The Power of Strong Friendships

Julie and I had the opportunity to get away from Pittsburgh for a few days this week. We love the ministry that we are a part of in Pittsburgh, but sometimes it's good to get away for a little while to clear our heads. For this particular reprieve, we visited our good friends, Tim and Flora Parsley, who happen to live in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They were amazing hosts. The time was filled with great conversations and fun together with our families. We first became friends with them in our early twenties, and so it was exciting to see that friendship pick up in our late thirties even though we are separated by many miles. Our hearts were full when we left Fort Wayne to make the long drive back to Pittsburgh.

Many things in this life come and go. There are a lot of ups and downs. Relationships remain. This is especially true in urban ministry. Ministry in the midst of a city can be filled with tremendous break throughs and stinging set backs. Life seems to be magnified in the city. God's redemptive mission remains unchanged, and God's redemptive mission is relational. In other words, we need a strong relationship with God to persevere. And, we need strong relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ who are willing to lock arms with us. It hurts when people break fellowship with me, and it is amazing when people show unconditional love by hanging in there with me. I have been blessed with many incredible friendships on this journey through life. I'm looking forward to what this coming year has to offer because of the amazing people who are running the race with me.