>>SAVED!<<
My heart is full this morning.
I just had to write to share with you all a tremendous victory that our young church experienced this week.
Two weeks ago as we were setting up for our gathering, I noticed a man sitting on the park picnic tables. Let me be very honest here and say that we are very white so far at The Axis (this is humbling to confess). We pray each week during our core training for other races to be drawn to The Axis and that they partner with us. In our urban context, we must have other races…MUST. This man was from west Africa. He has his undergrad degree and seemed to be very genuine. He wasn’t interested in showing up that night.
I prayed for him at least 5 times over these last 2weeks. I even shared with him our prayer and need for “other cultures” to gather with us to worship. He thought it was funny but he understood and appreciated my desire for that.
Last night this man showed up. His name is Gilbert. He took a Bible as his own and used it during our gathering. After our time together I was tracing the room for Gilbert. I wanted to connect with him before he left. After 15minutes, I assumed he had IMMEDIATELY slipped out—that wasn’t a good sign.
One of our Interim Leadership Team members (Jacob) asked me if I heard about Gilbert. I had not. He said, “Bro, Gilbert just got saved!” I was elated! Not only did God give us an African brother, He allowed our very first convert to be GILBERT! Gilbert told Jacob, “I want to be adopted by Christ.” DANG! I love it!!!
I hugged Gilbert like a bear (I know that is perhaps weird, but 
under the circumstances and my manly example of a bear, I consider it OK). I said, “What happened bro? I heard something about you.” He said, “I am owned by Jesus.” I said, “Yes you are my friend.” He said, “I want to be apart of your family here.” I said, “Gilbert, you are already apart of our family. We are going to eat together, drink together, watch UFC together, sing together—all sorts of things that families do, we will do together.” Tonight Jacob is picking him up and taking him to supper then on to our men’s Bible study at 8pm.
This is huge for us. We have been gathering for only 4 months but that is quite some time to go with no convert. I just knew it was going to happen soon…BUT GILBERT?!?! Last night?! Wow. I am so blessed.
That’s it. Thanks for your time.
Grace. Peace. Jeremy