We Have Lift Off

What a day! What an adrenalin rush! What a good God! Our grand opening mailer went out on Tuesday to over 20,000 homes in the Ocean Beach community. All week I received calls from folks who received the mailer inquiring more information about our new congregation. Due to the calls I received, I was optimistic that we would have quit a few first time visitors. I was blown away by how many actually came. I would estimate that we had about 50 folks who came just because they received our mailer. All told we had around 85 for our first public worship. Everyone seemed to interact well and enjoy the worship and fellowship. The praise team knocked a home run. Their spirits ushered our new congregation right into a powerful time of worship. I had a strong sense of the Holy Spirit helping while I preached. There is nothing more fun than preaching the Word of God when you have been filled in an unusual way with His spirit. Courtney Hall, our good friend who has been living with us on and off since April, shared her testimony. It was soooo good. You can download my sermon and Courtney’s testimony online at http://www.harborob.org/.

Michelle was not able to make it to our service this morning. She had been up most of the night with multiple trips to the bathroom. By morning she was completely wiped out. She tried to shower and get ready but she was so weak. I am so thankful for Lois Swagerty, another Harbor pastor’s wife, who came and laid in bed with Michelle during our service. They cried and laughed together. Michelle needed some well timed encouragement. The Lord was so gracious to send Lois today.

Tomorrow starts a two week cram season for my ordination exam. Thankful, I was able to put off the exam a few weeks. Looks like I will go before the committee on the 24th or 25th. But for today, I will celebrate and this amazing new chapter of Harbor OB.