LIFE STORIES
JENNA'S STORY
A NEIGHBORHOOD INTRODUCTION
by Jenna Dais
Four years. I had lived in my neighborhood for four years and barely knew
anyone who lived there. I felt like I needed to become better acquainted with
my neighbors, but didn’t know how to start.
The answer came when I heard a knock at my door. It was a woman named Kathy, and she was inviting me to her house for something called a Christmas Gathering.
Opening the Door
The invitation peaked my interest. It said something about a speaker sharing a special story, and I got the impression that the party might be religious. That didn’t concern me. I was glad for an opportunity to spend time with my neighbors. Little did I know what would come of that Christmas Gathering.
As the speaker shared her story that day, I was moved. She showed us a picture that portrayed Jesus standing outside a door. She told us that the door represented our hearts, and that Jesus was waiting for us to welcome Him in. There is a verse in the Bible that talks about this. It says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). I think it is beautiful and comforting that Jesus is waiting to be a part of our lives. All we have to do is let Him in.
When the speaker was finished, we were asked to fill out a card. One of the questions asked whether we would be interested in studying the Bible with others. I marked yes, and within a month, I was involved in a Stonecroft Bible Study.
During that study, I had so many questions answered. I came to know Jesus in a way I’d never known Him before, and I made the life-changing decision to open my heart completely to Him, allowing Him to be my Savior. After that study, I decided to host one in my own home. I have hosted a few now, and have seen my mother, my cousin, and a friend invite Jesus into their lives, too!
What’s Different Now
One of the biggest differences in my life is my understanding of prayer. Before, I always thought that prayers had to be big enough to matter to God. I’ve discovered that God doesn’t mind us praying for the little things—He wants us to! As I talk to God throughout the day, my relationship with Him is strengthened. I’m a big promoter of prayer. I love to tell others how easy it is and encourage them to try it.
I’m so glad God led Kathy to invite me to that Christmas Gathering. This year, He’s leading me to have one of my own. It’s my turn to be the one introducing the neighbors to each other and to Jesus!
