A Heart-felt Thank You...

Last night (5/20/2009), we completed a remarkable ministry season. At Stevens Creek, we have discovered that organizing the church's calendar and schedule in seasons helps us to celebrate victories and maintain focus. Our service times change with the school semesters. For instance, we offer Wednesday worship from January 14th through May 20th and August 12th through November 18th. This gives us a natural time to re-launch which provides the infusion of momentum for the church. We also use this as a time to review our Sunday morning times too. We do not change Sunday morning unless we are forced to because of growth (we have changed Sunday times every year for last three years).  

Now, for the purpose of this post. Like I said, we just finished an incredible ministry season. We do water baptisms four times a year. Two of the baptism correspond to the final Wednesday Worship experience of the spring and fall semesters. One is in February to provide those individuals who received Christ during the holiday season and new year push. The other one is in August to celebrate the lives that came to Christ during the summer months. Last night we baptized in water around 50 new converts. So, for the first five months of 2009, we have seen around 75 new converts baptized in water.  

Last night was a record for us. Our previous record was around 35 at the conclusion of 40 Days of Purpose several years back. I grew up in a mill village church that constantly prayed for revival and had extended meetings in hopes that the lost would come and get saved. It just did not work. My home church is smaller today than it was when I was a part of their fellowship. As I said, we prayed for revival, but we never saw it come to pass, so I never really knew what it looked like. Well, that's not the case now. today I know what revival looks like.  

Stevens Creek is in the middle of a "move of God." When lost people are found and they bring their friends, revival happens. For the last several days leading up to this semester's baptism, I had a sense that this was going to be a big one. I have carried a deep sense of appreciation for the Lord allowing us to be a part of what He is doing. I am awed at what we have seen.  

Last night I baptized the daughter of the General Contractor for our three building projects. I have worked with this person since 1996. In fact, we were his first project back then. He was in his twenties and last year our new addition was his 92nd project. We have lived the life of Christ in front of him for over ten years. Last fall, he came on a non-dedicatory event. Then, he came back. Today, he is a regular attender and last night his daughter stood before our congregation and confessed Christ as her savior. It was very special.  

In addition to that, I baptized at least two twenty-somethings who earlier this year were strung out on drugs, but today they are free from their sin and free from their addiction. I am humbled by this move of God's spirit. Over and over last night, I heard similar stories like: "I was invited by my friend to come to The Creek." God uses people to carry his message.  

The members of Stevens Creek have been God's hands extended to our community. I am honored to serve them in the Lord's harvest field. It's an honor to serve along side of the wonderful volunteers, the leadership team, the contributors, the staff and elders. In addition to that, it was an honor to have the support of our Administrative Bishop, Dr. Don Walker. Last night when I shared with him the news of the baptisms. His reply was: FANTASTIC!  

Today I want to offer a heart-felt "thank you" as we celebrate God's grace on all of us.