Ebenezer Church of the Nazarene

Today was my first church service with Ebenezer Church of the Nazarene. I can hardly describe to you the church that has come about from the group of people I'm staying with this summer, but I'm going to try my best. Ebenezers is a brand new church. The ten or so people who founded it are the ones who are surrounding me this summer as I walk this journey. This church probably has about 15 members so far. Actually, the official dedication ceremony of the new church building is this next sunday. The other intern and I are helping put together the celebratory picnic for those in the community that come.

The service this morning was incredible! I think mainly because the place was just exploding with love! Last night, this group of people (three married couples and a couple of past interns) surrounded the other Intern and I and just soaked us in prayer for the summer. They also went around and gave us words of wisdom on how to approach this summer and what to expect. These people really get church! The worship this morning was so genuine and freeing. I felt the presence of God in a way that i haven' t in a while and I know that he's preparing to change my life this summer. One song in particular spoke to me. It was called 'I Release'. I'm going to post the lyrics at the end of this blog. My favorite line in the song reads "I release faithless religion, I release godless tradition..." I want to know that I'm living my life with a purpose and for a darn good reason!

This summer is going to be about a lot of releasing for me. I am absolutely 100 percent sure that I could not feel comfortable letting go and REALLY finding out who I am in the presence of any other people. I'm safe to let loose and get confused and be angry and ask questions about what God will be teaching me down here. I was very encouraged when I left church this morning and I feel as though I'm in a good place for God to start dealing with me. Thank you all for your prayers and support!

I Release

I release my inhibitions, I release my preconditions

I release myself for what You want to do

I lay down my cares and burdens, all that's fearful and uncertain

I release, I release it to you

I release my gloom and sadness, I release my hate and madness

I release myself for what You want to do

I lay down my pride and passions, all the pain and life's infractions

I release, I release it to you

Oh sing glory, glory, hallelujah to You, Jesus

For all of the freedom You bring

La la la la la la la la, La la la la la la la la

I release, I release it to you

I release faithless religion, I release godless tradition

I release myself for what you want to do

I lay down my life for you, Lord all I am and all I live for

I release, I release it to you

I release, I release, I release myself for what you want to do

I lay down, I lay down, I release, I release it to you

Jord