Gilpin County

But what really impressed us and moved us the most was this dear man’s heart. We were able to see clearly his trust in and love for the Lord, and his love for following where the Lord leads in coming here to build up this church family.

We came into Central City, having not been able to connect with any pastors here yet. But, God always has a perfect plan, and was about to show it to us! There were not a lot of churches in the area but one caught our eye. It said “St James Church” on the sign and as we drove slowly by, a man in the church office window waved at us and we waved back! We found a place to park behind the building, up a steep hill, and made our way back around to the front door.

This church used to be United Methodist but now is a Community Church led by Pastor Jack vanSon and his wife Gina. They are a small congregation but we could immediately tell this man was serious about his love for the Lord and for people, as he warmly welcomed us in. We told him we were here to pray for Gilpin County and Central City, and he was all for joining in with us. So, we told him a bit about what God had called us to do and the memorials we pray over and place in the ground. He was very excited to be part of that, so we would later find a spot outside that was perfect.

Before we did our prayer outside, we got the grand tour through this amazingly beautiful and historic building. We learned much about the history of this church, which reminded me much of the church I grew up in. There were two carpeted spiral staircases leading to the main sanctuary upstairs, and we found out that their organist was 90 years old. The music from this incredible instrument no doubt rings praise and worship every Sunday morning into the atmosphere in Central City. It was beautiful to see and would be beautiful to hear! The artistry throughout this place took your breath away! We even found out that the author of “the Battle Hymn of the Republic” used to be a member here when the song was written! WOW!

We shared our testimonies and he shared his, and we learned so much about God’s workings in each others lives and ministries. Then, we made our way out to a small area on the side of the building to do our memorials. We took turns placing each piece into the ground and praying over them. The altar, like Elijah’s when he faced off with the prophets of Baal, reminded us to call down fire from heaven on our hearts and over America, and our need for Him alone. With the chain link we cried out for unity in the church, and the Colorado Prays card led our prayer for more intercessors to cry out for Colorado. The mustard seed is always a precious time of asking for faith to grow, and as Pastor Jack threw a handful into the wind, we agreed in prayer that faith would spread across this nation once again! The scripture capsule, Jeremiah 10:6-7 is the great “There is NONE LIKE YOU” verse. The offerings were soaked with water as Elijah’s altar was, and the oil was added to ask that God will fill His bride, the church, with Holy Spirit. Then, we shared the most important part- communion- with each other and with the land. This is the most sacred and holy time at His feet, and so precious to us for all the Lord gave for us. After the ground was covered back again, we thanked God for raining down on us! And, rain actually did begin- so we took our “sealing the offerings with worship” inside the building.

“Oh God You are my God. Earnestly I seek you. My soul thirsts for You. My body longs for You in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and glory. Because Your love is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live, and in Your Name I will lift up my hands.” Psalm 63:1-4.

We sang “I Enter the Holy of Holies”, which we do every time we are at His feet. Jack said he would pass this on to his organist; it’s a very moving song. We sang others, including “You are Worthy of it All”, “How Great is Our God”, and another the Lord impressed on my heart that He wanted to sing over Jack, “The Father’s Song”. It was such a beautiful time of sharing and knitting of our hearts together. We kept telling Jack how blessed we were to be there with him, and he kept saying He was the one blessed. I love it when God does that. Because, it was all HIM.

We stayed a long time because, quite frankly, we didn’t want to leave. The time was sweet, like perfume, and writing these words this evening brings it all back. May the Lord bless Jack and Gina and their flock, and keep them, and make His face to shine upon them. May He lift His countenance upon them and be gracious to them, and give them peace. And may we meet this dear man again on this side of heaven. Thank You God, for divine appointments. This clearly was one of them.