I have been praying that the Lord would allow me to have a collaborating partnership with a man who has a Kingdom mindset. The Lord answered my prayer by sending Buff McNickle and the Grace Falls family into our lives at exactly the right time. He is truly an answer to our prayers.

Although I am indigenous to the city of Philadelphia, growing up in the projects of North Philadelphia, it was not until I met my wife that my heart began to understand God’s heart for diversity.

When I first heard Buff McNickle’s vision I knew that God had placed him in my life. We began to pray about serving the Lord together and when I went to visit him in Atlantic City, I knew that we would be working together in some capacity for Kingdom impact.

Whenever I stand next to him I am convinced that when people see a little black guy stand next to this brother from Alabama they will see a clear tangible expression of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Buff has helped me to see that God is already on mission and we just need to join Him where He is already at work.

The following is one example of us living out the gospel and being intentional where we exist. Recently we had a group of students from University of Mobile come to Philly to serve our city. We had a gathering and invited several of our neighbors over for dinner. We ended up having 18 children in our basement and 12 adults sitting around the table having conversations with each other. The group included black, white, Hatian, Jamacian, bi-ethnic, and Canadian. Two of our other neighbors, Egyptian and Albanian were unable to attend. We are blessed to live on a block that is rich with ethnic diversity.

We covet your prayers for on-going contact with these and other neighbors. We had the Grace Falls family join us in hosting a community gathering at our house this past Sunday. It was once again incredible to see the hand of God move. Rhonda, my wife has started a Friday morning gathering for coffee and getting to know the ladies on our block. She already has 10 coming and gathering.  Pray that they will come and be open to gospel conversations. Also, as we seek to host several missions teams this summer, please pray for receptive hearts.

I am learning to see things from a Kingdom perspective and not a traditional church perspective. Matthew 6:33 “But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” We are convinced that if we plant the gospel and make disciples then Jesus Christ will build His church.

I am reminded of the children of Israel when Moses led them to the Red Sea. They were surrounded by the Egyptians and did not know which way to turn and they were afraid. Exodus 14:13-15 states “Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still, Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.” The Lord had affirmed in my heart that He will fight for us. That we fight from victory, not for victory as we move on.

Pastor Alonzo Johnson