Alden Ellis

I received an email from one of our Greenville Campus Volunteers, her name is Erin Woods, telling a story about how God places us at the right place and the right time for a purpose.  I thought it was awesome, so check it out below!

On Sunday, I always go to Earth Fare after church.  While in Earth Fare – I ran into Tara from Biggest Loser this season – basically, I just wanted to say “Hi” and that she’s doing great & offer some encouragement.  Well – little did I know – that wasn’t the plan.  After about 10 – 15 minutes later & tears shed along w/us talking about God, I was asking her to hold my coffee (yes – I always love going into Earth Fare for the free samples of stuff including their coffee!!) and pulling out a “Free Coffee” coupon for NewSpring (go figure )  and telling her that she had to come to the 6:00 service tonight – it’s what she needed.  Her mom then showed up from around the corner & got to talk some more & also giving her a card for a coffee.  I wrote down my name & number on the back of the card I gave her & told her I’d leave it up to her but she could call me & I’d go back w/her tonight if she wanted – I’d love too!  (There’s been occasions when I have gone back to church before to meet someone so this wasn’t strange for me).  She never called but I wasn’t expecting it – in fact, I thought that was it!  While I was talking w/her, I remember thinking — Why is this happening God & what do you want me to do here b/c the conversation was totally out of the normal?!  He led me to do what was done & I thought I did my part – God is always at work. I was really excited & called Heather – got to share w/her about what happened.  Well – guess what???  She ended up coming to the 6:00 service w/her mom and Amy from last season and sat right behind Heather!!!  Whoa – that’s pretty cool…….but that’s not even the coolest part.  The message was on the Gospel & from Matthew 7 and I knew that our pastor Perry was going to give an invitation at the end for those that needed to make Jesus their Savior & Lord of their life.  Now, that would be just too crazy for all that to take place, right?  Heck no!!!!!!!  Tara stood up @ the end of the service & gave her life to Christ & Heather got to hear her say it out loud!!  I mean to tell you – their isn’t anything that  is not possible of God when we partner w/Him & listen to His promptings in our lives! I wanted to tell you guys b/c I shared w/everyone that I have been praying for opportunities to share w/people since reading our last book “Becoming a Contagious Christian”.  So, He’s answered my prayers in more ways than one & really hope and pray that this is just the beginning b/c I had the best high I have ever had after hearing what happened Sunday evening – when we allow God to actually use us for His great purposes…nothing is too big for Him or out of His reach!!!! And as I am reading thru the Bible again – I realize – God isn’t “normal” and Jesus did, does & will do the craziest & coolest things ever done on this earth!! All for the love of Jesus!

Erin, thank you for your obedience in listening to the Lord and His promptings in your life!! Also I appreciate you sharing this story with me…it has definitely encouraged me and many others!!