I spent Saturday and Sunday with my very good friend Tim Adour and his delightful wife and ministry partner - Diana. They are pastors at Church of the Revelation (Bronx). They took me around the city (it has been a loooonnnnggg time since I have been to the City). We had a great meal in China Town, visited Ground Zero, Times Square, walked a bit on the Brooklyn Bridge, a quick foray into Central Park... a fun time. I spoke at their three services on Sunday. 8:00, 10:30 and 1:00!
I first met Tim in 1997, about eight months after I moved to New York to be senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Homer. Tim was the senior pastor of Church of the Resurrection (in Syracuse). It was one of those "divine appointments" when God brings someone into your life that, at the time, you have no idea how significant the relationship will be.
Tim became "a friend that is closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24) and as the years have gone on, that friendship has deepened. Unfortunately, my move away from New York meant we just don't see each other as much as we use to.
We have so many mutual passions. God, the church of Christ, world missions, leadership development, music (the good rock and roll kind), life long learning, personal growth, our sense of humor is equally warped . . . you get the picture.
Tim had been overseas twice for LCI, teaching graduate courses. He also travels for other teaching engagements to different countries. Tim just returned from teaching in the Ukraine at a Pastor's Conference. You'll hear some of his experiences and observations in about a week.
We have walked with each other through some very dark times. We have celebrated incredible God moments. There is no need to pretend with one another. We know when to speak a word to one another and we know when to listen and not say a word. It's good.
Tim moved to the Bronx about 18 months ago to be the senior pastor of Church of the Revelation in the Bronx. It is a great city church. It is large and growing. They have a great worship team and a choir that (in my opinion) is every bit as good as the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. I was blown away listening to them. Wow!
I was really hit by the mind-boggling needs of the city. Take a moment today and pray for Tim and Diana and their staff and for the ministry of Church of the Revelation.
And here is a fun video blog that Tim did.
Blessings my friend.
Brian Rice
Leadership ConneXtions International
