The last 2 nights, I went to the opening games of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos baseball team at the new park. If you have not been out there, do yourself a favor: Go. Don't even attend a game. Just take a blanket and sit by the bay along the huge park they created outside. Go at sunset and be amazed.
I could not believe the energy downtown. Something felt enoromously different that even a few weeks before. A sense of momentum was in the air.
Last night, I got to chat with the owner, Quint Studer, for a few moments. He made the statement that, "We are changing the culture of our city Bob." That stuck with me.
I have lived in Pensacola for 30 years now. I can remember how depressed and hopeless everything felt after Ivan ripped everything to shreds. Stagnation reigned with no leadership. Then the oil spill.
A 'culture of hoplessness' was in the air. People were moving away. It was hard and I and many others spent hours and hours praying and fasting for our city over that almost now 10 year period.
Over the past 2 years, things began happening: Quint Studer rose up as well as many others to invest in change, against the prevailing dour, negative crowd that had been in place for so long. The old form of council lead government was replaced by a Strong Mayor, a leader. The best Chamber President in the US (my opinion) was hired. The airport expanded and is now Pensacola International Airport. Pensacola went from Junior College to State College and UWF had record enrollment, especially with international students.
Last year, as I was praying, the phrase, "The winds have shifted" entered my spirit. I prayed it out. I believe this for our city. I believe it for our church and the churches in our area. I believe it for you and your families.
A "culture of hope" has replaced a culture of hopelessness.
Yesterday, they reported that the people moving into the area is at at record level. The beaches are recording record crowds, especially from out of state guests. Word is spreading about this city that has finally found its ability to reach for its full potential.
Tommorow is Easter Sunday. I am preaching the Good News of resurrection life, the hope of heaven. I cant waith, as Harvest is experiencing a fresh surge of momentum with many new faces going though our Growth Track and becoming members.
We preach an eternal hope. But we also need hope in the here and now.
To a hope-filled future,
PB