An Old Church
After seeing some big spiders in the window and a neighbor staring, I got back in my vehicle and left. Driving off to see what other secret places were tucked away on these back roads for me to capture.
Later that night, when I got home, I did what any body who take pictures would do. I took out the SD card and began to download the pictures to my phone. Always critical of the finished product and thinking I could of done better, I looked at the photos. I was correct...I could of done better. Some were not straight, some were over and under exposed, and some were just not good. (Thats what editing is for right? haha) After I got over myself, I just began to stare at the photos.
Many of the things I captured that day would all be considered old. An Old Church, an old rundown storefront, old fences, and old signs. To be honest many of the pictures I take are of old things. There is just something about seeing things that have been around for many years that jumps out at me. That's probably why History was my favorite subject growing up, and something still today I love! I don't know if I loved history as I do now when I was I child, but for as long as I can remember I have been drawn to History. I've stayed up late watching World War 2 videos. I've read books on different historical events. I go to antique stores to see all the cool classic things I can't buy haha!
I love History!
Here is the thing that gets me the most about History. Everything's got a story! An item that is old could be useless and even worthless, but it has a story. Many times the story of that item is worth more than the item ever was. It's the story where the item has its true value. And it's the story of all these old things that I see that draws me to them. Some stories you get to know. Things past down from generation to generation. Family heirlooms that many might not see as important, but because of the story is holds, is priceless. Like my grandpas's belt with his name inscribed on it (that name happens to be mine as well), my gramp's putter that he used to beat me in golf all the time (last time we played I lost by 2 strokes, the closet any of his grandsons got. Thats a badge of honor), or my Papaw Mitchell's Bible (WW2 veteran, Purple Heart recipient, a minister of the gospel for over 50 plus years, and now I'm a 4th generational minister). To many is just an old belt, old putter, and old bible. To me it is everything! It is a connection to family that are now gone physically, but they aren't really that far.
Some stories you don't get to know. Random items that are given to you or that you buy one day. Yet this isn't always a bad thing. For these items you get to think about what there story could be. There is an air of mystery to these old pieces. Where did they come from, who owned them, and if they could speak and tell of all that they have seen what would they say!? We don't know, but it sure is fun to let your mind imagine! I love History!
This Old Church in the photo above falls into this second category. As I began to look at that photo, God began to speak to me and tell me to imagine its story....
The first service...
Anticipation is in the air. For months the men and women have put in countless time, energy, and finances, to build a church they can call their own. Blood, sweat, tears, and prayer has been put into every aspect of this building. It is more than a church. It is a sign of God's faithfulness to His people. Now the day has arrived...Everyone is dressed in their Sunday best. Some even went and bought a new shirt or dress because of this special occasion. The pastor stands at the front door eagerly awaiting the congregation to arrive as his wife leads the choir in practice. Then they arrive...
Before to long the small church is packed with people excited about their new building, but more excited to seek after the One. As service begins a noise of adoration and praise fills the room and extends outside. As the congregation worships Him there isn't a dry eye there. The children watch as elders who usually seem so calm and mature become undignified before their King. Dancing, Shouting, Singing, Crying, Laughing all for Him. There is no time limit today. The Pastor finally gets up and begins to preach. He opens his mouth and declares the mystery of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the only thing louder than his preaching is the chorus of amens from the people. They are madly in Love with God. The Pastor comes to the end of his message and gives an invitation for someone to accept Christ. He scans that crowd and people begin to stand and walk down to the front. His eyes fill with tears as he thinks to himself, "God is so good!" The people erupt with praise as countless friends and family members have made the decision to follow Christ!
The last service...
This is it. After decades of being the meeting place for this congregation the time has come. Through the years God's faithfulness has continued to be seen. From the good moments where everything seemed to be perfect, to the moments where it didn't seem like there was a way. In the moments where the church was packed and prospering, to the moments the pastor laid prostrate on the floor crying, when the church was empty and in decline. Yet through is all God was faithful! For in the closing of today, is the opening of the new church building next week! But until then....Anticipation is in the air. Pastor awaits outside for the congregation one last time to enter into this place of worship. Before long that small building is filled once again with people excited to seek after the One. As service begins a familiar sound rises from the people and continues to pour outside the walls. Children who once watched amazed are now elders themselves becoming undignified before their King as the younger generation watches in awe. Different music is being sung but the One unto which they are singing is still the same! Instead of preaching the pastor opens the floor to the people to share testimonies of what God did in their lives, in this church. Many shared how this was the place they experienced God for the very first time and began their relationship with Him. Some spoke on how they found lifelong friends, got married, and even watched their children grow up in this church. Others began to share how they were freed from addictions in this church, came in a wheelchair but left running, came in blind but left seeing. And after everyone had spoken the pastor takes the pulpit one last time. Before he speaks, tears rolling down his eyes, he thinks to himself, "God is so good!"
Today that church just sits there on a back road, growing ever so more invisible to those who travel past it daily. A white blur while going 50mph on the way home. It is more than that though. It is a reminder of the small begins. It is a reminder of all the good things that have taken place within its walls. It is a reminder of the faithfulness of God from generation to generation. I realize that the building itself and the ground on which it sets is not holy or sacred. But the encounters and moments with God that children, teenagers, young adults, adults, and elders had in that church are.
What's the true story to the church? I don't know. Nor do I ever believe I will. Maybe with a little bit of digging I could find out a lot about its true story, but I don't think I want to know. As I stared at the photo and began to imagine its story God began to change me. God began to move upon me and speak to me in ways I haven't experienced in a long time. He even led me to type all this out.
So the true story may never be known...
but to me...
THIS is the story of that Old Church.
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