After an early rise this morning (and spilling hot tea all over my left hand pretty much rendering it useless for about half an hour), we made it to Brooklyn with about 30 minutes to spare before worshipping at The Brooklyn Tabernacle.
One friend told me that worshipping at BT would be as close to what it would be like in heaven until we actually get there. And I have to say, she was exactly right.
People of all backgrounds, races and creed came together this morning in an old theater-turned-church and poured out their hearts to the Almighty God. I think I properly prepared myself for the circumstance but I was still moved by the humility in that room.
I love how there was no order. We sang the songs however long we wanted to sing, there were impromptu prayers and people literally calling out to God all over the room. People opening their mouths and declaring the glory of the Lord, praising Him for who He is and what He has done in their lives.
And of course, the choir was incredible.
Jim Cymbala brought it, as I'm sure he does all the time. Simplistic message founded on the Word of God and delivered with true conviction and a humble heart.
I'll never forget that experience and I hope I'll have a chance to go back soon.
Next, we headed over to the U.S.S. Intrepid to do a couple of concerts on the deck there. The first concert, I think left much to be desired in the category of crowd numbers but we didn't need to forget that, in reality, there was only one Audience that we were singing to.
The next concert was incredible. There was a group of about 100 bikers (motorcycles) who were actually Vietnam veterans. They were all getting together to celebrate their anniversary and we just happened to be opening with several patriotic numbers. As we started singing the Salute to the Armed forces, the crowd grew and the excitement escalated. We asked them to salute or wave at us when we sang their branch's song and by the time we reached the Marines, we had old guys jumping up and down waving at us. They were SO excited. And it was so fun to watch.
After the Salute, we had a guy play Taps on the trumpet to honor the memory of the fallen soldiers. Cue waterworks. It was an emotional time for those men and an emotional time for people in the choir who have lost loved ones, or even just teared up at the sight of these massive guys in black leather vests weeping for their fallen friends, humbly putting their hearts on their sleeves. At the very end, we ended up taking a picture with a few of the guys and an impromptu singing of "God Bless America."
And then, y'all, I had to step to the side and have myself a little ugly cry. It was just too much.
By the time we finished, it was about 4 p.m. and most of us were all dog-tired. After much deliberation, Mom and Dad and I decided to make the eight block (35 minute) trek back to the hotel while everyone else took taxis and tried to catch the bus.
We were joined by our precious guide (with MissionNYC) Kumar, who lead us back. (I had to fight the urge to ask him where the White Castle was.) Kumar is a native New Yorker who grew up in the city. Because the walk was so long and Mom and Dad were dragging, we ended up being able to talk about a lot of things, including what it was like to grow up in the city, how he got into working with MissionNYC and what his future plans are. He's been doing this thing for about six years and is so excited that he gets to lead his own mission trip in November (I think) to Scotland for the first time. However, he really has a heart for youth and that's in fact where I think he wants to head with his ministry, into youth ministry.
We also ended up going to dinner together (as a little family of four, ha!) and we learned a little more about him, as he learned a LOT more about the Walden crew, including the fact the like to laught, A LOT.
We are about to hit the hay because well, today was pretty draining and Dad has an early morning ahead of him. He's speaking (preaching) and the homeless breakfast at 6:30 (probably more close to 7 a.m.) and I ask you all to pray that the Lord will speak through him in a mighty way.
And that we all won't look so touristy tomorrow.
Because you know it's a little telling with all the Southern accents and wide eyes and well...at least we are wearing shoes this week.
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