Friends bring friends to Jesus

Posted: 3/02/07

Friends bring friends to Jesus

By David Coffield

Hardin-Simmons University

ABILENE—When Autumn Moran committed her life to Jesus during a recent Bible study at Hardin-Simmons University’s Friendship House, nobody was happier than Danyel Rogers.

Although Moran had been reluctant, Rogers invited the young woman to the Bible study and earned her trust one step at a time.

Rogers is coordinator for the university’s Friendship House and lives in Moran’s neighborhood. She has gained the trust of neighbors such as Moran by living among them, walking up and down their streets and getting to know them.

That’s the hallmark of HSU’s Neighborhood Enhancement Program, an endeavor to transform the historically declining area of northern Abilene that surrounds the Texas Baptist school.

“You have to build relationships and let people know you’re there,” Rogers explained. “Then you can offer them something they need.”

Friendship House, the centerpiece of the Neighborhood Enhancement Program, launched the women’s Bible study group two years ago.

“It gave the women in the neighborhood a comfortable place to gather and (provided) supervised activities for their children while they studied God’s word,” reported Joy Steadman, a volunteer who leads the group. “People who don’t even know who lives next door are suddenly the best of friends when they get together in activities such as this.”

It was the perfect formula for Moran, who called herself a seeker until that special day.

“I knew about Jesus,” she recalled. “I wanted Jesus in my life, but I didn’t know how to make that happen. After meeting with these wonderful friends for awhile, I found it was very simple. I just had to open my heart and declare my life for him.”

Even baptism was a mystery for Moran. She wasn’t sure if she needed to join something, take a test or memorize Scripture, but she was sure it had to be difficult to get into such a life-changing club. “When I asked how to get baptized, Joy said, ‘You just have to ask.’ I said, ‘Can we do it right now?’”

Ultimately, Moran decided to plan the celebration of her salvation so family and friends could be present. After securing permission to use the outdoor fountain at nearby Abilene Christian University as a baptistery, she asked Steadman to immerse her.

“I didn’t know that someone other than a minister could perform the baptism,” Moran said. “It can be a minister, but it can also be someone who has played a meaningful role in one’s spiritual life. I wanted Joy to welcome me to the fellowship of Christ.”

As she rose from the waters, Moran emerged a new person, “I felt like a complete person for the first time in my life. I knew my search was over.”

The effect on her family was immediate.

“My son began asking about God, and we became much more active at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church,” Moran said.

She began searching for used copies of The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren—which she credits, in part, to awakening her spirit—to give to people she met in the neighborhood.

“One of our priorities now is to go on a family mission trip. That mission trip might just be to the next house over, sharing the word with someone who needs God in their life,” she said.

The family will move to Houston soon, as careers take them away from the Hardin-Simmons neighborhood. But to Moran’s way of thinking, that only increases her opportunity.

“There are so many people in Houston that need to hear about Christ,” she explained. “But I will always remember these wonderful ladies who helped me hear the words I needed to hear.”

Would she teach a class in Houston? “I’m going to do anything I can,” she said. “I think I’ll probably start with a book discussion group on The Purpose Driven Life. A book discussion is nonconfrontational and comfortable. It’s a good way to share without the expectation of sharing.”

Hardin-Simmons’ Neighborhood Enhancement Program is built on the philosophy that if participants walk the streets, knock on doors and actually meet people, they will break down the barriers of mistrust that cause most renewal programs to fail.

And that’s consistent with the school’s purpose, President Craig Turner said.

“As a Christian university, Hardin-Simmons feels the responsibility to share our time, our friendships, our talents and skills, and our material blessings with those who live closest to us,” Turner noted. “We feel it is important not only to help these neighbors, but also to educate our students regarding the importance of volunteerism, philanthropy and Christian love—to teach them to actively care for their communities and their neighbors.”

Moran believes the Friendship House’s connecting and caring approach helped her turn the corner.

“I was petrified when I thought about going to a Bible study class at a church,” she recalled. “I didn’t know if I’d see talking in tongues, snake handling, or what. But when I came to a place that was open, casual and nonthreatening, it was easier. If I found someone like me who wanted God, but was timid about the process, I’d tell them my story, but I’d want them to be able to have a place like the Friendship House to come to.”