How do we reach an increasingly secular society, with so many having no inclination to know Jesus and the gospel? Walking the streets and asking passersby, “Are you saved?” will likely generate a cold, sometimes hostile, response. Handing out literature on the street with a friendly smile might prompt a more cordial response. Please read on to consider another approach.
Someday, while leisurely driving northward through the state of Maine, you might happen upon the town of Dexter. Like so many New England towns, Dexter has a colorful and proud heritage but, in recent years, has fallen on harder times.
If you strolled down the town’s traditional main street, you would stumble upon “Gatherings 4 Main Street,” a delightful downtown establishment with a simple mission—making friends for Jesus! The vision of Dawn Tritch, with the support of her physician husband Todd, “Gatherings” became a reality in 2019.
Fast forward to June 2021, when Ethan and Tiffany Wright, with their young daughters, Olivia and Amelia, relocated from Tennessee to Maine. Invited by the Northern New England Conference, with the encouragement of Scott Christiansen, then communication director, the Wrights accepted the mission to reignite this innovative ministry.
Soon after they arrived, Steve Dayen, Brunswick church pastor, and his wife, Linda, developed a friendship with this family. They found time to talk and pray together by phone, but only recently had the opportunity to visit the Wrights while active in their ministry.
What a treat, to witness Christianity in action as this family, assisted by a few volunteers, served vegetarian and vegan pizza to eager diners. Donations were encouraged, yet not required. They even have a real brick oven, and Tiffany is a certified chef! In addition to serving meals at least twice a week, the Wrights have offered painting classes, health presentations, video prophecy seminars, Bible studies, and more. They have become a known and loved part of this community.
If you want to observe a loving, dedicated Adventist family on a mission to make friends for God, visit Dexter.
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—Pastoral staff, Brunswick church
