Prior to me "gaining access" / being formally invited into the First Baptist Church Jackson in-person Samson Society group back in August of '14, the host, Mr. Don Waller, vetted me via a one-on-one counseling session. I know for a fact that I was somewhat unique in that regard because I watched, over time, as uncounseled bros would simply step into our meeting with no one having any prior knowledge of them or their story. As such, there were some individuals who arguably weren't well suited to be involved in this ministry.
If you know me at all, you've realized that I'm a very straightforward guy. As such, if I'm going to invest my time / energy in something, unless I'm unable (for whatever reason) to decouple myself at will, I'm going to need to believe that it's not a waste of my time in order to continue forward.
This is why I partake so little in culturally significant entertainment here at age 53. It's just so hard for me to look past the notion that I'm staring blankly at a plastic / projection screen whilst pushing plastic buttons.
Too, entertainment isn't real. Everything is scripted. Everything is staged. Everything is driven by profit. And frankly, it's just the same as it's always been ('80, '90s to today).
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There's never been a moment when involvement within Samson Society has seemed / felt like a time waster (& that's even when I was hosting an in-person Samson group at our church & there were just one or two brothers faithfully attending).
Another attribute of Rob's is I feel obligated to give back whenever I've received generously in kind. I believe this is via the Holy Spirit. Of course, this isn't always intrinsically possible, but when it is, I'm onboard.
And that leads me to why I jumped at the chance to host a "Newcomer's Meeting" when a slot came available.
Imagine counseling nine men simultaneously. I had the opportunity to delve into that during the latest weekly "Newcomers' Meeting" that I had the privilege to host.
Now, do I do anything other than listen to their stories? No. Do I do anything other than listen to how they found this ministry? No. Do I do anything besides listening to what their expectations are regarding participating within Samson Society? No.
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It's like I'm Don Waller now. Gently assuaging. Deliberately analyzing. Deftly summarizing (Samson Society as a whole).
What a privilege to give back. What a privilege too to be on the cusp of where the Lord will take these brave men as they delve into The Path
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