Thursday, March 5, 2009

Together

Together

Yucaipa, CA

LifeQuest celebrated its first "Together" time Sunday March 1st at the Old Church in Yucaipa, CA. Together is a time when all of the churches, friends, and partners of LifeQuest come to hear what God is doing in the movement that we are part of.

Our LifeQuest core team felt it was important to create the same atmosphere that we have been experiencing in home meetings for the last 2 months. So we set up in the downstairs of the building where it feels like a big living room. We packed over 75 people in the room. From the outset we could sense God's pleasure and presence. The room was filled with voices expressing their praise to God for his goodness and grace. As the music ended the worship continued as our churches gave thanks to God for his work in their local expressions. From Lake Arrowhead to Yucaipa, from Indians, Pakistanis, and Hispanics we saw the mosaic of God's people from every nation, tribe, and tongue expressing what his mighty works are in the earth.

Much of my life in Christ has longed for a 1 Corinthians 14 encounter. The encounter that Paul says, "Whenever you gather, one has a psalm, a hymn, a word, but let everything be done decently and in order.” There was such freedom that many spoke out in prayer. Prophecy flowed to encourage those in despair. The Word of God was proclaimed from John's gospel. Art was used as an expression of worship. The artist’s conception declared the healing of the heart for several women who were in need of release from hopelessness.

A vision was cast to see new churches planted in Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and other parts of Southern California. Much thanks goes to a great group of Jesus lovers and followers. As the movement grows, we look forward to celebrating with all those who want to follow Jesus into the mystery of his kingdom.

Peace,
Mike