Halloween

On October 31st, neighbours will be expecting to meet each other.  This is why Brian and Bente will be setting up a table where their home once stood, before it was one of three homes that burnt down at the end of July.  They are grateful for their neighbours and will be ready to share a hot drink with those trick-or-treaters who will inevitably pass by.  Of course they will be willing to share their story, too (I Thessalonians 2:8 - "Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.").  Their family has every reason to expect to rebuild and return to the neighbourhood they have grown to love.  In the meantime, they will take up "residence" for a few hours again on October 31st to reconnect on a night in which neighbourhoods come alive.  The richness of this goes deeper than decorations or giving candy.  There is no doubt that one could imagine this to be an emotional time.  The reason for this is not simply because of the tragic events that took place in the summer.  The reason for this comes from the application of Jesus' command to "love your neighbours."  For if there was no love among neighbours, there would be good reason to believe that this lot would remain lifeless on October 31st.