I grew up in a small church that had Sunday evening worship services. I miss those times because they seemed more intimate and free. We wouldn’t care about what time we would get out of service and would “tarry” at the altars (confession – there were many times where I couldn’t wait for the “longer” services to end so I could slurp down my Frosty at Wendy’s). My favorite part of the service was testimony time. People would stand up and give a praise report about great things God was doing in their lives. Everyone else would cheer, shout “Amen”, and if it was a really good testimony everyone would stand up and start clapping. This was the cue for the song leader to strike up the band and sing “I’ll Fly Away”.

I’ve got one and since we don’t have Sunday night church anymore, I thought I would share it here with you. I just got off the phone with Martel. We were very close friends back in college, but we have not spoken in over ten years (one reason may be that I shot him in the foot with a bb gun). Thanks to Facebook, we reunited. He planted a multi-ethnic church in Phoenix called Destiny Church. He called to thank me for sending Justin to them. Justin’s spirit of a church planter has breathed life into Martel’s life, church, and ministry. They have implemented several new GFC ideas and their church has grown as a result.

(rewind one year) We met Justin’s wife at Rome’s and invited her to church. They came and Justin had a love affair with Jesus. He became a great friend and volunteered with our tech team. He was faithful and generous. Chris and Drew loved him and walked with him to become stronger in Christ. Three life crisises caused Justin to move back home to Phoenix. I was honestly worried about the friend I grew to love. I contacted Martel about reaching out to Justin and they connected quickly.

We may not understand why we suffer or go through things that we don’t “plan”. We loved and invested a year in Justin and watched Jesus grow a disciple. God allowed him to face three storms for a higher kingdom purpose. Thank the Lord and thank you Justin for never giving up. God’s grace, power, and love is made perfect in our weaknesses.

Do you have a praise report? We would love to hear it on the comment section.