Saturday night, everyone at the P2 Project went to Set Free, a church that ministers to bikers, truckers and ex-cons. I think pretty much all of us were not sure what to expect, but any fears subsided instantly as we were greeted with handshakes and lots of hugs.
To say we "rocked out" during worship just doesn't really do it. We sang old rock songs with the lyrics changed to focus on a Christian message, such as "Celebrate the Lord, COME ON!" and "We're Not Going to Take It!" referring to how we won't let Satan have any control over our lives. During offering, everyone was encouraged to put in "dope money, alcohol money, porn and gambling money" and basically anything that gets us in to trouble. "This ain't yo mamma's church!" was said from time to time, but the overall message being conveyed: JESUS CAME TO LOVE AND SAVE EVERYONE is one to be shared at yo mamma's church, yo daddy's church, at your school, at your workplace, and anywhere else you may go.
The place was packed with such a diverse mix of people of all ages and backgrounds and it was such a blessing to see church being done in a way that is very different to what we are used to, but boy.... it was CHURCH!
The Set Free service was a great way to start the week- it instantly shifted our vision of what a church can be and gave our participants a firsthand account of how a church is not just four walls with pews and a steeple, but it can be held anywhere and with what some might consider "the least of these."
Prayer: That these children will understand the message of Christ's love they are hearing perhaps for the first time and that their parents will hear the same message during the evening Block Parties. Also pray for our students' patience as some of the children are a handful!
Groups working with The Gathering canvased neighborhoods around the University of Sioux Falls campus to get the word out about this new church. They will be having one big Block Party later this week.
Prayer: Please pray that God will stir people's hearts to come to a Block Party being held Thursday night and that they bring their kids! Our PowerPlanters are working so hard and we know God will bless their efforts.
