Jesus speaks of the hundredfold...
Illustration
Jesus speaks of the hundredfold reward the faithful disciple will receive in return for forsaking all for the sake of the Gospel. Dr. John Drakeford, a psychologist and family counsellor, has come up with the term he calls NIEF (New Intentional Extended Family). This term refers to a support group who by their caring become an extended family of the heart.
Drakeford tells the story of a husband, wife, and two teenage daughters who responded to a Call to Discipleship at the close of a church service and came forward. The pastor greeted them, and discovered they were newcomers and that they desired to transfer their membership to that church. He introduced them to the congregation and then suggested the family had a special need and asked the members of the church to pray especially for this new family in their need.
As soon as the pastor mentioned this, a teenage girl came to the front and put her arms about the two girls. Quickly, other adults came forward and surrounded the family, while prayers were lifted in their behalf. That family that day learned the meaning of a New Intentional Extended Family.
-- Meddock
Drakeford tells the story of a husband, wife, and two teenage daughters who responded to a Call to Discipleship at the close of a church service and came forward. The pastor greeted them, and discovered they were newcomers and that they desired to transfer their membership to that church. He introduced them to the congregation and then suggested the family had a special need and asked the members of the church to pray especially for this new family in their need.
As soon as the pastor mentioned this, a teenage girl came to the front and put her arms about the two girls. Quickly, other adults came forward and surrounded the family, while prayers were lifted in their behalf. That family that day learned the meaning of a New Intentional Extended Family.
-- Meddock
