Howdy Neighbor,

Somewhere around 2003 I started to implement a series of ideas, trying to find and build a tool that would enable Christians to get out of the 4 walls of the church (and their homes) with the goal of getting the good news, the reality and truth about Jesus and His mission, to every household and hopefully every person. 

This was hoped to be accomplished through a network of Christian believers helping and serving their neighbors.  Of course that's how it is always supposed to work, but we were trying to build a structure to facilitate that happening.  I say a series of ideas because the concept has changed repeatedly as we have grown, learned, tweaked it and improved it. 

The LYNC Network Simplified

As a Christian, we know that the Bible has all the instructions we need to accomplish the job of reaching people with the love of God, so I was always a bit shy of using new fangled methods that were not in the Bible.  Ironically and accidentally, this final result is simply doing exactly what God has told us all to do as believers in Jesus Christ:  being hospitable; sharing the good news that is the foundation of our faith and helping those that have needs.

The latest and only "tool" I sometimes use is also Biblical:  a hand delivered letter to leave at the door of those I do not get a chance to talk to personally.  The ease of it all lies in a simple technique that makes caring and hospitality really easy whether you are at work, school, on the bus or at someone's door step! Through hospitality and the resulting sharing of your faith, all of the concepts and goals of the network are shared and accomplished in an informal and simple way.

Hospitality Simplified

When we greet someone with a “How you doing?” we simply need to mean it, listen to the response & care. When we say “Howdy” & we just get an “OK” or “fair”, you can usually tell that something is wrong.

But we usually reason “it’s just a greeting” and we often ignore it.  But think about how many people are in desperate situations, deeply longing for help.  They need a friend, of course we all need to be made friends of God through Christ.  But we normally just move along because we think that only “close friends” share how they’re really doing, but the truth is: that’s how close friends are made. 

Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself”.   We just need to start paying attention and care.

Business

Actually our latest revelation is to totally integrate our business with our ministry and life.  We have decided to extend that hospitality to our customers as well as our neighbors.  In fact we are not currently using letters or the door to door method to preach the gospel but we plan to advertise the business by delivering business invitations with a free gift door to door!   Strange ministry strategy, but you get more response from a well written and useful advertising with a free gift than you get from a tract or even a personal letter of invitation to a Bible Study or meal.  It is less threatening to take your car in for service than it is to go to a stranger's house. 

But after our neighbors come in as a customer, we can also befriend them and invite them over for dinner.  Then a customer is honored to be invited over. This fits the culture better.  (We must be a Jew to the Jew and a Greek to the Greek)  In fact we are starting a coffee shop in the waiting room to facilitate this more.  

This gives us a viable advertising means to grow the business and turns our business into a place of ministry as well as commerce.   This transforms a time restraint problem into a blessing and helps fulfills the great commission.  Under the law Jesus condemned commerce in the temple, but this- instead of wrongly making the "house of prayer" a place of business, Christ has made US his temple, and has taken the house of prayer into the market place, through His life in us.  Pretty cool.

And this plan enables us to work longer hours without competing for family or ministry time because our family is working together and ministering at the same time.  All pressure has been relieved, we can work and serve more hours, get the work out, serve our customers better and are now free to stop any time in the day and care about our customers or anyone we meet because we are not restricted by a 5:00 deadline.  The longer hours also helps advertising by accommodating customers' schedules!   Integrating and de-compartmentalizing our lives has resolved all of our challenges that we could never quite seem to conquer!

We are still learning how to implement it and to REMEMBER we don't have to be in a hurry any more! We can stop and talk any time, it is quite a transition!

The Letter (or other tracts)

Our preferred method is to meet each person individually or as a family and invite them over for dinner and then care about them and serve their spiritual and physical needs as we have the means to do so, getting other believers to help as often as needed. But we were using a letter to be sure and get the gospel to every door- and we may do so some more, I'll tell you about it in case it strikes your fancy.

Today our culture is so media saturated, I don't know how well a letter is received.  Even though the letter is much more personal than a "gospel tract",  it is still nothing like a real caring person.

Lately we have been so busy we have not been putting out letters, but here is the letter that we were leaving on the door if they were not home, or we handed it to them as a reminder and a contact card.  It fits on one side of one sheet of paper, so it is very cheap and easy to duplicate and distribute.  

“Howdy” Neighbor,

We hope to get by in person and see how you’re doing; but for now, this letter will have to do.  There’s something important we have to share with you.  Many people don’t have an accurate perception of Christianity. Unfortunately it’s because many of us who profess the faith have not “delivered the goods”; and it’s not just our generation but many horrible atrocities have been committed in the name of Christ.  But despite the hypocrisy and lies that often get the “headlines”, the real story is that Jesus Christ has truly and radically changed billions of people, and in turn the whole world is tremendously better off because He lived and died… and rose again.  I know personally, He literally has saved me from a life of crime and destruction and given me a wonderful family with a purpose for living.  Though life is often difficult, I am full of peace, joy and hope.

How can one “man” make such an impact?  His virgin birth; His amazing love and Words; His miraculous power and resurrection demonstrate He’s more than just a man.  He is Emmanuel: God with us. This letter is a summary of why He came.  People may have failed you, even so called “Christians”, but I assure you: Jesus has never failed you.  

God knows how you’re doing and what you’ve gone through.  He also knows everything you’ve ever done or thought; good and bad- and He still loves you and wants to be your friend.   But the truth is, our lives are “broken” in many ways because we’re really not God’s friends.  At our core, we are selfish and have not given God and others the respect and love that they deserve.  We disobey God’s commands and hurt each other.  This is called sin and because of our sin we have all become God’s enemies.  I know that sounds harsh, but we underestimate the ugliness of our sin.   We are so self-centered we can’t even see the injury and cruelty our sin does to others!

A fair judge must punish crimes.  Even our own sense of justice recognizes that if “You did the crime, you got to do the time.”   In fact, God says “Vengeance is mine, I will repay”!  But we have to remember it’s not just others’ sins or crimes, but we are guilty too.  The Bible clearly teaches that God will one day judge us for our sins.  It also clearly describes the sentence, the punishment for our crimes: “the wages of sin is death”: everlasting fire; eternal punishment; separation from God.     It would be a dreadfully bleak forecast… except God had a plan. 

Because of His great love for us, God planned from the beginning to save us from the judgment we all deserve.   He knew the life of freedom he gave us would allow us to disobey Him, and being the ultimate father, He orchestrated to lay down His own life, an amazing divine sacrifice, to provide for His children.  He designed the legal trade of all time & eternity for those that will make the deal.  Bear in mind that God the Father, Spirit and Son are One; it’s a mystery we don’t fully comprehend, yet is expressed in its most awe-inspiring form on the cross: That God would take our sin, guilt & the punishment we deserve & place them on Himself, the innocent Lamb of God - Jesus on the cross, and in exchange He would literally and legally give us His righteousness.  Then, as if that wasn’t enough, after we believe, He transforms us by living in us and through us by His Spirit!  God’s eternal plan was that you and I could be His children, even His friends, and live with Him forever because of that sacrifice, that exchange on the cross. 

But that forgiveness is not applied automatically.  We must ask for it and receive it through faith; respecting and honoring God enough to believe what He says, and embrace it.  What an insult it would be to ignore or reject such a great gift of divine eternal hospitality!  We must humbly admit that it is our sin that crucified Jesus; He came to earth for that very purpose, to pay that price.  We must recognize it and by faith, receive the gift of life that He paid for with His own blood.  The invitation is open to all.  Accepting it opens up a whole new world!  Come and explore it with us.

We’d like to invite you to our home for dinner and afterwards to visit and talk more about truth & life.  We try to meet regularly on Thursdays at 7 after a potluck at 6:00 pm; and most Sundays at 2:00 pm.  If you’re going through something or need something, ANYTHING-   We care, and we’ll help if we can.

Please come by or call ANY time and we can talk and visit. My cell is 672-8031.    Dyrell Hicks

Anyone can copy this letter, edit it to fit their testimony and their personal offers of hospitality; print it and simply knock on all their neighbors doors and HOPEFULLY talk to them in person and see how they are doing.  It's that easy.  Of course you can do it without the letter too, but if you don't have the time to personally visit every neighbor, the letter insures no one slips through the cracks in case you never find them home.

Street by Street

As a business owner, you never seem to have enough time, so the strategy of being hospitable and integrating business and ministry helps me a lot.  If you have a regular schedule and you have some free time, then you could probably redeem that time by going door to door to meet your neighbors, to love, care, be hospitable and share your faith.  We originally had all the streets on an interactive website where everyone could see which ones were adopted, so we could be sure we did not miss anyone, but we have to trust God's Spirit to do the job and besides, having the structure and tools will do us no good if people are not willing and inspired and empowered by God to use them.  So we are focusing on learning and improving our own hospitality and evangelism skills (by God's grace in Christ) and encouraging our new friends to do the same.
 
If you want to be methodical, and you can go door to door, I suggest making your street or streets a regular route to keep visiting and building relationships with your neighbors.  I keep a notebook of names, needs and interests so I can remember everyone, and a pocket calendar to make dinner appointments.
 
As you meet devoted Christians through your daily life, travels, or in the neighborhood door to door- or anywhere, you simply invite them to do the same things you are doing, maybe even adopt their own street.  If you meet a brother on your street and he is interested in doing this too, you can get him to take over your street for you, introduce them to the friends you've made so far and he can stay in touch with them, have the friends over for prayer and Bile study and then you can go to another street to find more Christians so they can start on their streets. 
 
It seems feasible that in this way the coveted "multiplication" of discipleship we long for in the church might become a reality.  Through genuine hospitality each Christian that adopts their street, or any street, essentially establishes a neighborhood church and opens their home to the saints and the lost.  I know this seems to sidestep the local church building, but there is no reason you have to leave your church, in fact the concept can spread to others in your church and even be incorporated in it.  The main thing is that we can all get out of the 4 walls and reach our neighbors! 
 
The goal is not to make "new home churches", it is to BE the church in the neighborhood, our work places, everywhere.   It is to facilitate the breaking of bread and continuing steadfastly in the apostles doctrine because you have opened your life and your home to Christians and the lost.  The goal is that the Kingdom of God and His righteousness becomes the focus of our lives instead of watching ungodly TV shows and other wastes of time.
 
There are many believers who are chomping at the bit to do something for Jesus Christ and this is a simple way to let the love of God flow out and stop the stagnation of "ever learning" and never giving or teaching!
 
All of this can and should be done in person without the need of this website.  But since it is here and there is a lot of good info on it, it could be used for training, to help impart the motivation and skills.  More on that below.
May the simple truth and love of God burst forth in your life, and may the blossoms that have adorned your life turn to fruit, that many may be saved,

 

In His love,
Dyrell Hicks 
757-672-8031

Some Good Info

This web site has the latest version of the Network concept prior to the simple hospitality, letter and integration idea above.  The old site starts below where the logo is.  I have left the website intact as it does have a tremendous amount of information to understand the motivation, truths and methods behind evangelism and hospitality. It also has a fairly extensive "Virtual Evangelist" feature where it tries to answer common questions and roadblocks people have about Christianity. So it is pretty useful as a training tool.

 

Long Letter-  Business and Faith

Here is a longer version of the door to door letter that I decided to scrap.  It speaks extensively about the integration of our business and faith, a concept that is dear to me, but I felt it unnecessary to explain it, only necessary to live it out.   I preserved this letter and posted it because it does have a lot of info about the concept of this hospitality idea, and the motivation behind it, as well as a fairly comprehensive summary of Christianity, so I though it might be useful to read for someone wanting to integrate their life, work and ministry or do the door to door hospitality letter idea. 

Survey

Just prior to the letter, the latest evolution of the concept was to use a survey.  We were going to do a long and short version but we decided against it because it seemed a bit tricky and impersonal.  The questions may still be useful as food for thought as you meet new friends and neighbors. So we posted them as well.

Home Long Letter Old Surveys Summit Site Search Site Map

 

Here is the old web site:

 

    Love Your Neighbor Christian Network

Building Friendships and Community

Some of our neighbors could use a hand, and we'd appreciate your help.  Though the network has a Christian foundation, we welcome everyone to participate.

People are busy today.  Though compared to our ancestors we have it easy.  Our modern conveniences and specialized work usually provide us with ample time to make friends and be good neighbors, but if the truth were known, most of us have conformed to our culture and have embraced the steady supply of entertainment and distractions that make it "seem" like we have no time for neighbors and sometimes even for friends and family. 

Yet most of us would like to develop close friendships and Jesus did say to "love your neighbor as yourself".   So if that's something you want to do but haven't been able to make time for it then maybe this network can be a tool to help you break away from the entertainment routine, make some new friends and even help you become the "Good Samaritan" you've always wanted to be.

3 Ways to participate

With all the social networking sites available, we are glad to provide a tool that encourages face to face community in our neighborhoods.  This network is a tool for discovering neighborhood needs and finding volunteers to help.  The network is also a way to meet neighbors with similar interests and build friendships.

  1. Needs- Volunteer to help a neighbor in need, or receive help for yourself or someone you know.
  2. Coordinate/Visit-  Be a LYNC Coordinator: visit neighbors, tell them about the network and then introduce those who want to get together for friendship and volunteer service.  
  3. Events/Introductions- Through the coordinator's visits, meet new friends with similar interests: invite neighbors and hear about invitations to neighborhood events.

There are no specific days or nights required to participate, you pick when and how much you want to volunteer.  It's really simple and totally flexible.

Virtual Conversation

There's a lot more info about why this network exists.  Most of it is laid out like a virtual conversation where ideas, questions and thoughts are presented in chunks and then links with some typical responses are in bright colors.  The idea is to simulate a conversation that follows your lead as you choose the vein of thought that is similar to your own.  This way you don't have to read the whole web site, only what is pertinent to you.

Two big questions we had about whether we should start a network like this, and they are pertinent as to whether you might want to be involved:

Choose your response:

What is mankind's most important need?  

Why have a network like this?

 

LYNC Coordinators

The backbone of the network is the group of volunteers who are the communication links of the network.  They are LYNC Coordinators (or LCs), they are simply outgoing Christians who enjoy visiting their neighbors.  They adopt a street or neighborhood, tell the neighbors about the network and ask them to participate.  The LC keeps a notebook with all the contact information of anyone who has needs, of volunteers, and lists of any events or open invitations that their neighbors make available. 

The LC reviews the list of needs and volunteers that are in your neighborhood so that anyone that has a need is introduced to a neighbor who has volunteered to help with that type of need.

The LC regularly visits neighbors and shares the updated news and open invitations in the neighborhood.  Neighbors wanting to attend an event get the info from the LC and then call directly to those giving the invitation to arrange to attend.

Why so "lo-tech"?

We were using a website to record the invitations and needs and the web site sent automatic emails when there was a nearby volunteer/need match, but we discovered that method provided less opportunity for face to face relationships, which defeats the purpose of the network.  We may be busy, and the internet can save us time in many ways, but too often we don't make time for face to face relationships, so we discontinued the automatic web communication and now the LYNC Coordinator keeps a notebook and personally makes any introductions.  This also keeps it simple, so anyone can do it whether or not they even own a computer.

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Neighbors' Needs

Most of us have a desire to make a difference in this world, to leave it a little better for having been here.  Jesus said in Mark 9:35 "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all"   Most people in the U.S. have a comfortable life compared to the majority of the world and there are ways we can and should help those dire needs around the world.   But there are also people right around the corner from us that could use a hand.  LYNC Network members help their neighbors with all sorts of practical needs:

Neighbors should practice what the Bible teaches:   “Religion that pleases God the Father must be pure and spotless. You must help needy orphans and widows and not let this world make you evil.” (James 1:27)  

Introductions, Party/Event Invitations

Build new friendships: The LYNC Coordinator will have a list of neighbors with similar interests and can introduce you.  After meeting, you can work out a time to get together or through the LC, neighbors can offer and accept invitations to social and spiritual events on the neighborhood level; anything from a block party, a pick up sports game or Bible study to a joint neighborhood helps project.

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Our goal is also to invite people to meet the real Jesus.

It’s true, words are cheap.  Christians in the LYNC Network hope you will see Jesus not just in their words but in their actions.  But of course it does take words to communicate ideas and past events, and it takes words to present the Bible’s good news about who Jesus is and what He came to Earth to do for us.  If Jesus is who He claimed to be then all that He taught and revealed would be true and that includes a lot of real good news for everyone of every faith, race, gender, nationality and social status.

The LYNC Network is established by Christians who do believe the claims of Jesus and the evidence of his death and resurrection so it is a great joy, privilege and responsibility to share that good news with everyone!  So naturally that is one of the goals of the LYNC Network.   HOWEVER we encourage LYNC Network members and all Christians to respect the viewpoints of others and to serve, befriend and love our neighbors whether or not they ever embrace our beliefs.  That is why we encourage everyone to join with us in serving our neighbors whether or not you are a Christian.

We hope you get a chance to have some meaningful and encouraging dialog with the volunteers in your neighborhood.  There is also a virtual conversation on the web site. The interactive conversation explains the basic universal principles upon which traditional orthodox Christianity is based.  The material also tries to address some of the questions and concerns of those who do not believe in God or the Bible.

How do I get started?

If it was a LYNC Coordinator that told you about this site, all you have to do is call or contact them.  They will have a schedule of open invitations and events in your neighborhood where you can meet new friends, play some pick up games or enjoy a common interest.

If you have a need or want to help your neighbors they can add you to that list too.  

If you'd like to become a LYNC Coordinator, they can help you get started.  If you found this site without having met a LYNC Coordinator, then contact us by phone or email and we will help you get started in your neighborhood.  Call an administrator or LYNC Coordinator at GAIN-A-LYNCN (657-205-9626) or email LYNCN at cox.net .

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For LYNC Network Users:

Download materials for neighborhood visits  With additional menus to the details of the network, training and support