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Key Bible Verses: He is a true brother … for he risked his life for the work of Christ (Philippians 2:25, 30). Bonus Reading:2 Corinthians 6:11–13

Raleigh [Washington] and I were escorted into the senior pastor's office. This was the biggest and most "high brow" white church we'd been invited to so far with our music ensemble.

"I haven't had a lot of contact with you people lately," he volunteered, "but in the Second World War I made friends with a number of blacks. For that I was known as a 'nigger lover.'"

He then explained that the deacons had "some degree of concern" about our "style." "We don't clap too often in our services," and "white folks really can't sit much longer than one hour in a church service. We begin at 6:30 and end at 7:28."

Much to his surprise, we handed him back the mike at 7:28. But by then, he was caught up in the spiritual excitement that this touch of soul had stirred in his church, and led the service well into the next hour.

We later learned that our brother had risked the wrath of some members in inviting us. Sacrifice begins by taking small risks to step out of our comfort zone.

—Glen Kehrein in Breaking Down Walls

Adapted from: Breaking Down Walls (Moody Press, Moody Bible Institute, 1993).

Copyright © 2002 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, make me willing to endure discomfort in order to reach out as a reconciler.

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