Lead evangelist Sam Powell expressed the church's love for Steve and Lisa Johnson who led the New York City Church planting and its growth the first 20 years. Unfortunately, they were not able to attend as Steve recuperates from a leg surgery and Lisa continues her fight against serious health issues. The crowd shared their appreciation for the Johnsons and the other 10 of the original team who were present in person and in the anniversary video (see below).
Elder Larry Craig prayed over two new elders who were appointed. Sherwin Mackintosh and his son Chase shared a moving communion message together and helped lead the powerful music worship. Missionary from Africa and New York City Church staff member, Onyechi "Nichie" Oguagha, gave the contribution thoughts. "Men Who Dream" stirred the crowd to their feet as Teresa Brown and her daughter Mackenzie sang the opening and we joined one in heart with the Lord's dream for our lives and for the world.
Dr. Steve Kinnard introduced Mike Taliaferro of the Mission Point Church in San Antonio, Texas, who delivered a powerful sermon "Light of the World" (click to listen). Mike and Anne-Brigitte were original team members and Mike was the first person appointed evangelist in the New York City Church. They were first sent from New York to plant churches in Brazil and then sent to Africa where God used them to lead the planting of over 40 churches in most of the African continent. The message was a poignant reminder of God's great honor to send us as His light to announce the Messiah.
Joining the New York City Church in celebration were numerous disciples from upstate New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and southern Connecticut. Also joining in were the 230 leaders from 50 nations who attended the International Churches of Christ Delegates Conference the previous week and hundreds more who joined them at the International Conference on Youth and Family over the weekend. (For the ICYFM lessons in audio and video, watch www.DisciplesToday.org for announcements.)
As in any family, the New York City Church of Christ has had her mountains and valleys. God has great plans for the next 30 years of thousands more mustard seeds filled with the light.
