His Church--my Family, Laura Miller

Before I was born in 1977 my father was a champion marathon runner who got saved and decided to receive a higher prize--the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 9:24). My mother also met the Lord and began a path very different from the one her parents had laid out of her. I feel privileged to have been born into such a family.

Growing up, I benefited from my parents' love for God and for people. Every week, we invited people over for dinner. Many came after the Sunday meeting and others were friends and neighbors. It was during these informal times of eating, prayer and fellowship that I began to see God's heart's desire, which is to have a Body to express Him (Ephesians 1:22-23).

Spending my childhood, high school and college years meeting with the local church has greatly benefited my life. The other believers have become my spiritual family, encouraging and strengthening me through prayer, shepherding and the ministering of Christ.

Now that I am married, my husband and I have enjoyed opening our home to the brothers and sisters meeting with the local church. We have found that the brothers and sisters always bring Christ with them when they come to our home. I have been blessed to be exposed to the local churches and the ministry of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee. The attraction that has kept me meeting with the local church is not something visible with human eyes, but it is Christ Himself expressed in His Body.