59 :: The Place

Today we worshipped with The Place. Today was this church's first gathering, in Latta Park in Charlotte's Dilworth. The couple at the helm of this church are Ed and Pearl, who felt the movement of the Holy Spirit in their hearts to spin up this new church. Ed is American and Pearl is originally from South Africa. We really enjoyed meeting them.

One of the things that Ed said to me when we made introductions was - "Our land is primed for revival right now!" Yes, this was that kind of gathering. Boom!

The Place does not yet have a physical location. I believe there's an exciting story ahead for this church and it won't be long before they may be able to move into a physical location.

Beth and I had enjoyed a spectacular morning where we had been baptized at Freedom House. After that, we dropped by this church's inaugural meeting. 

Below are some photos of the group. At the top, you can see Ed talking to everyone. In the second picture, he is joined by his wife, Pearl. At the bottom is a picture of the park shelter where we all had lunch.

When Ed and Pearl spoke, they gave their vision for The Place. It was a vision of a community of believers that would shine Christ into a needing world. 

They had asked people to bring canned goods to the gathering, since it is a Christian obligation to help those with less. Pearl shared some of her story about being raised with food insecurity in a township in South Africa. It is on this church's heart to ensure that people are fed - both spiritually and physically. Ed and Pearl also prayed with those in attendance. These folks can pray powerfully! It was a profound moment as this church congregation lifted up their common vision for their future to God.

Beth and I spent time talking to a woman named Sophia, one of the people involved with The Place. She described her faith journey by explaining that she had been stretched in profound ways in recent years. As an introvert, she naturally grew up with some level of shyness. Her church experience had been positive in recent years in that she was now able to pray in front of a group without thinking anything about it. Years earlier, this would have been an issue for her.

I believe that The Place will flourish and I loved meeting people like Ed, Pearl and Sophia. 

Today Ed called me and we prayed over the phone about a concern that I mentioned to him. His prayers were strong and held a force that I don't hear often. It was simply awesome. And that is what the Body of Christ does - we support each other against the headwinds that life can bring. 

Quick side note, Pearl and I spoke Afrikaans at this gathering, we both got a kick out of that! That is her first language and it is a language that I picked up in my linguistic endeavors over the years.

This is both the smallest and youngest church I have encountered on this journey, so far. It was impossible to miss that the Spirit is at the helm of this budding congregation.

I wish The Place great success and growth in the coming years. I see great things ahead.