Yesterday I ate lunch with Matt Fortunato and Rachel Cooper.
We spent over an hour planning our upcoming Collingswood – Pitman Young Adults’ LIFE Group. During our conversation, Matt reminded us of the meaning of the Greek word hospitality:philoxenos (a “lover of strangers” 1 Peter 4:9) or “a love of strangers” Romans 12:13).
Job was a lover of strangers! “The alien has not lodged outside, for
I have opened my doors to the traveler.” (Job 31:32)

This past week’s online Christian Chronicle shared a “lover of strangers” story concerning twenty-five New Orleans’ evacuees fleeing from hurricane Gustav. When they fled New Orleans three years ago and
were housed by our brethren in West Monroe, Louisiana, they were
strangers. Last week they were welcomed back as family!
Some “hurricanes” that take place in our lives are not physical, and guests are not all “strangers.” I thank God for you as a church family
for your ongoing hospitality. Right now, the Coopers have opened up
their home to five guests! Go, God! Hurricane Hospitality is among
us! God is good all the time!