Tonight was an amazing experience. Stacey, the McDavid's and I, went to Set Free Ministries in Phoenix. We arrived there around 4:30 and stayed til about 9. I was just completely blown away by what I saw around me at that church.
What the church does, is take in people from the streets and house and feed them. But the great part, is that they teach the Bible daily and pray daily as a group. One thing that impressed me, is that they had a white board where they ate. And on it was prayer requests that the entire group prayed for every day. One of the pastors said that they get erased all the time because they always get answered. I can't imagine how the unbelievers in the house think when they see that so frequently. It really shows why they do not have many non-believers in their ministry. Because they actually see Jesus and the power and it is so undeniable!!! They take them where they are at, but show them where they can be. And that really stood out to me.
I already was so impressed before 6 o'clock service came, and when it did... I was even more blown away, and felt a bit of a fire being relit in my soul. The pews were full, people were standing in the back listening to the service. Everyone came as they were (remember this was a church that served homeless people, as well as drug addicts and alcoholics). So if you looked at the crowd, it was a bit intimidating. But if you heard and truly felt the crowd, you would get a sense of inspiration. It is so funny to me, because they truly understand what the New Testament church is about. They come as they are, and they understand that God is almighty, and they have a duty to serve Him in some capacity. Everyone is held accountable to serve once they have given their lives to Jesus. The greatest part, is that their hearts want to serve Jesus! Their hearts were so happy in the Lord. They did not need a house, or a car, but all they needed was Jesus.
I know these people have made bad choices in their lives before, but you can truly see 2 Cor 5:17 in action. They had completely new lives, not necessarily in appearance, but in heart. The service began with music from Amazing Grace in the form of an Eagles song, to Jesus Freak. And they sure jammed. People worshipped how they were felt led to. Tradition and legalism was definitely not present. Not everybody stood, but the ones who sat had a reason. I saw so many before worship just reading the Word... Even during and between songs some were led to just keep readin.. Where is that fire in most Christian's lives?
I know that churches such as mine, cannot conform to their style of worshipping. For example, I do not expect San Tan Heights to all get tatoos and long hair. But what they had, that I do not see in most churches, is just a real heart. It was not fake, it was true, genuine, and honest. They all knew that they did not deserve Jesus, and they understood that they could not do it alone. Sure, they had to go through a lot of bad things to find that out... But I don't think that our churches can't find it out. They were transparent, and confessed to one another!
That is the key to the church! I felt like I could write a whole sermon just off of the experience I had tonight ( and I probably will).
We ended the night with our group putting together and serving the food. We served a lot of food, and it was so great to see how appreciative they were of us. Another great part, was that the people living there were serving out food themselves. Because they realize they need to serve God in all they can. But luckily some of them let us take their spot so we can enjoy the experience of serving them. We served lots and lots and lots of food. It was so worth it.
I just really think they know whats going on. I think it'd be wise for our church, and the churches that are "civilized" to go visit Set Free. It is humbling, and it is a wake up call.
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