In Jesus' parable of the great banquet, found in Luke 14:15–24, the invited guests don't come, so the host sends his servants into the "highways and byways" to bring in those who will.
This story is a reminder that God's invitations are for everyone — and sometimes we need to go beyond our doors to find those He is calling. Vale Church recently experienced this lesson firsthand when hosting a community baby shower.
The baby shower was for anyone who wanted to come, so we couldn't really ask for RSVPs. We didn’t know who was coming, and when it came time to start the community baby shower, no one who was invited showed up.
The food was ready, games were prepared and community partners were present with gifts for new or expecting mothers. However, when the event began, no mothers were there.
Three of us prayed together and asked the Lord to bring us the people who needed help. Still, no one came. We decided to pray again, this time with a larger group of volunteers. Still, no one came.
This time, Gina Parker, the pastor's wife, felt impressed to take action. She quietly slipped out and began walking around town in her "highways and byways" search, inviting people she met on the streets and in local shops.
She found some new mothers and some who were expecting and invited them to come. Soon the hall of the church was filled with moms, dads and children picking out baby clothes and supplies, enjoying cupcakes and connecting with others.
In all, we were able to serve eight families that day. God answered the prayer to help people and sent us people who seemed to need help. Because we had many supplies and a smaller number of recipients, we loaded them up and they went home with cars full of stuff for their new babies. They were all very grateful for what they had received.
“Though it started out slow, I think it was a success for those families who attended,” one community partner said. She asked to be included in future events.
As we reflect on this event, the church sees how God turned a moment of uncertainty into an opportunity for faith. Jesus as in Jesus' parable, when the expected guests didn't arrive, God opened doors to reach others. The result was not only provision for families, but also new partnerships and ongoing opportunities to serve.
Vale Church is now exploring additional creative ways and agency partnerships to connect with new and expecting mothers. The prayer is simple: to keep listening to the Spirit's leading, going wherever He sends — even to the highways and byways.
Vale Church partners with local vendors to organize a community baby shower.
Church members decorate the fellowship hall for the baby shower guests.
Baby clothes are sorted and displayed.
The church fellowship hall is decorated and delicious finger foods are set out.
