The ceiling fans do little more than stir the warm air. All the lights are now working but with everything from cool blue-white to warm yellow bulbs the light quality is interesting and the shadows unique. The once proud building shows signs of age and use, but it is the use that makes this one of the most special places on earth. It is here that the teachings of Amos and the instructions of James become real and benevolence and kindness have a face. It is here that hearts find hope, souls find strength and stomachs find sustenance. And any one who has experienced a worship service at the Main Street Church of Christ in downtown Dallas knows this to be true, whether it is a member of a church youth group from the suburbs or a homeless drug addict that has a need greater than his next fix. Because of the abounding goodness of God, I too experienced the phenomenon last Sunday.

Standing in the parking lot, you could see the life stories permanently etched on each face. The faces were young, old, black, white and brown, scarred, weathered and scared. But a transformation took place for most as they walked under the "Lost Sheep Welcome" sign and into the building. For some it was apprehension of the unknown but for most it was the relief of being in a true sanctuary; a place of safety from the world, their past, their present and the stares, the comments and the apathy.

The morning’s lesson was taking from the run away prophet and the objective was an awareness of the Grace of God. How fitting that "Amazing Grace" had been chosen as the "Song of Encouragement". What was heard that morning was truly amazing as those who longed for the words to be true for them blended their shy, uncertain voices with those who confidently knew that "Grace had brought them safe thus far and Grace would lead them home." But it was as the last note was song that the true celebration took place, both in that little auditorium and in the majestic thrown room of God, because Elza was standing up front.

Elza is in his forties and life has been anything but easy as anyone with addictions know. As he stood there in front of friends and strangers, Kelly, the full-time minister to this flock, stood smiling with him. Kelly took Elza’s confession and then made one of his own. Kelly’s past is mark with many detours from God’s path, and he acknowledged that it was he, during one of those sojourns from righteousness, that began Elza down the destructive road of drug addiction. There stood the addict, clean for 5 months, the former supplier, clean by God’s grace, both asking for forgiveness, a congregation of rejoicing, teary-eyed people and the presence of God, rejoicing at the prodigals coming home and happy that His people love the lost, regardless….

I had the privilege of baptizing Elza that morning. Afterwards he thanked me for participating in his new birth and for my lesson. I made it clear that the appreciation was mine, for he had been the teacher and it was his lesson that was the most needed.

Thank you God for Main Street and Kelly and Elza and most of all for your Grace.