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Resurrection Sunday, also known as Easter, is the foundation of the Christian faith. This holiday is on many public calendars and thought of or celebrated in some sort of fashion by many cultures, giving people a common touchpoint to connect.

What if I am not a gifted teacher?

From time to time, we are asked questions regarding specific “how-tos” as it relates to leading a neighbor Bible study. When it comes to facilitating groups, we all want to be effective leaders. Below we have compiled various aspects of leadership to consider. Whether you have been a leader for many years or you're just beginning, take time to go through the list and be prayerful as you step out in faith.

My daughters (ages 10 and 9) asked if they could host some girlfriends over for a Galentines Party.  God continues to use my children to stretch me into new places of influence as I allow the Gospel to overflow from my relationship with Christ to others.  I said “yes,” but hoped we could think of something beyond hearts and kisses to decorate with and talk about.

The neighborhood invitation stated that the Christmas nativity would begin at 5pm.

“Mary” did not want to wear a costume, so her unicorn sweater sufficed.

Two “wise men” were sent home for behavioral issues.

“The star” ran back and forth into the house.

Narrator: “This is Mary, a girl of Galilee.

Recently I had the privilege of sitting down with a group of women at a local church to discuss loving our neighbors by inviting them to study God’s Word.

We introduced ourselves, and I quickly realized among those present were prayer warriors, veteran Bible study leaders and many who had a heart for their neighbors but weren’t sure where to begin.

National Good Neighbor Day is Wednesday, September 28th, and we have filled this newsletter with ideas to inspire you!

Created in the early 1970s, National Good Neighbor Day was established by presidential proclamation in 1978 by Jimmy Carter. Every year, all across the country, people make an extra effort on September 28th to intentionally be a good neighbor and build community.

Introducing one of us: Jesslyn Adams

Here at NBS2GO we are thrilled to have new staff join our team. Jesslyn Adams, a young mom of two boys and wife to Matt, joined us in January. Look and see what she has been doing in her neighborhood.

Neighbors on the Field 

Our summer schedule was written down on two large calendar months I posted in my kitchen. Every weekday had a practice. Every weekend had a travel tournament. The pace of life was a rush to say the least. I realize many parents do not prefer this kind of summer. But for a household of three teenage boys and one preteen girl, I was honestly thankful to have a summer full of activities for them and with them. Outside their summer jobs, it was a great opportunity to be active and involved in the community. 

Reposted with permission from Family Life Local, a Cru ministry. 

Now is the perfect time to meet your neighbors! Why not plan a neighborhood 4th of July Parade? We know, this is a big step for some of you, but others of you are totally ready. So, let's do this!

How do you trust God in a crisis?  In these unprecedented times, God's Words can give comfort and hope.

Great news!  Trusting God During a Crisis Bible Study is NOW available in Ukrainian on the YouVersion Bible App.

 Do you know a pastor or missionary who has close access to the Ukraine people?

 Could you pass this along to someone who might desperately need to know that God is with them in crisis?

I’ll never forget January of 2012. Visiting my brother Alan on the family farm during lambing season was a highlight of my Easter experience. Those moments created a desire to know the Lord – His life, death, and resurrection – in a new way.

The lambing season brought 12 new little lambs to his flock.  The newborn lambs lurched and stumbled as they learned to walk, yet they were precious and beautiful from the beginning. I watched my brother and father carefully tend each one, providing their needs and protecting them.  The ewe moms stayed close, attentive, and observant. Within a few days the newborns were dancing and playing in the field. One lamb seemed especially appealing to me because I noticed he had no defects and was perfect in every way. Witnessing this firsthand changed my view of Jesus; it was pivotal. 

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed… but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” I Peter 1: 18, 19. That spring it seemed I was reading Peter’s words as he wrote them, the ink barely dry on the page.

To the woman who teaches me how to be a good neighbor.

A Tribute to Jane

Its engine straining, our moving van crawled up the steep driveway at 2810 Forrestridge Drive eleven years ago this month.  With a toddler and some relatives in tow to help unload the truck, we moved into our new home.  Shade trees, a “mommy” desk and lots of built-in storage were on my list of things to thank God for as I noticed how much He cares about the details.  I never imagined how He would give me more than I could ever have asked for --and many of those blessings came from the house catty-cornered from me across the street. 

I don’t know what was more intimidating, the ice sculpture or the perfectly-dressed ladies. Both of these greeted me as I walked into the church. This particular morning was the introduction to women’s Bible studies. I would pick up the Bible study book, meet others who were also interested, and hear from a speaker. As I walked into the church, I wanted to run the other way.  I had just returned from several years of living internationally with a very simple lifestyle. My grid for evaluating any situation was a little different to say the least. Just the size of the foyer completely overwhelmed me. I came into church by myself. Alone. I quickly realized that everyone else came in with a friend.  I didn’t know where to go, wasn’t sure I wanted to be there, and definitely didn’t want to experience this situation again. My one thought was, “Why does Bible study have to feel so uncomfortable.”

Have you ever had an experience like this? You know, the kind where your heart is racing, you break out into a sweat, and you feel so confused because in trying to do something right, it suddenly feels very isolating. But moments like these can forge new paths in our lives. My question that lingered was, How many other women feel this way? Could we do it differently?

Motivated by that experience, I wanted to try a new approach. Beginning a Bible study in my neighborhood seemed daunting yet intriguing to me. But I knew that someone reaching out to me and asking me to come seemed very kind and soft. The invitation from a voice rather than an announcement felt caring and compassionate. Could this be what the Lord wanted me to do?

At NBS2GO, we regularly encourage one another to be still before the Lord and listen. Why spin our wheels coming up with what we should do rather than join God where He’s already at work? We encourage one another to “just knit the next row”!

Crossing county or state lines to visit our families is now more normal via the bright, glowing screens we stare at day after day. 2020 was spent inside “Brady Bunch squares” as we “gathered” to make the best of it. Where has this taken you? Personally, I have “traveled” to Arizona, Texas, Ohio, Florida, and Colorado. The relationships I value have motivated me to reach out to dear friends and family with whom I’m not normally involved.

Let Your Light Shine This Spring

. . . shine like stars in the universe. (Phil. 2:14-15)

Just as the closest stars shine the brightest, so we can shine the light of Christ into the lives of those near us – our neighbors, acquaintances, friends. In spring we automatically feel more hopeful as the weather warms up and flowers open. We can get outside and connect more with others. As we do, Jesus’ light within draws them closer to us, and ultimately to Him.

On a cool Florida evening, while taking our puppy outside before bed, I greeted our neighbor Andreas walking his pup. Our dogs pulled towards each other like magnets, and we were soon engaged in a late-night chat in our front yard. 

I had just finished watching an episode of “The Chosen” and I wanted to tell him about it, but I chickened out.  It’s after ten, I reasoned; this can’t possibly be a good time for a deep conversation with a neighbor. I’m tired. He’s probably not interested in spiritual things. I assumed. Deep down, I knew I was making excuses.  We finished our talk and I headed to bed.

The next day, I couldn't stop thinking I had missed an opportunity. What did I have to lose? He knows I'm a Christian. So I prayed, confessing my unwillingness to talk about Christ, and asked for boldness and another opportunity to connect with Andreas.

I am in awe, humbled, and incredibly grateful for having a front row seat to watch the unfolding of the clear vision God gave me ten years ago. Before the sun rose on May 5, 2010, God whispered to me, “I am awakening an unprecedented number of hearts in neighborhoods. I’ve given you the passion, twenty-two years of experience, and simple tips and tools to encourage and equip Christ followers everywhere to begin and multiply neighborhood Bible studies.”

I will never forget my utter surprise and yet calm assurance that I was not being called to “do” something for God, but I was simply being invited to listen and follow Him. At that moment my eyes were drawn to watch our backyard “awaken” to the sunrise. I was mesmerized by the wonder of God’s words quietly spoken to me and felt a fresh awareness and blessing of being His.

Unsure how to proceed yet completely confident God would guide...