Last week, while I was editing a story for an upcoming issue of Worldwide Challenge magazine, I recalled an event from several years ago.

 I had been praying for a way to explain the gospel to an acquaintance. We talked often as his company printed our magazine. Our conversations focused on the work—what paper should we print on, how well was the ink on the page replicating the images, and what was all of this going to cost. In the midst of these discussions, a transition to eternal questions eluded me.

 Then he asked for advice that allowed a connection. He hoped his teenage son would willingly join the family in attending church. Since I worked for Cru, he expected me to have a persuasive answer. If only it were that easy.

 I asked why church attendance was important. I don’t recall his words, but it amounted to his saying, “Going to church is a good thing, right?”

 I asked, “Would you say you or your son have a relationship with God?” To explain what I meant, I used an analogy. As a teen, I occasionally visited nursing homes. Youth group Christmas caroling, a newspaper route my brother and I shared and a Boy Scout project took me to such places. Every visit made me uncomfortable.

 The sight of people in pain or with limited mobility was troubling, as were some of the sounds and aromas of so many lives sharing limited space.

Then something changed. My grandmother moved into the place where I’d delivered papers. Suddenly, visiting was enjoyable. I had a relationship with someone there. I wasn’t going because I should—I was going to visit Grandma Winz.

 The environment hadn’t changed, but the motivation had.

 I then shared with my friend how he could have a real relationship with Christ, and how his son could as well. I asked if he thought that might change going to church from a duty to a delight.

 I was reminded of that conversation as we edited a story about Carrielyn Lund. She shows Christ’s love to people overlooked by most of us, in places we avoid. One of those places is a long-term care home. When I go to church, I do so because I have a relationship with God. When I visit a nursing home, I do so to enjoy and build relationships. Carrielynn has a lot to teach our readers.

 As you think of us this month, please pray for Anne Marie’s continued adjustment to working in the office. Much has changed in the twenty years since she was last a full-time writer.

Thank you for your generosity and prayers. You play an important part in our lives. And please let us know how we can pray for you.