The Big Apple

Who can describe New York? So unlike Chicago, Seattle, Boston, any other town. It’s a myriad of vastly different ethnic and socio-economic communities all crammed into one small island and the surrounding areas. These past few days have been an absolute whirlwind. From the top of the Empire State Building to the bottom of the Holland Tunnel… it’s all amazing.

We stood in reverence overlooking the hole in the earth known as “Ground Zero”. There was a flood of emotions as we made our way onto an observation deck across the street from where the towers once stood. People only talked in hushed whispers even though there were no signs telling us to… it was like everyone sensed that this was a sacred place. It’s still hard to imagine what happened and how it has changed our world.

In the subway, on the way to the Dodgers vs. Mets game at Shea stadium, was about the first time in 4 ½ weeks that I (Debie) was glad I left my Dodgers sweatshirt at home. The only name I know is Joe Torre, because our Bellman said, “Be good to Joe. He’s a good guy.” Still can’t name one player, though.
I (Rob) have to admit that Debie was a better fan than I. I’ve always heard about the fans in New York and how rabid they are. Debie stood and cheered for the Dodgers’ home run. I figured they might be less likely to beat up a lady. Dodgers won that night, 9 to 5... it was great. The locals were true to form, they booed the Dodgers from the start, but when the Dodgers started to get the best of the Mets, they turned all their fury on their own team, reminding them what they expected of them. We were going to slip out at the end of the 8th inning to avoid the subway rush, but 2/3 of the Mets fans had the same idea, turning their backs on their team.

There were so many great things we saw… too many to describe here. Above all else, our memories of New York will forever center around going to The Brooklyn Tabernacle. We have had the privilege of going to many wonderful churches across the years, but this church and these people will always stand out in our minds. First there was staff meeting on Tuesday morning. About 60 people came in for the meeting and the joy and love that they felt for each other was so apparent. It was a great reminder of how the body of Christ is to come together. Then there was the Tuesday night prayer gathering where more than 3500 people came together to seek the heart of God. They started showing up at 5:00 for a 7:00 prayer meeting. At 6:00 the pastors came forward and lines began to form as people came to present their needs asking for specific pray in their lives. By 6:30 the house was packed and no one was running around to chat… they were there to meet the living God. No one waited to be told what to do. They knew and so did we. It was an anointed evening. Toward the end of the service Pastor Jim Cymbala called Debie and I to the front and asked the people to gather around us and pray for us and our church. All of you at Olive Knolls were prayed for that night by 3500 people as Jim laid his hands on us and asked God’s blessing on our ministry. Sunday was more of the same. Their services are at 9:00, Noon, and 3:30… two hour services. We went to the noon service. When we arrived at 11:00 there were already long lines outside the building waiting to get in. By noon every seat was packed plus 1000 in another auditorium video linked. Our hearts were full to overflowing. What a week!!!

Now on to Philly and D.C. and next Sunday in Harrisonburg Church of the Nazarene. God is good, all the time… and all the time, God is good.

Blessings,

Rob and Debie