Elizabeth City, NC February 19-22, 2017

​​It has been a while since I posted a trip update, but I was compelled to give a little summary of our life-changing time in Elizabeth City, NC.  This was the first time we have been to an Evangelical Methodist Church, and our connection came through their pastor, Dr. Bill Ury.  While I had heard of him for many years, Bill and I became acquainted a couple of years ago while working together at Camp Sychar Holiness Campmeeting in Mt. Vernon, OH.   The Lord Jesus developed an instant bond between us that has continued over the course of these two years in mutual support and encouragement.  We were thrilled to get to come to ECEMC to present the Word, but, in honesty, even more for the time of relationship with Bill and his wonderful wife, Diane. 

 We were so warmly received by this church body.  It was fascinating to watch the dynamic of the Lord’s working in this church over the course of the five services and four days we were there.  Things seemed to begin quietly on Sunday morning, but by Sunday night I could sense that Jesus was breaking through.  This only increased day by day over the next three services, Monday through Wednesday.  Each night it seemed that the attendance grew.  Even more than this was the certain sense of the moving of the Holy Spirit that was growing each night.  The preaching was easy for me as God seemed to honor the prayers of the people who gathered to pray before each service.  

Most or all would have had no idea that my throat had been sore for the entire previous week and I was a bit concerned about how it would hold up for the revival services.  But Jesus sustained and provided in an amazing and powerful way.  By the final service on the final night, we had the largest attendance and the overflow of His presence was clear enough for all to see.  The response was like nothing we had seen the entire week, with people coming to the altar to pray.  There was a most definite sense of revival in this body, for which we were so grateful. ​

​I had two special blessings that were equally as life-changing for me personally.  First, I got to have my son Carey with me.  God always does more than I can describe and it is something for which I am deeply grateful when he is able to come.  There is no substitute for having those hours together in travel, in fellowship with people, and being in the services together.  I am deeply grateful for the impact that Jesus is able to have on Carey’s life as well as mine in these times.  Furthermore, the men of this church, as is often the case, really embraced Carey.   There is always a great interest and support when people learn of Carey’s interest in and intention to go into the military.  We were gifted with two special outings during our time in Elizabeth City.  First, we were able to go with Bill one day to Kitty Hawk to see the site, now a national park, where the Wright Brothers conducted their first powered flight.  

Equally amazing was the guided tour we received from two Coast Guard members in the church as they took us through the Coast Guard base in Elizabeth City.  Carey, as usual, was completely enamored with getting to see the C-130 planes up close as it is his dream to fly that airplane.  I am deeply grateful to those who take such an interest in his life and future.   The other blessing was just getting to be with Bill.  The time together in meals, driving in the car, being in services, or just sitting and talking.  It was the richest of times, and we come away refreshed and encouraged beyond what I can say.  

I am thankful for men of God who love Jesus in such a way that their lives are just a manifestation of Him.  I am deeply grateful for not only the effect of this on my life, but also for the effect on my son and family.  God’s blessings continue to surprise and overwhelm in ways we could never imagine, as we continue,
 
Running together in Christ,
 
John