I love doubleheaders!
I love to play softball. Though my love for softball is greater than my skills for playing it, there’s nothing like a summer evening of softball with friends. What is better than one softball game? Two! I love playing doubleheaders. Twice the opportunity to get a hit or make a great play in the field! Twice the opportunity to cheer on my teammates for their great play!
In the middle of April I experienced and enjoyed a family doubleheader. One weekend with Jonathan at the Masters in Augusta (see previous blog, “I talked to Tiger”)! The next weekend in New York City with Debbie and our high school daughter, Bethany!
Arriving at LaGuardia late Friday evening, we were more excited than tired! Awakening early, I took a walk around Manhattan. Policemen and blockades were everywhere – the Pope was in town, only blocks from our hotel, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I wanted to meet him and speak with him – but unfortunately, I didn’t have his cell phone number with me at the time. Still don’t! :)
As an additional blessing to us, Greg and Sandy Mundis, were staying at the same hotel that weekend. 
The five of us walked to Times Square, checking out the shops along the way. Souvenir and trinket stands blanket that part of the city. Food stands abound – including chocolate covered fruit. You’d be proud of us – we abstained!
Just being together – holding hands – putting my arm around Bethany and Debbie as we walked down the crowded streets – that made the day fun and relaxing. Then on to Broadway – the Lion King! Our expectations were immensely exceeded! The costuming, staging, lighting, acting, and music – exquisite, realistic, and nearly unbelievable!
Then came Sunday! Having heard much about the intensity of worship among our Korean brothers and sisters, we were so excited to be part of their worship services. Their singing is celestial – their prayer powerful – their faith and trust in Jesus, enviable.
What makes the Korean church so alive, vibrant, and spiritually powerful? Undoubtedly, their early morning prayer meetings! Every morning except Sunday at 5:30 a.m., many hundreds of Korean believers gather at Full Gospel New York Church (pastored by Nam Soo Kim) for worship, the Word, and intercessory prayer. They take prayer so seriously that six vans/buses are dispatched six mornings a week at 4:00 a.m. to provide transportation to the elderly and others without personal vehicles.
I wish all of us would have the opportunity of experiencing what I experienced that morning! Tired? I’m sure they were! But tired or not – there they were – fulfilling the Scriptural instruction to fervently pray with and for each other!
Sadly and unfortunately, the corporate prayer life of most American churches is absent at worst, and anemic at best. Where that is not the case we see healthy, vibrant churches who are fulfilling the Great Commission in unbelievably creative ways.
Returning from New York City, I remain committed to finishing strong! Hanging out with my family and praying often and fervently with my fellow Christ-followers are two ways to assure I do.
