First - LifeTree Church in Hiram, GA. This is a new church "plant" that Karen and I have been a part of since February 2007. We have spent a lot of time praying for this community and getting to know several wonderful friends in the birth of this awesome new body of believers. I recently traveled to Dallas, GA to help with the launch of LifeTree during the very first practice service.
(You can see the images here).
The birth of LifeTree actually happened a while back when we began meeting in our homes and studying God's word together. However, the unveiling of LifeTree in a meeting place was wonderful in itself as well. We came together as believers with a mission. A mission to teach our families and spread the Gospel message. We started with the bare minimums - used sound equipment, borrowed chairs, school gymnasium, and self-printed brochures. Yet, the best thing we had was the power of an awesome God. In Acts, just as the "Church" is birthed God sent HIS Spirit to clothe the Apostles and missionaries with HIS power. I believe that this same power was working during this service and is available for us today. We were expecting little results since this was just a practice service and we had not promoted it in any way except by word of mouth. However, several families from the community came including a man (with wife and child) who is a professed Buddhist. LifeTree was birthed giving God glory for his work in the Paulding County area. Isn't it wonderful to be surprised by the work of God? (a fringe benefit)
Second - First Baptist Church of Saint Rose, LA. I recently spoke with the current Pastor (via email) who is helping this church to be "rebirthed". The church lost members due to the effects of Katrina. Mainly, the children and youth ministries of the Church have slid off because of lack of interest. The interim pastor is looking for a "team" of ministers to come in and help revive the small church - a real rebirth.
I do not doubt a revival. Believe it or not there are hints of revival happening right now (yes only hints, just the surface layer of conversation with Church leaders) I have talked with at least 3 other Pastors in the southern Louisiana/NOLA area about what seems to be happening in their Churches. What I do know is:
- New believers are coming to the Churches in great numbers since the storm
- The legacy membership of Churches are begging for change and have a "do whatever it takes to stay alive" kind of attitude.
No doubt that the effects of losing everything you have and seeing friends and others leave has had an effect on the body of Christ. Forsaking all for the Glory of God is much easier when you seem to have nothing to forsake. When you are down to the bare minimum in family, friends, sustenance, and leadership. Why does it have to be this way?
The lesson here is to forsake it all now. Should we not as Christians? As believers - if you see the power of God move in your life, your Church, or your family should you not forsake it all? Did they not forsake all they had at the birth of the Church in Acts?
Act 2:41-45 NASB So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. (42) They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (43) Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. (44) And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; (45) and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
I am not asking you to go out and sell all your worldly belongings. What I am saying is that just as these believers saw the awesome POWER of GOD moving and changing lives the worldly things just didn't seem as important anymore. That's what has happened in this area of Southern LA. Take away those things that were once important, a house, a car, a neighbor, a job, a friend, and where do you end up? Right now, there are a lot people realizing again that God does matter and when everything is stripped away - we find ourselves right where God wants us - seeking HIM.
Blessings,
Brian
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