The people at Center Grove Church in the Winston-Salem, NC area are so good to our family. Our relationship began in 2005 when I did some consulting for them and preached a Sunday or two. It has grown since then and they have been unbelievably generous to and supportive of our family and and our work in Columbia. I had a great time there yesterday...and will be back again this upcoming Sunday morning.
Of all the great things they have done, a conversation yesterday topped them all.
A lady came to me after one of the services and said, "I have a very serious question to ask you." I'm thinking, "Oh, no..." and a whole list of things that I may have screwed up ran through my mind. After I gave her the go ahead, she asked, "Did your Starbucks have to close?"
Her question caught me so off guard, I asked her to repeat it to be sure I heard her right. I told her that it did not close and the biggest smile came over her face and she laughed out loud. What she said next blew my mind.
She said, "As soon as soon we heard that Starbucks would be closing stores, my small group started praying that they wouldn't close yours because we know God is using you there and we know that there is more work for you to do there. I can't wait to tell them how God answered our prayers!"
I was floored. Absolutely floored. And, now I know why "my" Starbucks didn't close. :-)
Lawwwwwd...the things we take for granted that came our way in answer to somebody's prayer...wow! Go Jesus!!!! and Go ladies at Center Grove Church!!!!
Posted by: Bryan Plyler | July 29, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Ha! That was funny!
Posted by: mike watkins | July 30, 2008 at 03:58 AM
very cool story bro - hope things are well - looking forward to seeing you at Catalyst this year...we need to hook up for breakfast or a snack at the backstage vending machine...hmmm...tough choice.
Posted by: Chad Johnson | August 08, 2008 at 08:40 AM