Abounding Love

Happy Easter! Blessings to you and your family!

Today, our team was welcomed into the hands of Common Ground Church, where we had our Easter service. I immediately felt a great peace come over me as I walked into the church. There was a love that radiated from the people that was practically overwhelming (in the best way possible). Our preacher, Big John, called everyone who entered the church "friends" and never strangers. I felt very safe and accepted, sharing fellowship with the entire congregation. The church service was held in a smaller sized area, with no more than 25 people in the room. I had such a wonderful experience meeting with everyone. They treated us like we belonged there, something that's very hard to replicate. We went in a different order of matters throughout the service: worship, poetry, worship, announcements, small groups, message, communion, and worship. The entire service was about two and a half hours, which flew by quickly. I did not see one frown or bored look on anyone's face that was there. Everyone was really personal and loving towards one another, almost like a family. Worship was wonderful. Music from the service was stuck in our heads the entire day, causing us to dance and sing in His name! During our time to break off with small groups, I was in a prayer circle with a man on my left side. He had requested for us to pray for his family, for he was soon to be a new father. He told us the desire of his heart: to keep his family humble and to bless everyone within it. As I took his hand, it shook while his eyes watered. I saw some fear behind his eyes, but his nerves were instantly calmed while a worship leader, filled with the Spirit, spoke amazing words into his life that left all of us in awe. Wow! God is doing amazing things within this community, and we are witnessing it everyday. Every one of us left that church with a big smile on our faces. I am blessed to share this trip with a team that has such open hearts with everything it encounters. Day by day, we are seeking His face, learning and growing more to fulfill our purpose here in Jackson, Mississippi.

Jordan