After eleven weeks of meeting through Zoom, the doors were opened yesterday at Boones Creek Bible Church to gather corporately. Wow! What an awesome experience of the grace of God! Indeed, as best as I can say, it was a little bit of heaven on earth (Revelation 4-5)!
Some of the highlights:
- All the smiling, happy faces!! The laughter of children and adults! Even though many were reserved due to playing-it-safe, there was an atmosphere of joy-filled expectation. We had seen most folk on Zoom through the weeks, but nothing takes the place of being in person! You know, I get a glimpse of heaven through the precious Word of God, but one day, it will be in person! (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
- Congregational singing!! Pastor Andrew directed us to consider our great God as we began the morning gathering singing, “Behold our God!” From there, we were exhorted to consider the only way to God and our position in Christ by singing “In Christ Alone.” Eleven weeks ago, the last song we sang corporately was “He Will Hold Me Fast.” Certainly, that is what God has done through these days of uncertainty. We finished with looking to the future by prayerfully singing, “Be Thou My Vision.” These songs came from asking our congregation to share a song that would sum up their personal testimony during COVID-19. Normally I sit on the front row and to hear the folks behind me singing was powerful!! Now I sing off-pitch at times, but in heaven, it will always be to God and in tune (Revelation 5)!
- Visitors! How wonderful to see folks attending that our people had invited. I believe that this pandemic has awakened many to the issue of death. People want the Truth. What a joy to welcome new faces, to pray with them, to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to listen to their stories. The only sad note about today was those who refused to receive Christ as Savior. How wonderful it will be when see all our spiritual family in Glory, those who have received Christ alone for salvation (John 1:12). Visitors, no; family, yes!
- Prayer! We saw God answer prayer today!! In Heaven, Christ is interceding for us (Hebrews 7:25) for us right now! We have continual access to the Throne through our Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).
Although our hearts are heavy for the current upheaval in the streets of America and the continual effect of COVID-19, the Church should be a little heaven on earth as it exalts the One Who can change everything, Who makes life worth living, who is worship — the Lord Jesus Christ!!
From A Pastor's Heart 
Dale, Thank you for the update! Just seeing a pic of the folks in the pews, even from behind, was a great blessing and it brought back so many powerful and joyful memories. I am so glad for you all! I had the privilege of preaching at Thompson Baptist Church in Thompson PA yesterday. There were just a few folks in the pews but we studied on the life of Joseph in SS and declared the Word from Luke 12 during the AM message. What a joy and a treat to be back in a gathering of fellow believers once again. I have been invited back for next Sunday and will be returning, and maybe even be there for Prayer Meeting on Weds. I also have some real good news regarding ministry. The First Baptist Church of Great Valley NY has their eyes and interest squarely on me. We are discussing financial needs and so on right now and it appears they are intent on bringing us on board as soon as possible. I want to thank you and Denise for your prayers. God is answering! I will keep you posted on the progress. Your Prayer Partner and Friend Carl
On Mon, Jun 1, 2020 at 6:44 AM From A Pastor’s Heart wrote:
> Dale posted: ” After eleven weeks of meeting through Zoom, the doors were > opened yesterday at Boones Creek Bible Church to gather corporately. Wow! > What an awesome experience of the grace of God! Indeed, as best as I can > say, it was a little bit of heaven on ear” >