I've been asking myself for a couple of weeks  whether or not Carl* and Prisha* are people of peace.  

I knew they met my first five markers.  But what about number 6?

Saturday I got my answer.

 I use six markers to  identify a person of peace.

1. Will they  let me visit their home?  Our community is medium density housing.  Most people live  story apartment buildings.  Some people are keep their home like a castle and don't let anyone in.  Others are just waiting for people to drop by. We met Carl* and Prisha* at a school function.  When we suggested dropping by to visit they were most eager.  They welcomed us with food and we had a great time visiting.

2. Are they willing to have a Discovery Bible Study in their home?   About our third visit to their home I asked Carl if we could talk about the Bible the next time I came.  Carl knows that I am a Scripture teacher at his daughter's school.  When I explained the format he was quite agreeable.

3. Will they host ongoing Discovery Bible Studies? At the end of the first study I always ask "When do you want to do this again?".  Carl* and Prisha* decided they wanted to meet once a month.  This works for me.  It says they are interested and there is a lot going on in their lives.

4. Are they putting into practise what they are learning?  Best way to find this out is to write down their action statement and then ask them about this the next time you meet.  With meetings a month apart it is easy to forget what action they wanted to put into action.

5. Are they telling other people what they are learning?  The last time we met Carl said he had been talking with his brother about the importance of going to church.  Prisha said she would tell the story we studied to her mom in India the next day.

6. What is their reputation with other people?   This is the one I was wondering about.  I had only seen Carl and Prisha in their homes.  Who do they know in the community and how are they perceived.

Saturday I got my answer.  They invited me to their son's birthday party.  What did I see?  Fifteen or more families, some of whom had been friends since Kindergarten back in India.  People from work.  Families from school.  All speaking well of this family.

.

Yes, they have a good reputation.

Have they come to faith yet?  No.  

Am I sure they will share the Gospel with all their friends?  No

But I do see six signs that they MAY be people of peace.

I would be interested to hear how you identify people of peace.  How about writing me today?