One group of people we targeted were snowbirds who were enjoying the warm Arizona sunshine during the winter months. Many of these folks had motorhomes and travel trailers. Some of the mobile home parks allowed snowbirds to rent an empty space on a short-term basis. Many permanent residents also had lovely mobile homes in those parks. Gradually the snowbirds and residents got to know each other.
We got permission to place some brochures from our church in the offices of these mobile home parks. We also put some free-standing signs out every Saturday to point the way. It was encouraging to have some guests from these parks visit our Sunday services.
But I did not foresee that these seasonal guests would invite other people to come with them. I don’t remember where the Browns were from but they were churchgoing people from the Midwest. Every Sunday they brought another couple to our services. Some of them came back. Eventually there was a whole row of 6-8 guests at our church every Sunday because the Browns had invited them.
The Browns also invited some of the permanent residents from their mobile home park. Herschel and Hilda Boggs not only came with the Browns but they continued to come after the Browns left for home. Herschel and Hilda had very little church background but they were eager to learn and grow in their faith. They invited other people to come to our church too!
There is a passage in the Bible when Andrew invited his brother Peter to come with him to meet Jesus. These two men eventually became Jesus’ disciples. It all began with a simple invitation (John 1: 40-42 ). There is power in a personal invitation. God wants to use you and me to bring other people to Him. Let me encourage you to invite a friend, coworker, classmate or family member to come with you to church this month. You will be glad you did and they will too!
You can read 365 more stories by the author in his book, Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper. You can purchase two copies for only $30 plus $5 postage. Why not get a copy for yourself and give one as a gift to a friend or family member this holiday season. Order your copies today at markh@efreedb.org.
Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper 
Hi Mark and Jeanne, we just received your Christmas letter and of course really enjoyed it. I’m glad your family is well and so glad that Jeanne is doing better. I want to order your book, but I can’t find the right link. Can you let me know how I can order it? Thanks very much. Linda Parrino
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