Same Church, Different People

The podium of the small church nestled in the suburbs served as a symbol of spiritual triumph on Tuesday evening, as members of the congregation stood and testified to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Life Action's Red Team headed up the two-week long summit, and one of the team members, reflecting on Tuesday's service, commented, "God is faithful to finish the work He has begun. What a privilege to be able to see Him changing lives!"

One woman at the pulpit noted that she had attended a conference held by Life Action twenty years earlier, and "God did an incredible work." A smile played on her face as she mentioned that she tried to prepare herself for this summit, but God convicted her of a prideful heart. She noted that her pride fed a surreptitious social lie, and commented, "It's easy to do. It is my desire that I not dishonor Him by lying in any form."

A young man in a black shirt approached the podium; his hair was short cropped and his face solemn as he spoke: "I joined the Marine Corps. I loved violence. I grew to want it." He seemed to relive his pain as he spoke. "The Marine Corps eventually asked me to leave. I hated myself. I was under suicide watch."

He paused and, as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, continued, "I'm thankful that God put it on my heart to be in church every Sunday. It's not a coincidence that I have been here during this summit. I have faced my anger." His face grew grim again as he continued to confess that he professed to be a Christian while in the Marines, but instead of shining as a light on a hill, he tarnished the name of Jesus by his actions.

Tuesday's service continued past ten in the evening as people continued to come forward, confess, and pray with each other. What a wonderful testament to the power and love of God! This church is just one of many examples of what can happen when people are open to the convicting Word of God.

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