First, an update.

First, an update. The latest from India and the "India7" (as Eddie has begun to refer to them). They all seem to be doing really well. Everyone is healthy and they have had some wonderful opportunities to meet with the few believers there in that part of the country as well as share Christ with many villagers. Please continue to pray for fertile soil for them as they finish out the balance of their trip. They'll be returning on Saturday.

I just wrapped up our staff development time that we have every Tuesday morning. I spent some time with them reviewing a pretty familiar story--the one about the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25 and following). I want to ask you the same question that I asked them (the answer is obvious for those who know the story). Which one of the people Jesus talked about in this parable was most relevant to the mission of Christ? Obviously, it was the Samaritan--the good neighbor who chose to cross the road. It wasn't the church people, the ones with all of the religious answers.

Here's where this story begins to have significant meeting for me and the people of Ridgeview. We began this church four years ago (can you believe it's been that long?) with the sole purpose of sharing Christ with unchurched people and being relevant. Did you hear that...relevant? Relevant followers of Christ aren't found in a building, wearing the right clothes, praying the "right" prayers or looking after each other. Relevant followers are in the ditch on the other side of the road where the world lies waiting for rescue...the place where Jesus is.

As we are looking at our personal vision these next three weeks (and the previous three) it is a great time to remember our corporate vision, to be in the streets where Jesus is bringing hope and healing to our world. It's time to get across the road and get our hands dirty serving this world. Someone's waiting for you!!