As I stepped into the pulpit this past Wednesday night, I noticed the crowd a bit smaller than it has been all summer. Instead of getting discouraged, I quickly realized how many states we had represented in the service. Folks from Alabama, California, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, and Tennessee all met together to worship. A team from Oklahoma would have been there, but had to cancel at the last minute. Tomorrow, more folks from California roll in along with a team from North Carolina. The crew from Michigan join us on Monday and the Illinois group arrives on Tuesday. That’s 12 states – an almost typical week in Lakeshore.
Lord willing, next Wednesday night, the metal building we call “the sanctuary” will fill to near capacity. How does that happen in a place that just two years ago very few people knew existed? God’s faithful omnipotent gracious hand of providence continues to turn the hearts of his self-giving mercy-loving people to the life-rebuilding Christ- exalting hope-offering cross-embracing sweat-drenched work here on the gulf coast, to the praise of his name and for the benefit of our community.
The flurry of regional accents over breakfast this morning will all testify to the day when we will gather together around the throne of our great God and King along with people “from every tribe and language and people and nation,” (Revelation 5:9-10) to sing the all surpassing worth of Christ our redeemer. Maranatha Lord, come quickly. As we wait, we work together and seek to minister images of Christ’s mercy today for his glory.
