Shepherding: USA Visit

For over a decade I have been visiting a family in Gurugram. Though they have a strong root in the main denominational churches, husband to one and wife to another. From the very beginning, my burden was to simply shepherd them by paying them a visit for a short while fellowship on the word of God and prayer. This visit has been going on for years and they began to enjoy the Lord too in a deeper and sweeter way. Gradually they also lean towards the church life as seen in the Bible. Though they have not fully come into the church life, they remain good brothers and sisters with whom we have regular weekly fellowship in their home.

Recently their son has got admission into one of the universities in California, USA. As a brother, I deemed it good to help them in all possible ways. So I introduced them to the saints in the churches in California, mostly in Fremont and San Lois Obispo. They did visit the churches and the saints gave them hospitality. My only desire was that they could be shepherded practically in the church life and be fully gained to bear the Lord's testimony wherever they are. I definitely should not be narrow-minded with the thought that "they are not fully into the regular church meeting yet." Perhaps, through this shepherding, the Lord would shepherd them into the practical church life. 

This incident was a good test for me to exercise a shepherding life even to those who may not fully be one with the ministry yet. They are all genuine believers in the Lord. They may not fully agree with the practices of the local churches as yet, but our relationship in Christ despite the minor differences in our understanding, beliefs and practices could not nullify our relationship and fellowship in the Body of Christ. I definitely pray and wish that they be fully gained for the church life, but I leave that to the Lord, who knows best how shepherd people into the church life. I have done what I felt I am supposed to do as a brother who cares for them. Even after this visit, only the Lord knows what stand they will take, but my attitude should be to continue to shepherd them in all possible ways. Shepherding new ones is a life lesson to learn lifelong. Still, I would humble myself before the Lord that I would be able to shepherd as the Lord would want me to shepherd.

One day I hope the shepherded ones would be full grown in Christ unto full maturity and be pillars to bear the Lord's testimony wherever the Lord placed them. With this one goal, as the Lord grace me, I will continue to shepherd whoever the Lord burden me with.

May the Lord shepherd us all into His heart's desire.