An Awesome Day!

It was a special day at OKC First. It was a commissioning service for Amy and I...and for the people of OKC First as they, in a sense, committed just like we did to serving at Penn Avenue. It was amazing. I've never been a part of a service like that. I suppose that's because this situation is so unique. A church in OKC sending missionaries to another church 10 minutes away. It was special. But it really wasn't about us. It was about Penn Avenue and OKC First. Our goal is to provide a conduit between the two churches, and I think we accomplished that today. My friend, Jeremy Lamb, started things off great singing his song (scroll down on the blog and you can hear and see it!) "The Least of These." From there, Debbi McCullock shared about Celebrate Recovery and the way that things were beginning to set up to eventually start this program at Penn Avenue, with the help of OKC First people. Then, Jon spoke a bit about Amy and I and introduced us as the newest staff members at OKC First. It was a surreal moment as we walked up on to the stage. It truly is a dream come true to be able to serve as a pastor in the church that I really came to know Christ in. Amy and I shared our story and all the elements involved in getting us back to OKC. We tried to share a few stories of the lives changed at Penn Ave. Then, the best part of the service began. Our friend, Anngee, shared her testimony. She spoke for fifteen minutes about how God had changed her...about how he saved her from death and destruction. As soon as she finished, the crowd stood up as though they had rehearsed it and gave her a standing ovation. From the stage view, it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Truly a special moment. After that Amy and I sang "The Prayer" as the offering was taken. After the service it became clear that we were able to connect well as people were coming in waves to talk to us and to the folks from Penn Ave about the ministry opportunities there. My heart was jumping inside me. I think God was pleased about what had taken place the hour and a half before. I think he will be even more pleased with what takes place in the future between these two great churches.