God of this City

Last night Athens Church had Community Celebration at the new building. If you were there, you know that it was incredible. Hundreds of people gathered in a dusty, smelly, torn up building to sing God's praises. The speakers were propped up on old Steve and Berry's shopping carts, and Caution tape lined the "halls." But, we quickly filled up all the chairs and people were standing many rows deep in the back. People poured in to thank the Lord for his faithfulness. We sang some great songs, heard Sean speak about Psalm 139, took communion together, and then it was time to pray. People were asked to scatter throughout the building to pray. They went to the future sight of the environment that they served in or had children in. Some prayed silently, some with a partner, and some wrote their prayers on the ground or other parts of the structure. It was an incredible sight.

Parents kneeled with their kids in front of the future sight of UpStreet to pray together. Dads wrote their sons' names on columns and asked God to make them into men who followed Christ. Kids sat with their small group leaders and wrote precious prayers for friends at school to not be afraid, and thanking God for their families. Many children and families thanked God for UpStreet and for their small group leaders and other volunteers.

It is incredibly humbling to be a small part of the BIG things that God is doing in Athens through Athens Church. Thank you all so much for making UpStreet happen. You truly are changing lives and you are leading children into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Words cannot express how grateful we are for you.

Please pray for UpStreet; pray for the kids who will come this Sunday, and for those who haven't heard of Athens Church at all yet. Pray that God will continue to use UpStreet to change lives, and pray that families will continue to see value in sending their children to a place where they learn that they can trust God no matter what.
Thank the Lord for his unbelievable faithfulness in this whole building process. Pray that the new facility will be all about God, and about leading people into a growing relationship with Him. He is so good.

As you pray for what God will do in the new building, check out athensiloveyou.org for updates on the construction project!