Amazing - Awesome - Incredible - Blessed!

I find it difficult to find one word to describe what we experienced yesterday at SONday 2008 at Painesville's Party in the Park!

First of all it wouldn't have happened if it weren't for God's provision. When I awoke at 5:30am to a full blown thunderstorm I thought we were in deep weeds. But a closer look at the hour by hour forecast told us we had a window of opportunity through Noon to pull it off. Guess what? Within 10-15 minutes after we packed up the equipment - the clouds opened up! God was sooooo good.

Next we add the hard work of our worship team and our ace sound guy and we had an awesome sound.

We were already encouraged by the fact that two new churches were on the roster. The morning opened with Painesville Church of God's worship team. I've recently become friends with their pastor through our pastor's prayer time and I knew if the worship team was half as committed to God as he and we were in for a treat. We weren't disappointed! They had a great sound and were sincere in their worship. I hated for their time to come to a close.

Another pastor who prays with me offered his choir to share in a 20 minute mini-cantata called, "The Old Rugged Cross Made The Difference". First Baptist Church of Painesville brought their choir of 15 and blessed us with a powerful message.

"Undone" a ministry of Painesville Assembly of God returned for the second year and challenged us to devote our lives to Christ and enjoy the salvation He has given to us.

At the last minute a choir had to cancel and God provided Iglesia Del Salvador, El Faro. Led by Pastor Bob August they have provided ministry to our Hispanic brothers and sisters for 17 years. They were amazing! Their love for Jesus was obvious as they have grown in number and in proficiency - again they were amazing as they brought an excitement and flavor to their worship that had everyone on their feet.

The morning was capped by The Grove Worship Team. They cut loose like never before and felt a freedom to worship that was witnessed by all in attendance. I have never been prouder of our team in every aspect. I was also blessed by all those from the Grove that attended to worship and supported our team. Our children's ministry provided activity bags and a snack to every child and our hospitality team greeted everyone warmly.

The times where churches link arms and drop all barriers are few and far between. It is rare we have the opportunity to join cross culturally and cross denominational lines as well. I am richer today because of this time spent in worship - I trust those in attendance would concur.

I look forward to what God wants to accomplish at SONday 2009!