SOLO was a huge single adult ministry out of a local Methodist church. At the time there were around 500 single adults ranging from 23 to 35 years old. There was also a smaller version called SOLO II for 35 years old and up. SOLO met weekly on Thursday nights and had music, a message and fellowship. There were a ton of opportunities to get plugged in, everything from greeting to hospitality, from the band to leadership, to missions, prayer and Bible study. There was even training so that you could grow into a position versus just being dropped in.

I went to SOLO fairly regularly over the next several months. However, I never got involved. I would show up, hang with new friends, and attend some of the social functions but nothing else. Then the day came, the day that would change my life. I was asked a very important question. "Hey Kris, you know we are working on a huge singles conference called "Single Light?" "We need someone to make the banner, would you be interested?" I was like "huh?" "Sure, I guess."

What I didn't even realize was they had been watching me and praying for me. They saw something in me that I had not seen. I had a purpose from God. Now there was a hitch, they would tell me that they meet weekly outside of the normal SOLO meeting time. I was like "ok." And they would also say that I would have to come to each meeting until the conference, which wasn't for 11 months. I was like "I need to come weekly for 11 months for a banner, its just a banner, I can whip that up in no time." They also would say, we do a weekly devotion. "Are you up for it?" Hmmm, I have to come each week, meet and do devotion and I guess there is probably prayer too, for one lousy banner. "Yeah, I guess so." Did it take 11 months of meeting weekly to put on a conference, probably not?

Connecting to Each Other

This group's purpose was not just about building a conference but about connecting and building individuals along the way. You see, what I didn't know is they would involve me in the ministry of God at the place in my walk that I could do it. I wasn't able to teach a Bible study yet, or speak on stage or lead a group of single adults, but I could design a banner. This was my trade. I mean if I messed it up they could always get it done quick on their own. The banner was not what this was about. This was about building and equipping the Kingdom. This was about a relationship with me based on their relationships with God. They found common ground with me. And it was a starting point to build a future relationship that would eventually lead me to where I am today.

May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.