing and to encourage her to keep spreading the hope and love of Christ. And to Jess’s delight, that’s exactly what Mary was doing. She continues to share the gospel with others, and every time they talk, she reminds Jess how grateful she is that God brought them together.
*Pseudonyms
Want to learn more about house of peace searches? Watch our Luke 10 House of Peace Search training video here: https://e3partners.org/luke-10-house-of-peace/
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