The Journey - Brooklyn Tabernacle Trip Part 2

Life has been rather busy around here lately. Rick and I celebrated our 35th anniversary on May 31st. We plan a special anniversary trip every 5 years - until this one! It is such a special milestone yet we were deep in the midst of another milestone in our lives - the graduation of our youngest son from high school. Nick graduated on June 6th and we threw a grand party for him on the 12th. It has been a whirlwind of craziness and fun and only two days later we were off to Brooklyn, New York.

The road trip was long. We got an early start but it took us all day and well into the evening to arrive at our hotel. For 14 plus hours 8 of us got to know each other better and had a great time of bonding as we made our way to New York. I was thankful for the men who took turns driving. They all were excellent drivers and all I had to do was chat with the others. It was a fun-fest for sure!

New York is an exciting place. Our hotel in Brooklyn had only been opened for two weeks. Our accommodations were excellent. In the morning we found our way to the subway and took the short trip to the Brooklyn Tabernacle. The front of the building is very unpretentious . There was no flashy sign. A person could easily pass by without knowing it was even there. All that marks the building is a metal plaque perhaps 12 inches square with Brooklyn Tabernacle on it. Enter through the doors, however and it was like entering the great theaters of old. The former "Loew’s Metropolitan Theater" was a very ornate and majestic building which had fallen into a state of disrepair. The Brooklyn Tabernacle did a wonderful job of restoring it. Because it was a church and especially one that was in the midst of church activities we refrained from taking pictures. Guess you will have to go there yourself to see it.

The morning session was supposed to be a leadership seminar but we found out on Friday that it had been changed to an Assembly of God conference to pray for the poor and suffering. The meeting was not presented by the Brooklyn Tabernacle but instead a group that had asked to come called "Convoy of Hope." Although it was not what we originally expected it was a great time of teaching and prayer. We stayed for three of the five hours. The highlight for me was the segment where they prayed for people who needed healing. I was one of many who stood at their seats and I was very pleased that it was Pastor Jim Cymbala who prayed for God's healing touch on those of us standing. It was a very memorable moment. I trust that God worked through that moment. His healing power is amazing.

Some day maybe we can return for the leadership conference but the morning session spoke to us all for the need for compassion as we pray for the poor and suffering. Lord, give us a heart for the poor and suffering. We must never forget, in our comfort, those in need.