God, the Amazing
So, God is always active, right? It’s just that sometimes we don’t see what’s happening. We start to believe that God doesn’t step into time and change things anymore.
And then…
And then, He moves in such blatent ways that you can’t ignore His hand in the world. These are moments that renew your faith and propel you through the next set of mysterious circumstances. Here’s a quick report of these last two weeks, which were amazing.
- Saturday, Dec. 4 — We started a cinnamon roll selling fundraiser so that money would not prohibit anyone from going to a conference over Christmas break, Faithwalkers. We made 90 cinnamon rolls and prayed from 8 PM - 12 AM. Among the prayer requests are needs for funds, helping people decide to go to Faithwalkers, and changed lives in our community.
- Sunday, Dec. 5 — I announce the cinnamon roll fundraiser during church. Immediately after announcing the fundraiser, a really tall guy walks up to me to ask, “I’m new here. So, what’s this ‘Rock‘ thing you were talking about?” I find out his name is Nick, and he wants to leave his troubled past and follow God. Did I mention he’s really humble, and he wants to change his life?
- Sunday, Dec. 5 — We sold 85 rolls that morning and took orders for 75 more to be delivered that next week.
- Sunday, Dec. 5 — Nick calls. He wants to know more about fasting and how to read the Bible. He wants to show God that he’s serious. We talk. He tells me that he wants to come to the Rock on Friday.
- Wednesday, Dec. 8 — I get the first report of how much money we need to raise so that everyone who wants to go, can. It’s $1150. Wow. That’s a lot of cinnnamon rolls.
- Wednesday, Dec. 8 — Matt Heerema sends an email to the Rock list, letting everybody know that Tony Striegle, a member of Stonebrook, tore a ligament at work and needs help roofing the house he’s building for his family. He needs the help on Thursday. It’s dead week.
- Thursday, Dec. 9 — I go to help roof for the afternoon. There’s a lot to do, and we don’t get close to done.
- Friday, Dec. 10 — I ask for help to go finish Tony’s roof on Saturday. 12 guys volunteer!
- Friday, Dec. 10 — I go help with Rock setup. There’s this new guy who asks Michael T. Riley if this is The Rock. I meet him. His name is Mike. He asks me, “So, are you guys about Jesus?” Surprised by his forwardness, I reply, “Ya, we are. Are you?” He goes on to tell me about how earlier in the day he was having a break down. He said his mind was falling apart. Not knowing what to do, he found a New Testament in the Memorial Union and started following the index about which passages talk about which problems in life. He tells me, “Jesus put me back together. Earlier today, I wasn’t about Jesus, but I think I’m coming around to your side.”
- Friday, Dec. 10 — We get done setting up equipment in the Great Hall, and I point out Tim Borseth to Mike. The two go out for dinner, and Tim shares Romans 10:9-10,13 and 1 John 5:11-12 with Mike. Mike decides to jump in and prayed a prayer of confession and invitiation for Christ to enter his heart. He is now saved!
- Friday, Dec. 10 — Nick comes to the Rock. He enjoys it and hooks up with several other Christians, among whom are Matt H., Pat B., and Dave P.
- Saturday, Dec. 11 — We roof Tony Striegle’s house! We get all the living spaces covered just as the sun sets.
- Sunday, Dec. 12 — We sell 95 cinnamon rolls at church and take orders for 112 more throughout the week.
- Sunday, Dec. 12 — Tony Striegle makes a generous contribution to the Faithwalkers fund.
- Tuesday, Dec. 14 — Mike decides to go to Faithwalkers! Did I mention that a month ago, I prayed that someone we hadn’t even met yet would decide to go to Faithwalkers? I did. Apparently, that person is Mike!
- Tuesday, Dec. 14 — Kirsten and I do the math and figure out how much money was raised for Faithwalkers. $1600! That’s enough to cover our team and help several others go to Faithwalkers!
- Wednesday, Dec. 15 — The current count is 27 men and women from RCA (that’s our team) going to Faithwalkers. 13 of them are going for the first time!
So, God raises more than enough money, saves the soul of Mike, and brings Nick from a troubled past into fellowship with Christians! His hand was so clear!
Amazing!