Passing Along Good Reports

It’s always good to hear a good report. Here’s a sampling of good reports—letters sent to my mailbox in recent days. Each of these excerpted notes bears witness to the moving of God at Madison Park. Read, pray, and be encouraged.

First from a guy in his mid-50’s: “Although my wife and children have attended church, I have not been a regular attendee for over 30 years. I have felt the tug to attend for many years, but always found a reason not to... I came with my wife to Madison Park on the first Sunday and I have attended every service since. The experience has been overwhelming. The services have guided me to renew my relationship with God. It’s hard to put into words, but every time I come to a service, I feel as if the Holy Spirit is tugging at my heart. As I read the Scripture and the words to the hymns on the display I begin to weep—not in sadness, but in pure joy. I tear up on the messages, on the solos, when the choir sings... I see other worshipers raise their hands when moved—I just cry. Am I normal? I don’t mind crying, but people will start sitting elsewhere when they see the ‘crying man.’

“I am a sinner and I have asked God for forgiveness. My life is changing. I have a new job... which I believe was given to me by God. I feel a tremendous need to serve the Lord and the church. I think God has given me a dream, too! Thanks for listening. I got through this letter with only a couple of Kleenex—whew. See you Wednesday at Men’s Fraternity. Your friend in Christ...”

Here’s a note from a Church of God pastor in Ohio: “My wife and family had looked forward to visiting the Madison Park Church and last week we had the opportunity to do so! We were so inspired by the community of believers which we met there. As we arrived in to Anderson last Friday evening, we drove over to see the building and grounds. What a testimony to vision! ...The Sunday service was a moving example of what a community of believers can do when they ‘have a mind to work.’ The sermon reminded us to seek a dream from the Lord. I have been meditating on this message all week. We look forward to listening to the series... it has stirred us again to open ourselves to the dream which God has for our lives and ministry. We are planning to listen regularly via the internet.

“It seems like your congregation has become so much more than a local church—perhaps regional or global would be a more adequate description. I personally want to thank you for impacting our Church of God movement.”

The following note is from a woman in her 30’s who asked me to share her heart-cry with the church; she’s too shy to speak it, so she wrote it down and sent it to me; her name is Nancy: “I recommit myself to God. I have been having several personal battles and have been feeling very discouraged and hopeless. It seems as if the devil is really taking his toll on me right now. I have become very bitter, angry, hurt, and upset and starting to blame myself and God for not listening to my prayers and helping me during this time of need.

“I just started attending Madison Park in June of this year. I love Madison Park, Pastor Lyon, and the congregation. I feel God led me to Madison Park as an answer to one of my prayers. I had been struggling for several months and God finally came through and led me to Madison Park on June 17. He also gave me an answer to prayer for physical healing just three weeks ago. I thank God for both of these answered prayers daily.

“I just feel like I need to renew my vows to God and recommit myself, so that He can renew my faith and His Spirit in me. I cannot walk these battles I am facing alone, so I really need God to walk beside me, take my hand, and let me know things will turn around for the better. So church, I ask you to help me, as I recommit my life to God. Pray that God will stand beside me, taking my hand, and leading me in the righteous direction that I need to live. Thank you Madison Park, thank you pastors, and thank you all who have already been praying for me and being here for me in my time of need. I love you all. Please continue to keep me and my family in your prayers. May God bless you all!”

There are many other stories to tell. But, as you think on just these three, know that your investment in the Lord’s work at Madison Park is changing lives, redeeming, restoring, proclaiming, healing, and blessing. Thanks for being faithful. And, thanks for sharing your testimonies, too. In every conversation, lift somebody up this week. Remember, it’s always good to hear a good report.