We are now one full day into our Global Impact Celebration at Urbancrest. WOW! How God has blessed us! Our Kick-Off Celebration last night was a tremendous worship experience. I always get a little misty-eyed when the flags come into the sanctuary. With missionaries present from all over the world, I am reminded that those flags represent people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. They will all be represented around the throne according to Revelation 7:9. The "black flag" that was brought into the room first will remain by the speaker’s podium throughout the event. It represents the lostness that remains in the world. 5.5 billion people are lost! 1.6 billion of them live in Unreached People Groups (UPG). Most have never heard the name of Jesus!
The Kids for Christ Choir and Preschool Choir were so good! They reminded us to live for Jesus “Everyday.” The adult choir and praise team were awesome in leading worship. Pastor Steven from Jerusalem, Israel brought one of the most dynamic messages I have ever heard. It always stirs my heart when I hear of believers in Jesus that are being persecuted and beaten for their beliefs, but when one stands before you that has endured such beatings and persecution and testifies that Jesus is worth it, you will never be the same!
We have this freedom to worship in this great land. Many throughout the world cannot even conceive of such freedom. They secretly hide to worship lest they are beaten, imprisoned, or worse. That is why we celebrate the work of God at our GIC each year. He is at work even in places that are hostile to Christianity, and the believers living there hold fast to their profession of faith because Jesus is worth it. Eternal life is worth it!
Pastor Steven will speak again tonight at the underground church experience. Be at the church at 6:30 pm. Follow the instructions of your guide and you will be admitted to hear him.
You will not want to miss any of this GIC. We are hearing holy instructions for the future.
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