In 1969, I began gathering Scripture text that reflected a particular theme and used these texts to form a program. As I continued to experiment with small groups--both youth and adult--the material gradually evolved into a simpler and more flexible form.

The Program Comes Together

In 1974, the Come, Lord Jesus! program began to flourish. Amazingly, where previous attempts failed to keep groups together (despite my best efforts to assist them in person), I found that this new program worked; members continued to meet week after week. New groups were started in other parts of the Diocese. These groups thrived without my close supervision. Forty groups began that first year; this number increased to 80 the next year, and to 180 the following year. Currently there are hundreds of groups scattered throughout the Lafayette Diocese and in most other Dioceses of Louisiana, in many other states, and even in other countries. This program is so powerful that it has kept hundreds of its members meeting every week for several years. Several groups that were started in 1974 are still meeting.

By Its Fruits

Come, Lord Jesus! continues to transform the lives of its members into the very likeness of Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18). Members become persons of deep prayer. They come to know and live the Scriptures. They witness their faith in word and deed. They are distinguished by their love for God, for one another, and for all of God's people. They express that love through various forms of ministry.