I'm a Proud Son

I'd like to introduce you to a couple of special people. These are my parents. This picture was taken just a few weeks ago at our Madras campus. Since the day we launched CCC Madras on Easter, they've been a part of what God's doing there. And when I saw this picture, it made me smile. You see, I've watched my parents for more than 30 years now as they've given their lives to the church. From teaching Sunday School to leading youth groups to serving the poor and the sick to organizing and leading ministry teams...you name it, my folks have done it. But sadly, for the majority of the time I've been watching them serve God, it's been an uphill battle. My parents have seen the church at its worst. Preachers who condemned the youth group to hell for listening to that "devil music." Church boards that were more interested in power and status quo than reaching lost people. Members who loved fighting the Baptists more than fighting the devil. Stagnant, dying congregations who hadn't seen a new face (or bothered to invite one) in years. Arguments, divisions, and church splits. And all the while, my mom and dad kept on serving the church and loving people just like they're doing now at CCC Madras. But these days things are different. I see a new look on their faces. I hear a different tone in their voices. I hear joy every Sunday when I call my mom and she says things like, "I met 4 new people today! There's somebody visiting almost every week!" I see renewed passion in my dad's face with tears in his eyes when we talk about the first two baptisms at their campus. CCC is by no means perfect, but after all these years I get the sense that my parents are experiencing church the way it ought to be. Where it's not about the music or the elders or the deacons or the preacher or the paint on the walls or the carpet on the floor or the latest "pew sitter" who got their feelings hurt. It's about loving God and loving people. You can see it. Just look at the smile on their faces. As a son, I couldn't be more proud and happy for them. And also thankful to see exactly where my passion for Jesus and His church came from. You're looking at it right there.