City Uprising 2009: Last Day

Today was a fitting conclusion to an amazing week. Along with our team, Ali and I did a servant evangelism project passing out free packs of chewing gum along with information on the Gallery Church. It was astonishing how quickly our bags of gum were given away.

I cannot wait to preach about all that God taught me on this trip on Sunday. Highland Park, God is doing great things in our church and He wants to do even greater things in the future. This week, 270 people gathered from around the country to devote 3 days to making a difference for the Kingdom in New York. In those three days, 80,000 contacts were made with New Yorkers encouraging them to be tested for HIV. Of those contacted, over 1,000 responded by going to the health clinics with which we partnered for testing. 60,000 contacts were made with New Yorkers through our servant evangelism efforts. 12 service projects were completed in health clinics and public school buildings. It was incredible to be a part of such a tremendous effort, and I want to thank you, Highland Park, for supporting Ali and I on this trip. I want to challenge you to begin dreaming as I have been dreaming in relation to our own church's efforts within our city of Louisville. If 270 people can gather for 3 days to impact Louisville, image what the same number of people could do within the city that they live in 365 days a year? Interestingly, it is very common for our church to have the same number of people attend one of our services that attended this mission trip. What if we completely submitted ourselves to the Lord, asking Him to use us to do great things for His glory? I pray that question grips your heart! I can't wait to ask it from the pulpit on Sunday.

We love you, miss you, and are looking forward to seeing you Sunday.

This was the team that we worked with all week.

City Uprising 2009: Day Four

Today, Ali and I, along with our team, passed out invitations for free HIV testing. I went in to the day unsure of how we would be received, but I was amazed by the receptivity of the New Yorkers. Our group of 12 was able to pass out around 700 invitations at the city's well traveled Union Square. The supervisor of the health clinic with which we worked expressed great hospitality by buying us pizza for lunch! PaPa Johns has nothin' on New York-style Pizza! When I heard the reports of how the effort has impacted the city, it has become evident that Ali and I are a part of something much bigger than anything we could have dreamed. Already, over 500 New Yorkers have responded to the invitations of the participants of City Uprising, and we are praying that God makes our efforts even more fruitful tomorrow. After today's overwhelming response, different health clinics started calling the church requesting that we work at their sites tomorrow. God is bringing down the stereotypes that New Yorkers have of Christians as we display Christ's love through our actions! I must also share what a blessing it is to get to work with Ali on these various projects. It has enriched our marriage and relationship with each other getting to serve together this week. It is incredible how serving the Lord works, for He blesses you in ways you would have never anticipated. Thank you for your continued prayers for us. I'm sure there will be more wonderful news to report tomorrow.

City Uprising: Day 3

What a great day! It always feels wonderful to put in a day of physical labor for the Lord. Along with a team of ten others, Ali and I filled dumpsters with old, outdated textbooks, removed gum from desks and tables, and crawled through windows to sweep alleys and rooftops. While working, I loved getting the chance to meet Larry. He lives on Long Island and is a maintenance worker at the school since 1969. He has three kids several grands, a wife of 42 years, and is looking forward to retired in two years. We had a great conversation about life and kids, and I am sure he was a bit suprised by my strong, southern drawl. It was such a thrill to tell Larry the reason we had traveled to New York to work in his school for the day. Be praying that we get more opportunities to meet more people like Larry. Also, be praying especially hard for us tomorrow as we invite New Yorkers to receive free testing for HIV. I have already heard awesome reports from other groups who have already gotten to minister to dozens of people through this ministry. We came on this trip trusting that we would see God do great things. It is amazing to see Him at work!

Below is a shot of the Empire State Bldg.

City Uprising 2009: Day Two

Ground Zero: June 28, 2009

Today has been exhausting and invigorating all at once. Ali and I just made it back to our room after a great evening of worship. God gave Aaron Coe, the head pastor of The Gallery Church, the vision for the trip based on Jeremiah 33:9, which says, "This city will bear on My behalf a name of joy, praise, and glory before all the nations of the earth, who will hear of all hte good I will do for them. They will tremble with awe because of all the good and all the peace I will bring about for them." From that verse, God laid it on Pastor Coe's heart that He wants to propel the church to prosper the city of New York. Pray that Ali and I will join God in what He is doing to spread his glory throughout this city of 9 million people. Tomorrow, we will be working to tear down the negative stereotypes New Yorkers often have of evangelicals by displaying the love of Jesus through our actions. We will be working all day at a highschool, moving furniture, peeling gum off of the underside of desks, and doing whatever else we can to help.

I heard wonderful reports of Matt's and Phil's messages this morning and evening. It is a blessing to have such wonderful men in our church who can preach and teach God's Word! I also know it must have been great to have Nuno and our choir back home from their tour. Thank you again for the opportunity to be here.

City Uprising 2009: Day One

Ali and I made it to New York! We have been praying for God to prepare our hearts for this trip and now, the time is at hand. Tomorrow we will find out exactly what our assignments for the week will be, but the project that thus far has received the most attention is the work we will be doing with HIV testing clinics. Teams representing the church plant with which we are working will be deployed throughout the city to encourage New Yorkers to receive testing. Pray that God will give us boldness and that Ali and I will be sensitive to the Spirit's lead. We deeply want to make a difference for the kingdom. Tonight, we walked the streets of New York, getting a feel for the city. Needless to say, the city is an intimidating and exciting place, teeming with energy. It is a melting pot of people of different cultures, and as we walked the streets, our hearts were broken by the vast lostness of the masses of people. Pray that the Gallery Church can be used by the Lord to lead New Yorkers from every nation, tribe, and tongue, to become true worshipers of the One True God.

Thank you, Highland Park, for giving us the opportunity to be here! You are such a wonderful church and we are greatly appreciative of your prayers and support. It is a joy to be your pastor.