I don’t normally share this sort of thing, but today I feel like laying it out there.  My family and I have been under attack for over two weeks now.  We’ve had some kind of a bug that we’ve been passing back and forth with no real relief in sight.  We’ve had some knock down drag out arguments (I know, pastors aren’t supposed to admit this sort of thing).  We’ve been fighting feelings of doubt and insecurity (again, a big no-no in preacher-world).

Today has been one of those days that reminds me all over again what God wants to do in and through Iron City Church.  A reminder of what all this struggle is about.  A reminder that God is still in the business of redeeming lives for eternity:

First, I met for lunch with a man who attended ICC for the first time on Sunday.  He’s been out of church for a loooooong time and decided to check us out because of our “More Jesus, Less Crap” signs.  His wife has been a believer for a long time, steadily praying for and trying be a light for her husband.  Today, after a good deal of discussion and sharing between he and I, this guy bowed his head in Subway, repented, and handed over the reins of his life to Jesus Christ!

Thank you GOD for this new life in Christ — Your Kingdom has been expanded by one and this guy can sleep with eternal security tonight, thanks to your grace!  I can’t wait to see what you are going to do in and through this life in the coming weeks, months, and years.  This is the first known salvation decision (of many to come) made as a result of the ministry of Iron City Church. 

Then, this evening we had a comeback event — a gathering of folks who were interested in learning more about ICC.  We had a good time tearing up some hot dogs and hamburgers and then got down to talking about God’s vision for ICC.  At the end of the night, I invited those present to sign on to the launch team and commit to helping us get this thing kicked off successfully and sustainably on September 16.  And we added 5 more people to the team.  We’re up to 35 people on the launch team as of now!

Thank you God for everything YOU are doing here and what is to come — strengthen and guide us as we continue to charge the gates of hell to make disciples and make THE NAME OF JESUS FAMOUS in the Pittsburgh metro area!!