Two years ago we opened our doors and had our very first gathering as a church plant in Lake Worth. (Technically we opened doors we were renting at Russell Hall but you get the point.) I don't think I will ever forget that first morning. I had new preacher clothes on, I was wearing my best dress shoes, and had one prayer..."God please let people show up!!!!" I experienced a different level of nervousness than I had ever had before that morning. Not only did people show up but God showed up.
That morning God gave me a very specific word to share. Our mission as a church will simply be that we love God by loving people!!!!! I love simplicity. I think we work to hard too complicate matters of life. As I explore and engage with scripture I see this thought all over the place. Even if I didn't, Jesus said the greatest of the commandments come down to our love for God and our love for people. That morning we decided that we wouldn't judge success on the size of the crowd or the building rather we will decide success based on whether or not we are growing in our capacity to love.
I am greatly encouraged when I think of the great things God has allowed us to do over these past two years. Especially because I firmly believe we are doing these things through love. More importantly our community is taking notice of our desire. God has been opening up doors that were closed, answering prayers that were thoughts and using Merge to make a big difference in people's lives.
Whether that be supplying school supplies, school uniforms, serving kids during ESL class or Fiesta Night, reaching out to single mothers, providing Christmas presents in the name of Jesus to over 120 kids or handing out meals to kids who otherwise would have no food...God is allowing us to do something that will have eternal influence.
What brings even greater joy is when I think about the years to come. I am confident that God will allow Merge to do even greater things as we Merger's continue to show LOVE, seek ADVENTURE and build COMMUNITY. In fact, as we have sung many times; "Greater things have yet to come and greater things are still to come in this city!!!!"
We are just beginning to see what God will do through a body of believers who are committed to The Gospel and showing His love. I believe the adventure we are on is one of epic proportions.
To those who have and are taking the journey with me I have humbly grateful for your presence in your life. You are literally a Godsend in every sense of the word. Let us not shrink back now, patting our selves on the back as if we have arrived and should rest on our laurels. Let's commit to pursue God together and show love in unity even more ferociously in the next two years as we have the previous one.
"Happy Birthday Merge"
Heart and Soul,
BAG
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