By Debra Ham
From the moment we arrived in Guatemala and met our host family of fellow brethren, we felt both loved and welcomed. Our host family selflessly and joyously allowed their home to become home to our group of about 12. Upon arriving at services on the Sabbath the brethren were excited to see us and have us there with them. Although there was a language barrier between some, there was no denying the kisses of charity and the gentle arms waiting to embrace us. God’s love was definitely all around and we were definitely at home.
Of course you may think that brethren are supposed to be very welcoming, but there are many times that we all fall short and miss out on opportunities to make others feel welcomed. Romans 12:13 states that we are to be “...given to hospitality." Being hospitable doesn’t come easy for most and is a quality that we must perpetually work on and perfect. Whether in our home or at church, we all have a responsibility to make others feel welcome and I feel that I have received a wonderful example of how to be more hospitable to others. I definitely want to make sure that the important godly characteristic of hospitality is one that I take home to practice and cherish as I continue to grow in Christ.