Blood, Sweat, and Tears ... and a Concert

What a great concert last night.  Christ Church hosted our first concert with Nashville Christian recording artist Jeremy Casella.  I don’t know what the final count was last night, but a bunch of people joined us on our lawn and heard the powerful story of Jesus and the gospel in a fresh, authentic, and vulnerable way.  I believe God was honored.

As the day unfolded prior to the concert, I was reminded again that there is an enemy of God that is trying to defeat our plans to honor God, point people to Jesus, and make a life-giving investment in the west county.  Thankfully the Crises were averted.  Here’s what went down.

About 9:30am Sunday morning I get a text message from our artist, Jeremy, saying his guitar broke at the church he was playing that morning.  His guitar broke!  He’s coming to play an acoustic, guitar driven concert … and his guitar broke!  Not just any guitar … his guitar: the guitar he’s used to craft the songs that he’s written for years, the guitar that has traveled the world with him.  To a musician, a guitar of this caliber and history is a part of who they are; to have it break is ... heartbreaking.  Again, not to mention he had another show in the evening – at our home. 

He asked if we could find a guitar to use.  He asked for a couple of specific kinds of guitars, which I completely understand.  (When Jimmy Johnson wrecks his NASCAR race car, you don’t give him a Yugo as a replacement.) 

So I started texting people in our church and other friends looking for help.  While we couldn’t find the specific guitars he uses, we found a good one that he could use.  Being the professional Jeremy is, he rolled with it and graciously played the guitar and made it sound beautiful! 

Crisis #1 – Averted.

We, had a guitar, we were home free!  And then the screaming started.  At 3:30pm our youngest daughter fell off her bike.  Screaming and crying walking back the driveway, her hand covered her mouth that was bleeding.  So I called my wife (I don’t do blood and trauma very well).   Did I mention it was 2 ½ hours before guests would begin to arrive?

My wife gave appropriate first aid treatment.  She called her father (who’s a physician) to consult on the cut lip.  We then went to our neighbor - who is really a best friend, launch team partner, and one who is like my older brother - who happens to be local dentist.  We interrupted his relaxing Sunday afternoon and he graciously examined her lip and teeth. 

She would be fine, just a lot of ice/cold compress and ibuprophen and rest.  No ER visit needed.  Whew!!!

Crisis #2 – Averted (with a little blood, sweat and tears)

My wife and I looked at each other and knew it was going to be a great night.  The enemy of God doesn’t plan, work, and fight against us, unless there’s a Kingdom of God reason to.

Now I know what some will say or think.  Those are just random happenings.  Those are just coincidences.  I understand those ideas.  I don’t look for a demon under every rock either. 

But this is what I know:  Ephesians 6:11-12

¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Our real struggles in this world are not between each other.  There is a spiritual battle that takes place.  We are spiritual people and we are engaged in spiritual battles.  When the enemy of God knows that God is going to be honored, when a group of people will gather to worship him, when God may break through the hard hearts and understanding of some people to express his grace and providence, then the battle is on.

Here’s the other thing I know … Christ’s church is a powerful army and a magnificent team!!!

Acts 2:42-47 was on full display yesterday.  From guitars to friend's who happen to be dentists, to prayers to serving at a concert on a lawn, the church was the church.   

So thank you to all who offered guitars.  Thank you to whoever was praying for us yesterday at 3:30pm.  Your prayers helped.  Thank you to the people of Christ Church of West County who gave of their resources, time, energy, and talent to make last night happen.  It was a good night.

This is what Christ Church of West County will be about: a church that acts like a church. If you’re looking for a church that’s not perfect but trying to authentically follow Jesus, help others, and give of themselves to a cause that is bigger than they are, then we may be the church for you.

¨      If you want more information on Christ Church or have something you’d like us to pray about, email us at ccwestco@gmail.com.  We’d love to hear from you.

¨      If you’d like to help us reach our goal of $50,000 in 50 days to help with our start up costs: audio/video equipment, rental payments, children’s ministry supplies, a keyboard, a drum kit, pens and paper, etc., we’d love to invest your donation.  You can make a check payable and forward your donation to: Christ Church of West County, 170 Gateway Dr., Fairview, PA 16415.

Church Should Be Simple:  Love God and Love People!

-Ben