Pt.1: Reflections (and pics) from Hope Church’s launch
On yesterday morning (Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010) a brand new movement of hope was born.
At around 7:50am, 20 families from our launch team arrived for setup at the Clayton County Schools Performing Arts Center. It was a cold morning, we even saw a few light snow flurries around 8:30am. Everyone smiled with excitement as we all pitched in together to unload the trailer. One team was putting directional signs & parking signs at the PAC entrance. Another team was setting up the children’s ministry environments for HOPEville and Planet HOPE. The Connections teams were draping foyer tables, gathering bulletins, and setting up the coffee bar. While the band, praise team, and audio/visual crew were preparing the stage & sound in the auditorium.
At 9:50am, I went to find a quiet place to pray so I could thank God for His kindness and faithfulness to us, and to ask Him once again to draw people unto Himself by the power of His Spirit, and to glorify Himself through every aspect of our launch service.
At 10:00am sharp – the band was lighting it up with the sound of the first song from our worship set. I was still in my place of prayer, by this time in tears, reminding God — and myself, that we would be satisfied in Him regardless of the attendance and/or the perceived outcome.
As I was making my way to the auditorium at 10:06am, I noticed that the band & worship team were in the second song of the set. There were quite a few people in the foyer still making their way into the auditorium…I filed in behind them.
When I finally walked into the theater and looked around, my heart melted as I beheld the beauty of the Lord…a beautiful melting pot of people, young and old, of various races & colors, all over the theater…all worshiping Jesus Christ the true and living God.
On yesterday morning we had more than 253 people in attendance at Hope Church’s grand opening launch service at Clayton Co’s PAC.
Jesus was worshipped. His gospel was preached. Men, women & children responded. God was glorified. Heaven rejoices!
(post a comment and share your thoughts.)
Yippppeeeee!!! To God be the Glory!!!
I am glad that the launch turned out well! Glory to God!
Good stuff man! That’s awesome! So excited for you man!
God’s presence was certainly there filled and formed in different colors, array,and personalities. People were hungry for more of HIM and indeed got feed. IT was simply great, with the anticipation and expectation of God HIMSELF.. again, HE showed up and showed out!!!!
Great job bro! You guys rocked it! Loved the pictures! Way to go! So proud of you guys! That’s a ton of people!
1st timer…i felt the LORD’s presence and was gently touched by Him and the warm embraces of the “greeters”. i left reluctantly hopeful and with expectation that possibly the LORD will free me to be…whatever He desires.
I really enjoyed the service on Sunday. I’m excited about what God is going to do through Hope Church for this community.
Maaaaan, that is so awesome… I am so excited for you and the Hope Church family. God is really being lifted up out there in your neck of the woods… God’s best for you guys!