This past weekend...

Jaci Velasquez led worship @ Whitewater Crossing Christian Church (my new place of ministry). This was her 2nd time to lead this summer. On Saturday night, I saw a completely different aspect of her ministry.

After the worship service, we hosted a "meet-n-greet" with invited Latino guests from the community. About 15 or so Spanish-speaking friends showed up for this first-time event. Jaci was the "main event."

Jaci Velasquez has played in front of hundreds of thousands of people in her career, performed in the White House twice, just returned from a concert tour in Hawai, and now, here she was, pouring her heart out, singing to, talking and praying with ... ministering to this handful of people in the Youth Center at church.

I was blown-away. She could have thought (and acted like), "this is a waste of time," and disengaged like some premadonna. I guess I could have understood if this had been her reaction. She could have asked for more compensation for participating in this event. It was extra time and energy and preparation - over and above her worship leading responsibilities.

She didn't have to do this. This was not part of the "deal" when coming to lead worship @ WCCC. In fact, this was her idea! She wanted to be a part of this event and wants to get involved in serving the Latino community on the west-side of Cincinnati. That's what I call 2nd-mile ministry. How cool is that?

I didn't really participate in this event with the expectation or hope of being ministered to; only to "work" it. Instead, I was the one who was touched and inspired.

I am SO blessed to part of the ministry team @ WCCC. God is moving in miraculous and powerful ways. If you don't have a church home, please come check us out.

On the journey,
Phil