Community

Finding a biblical community was definitely not something I expected to do when I first moved out to Ann Arbor to begin my college career. I had plans to take a break from the church scene and live a hedonistic lifestyle. I wanted the "American Pie" kind of college experience minus the sex. And for the first year and a half, I had no desire to do anything church-related. I partied. I tried to study. I lived for myself.

It was only when a lot of things began spiraling out of control did I consider God again. When my grandfather's bout with cancer took a turn for the worst, I had nowhere else to turn to. When my friend, the first person I met from HMCC, invited me to come out to her small group for the millionth time, I finally agreed to check it out. These Christians genuinely welcomed me and loved me for who I was. And I found myself opening up to these strangers about my issues, and they prayed for me in a way I had never known before. When my grandfather finally succumbed to his illness, it was this small group that helped me cope and helped me realize that God provided these people to show me how much He loved me and cared for me. I was hooked and recommitted to Christ that year.

Over the seven years that I've been part of this church, I'm so grateful for the small groups that I've been a part of. Each one, whether in the academic year or in the spring/summer, have all played a significant role in my growth and taught me unique lessons. I quickly learned that Christianity was not meant to be done alone. Each leader and member added things to the group that would teach me how great of a sinner I am and how great a savior God is.

And not only did I love the small group community, but I loved the bigger church community. From married couples to children's church and everything in between, I was affected in small and big ways. They were my mentors, disciplers, members, brothers, sisters, and friends. Whether I knew them for the duration of my involvement in HMCC or I just got to know them recently, they've all impacted parts of my life. They've taught me, inspired me, encouraged me, trained me, rebuked me, loved me, and everything else imaginable to get me to where I am today.

It is sad that I will no longer be part of this community. I've been told that this kind of community cannot be replicated. I believe the people who've told me that. These brothers and sisters in Christ are special. And I will sorely miss them. So for all the people that have poured into me, thank you for your patience, your compassion, your love. Only God knows if our paths will ever cross again, but at least you know that your labor i n the Lord was not in vain. Please keep in touch, and wherever we are, may we continue to love God and love His people.