It’s been almost a year since I’ve seen you. It feels weird to be so far away from something I was very much intertwined in. From start to finish I spent two years involved with you. Two years is a long time. Its enough time to build friendships, create memories, change, grow, learn, and ultimately become someone new.
I definitely became someone new in those two years, and HG had a lot to do with that. I’m not sure any of you will see this, or even really care, but I wanted to share what God placed on my heart. Some of you may know, some of you may not, but I left HG with a very bitter taste in my mouth. We all have seen how bad church politics can be, and in general how humans can be. There were things that happened that hurt many people, and in the moment I felt that we were losing focus as the body of christ. In my case, removing myself seemed my best option. However, this post is not to walk down memory lane or rehash the ending. I very much believe that God had me in HG for a purpose, and for a season.
I wanted to write this to tell you how it changed me, and hopefully encourage you to keep pushing for Jesus. Keep running the race, and remember what God has called you to. The Devil is working very hard to tear you apart. Remember that he clothes himself in light, and we are told to question and check things against the word. (2 Corinthians 11:14) (1 Thessalonians 5:21) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12
Before House Group my heart was very numb. I had witnessed a lot of pain and really lacked purpose for my life. House Group ignited my passion for Christ again. Even if it looked like me questioning everything HG thought or taught. It still very much pushed me to grow with the Lord. I very much believe that the Lord used House Group to bring me to where I am now. I would not be pursuing full time missions, and have such a heart for speaking truth if it wasn’t for the experience of HG.
Although I felt like I lost a community, and felt very outcasted. God was teaching me so much. We grow so much in pain and loss (Romans 5: 3-4). I was very angry after leaving the community. I want to apologize for walking in so much unforgiveness. I think the Devil did a good job of disunifying us. I hope you will forgive me. I know that most of you are my brothers and sisters in Christ, and I am called to love you. I do love you guys so much, and am so thankful for you.
There are things about House Group that are so beautiful, and the world needs more young people that haven’t lost their first love. There are things that also need to be refined, and the Holy Spirit will do it if you allow him.
While I was still very new to HG. I remember attending one of my first leadership meetings. Luke Haselmayer asked us to answer some questions, two to be exact. The first question he asked us to answer was, “Who are we?” and the second one was, “What does House Group mean to me?” Well I think I’m just now understanding the answer to the second question, but here is what I wrote for the first one:
We are children of God. We are a family of believers chasing after God. We are young, and naive, hungry, wanting fulfillment. We are the bride waiting not so patiently on Him to come back for us. We are wanting to be dazzled, awestruck by Him. We want to be a part of the greatest love story of all time, the one where the dragon gets slayed, and happily ever after actually exists. We are the eager ears hanging on to our lovers words, wanting more and more. We are equipped with love, and we can’t wait to let it seep from our bones on to others. We are saved by grace and loved unconditionally by the maker of the universe. Nothing can take me from His grasp. He is mine and I am His. So, who are we we are His.
I still very much believe those words above. That is what the people of House Group embody.
My heart is that you are encouraged by this and, know that I am rooting for you. I am fighting for you guys. I pray that God blesses the ministry, and weeds out any bad. I pray that you are teaching truth and loving each other like Christ loves you. Don’t lose hope and have faith. Never stop telling people about how amazing God’s love is.
Much Love,
Raychel
