Family should bring comfort, peace and unity.

Family often sticks together when others depart. Family shares highs and lows.

Over the past weeks, I have watched our town go from community to family. What an incredible response we had at such a difficult time.

As a pastor in this community, this brings great comfort. It was an honor for our church to help with supplies, work efforts and childcare for volunteers and neighbors affected.

I have to admit, as I sit down to write this, I am thanking God I have the blessing of raising my young family in this community.

Thank you, Pendleton, for treating our neighbors as family.

There is another family I would like for you to consider. It is the family of God.

In John chapter three, as Nicodemus comes to Jesus looking how to be “born again,” Jesus informs him it is only through himself (Jesus).

You might know the famous verse, John 3:16. This is the context of that verse. When you believe in Jesus Christ as your only way to heaven, you are born into the family of God! Consider that: God becomes your “Abba” Father, and you are joint heirs with Jesus Christ.

So this begs the question: Have you accepted Christ as your Savior?

It’s comforting to live in a community that is a family. It is something I thank God for.

But it is even greater to know you are in the family of God and to know heaven will be your home one day.

Please let me personally know if I can help you make the decision to trust Christ and become my brother or sister today.

For more information, call the church at 765-778-2000 or email [email protected].

Hargis is pastor of Solid Rock Baptist Church in Pendleton.