Still electrified from the afternoon Missions Rally, the Alliance family continued the celebration with a vibrant Saturday evening worship service. The room was filled with the presence of God as we entered into a time of praise to Him.
Johnathan Schaeffer, pastor of Grace Church in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, reminded us that we can rest in God: “We are going to trust Him to do great things!”
The Grace Worship Team invited us into exaltation, shouting “Hosanna” and praising God for setting us free.
Former C&MA president, Gary Benedict, prayed over John Stumbo and his newly elected Board of Directors, asking for God to continue the work He started. Gary prayed that the Board would live in unity with each other because “where God’s people dwell in unity, He pours out His blessing.”
The parable of the prodigal son was read in English, Spanish, Korean, and American Sign Language, and participants of Take-a-Break, the disability ministry at Grace Church, danced on stage while playing instruments.
After much rejoicing, Ty King led a responsive prayer of thanksgiving, saying, “We will lift up our hands in worship for Your faithful love endures forever!”
Ron and Wanda Walborn led in prayer for the prodigals in our lives, inviting us to “call forth what is not as though it were.” The audience wrote names on cards as the worship team sang “Come Alive.”
Johnathan asked us to pray for the prodigals, as mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters lifted their papers in the air. “God knows where they are, and He sees them,” he said.
A group read a list of who we are in Christ: chosen, forgiven, redeemed, complete.
Johnathan concluded with a benediction: “May you go with great hope, confidence, and faith.”
The Day in Pictures
Seen and Heard
“I read [the Bible] like a thirsty person.” —a North African church statesman
“It is not duty that compels us to serve. . . . It is love.” —an international worker serving in Africa
“We are the women of this Christ-centered, Acts 1:8 family.” —Jen Vogel, national director for Great Commission Women
“The God who sees us is not content to have His followers living life with a faulty vision of what is truly important.” —an international worker serving in Europe
“Do I really love [Jesus], or am I following Him for His blessings?” —an international worker serving in Africa
“I realized I didn’t have to live out my promises to God; I could live out His promises to me.” —a North African church statesman
“[Prodigals] have heard your lectures their entire lives. They want you to listen and know who they are.” —Ron and Wanda Walborn, Nyack and Alliance Theological Seminary
Extras
Following are additional items to remind you of today’s session.