For Heaven's Sake

by Jim Lyon, Senior Pastor

I love working at Trunk ‘n Treat on Halloween. Our trunk’s lame décor will never win a prize—but some trunk displays could (like the fabulous Wizard of Oz set-up, featuring a yellow-brick road, tin man, and Emerald City-with-a-Space Needle, that Becky “Dorothy” Rosenberg and Chris Sheets brought to life … or the Ten Commandments extravaganza, complete with growling Pharaoh, pyramids, and smiling Moses) that the Trick Small Group staged a few trunks up from mine … or Steve and Linda Elliott’s Popeye and Olive Oil, surrounded by a tower of spinach cans … well, you get the idea).

As Maureen and I enjoyed that balmy Halloween evening last week, a dream suddenly was realized. I didn’t notice it at first, but something we had imagined years before suddenly was taking place, right before our eyes. From the first day we began dreaming of Madison Park we dreamed of a place where everyone would feel welcome. Traditionally, Anderson has had its “sides.” You know, there’s the “west side,” “east side,” “north side,” etc. Different neighborhoods and “sides” are owned by “them” or by “us.” I-69 has for 40 years been the southern boundary of “Anderson.” On the north side of the interstate, territory was essentially carved up. On the south side of the interstate, well, it was a “no man’s land.” It didn’t belong to anyone. Maybe that’s why Meijer is the most integrated supermarket in Madison County and why Ryan’s is the county’s most integrated restaurant. They’re both in the “no man’s land” south of the interstate. And now, our church is, too.

The dream? That Madison Park could be a safe place for folks from every segment of our community: “red and yellow, black and white,” and everybody else. It happened at Trunk ‘n Treat. I watched it. A gazillion kids and their families (okay, maybe not a gazillion, but over 1,300 anyway) representing every imaginable part of our community. White kids. African-American kids. Asian kids. Hispanic kids. Rich kids. Poor kids. Hearing-impaired kids. Physically-challenged kids. And challenging kids. They were all there. It was the world Heaven sees every day and a world we see all too rarely. It was a dream come true. Full of life and energy, laughter, hope and promise. Another Madison Park dream realized, if but for the moment. Awesome.

Dreams work. They really do. Joseph-in-Genesis had a dream. Joseph-in-Matthew was warned in a dream. Jacob had a dream. Peter’s whole sense of the Gospel was changed in a dream on a rooftop in Joppa. Paul was called to take the Gospel to Europe in a dream. Martin Luther King had a dream. You have some dreams. So do I. And together, we have been a part of the unfolding dream at Madison Park.

We’ve dreamed of thousands—yes, thousands—being saved. We’re on our way—with more baptisms and conversions at Madison Park in the last year than ever before in our congregation’s history. We’ve dreamed of being salt and light, actually changing the way our community lives. The GoTo26.com committee of local businesses (serving as a catalyst for enhancing the visibility and viability of development at Exit 26) was born at Madison Park. The Dove Harbor auction in The Commons last month (helping to underwrite this critically important Christian ministry to displaced women and children) was the best attended ever. The conferences and conventions we have been able to host at Madison Park in the last year have opened doors not just for us, but for all of Madison County. The dream of a convergence zone at Madison Park (with the church at its center) for the northeast Indianapolis metro stills lives. Believers across the world wait and pray for our dreams to come true, too--knowing that God will bless them as He blesses us over time.

I am absolutely convinced that Dreams-at-Madison-Park-do-work. But, like every God-given dream (as those guys in Scripture learned) every dream requires courage, daring, steady sacrifice, and long-term commitment. Thanks to each one whose faithful giving has helped bring us this far; thanks to each one who is joining the team. Remember, every one million dollars in debt we retire frees up $7,600 monthly for bringing new ministry to life. When you participate in the Dreams Work iniative, you literally change the world.

Check out the Dreams Word below. If you haven’t already signed up to be a part of Dreams Work, prayerfully do so this week. Madison Park needs you. God has opened a door of breathtaking opportunity right here, right now, for all of us.

In all the world there is no investment you can make anywhere that will do more good over time than investing in Dreams Work. I truly believe that. More people in more places will benefit than any other sacrifice you can make. And you’ll be blessed right-back, too. Your commitment matters. Be encouraged. And, keep dreaming, for Heaven’s sake.

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Important Notice: On November 26, Jim's Blog will migrate to the Threads blog (http://threads.madisonparkchurch.org). This site will remain open as an archive for an indefinite time. Questions? Contact Kevin Majeski, Communications Director at Madison Park Church of God.