8 April 2007
Unbelievable!
That’s the only word I can think of to describe today to you. I mean, of course I believe it, but only because I serve a GREAT BIG GOD! So let me attempt to describe it. And I mean ATTEMPT.
First of all, confession time would be appropriate.
In the last few days I wrestled quite a bit with God on this whole weather thing. It went something like this;
‘God, couldn’t you just make it warm in Weddington at least?! Because, as I know You know already, we are having our services OUTSIDE in a stinkin tent!!! It being APRIL and all, we felt pretty prudent doing so, but right now I’m looking pretty foolish and it feels more like I’m wearing shorts, no shoes and a cheesy Hawaiian shirt in Winter, at the South Pole on a cloudy day!! Heeeeeelp!’
So we rented heaters, but last time we did that (and it wasn’t near as cold) the kids thanked us for creating such a great live experiment of what the Amazon Rain Forest is really like…in rainy season…on an especially rainy day! Seriously, the condensation made it drip all over everyone for an hour and a half!
But the deal was made long ago. Hands were shook (this being the South), checks were written (this being the South), and there was no turning back. So we did what we had been doing all along, only MUCH MORE INTENSELY!!
We prayed! and
We prayed! and
We prayed!
AND GOD SHOWED UP IN A HUGE WAY!!! . . .
and here’s what God did…
This is the 1200 seat tent
ONLY THE LEFT SIDE!!
Here’s the MIDDLE!
and here’s the RIGHT
SIDE!
That’s right gang…we we’re SLAMMED!!
At both services!!
and now for a special ‘extended’ confession time…
When I discovered that it would be only 27 degrees at 9:00 I shifted my prayers to the 11:00 service! I know. I know, but try not to hate me. We pastors have to have our faith stretched as well.
I almost cried (almost!) when the place filled up by 8:55 am! There were hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of ski jacket wearing, parka modeling, glove toting people everywhere. Truth is, had the weather been normal for this time of year we would not have been able to handle the crowds with just a 1200 seat tent and two services! God knew it all along! Isn’t that just like Him?!
Oh, did I mention the children’s ministry in the worship center (all warm and toasty) was SLAMMED as well?
<— Take a look!
It was a day I’ll NEVER forget as long as I live. God is so good! And you haven’t even heard the most incredible number of all…the number of people who committed their lives to Jesus Christ.
THAT deserves a blog post of it’s own…not bottom billing at the end of this one.
Stay posted, those numbers are still coming in…but I’ll give you a hint. Think around 100 (and that’s just adults!).
4 Comments currently posted.
Calculatorgames says:
Christopher Wall says:
Oh Yea, it was yet another one of God’s Great days at Southbrook in every possible way.
I guess you can say the Southbrook Worship Team made a road trip, well at least a trip out to the lawn. It may not seem like a big deal, but if you have ever been involved in doing something like this out of your “regular crib”, it is almost as difficult being 200 feet away as being 200 miles away. It is a huge huge effort. Well except for the fact if you forgot something you can just run inside and get it :>)
To every person that God has gifted and played a part in pulling this day off, from the First Impressions Team (First Things First) to the team that raised the tent, to the set-up of the stage and chairs, to the audio / video, to the music, to the folks that kept traffic flowing in and out of the new lot (with only one way in and one way out), to the folks that made organized chaos of the Children’s Ministry (with kids jacked up on Easter candy no less), to the awesome set-up for the Ministry Fair….. and any other person behind the scenes, etc etc etc… Thank-You, Thank-You, Thank-You.
The fact that over 100 people came to know Christ today in part by every little thing that “Ya’ll” (Yes I consider myself Southern) did has got to make you feel awesome, You are doing exactly what God wants us to do. Helping others come to know him.
How after a day like today can you not be fired up about how great God is and what he is doing at Southbrook?
Malone Family says:
Service was AWESOME! Our prayers were anwsered. We served the 9am service, and were able to attend the 11:oclock. Our son has been hanging on a thread with makeing his decision to commit to Christ. He did IT!!
We are so excited that he felt moved, by God’s words through you to get there. One thing he asked was how can he see GOD’S BlOG?? He is 12, the Bible we answered. Southbrook ROCKS.
Mommydinger says:
The music was off the charts! I’d love to get a cd of the music. What an incredible service!
Thank you for a wonderful day! I think everyone did an awesome job…Kudos to that worship team…that cover of the Everesence song rocked the house and I was reminded once again of why I love coming to Southbrook!