Exeter, N.H.—Irene (last name withheld) had read countless books on religion and spirituality. She’d also attended worship services throughout her life. Though she enjoyed socializing with other churchgoers, she never developed a relationship with Jesus. Irene said, “We had our book of prayers and we recited these words. But when you repeat them every Sunday, it becomes a habit. You don’t really listen. My understanding of Jesus was very on the surface.”
To top it off, Irene had never read the Bible. She didn’t even own one.
But three months ago, at a health club near her home, Irene became acquainted with Lane Henderson, a Stonecroft volunteer. Before too long, Lane invited her to attend a Christian Women’s Connection luncheon and introduced her to Stonecroft Bible Studies.
“All of these Stonecroft [Bible Studies] were out on the table,” Irene said, “and I said to Lane, ‘I would like to start with Who Is Jesus?’ We worked every week for an hour and a half. Then one of those Mondays we met I said I knew I wanted to accept the Lord.
“I wanted to know who Jesus was,” she said. “I wanted to understand better what He did, what He is doing and continues to do.”
Soon Irene started a new study and began reading the Bible. Now, while Irene spends her winter months near Palm Springs, Calif., she continues to walk with Jesus Christ.
“It’s just about letting go and letting Him be in more control,” she said. “I know He steers the ship, but sometimes I want to steer the ship. And these studies help, because they always bring you back to the Bible. So it’s about trust, and trust is a big thing.”
Though a continent apart, Irene still keeps in touch with Lane. With help from Lane, a Stonecroft District Consulting Coordinator, Irene got in contact with a Stonecroft woman in Palm Springs and has joined a new Stonecroft Bible Study that begins this month.
Irene plans to continue Stonecroft Bible Studies when she returns to New Hampshire. Whether she flies east or west, this snowbird has Stonecroft connections.