������������������������������������������ by Lenora Plummer I’ve spent a lot of time criticizing and picking I felt a little out of place, but Tena kept urging apart people of the church. When I was doing it, me to give it a chance. She was going regularly I didn’t see it as something wrong. I told myself and becoming more and more involved. I I was just looking for a good church. If I was thought, why should I go to a different church going to go to church, then surely I should go when it’s just the two of us here in Orlando? So somewhere everyone got along and policies and I followed her lead. I started attending regularly programs ran perfectly. and eventually joined a Bible study class—not so But there’s no such thing as a perfect church, much because I wanted to but because I was because the minute you walk through the doors, determined that we should worship together, as that church becomes imperfect. a family. You just do things sometimes for your I grew up in the church; my grandmother kids, for your family. made sure of that. As I grew older, however, I In that class, I quickly discovered I knew saw things happening that just weren’t right, and nothing about the Bible. That study didn’t last I became cynical. So I stopped going. Grandma long—I let myself feel judged and lacking, like I kept reminding me that you don’t go to church was going to get a failing grade. I quit, but Tena for the people; you go to worship the Lord, but I encouraged me to try again. So, when the next ignored her—and Him—for a long time. study began, she chose the class and I promised It wasn’t until my daughter Tena and I became to go along with her and give it a fair shake. involved with First Baptist Orlando that I began to That’s the class that changed my life. see who Jesus really is. I remember my first visit I found out who Christ really was and who I like it was yesterday. I thought I was on a university was in Him and He in me. I learned that I was campus…it was so big, and the grounds were so made right in God’s eyes by my faith in Him beautiful. I was impressed but a little concerned alone and not by my works. I learned that He had because the congregation was predominantly chosen me before the foundation of the world to white. I didn’t know if I would like that. do good works. I went home that evening, humbled and amazed. I was so overwhelmed by His goodness that I lay on the floor and cried like a baby. After that day, a hunger to know more about God’s Word began growing in me. The more I learned, the hungrier I became. I took every class I could, fervently studying the Word of God—and it changed my entire point of view about everything and everybody! Studying the Word of God and coming together in corporate worship are two powerful ways to get to know our Lord. Doing so will propel you into the presence of our King because, as He states in His Word, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20 KJV). If you’ve been hurt or if you’re confused by something you’ve seen happen in a church, please don’t let the actions of others keep you from the only One who is able to set you free and give you victory. Look to God, not people. Going to church isn’t about people. It’s about God. When I finally stopped being that critical, naysaying bystander and actually got involved, I discovered amazing things. I get to fellowship with likeminded people. Even if we have nothing else in common, when we love the Lord, we can come together to pray and praise God. I get encouraged and fueled up for the week to come…and that helps me encourage and fuel up others. Instead of standing on the sidelines, I now welcome people into our church. I get to serve God as the church receptionist and welcome His people and share His love with others. I’m the first person many people encounter when they come to First Baptist Orlando. I want them to see Jesus through me, and I want to represent Him well. This is the best job I’ve ever had. Thank You, Jesus! �� Once a bystander and critic of the church, Lenora now welcomes newcomers as the receptionist at First Baptist Orlando. When she laid aside her prejudice and judgments, she became part of a family she never could have imagined. Share Your Story! DO YOU HAVE A STORY OF VICTORY? SHARE IT WITH OUR READERS! Your story has the power to transform lives and bring much needed hope. 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