Philly Trip Day 1,2 & 3

Day 1 (Saturday)
Traveled all day from Holland to the Harrowgate of inner-city Philly without any car trouble. Praise Jesus! Was a good trip. We did not rush and still made good time. We arrived at Calvary Bible Church around 10:30 p.m.

History:
Doug Logan the pastor of Calvary Bible Church is planting a church in another part of the inner-city called Frankfurt while Mike Wright is bringing his fellowship, City Bible Church, and taking over the building. Mike and his congregation have been meeting in a store front and through Coz Crosscombe and CityNet hooked up with Doug to make the transition. It is a good move for all.

Day 2 (Sunday)
Sunday morning service was amazing! In attendance were Calvary Bible Church, City Bible Church, Philly team from Central Wesleyan and a few college students and interns for a total of about 60 people. The most they have had in there in the past 3 months was about 15-20 people. I really can't describe the energy in the room. Let's just say it was high!

Coz brought a message that all churches should here. In fact you can listen to it here.

After service and a little Rita's Water Ice I asked all the kids what was the thing that most stood out to them from today. The majority of them said they loves the spirit, energy and message of the service. Thank you Lord for speaking to all our hearts.

Day 3 (Monday)
Breakfast and then work projects.

We worked on everything from cutting out copper pipes to literally cleaning the streets. We had one group go to a construction site of a church connected through CityNet and help clean up. Another group cleaned out a few rooms at the Calvary Bible Church and reorganize them for a future give-away center.

After lunch we broke into 2 groups. One group stayed at the church and set up a flee market of sorts and gave goods away. A way to show the local community, Harrowgate, that the church cared about them. Through this hearts were warmed and for those that came we made them aware that the church was there for them. Also, connected with a family 2 doors down that had some deep seeded hurt from the church and were able listen and build them back up. There was some great reconciliation that took place. Thank you Lord! The other group went to the site of the other church and helped clean up and get ready to get into the building that they will be in.

All in all the day was very impacting on the students and we got to meet some great souls in the community. Please pray that God will put into our path more people that we can love on and that God will continue to challenge us and throw us out of our comfort zone.

Josh cowen for the Philly Team