Inviting Strangers into God’s Family

Do you reach out to strangers in the name of Jesus?

Many Christians don’t because they struggle with hospitality, which is all about learning to love others with God’s love and grace.

Author Annie McCune, an expert in hospitality, says, “Throughout the course of my life, I have had the privilege of loving many strangers through opening the door to my home and my heart. In return, I have been radically loved when I was a stranger in need of hospitality.”

On a trip to Israel led by Ray Vander Laan, Annnie’s group was on a trek through a remote location when they arrived at a desert community of tents and families. Annie and her husband, Lee, were greeted by cups of water and places to sit. After several women made fresh bread, they all – desert community and strangers alike – broke bread together.

Stories like that are why I’ve invited Annie to join me on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly for a conversation about showing hospitality to family, neighbors, and strangers. She explains how biblical hospitality is different than entertaining guests. It requires purpose, preparation, and perhaps a bit of humility and courage.

To that end. she has developed what she calls “hospitality hacks” that will help you host unexpected guests in the love of Christ:

Always have brownie mix on hand.
Have cheese, crackers, and teabags available.
Make sure to have emergency supplies for natural disasters.
Keep extra sets of clean towels and bedding.
Decide ahead of time which items in your home you are willing to share with strangers.

Listen to my full conversation with Annie McCune on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

Annie’s book Practicing Hospitality: The Joy and Grace of Loving Strangers is available through our ministry for a gift of any amount. Click here for more information or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

And when you help Focus on the Family today with a gift, your donation will be DOUBLED for twice the impact in helping others through this ministry. Our thanks to generous donors who’ve made that possible.