Stephanie Risinger • Disciple Maker
When a Snowstorm Opened the Door to Deeper Relationships
In this short story from the Kansas City Underground, Breanna Wiebe sits down with Stephanie from the Western Edge Hub to reflect on how simple acts of neighborly love can lead to meaningful, gospel-centered relationships.
“Over a meal, we were there to enjoy each other’s company—and that’s where real conversation and deeper relationships happen.” — Stephanie
Stephanie shares how, after more than seven years living on the same small, curved street in her neighborhood, a heavy snowstorm became an unexpected catalyst for deeper connection. While shoveling her own driveway, she noticed an elderly couple across the street who wouldn’t be able to manage the snow on their own. What began as a simple decision to help quickly became a shared moment—her husband joined in, their daughter helped, and another neighbor stepped in as well.
The result wasn’t just a cleared driveway, but softened hearts. The neighbors were deeply moved and later invited three families over for a shared meal as a thank-you. That meal marked a shift—from quick, passing “driveway conversations” to unhurried time around the table, where real stories could be shared and relationships could grow.
Stephanie reflects on how meals create space for presence, listening, and trust in ways that everyday interactions often can’t. Looking ahead, she senses God inviting her family to take another step—gathering again, this time intentionally creating space for deeper adult conversation and continued relationship-building.
This story captures a core conviction of the KC Underground: disciple-making often begins not with programs, but with ordinary faithfulness—serving neighbors, paying attention, and responding to small nudges from God in everyday life.
Are you walking with people, planting the gospel, or seeing new life emerge in your context? Your story can strengthen and inspire the wider KC Underground family.
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