As part of this week's Carnival of Beauty on the Beauty of Reaching Out, I wonder if I can share a little about wonderful friends of mine and their example in reaching out to people.

I was converted through reading the Bible at the age of 17 having had no church background. Sadly, I started attending a church where the minister did not preach the Gospel, did not believe in the deity of Christ and did not believe that the Bible was the inerrant word of God. I was so confused - which bits of the Bible were true and which bits were just stories? Which bits were purely cultural? Some of it was clearly just stories. Wasn't it...?

A friend invited me to her church one evening just for a change. I just remember being so amazed that the preacher seemed to believe the whole Bible and that the service was so focused on God - we prayed to God, sang to God, read God's word, and listened to God's word being explained. I don't think I met them that day - I don't even remember when or where I first met them properly. I would never guessed that that preacher and his wife would become such close friends and probably the most influential people in my life.

I was so confused with really very dodgy theology, but they took the time to listen to me, to pray with me and to explain God's word. No question was too daft for them. They welcomed me into their home and treated me like one of the family to the point that I made my own cups of tea and was present for family arguments!

Joking aside, I don't know if they realise how important that was in itself. I come from a family where healthy conflict resolution is not a strong point! To see them argue, yet still be loving and respectful to each other, is such a good lesson for how I want to act when I disagree with my husband and children. They were humble, gentle and patient with me, even when I had difficulties understanding things, and rejoiced as I came to know the Bible more and more and for the true and living word that it is.

I have learned and grown so much talking to them and watching them. I really hope that I can share their example of love in action to others, reaching out to people on the periphery and demonstrating compassion practically and spiritually. I know that I would not be where I am now spiritually if it wasn't for them. Praise God for his mercy and kindness and for the love of his people.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love
Ephesians 4:1-2