Recently I was researching my family tree, which is one of the things I love to do most. Reading back through old history and imagining what members of my family’s lives must have been like, what led them to the decisions they made and where they lived.

I wonder if you have ever looked into yours? What stories can you tell about your ancestors, where they lived, where they worked, what challenges they may have faced?

In one of my recent studies, I discovered a bit more about my fifth Great Grandfather. He came out to Australia from England and was a vital part of establishing Australia’s oldest church in 1809, Ebenezer church in Pitt Town NSW (see right).

While of course history is complicated and full of both good and bad stories; things that you might feel grateful for and things that might be confusing or even upsetting. I couldn’t help but wonder what he might have prayed for as he started this church, what he might have hoped for and how he might have been a part of sharing Jesus in his community.

The word Ebenezer means “The Lord has helped us all the way” or “Stone of Help.”

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12 NIV

I wondered about the stories of our family and how they influence us today. For a man in my family who was so invested in sharing the word of God to Australia, how can I be a part of that story today? How can I participate in building and loving the church of this nation? How can I continue that part of his story?

Even without knowing that story, I know I am part of the biggest story over history of Jesus building His church throughout the world. The story of countless men and women before me who have heard the good news and shared it right where they are, with what is in their hands, as part of the family of Jesus. I wonder what story we will tell in our lives as we point people to Jesus right where we are, with what is in our hands.

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