I served God's people as pastor for almost 30 years. During that time, I saw many people pave the way for their families to come to Christ.

Elaine came from a non-Christian home. She became a Christian and was deeply burdened for her family. Excitedly she shared Christ with her brother, who listened intently. The next morning he said, "You won't believe what happened to me last night! I got saved." They began to pray for their family. When Elaine and her brother were baptized, their parents did not attend. They teased and called it "being dunked." The prayers and encouragement by the church during these times of rejection were priceless.

Within two years Elaine's sister and older brother turned to Christ. All four children and the church prayed for the parents. One time, while Elaine helped her mother recuperate from surgery, her dad said, "Lainey, I've been watching you and Kerry (Elaine's husband).

I know there is a God, because I see Him in your lives. How can I know Him?" Shortly after that, Elaine's dad gave his life to Christ, and later her mom testified of having come to know Jesus.

God had completely changed those children. They were no longer the same. The rest of the family noticed the change but did not understand it. Their presence in the family showed, for the first time, a difference in lifestyle that made the family uncomfortable.

Like Elaine, most of the people God brought to our church family were not believers. When they were saved, they immediately wanted to share with their families. Often they experienced a measure of rejection, which was very painful to them.

We, as a church body, began to orient them to:

• what had happened when God saved them.

• what God had begun within their families.

• how the church could assist them in reaching their families.

• how they could be the "salt and light" to their families so God could also bring each family member to salvation.

They needed to know that God had completely changed them. They would no longer be the same. Others in the family would notice the change.

The change in many people would say, "What I was before was not pleasing to God. God has changed me to become His child, and I no longer live the way I used to live."

The response from their family would almost always be, "You mean all we have been doing, and all that your grandparents did was wrong?"

We helped them to answer in love, patience, kindness and understanding. We encouraged them to love so transparently and authentically that family members would be attracted to Christ and want what they had experienced for themselves. Many of the families began responding to this loving, strong family relationship.

We also encouraged and equipped the new believers to witness to their unsaved family members by:

• being sensitive to their feelings-remembering they are lost.

• sharing naturally and spontaneously.

• watching for and being confident in God's activity in the life of each family member.

• involving the church in praying for each family member until each is saved.

• gently inviting family members to opportunities to be with the church family.

In your own family, God may have begun with you. He intends to continue to reach into your family until every member is a child of His, too. Let your church family assist you in this wonderful process.

The author of Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby is special assistant to the president, for Prayer and Spiritual Awakening, North American Mission Board.