Sunday, March 20, 2005

I am really excited about what today meant for our church.

To begin, we had Sandy and Karen Baird, missionaries for MANNA Worldwide with us. It was great to be able to schedule them, as we had planned on having them with us when I met them in October, and then we had the chance to because of a cancellation in their schedule. Sandy and Karen were a huge encouragement to me, and I was so excited to show them what God has been doing here in Rochester.

But even more than showing them what we are up to, it was great for our people to see what God was up to in other parts of the world. Sandy and Karen challenged them on living beyond themselves, and showing compassion through giving to and through this missionary organization. Several of our people volunteered to support a child for $20 a month. I know Sandy only wanted to expose the ministry of MANNA, but I felt it was a good thing to allow people to be involved now! About 7 or 8 people asked for information.

So far as the service, the music went rough at times (just some miscues by our team, but nothing that prevented us from worshipping). We still have some new guys that are getting used to playing, but they do a good job and I look forward to more good things from them. Both Sandy and Karen gave testimonies, Karen sang, Sandy preached, and it was good. I think Sandy felt that he needed to rush because man(!), did he speak fast! But it was good, and challenging, and our people needed to hear what he had to say.

So far as numbers, we set a new record and had 97 with us!!! I honestly don't think we could wait another week to go to two services! And that's what happens next week - Easter Sunday - two services - and I can't hardly believe it. God is so good. I imagine next week will be our first week with over 100.

Another great note was that Andreas visited us for the 2nd time with his wife, Jane, in whom God is doing a great work. I hope to be able to have him with us at our Tuesday night men's study. And we had a woman just up the road visit with us named Veronica, along with her daughter, Andrea. She seemed very moved by the service, and said that she would be back next week with her husband. She had been feeling the tug of God to get back into church after being out of it for a while, and so she was very excited. Also, Mary and Melissa Wood, two sisters, were with us again, so I hope to see them at another time as well.

Today was a good day, although it was a little rough for me personally at times because of some inner struggles. We have some members who are hurting and struggling so much, and I am just burdened for them. I really sometimes feel like a father with his kids, watching people grow and mature, as well as stumble and hurt. But I love what I do, and I am so grateful that God has called me to be the pastor of The Journey. There is no one else I'd rather be.