Encouraging One Another

The Christian life can be challenging. Day by day we strive towards Christ-likeness while feeling the weight of our own brokeness. This is why encouragement is so important. Followers of Jesus should be known as expert encouragers, seeking out opportunities to encourage one another with kind words and loving actions. Therefore, we have captured encouraging words about brothers and sisters at HBC who have impacted those around them.

This is just a small collection of the stories received, yet we pray their words would encourage all of us. As you read the comments below, consider who you could encourage with a kind word this week. Together, we can make Heritage a place of profound encouragement as we share Christ’s love with one another.

A Faithful Servant – Joel Banister is an incredible faithful servant of our church. He leaps onto any opportunity to serve. It does not matter the need, if he is able to offer some assistance, he will without any hesitation. He serves within the walls of our church, but he also will come to your home to meet whatever needs he can there… I love Joel Banister and I think he sets an amazing example for all within our church.

Showing the Joy of Jesus – Carol Harvey has consistently demonstrated the joy of Jesus … no matter the circumstance! Whether through her own personal health battles or in the challenges facing others, Carol is always quick to go to Jesus, point others to Jesus, and declare the truth of Jesus in the midst of any and every situation. What a blessing our Sister is and a very real encouragement to me!!

A Critical Part of the Team – Pete McCusker plays a critical role on our tech team, helping make sure the livestream is working well for all those watching online. He serves most ever week and is always seeking to make the online experience better. I am thankful for his dedication and his heart for serving the people at Heritage and online.

Displaying Humility and Grace – In my opinion, there are few people who impact the body more than Rhonda Hankins. The weight that she carries in women’s ministry is immense and yet she does so with much humility and grace. She also does this unpaid, proving her dedication. On top of this, she somehow finds the space and joy to intentionally pursue and encourage others! She is amazing!

Over 30 Years of Service – Tom and Linda Gregory have served faithfully in our DC for over 30 years. Linda has offered valuable classes to prospective parents and Tom has provided valuable service in the church and by serving our class. What a blessing they are to us and so many others.

What a Blessing – We met Bobby and Linda Bray in our DC. Not too long after meeting them, we had a severe storm and it was going to be a while to restore our electricity. They opened their home to us for 5 days – what a blessing!

Serving Behind the Scenes – Geisel Nye is such a huge blessing by how she serves our church by shopping, preparing, and presenting wonderful meals for different ministries and events here at HBC! Her desire is to encourage other people that work with her in the kitchen and be an example of what serving the Lord with joy looks like! She likes to remain behind the scenes and often slips away before she can be acknowledged by anyone. I so appreciate her servant’s heart and positive attitude and am so thankful to serve alongside of her!

An Example to Me – Because of Cyndie Tucker’s testimony, I received the Lord as my personal Savior in 1998. She has been there to demonstrate and teach me how to be a good Christian woman, wife, sister, daughter, and friend. She’s a God-fearing woman and my faith has grown beyond measure and still continues to grow throughout the years I’ve known her. Her actions and testimony have been the example to me as a Christian woman.

Blessing and Serving the Body – This guy does so much to serve our church. I’m thankful for his willingness to do everything within his power to bless and serve those here at HBC. He is faithful in pouring into the youth here at church. He genuinely desires to see teens catch ahold of the importance of knowing Christ and seeking Him themselves. On top of this, he also leads a DMT where he is a part of leading young adults here at church towards living their faith in every area of life. I’m very thankful for Ryan Huggins, and all that he’s done for our church body. He does it all without grumbling.

A Dear Sister in Christ – Debbie Johnson’s wisdom and willingness to share and love you no matter what life’s challenges for her are has been an awesome testimony for me. Debbie doesn’t sugar coat the truth and she tells you straight from memory what God’s word says and how I need to be with the Lord. Debbie is my dear sister in Christ and I love her with all my heart. I’ve known Debbie since 1974 and her testimony has always been how I would like for mine to be.

They Show a Christ-like Love – Roger and Stacy Erdvig have been and continue to be hospitable and welcoming. They have shown me what it looks like to welcome people into their lives. I moved to Lynchburg without family close by and they have been one of the many couples within the church that has welcomed me and made me feel so loved and cared for! I may live 1000s of miles from my blood family but I can honestly say they have been one of the families that has loved me in ways my unbelieving family can’t, Christ-like love.

Kind Words in a Hard Time – Years ago we were having a really tough time with an especially strong-willed pre-schooler. After a really difficult morning when I was feeling discouraged, I ran into Mary Ann McGeoch in the grocery store. She was so encouraging and offered me such kind words. Even though we are long past the preschool years now, I have never forgotten that day and how much better I felt after talking with her. And even now, she never fails to ask me about the kids when we run into each other at church. I hope that I can be that type of an encouragement to others God puts in my path.

Friendly and Welcoming – Kari Saunders served as volunteer coordinator for nursery when I first began attending HBC. She was so friendly and welcoming. She made me and my family feel like we belonged at Heritage. I could never thank her enough for the kindness she showed in that position. I am still serving in nursery on Wednesday nights now because of how sweet Kari was to our family.