May Seven months later
LANCE STOOD IN THE DESIGNATED PRAYER ROOM BEFORE THE start of service, in casual jeans and a button-down shirt, somewhat anxious.
“We said from the beginning we’d look to the Lord to lead us in everything,” he said. “We won’t be caught up in numbers or anything else. If He only sends a few people week to week, then those are the few who are meant to be here. Amen?”
“Amen,” sounded around the circle.
A core group had committed five months before to be part of the launch of a church plant in Clayton. But God had assembled them almost two years before—Trey, Cyd and Cedric, Molly, Timmy, Darla, and others from Wednesday nights, along with Marlon. They’d been praying fervently every step of the way, including prayers about the name. They’d agreed without hesitation that this was the one—Living Hope Church.
They’d prayed about a location, too, debating whether to launch from the Woodses’ home or a school or someplace else. But a local church heard about the effort and knew the story of Lance and Kendra. Their congregation had dwindled, and they were no longer holding regular services. They were willing to let them use the building for free, with the option to purchase over time. The launch team had been blown away time and again by gestures like that . . . clear answers to prayer.
Molly raised her hand. “What if God sends a lot of people? It could happen, given the article in this morning’s paper.”
“What article?” Lance hadn’t seen the Sunday paper.
Cyd dug into her purse. “I cut it out this morning to show you, then forgot when I got here.” She handed it to him.
Lance skimmed it, a short blurb from the local section with the headline, “ ‘Amazing Love’ Update—Pastor Plants a Church.” It struck him that two years ago, he’d been concerned that people would be talking about his past at Clayton High or his criminal record if he started a church. There was no mention of either of these things.
“I don’t know how many people will see it,” Lance said, “but that’s a nice article. Funny how they refer to the ‘Amazing Love’ story.”
“I keep telling you it impacted more people than you think,” Cyd said.
“But it’s weird thinking about it like that,” Lance said. “I was just loving my wife. It shouldn’t be a big deal, you know?”
“Oh, but it is. Trust me,” Darla mumbled.
Lance looked at Molly. “So, Moll, let’s hear your answer. If God sends a lot of people, what will we do?”
Molly rolled her eyes up, thinking. “I don’t know for sure, but I’m thinking prayer’ll be the first thing.”
Lance smiled. “You got it. I have to thank all of you again,” he said, “for your hard work. It’s a big job starting a church plant, and you’ve put in so much time. And you’re still willing to serve.” His eyes traveled the circle. “But this is more than a church plant. You’re family. You’ve been there more ways than I can count, especially after Kendra . . .”
He couldn’t go there, not right now. He exhaled.
“Group hug!”
Lance wasn’t sure who said it, but they all squeezed in for a big, rocking hug.
“I love you guys,” Lance said, holding on still.
“I’m curious,” Timmy said. “Has anyone given thought to the cosmic greatness of God’s handiwork with this group?”
Molly eyed him with amusement. “I dwell often on such cosmic realities, now that I’m married to a cosmic thinker.”
“People, I submit to you that that is amazing love,” Timmy said, hugging her. “That this woman puts up with me.”
Lance chuckled. “You’ll get no argument there.”
“I can’t believe it’s here, y’all,” Trey said. “Living Hope Church is actually launching today.”
A cheer went up among the circle.
“All right, everybody, it’s time,” Lance said. “Let’s pray and head out.”
Lance greeted people in the lobby area as they arrived. A lot of Living Word members were coming to support the first service, but Lance had never seen most of these people. He shook hands, casually asking how they’d heard about it. Word of mouth and the newspaper article had been the main sources.
Lance turned, surprised to see Ellen and Brooklyn walk in. “Hey, I didn’t know you were coming.”
“Brooklyn didn’t want to miss it,” Ellen said.
“Look,” Brooklyn said, sticking out her arm. “I wore my very special bracelet.”
It hit an emotional nerve, seeing the Psalm 18 bracelet, which Kendra had given her. Lance hugged her, unable to speak.
Ellen looked at him. “You know I’m still grappling with God and church and all of that,” she said. “I’ve still got lots of questions. But as I think about it, I could’ve sent Brooklyn with her dad. Maybe . . . maybe I wanted to be here.”
Lance hugged her. “And it means a lot to have you here.”
Ready to begin, Lance walked into an almost-full sanctuary as worship music played. His heart was full. Kendra had wanted to see this day. She’d encouraged him toward this day. But he couldn’t see it until she was gone. It wasn’t meant to be until she was gone. God knew her time—their time—would be short. And He’d given Lance grace to devote himself to his wife in a very special way.
As he thought about it, looking out among the people, Kendra was indeed with him, watching him. And he knew what she would say—live fully in this day.
Lance took a steadying breath. God would give him grace for this too.