pointing to Jesus

Last Sunday was our sixth week of holding church services in our garage.  It was a chilly morning, but with the door closed and heaters running, we were comfortable.  A handful of neighborhood kids tumbled in halfway through our communion service, bright-faced and eager to participate in church.  At some point, one sweet young girl raised her hand, and I couldn’t have dreamed up what she said…

“Last night, I was thinking about what you guys did for us during your movie night, and then I started thinking about God and Jesus.”

Whaaaaat??!!  My heart jumped and flipped and just about burst out of my chest.  Two nights before, we had hosted a movie night in the garage, just a simple, low-key evening of hanging with 16 kids, a neighbor mom, a fun movie and a few treats.  Nothing over-the-top, but it was so meaningful to her.  To be welcomed in, to have a place she belongs, to know she is loved.

The vision God has laid on our hearts is coming to life, and I’m humbly grateful to be called into this work.  To have the beautiful privilege of a front-row seat as hearts are being drawn to Jesus.  To bring the Light of His love to the people of this neighborhood. 

Despite the fears and doubts that sometimes overwhelm, God has used moments like this to consistently remind us that He is making a way for His Church to be raised up in this neighborhood.  That if we will continue to listen to His voice and be faithful to His vision and calling over us, He will do the work.  We are simply the vessels. 

When we were in Kenya in August, we were part of a revival conference in Nairobi.  During one of the services, there was a call for individuals to come up for prayer with clergy.  Throughout the prayer time, we sang the chorus “Ancient Words, ever true, changing me, they’re changing you…” over and over.  This moment was so memorable for me.  It was a needed reminder that it is the Gospel that saves people.  It’s the love of Jesus that transforms lives.  It’s not our movie nights or donuts on Sunday mornings or the worship music we sing.  It’s the Word of God, His saving grace, the power of His love.  Movie nights and donuts and music are all good things.  But the most important thing is pointing people to Jesus.  This is why we do what we do.