“And let us not be weary in well-doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”  Galatians 6:9

Many years ago a lonely traveler stopped one Sunday morning for the worship service at Andersonville Methodist Church in Georgia.  After the service he was warmly greeted by the people.  He was never seen there again.  Some years later, in Washington, New Jersey, Robert B. Brown, age ninety, died.  Someone commented, “He was a thrifty man who kept to himself.”  Mr. Brown bequeathed his entire estate to the Andersonville Methodist Church.  His estate consisted of 2,100 shares in American Telephone and Telegraph Company and 740 shares of Continental Can Company stock.  At the time of Mr. Brown’s death, the stocks were worth $178,302.50.  The deceased’s attorney, Martin B. Bry-Nildsen, in informing the Church of the bequest, wrote:  “My client told me that on a Sunday morning years ago, when he was traveling through Georgia, he felt sad and lonely.  He stopped at your Church.  A friendly welcome was accorded him.  He never forgot the kindness you showed him.  He did not have any Church affiliation and said, ‘I want to give what I have to that little Church.’”  How surprised were the Rev. W. J. Stanford and the members of the Andersonville Methodist Church! . . . “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers:  for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2) (Gospel Herald, quoted in Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations, © 1979 by Paul Lee Tan, Rockville, MD:  Assurance Publishers, p.1478.)

People come to Church because they want a touch from the Lord.  God uses average people who are willing to share His love.  Your loving word to a guest at Church can make an eternal difference in a person’s encouragement.  When you are at Worship this Lord’s Day, look for that special person who needs your smile and caring touch.  Like Robert B. Brown, this person you help may never forget it.  Heaven and earth could be changed forever by your submissive and tender spirit.  You may not entertain an “angel unawares,” but you will help a struggling saint who needed a lift along the pilgrim way to Heaven.  Someone once gave you a lift in life, and Some One also died for you.  Ask God to make you a blessing to someone today!