“God’s Spirit blows wherever it wishes. You hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. It’s the same with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” – John 3:8

We have all had this experience at some time in our lives – once in a while we get to be part of something extraordinary, something special. I have seen this happen time and again and I have to stand in awe and thank God for such grace and blessing.

Pensacola:

In Pensacola it was the “Kaleidoscope” Sunday morning class at the church Rebekah served. We got the ball rolling with two or three couples who had young children; then before we knew it there were 50, 60, sometimes close to 100 meeting every week in the fellowship hall an hour before worship. The energy and the passion from that group was a definitive characteristic of Trinity Presbyterian that nobody could ever forget.

Brandon:

At First Brandon it was the whole church. The growth, the energy, the mission and the powerful work of the Spirit made the entire campus literally rock with love and purpose.

The church enjoyed such a unique blend of people who came together and reached out into the community, demonstrating the truth that God’s plans are so much more imaginative and effective than ours.

Wake Forest:

Ditto our eight years with Wake Forest Presbyterian Church. Worship services charged with energy and so many creative initiatives including a vibrant men’s ministry. One “beyond extraordinary” moment that comes to mind is the December weekend where more than 4,000 people attended our “Walk Through Bethlehem.”

The last night I led one final group through the story, and the original dozen in my “tribe” grew and grew as – tableau by tableau – the cast members joined the other pilgrims until we reached the final scene, the manger, as the enthusiastic rollicking mob of joyful participants were suddenly quieted and reverent in response to the greatest story ever told.

I remember feeling so full that night, so privileged to be a part of something so celebratory and special.

Here in Tarboro, a serendipity:

Just a small sampling from a lifetime of special. And I only share this because here in Tarboro I have been surprised in the best way to be involved in a phenomenon that absolutely has its place among these epic stories.

I am talking about the men’s ministry here at HMPC. Every Tuesday morning a room-full of men show up at 7:30 for Bible study and the experience is charged with life and faith that is both exciting and humbling.

This week twenty-nine men filled every chair around the table and then every chair against the wall. Thirty if you include me.

Just to be there. Just to sit at one end of the table and look around. Just to soak in the cumulative faith and commitment in the room.

I have been involved with men’s ministry since I was in my thirties and realized I needed a band of brothers. My approach had always been small groups, but evidently that is not the model God has in mind here at Howard Memorial!

So I am there, I cobble together some kind of a Bible lesson, I share a couple of stories, the men come and the sense of The Holy is palpable.

Here’s the thing about being part of something extraordinary: you don’t make it happen and you can’t explain it. God’s Spirit blows wherever it wishes.

The sense of The Holy is palpable

All I can do is to say thank you… and keep my eyes firmly fixed on Jesus – DEREK