Written in Heaven

It was a real treat to be able to go and speak at Ottawa First this past Sunday. I really enjoyed getting to see the staff again, be in the building, see old friends, see the students, see the parents, see my old small group, visit the Barn, and even to speak. It was a great day full of hugs and handshakes.

It was cool for me too to see my ‘worlds collide’ in a sense, in merging of our old life at OFC merge with our new life at BridgeWay. We arrived at 6:45 to at team of smiling sound guys and pastors. They were so kind, gracious, and accommodating. The BridgeWay band couldn’t stop talking about the level of professionalism and mutual respect that there was between them and the staff at the church.

I also was really proud of our band. Chuck, Kevin, Ryan, Dave, and Brit all represent themselves so well and their personal relationships with Jesus come through in the music. It’s never a performance with them, it’s always worship. I heard that from so many folks after the services. One of my favorite lines from the morning was when Pastor Brian from OFC introduced the band as “one of the best bands you will ever here.” I guess you could say he was a fan!

At the end of the service Pastor Brian came up and called for a response from the people towards supporting the Pekin Campus. From that, we had 63 people join the prayer team and 14 people committing to join us on Launch Sunday on Sept. 13! If that weren’t enough, the church also gave $2645 on the spot in a love offering!

To Ottawa First, words cannot express how grateful we are here at BridgeWay for your support. I love to see how the body of Christ is still the body of Christ no matter where you are in the world. We celebrate with you as God continues to move in Ottawa, as we know you celebrate with us as God moves here in Tazewell County.

Thank you to all who prayed for us while we were there and we’d ask that you’d continue to pray as on June 14 we are going to Kokomo 1st Church of the Nazarene in Kokomo, IN to ask for their support in this initiative as well. God is moving and we are seeing his dream for BridgeWay fulfilled!