Last Sunday was very chaotic. With Lewis getting over tonsillitis and strep throat, and myself suffering over a cold, we not only had the normal responsibilities of church but many others. I was working on the final touches of the promotional video I will be using for fundraising, Karin had to go to a performance so Aidyn was running around, and we had a Vision Class for those who are new to the church.

Praise God instead of having fifteen like we had expected we had twenty people in the class, which contributed to getting things set because we had to be sure we had all the materials for everyone. This class was by far the largest in attendance in the four year history of All Nations. We were overwhelmed by God's graciousness in leading all these people to our church.

The sweetest moment of the class was when we were covering the values of All Nations. After diversity, authenticity is listed as a core value. "In a world discouraged and made skeptical by phonies, we will be a place known for honesty, transparency, and vulnerability." The description goes on, but before I could finish covering it Margaret, a lady from Kenya spoke. She recalled the first time she came to All Nations. Her eyes filled with tears as she recalled the smiling faces, the hugs, and the warm welcome that the people of our church offered her. She said, "They had no idea whether I was a thief who came to rob them or what, but they embraced me with the love of Christ."

We know that without the work of God we will not be able to make an impact on the city of Oakland or achieve any of the values that we have laid out for our church. Yet he has begun the work. When people who look and are very different from us come into our church and they sense the love of Christ, it is clear that he is alive and at work. Praise Him for the work he is doing at All Nations, and what a blessing it is to be a part of it.