Today was one of the most intense and exhausting days I have ever had in ministry.
And I had it easy.
First I had to film our message for the Worldwide “One Prayer” event that will see well over half a million people worshiping as one and nearly a thousand churches participating. We got our video message (“Make us Engage”) out in just hours under the wire.
I guess next time I should look closely at the fine print that mentions something about a deadline.
No sooner did I wrap this up and pass it off to Mike Cruser to render and send over to Lifechurch.tv then I had to shift gears.
Entirely.
At 3:00 pm we said our final goodbyes to the Sherland children, Ryan and Alyssa. This was truly one of the most difficult things I’ve ever seen in my life. A vibrant, athletic little 9 year old boy with big dreams and a precious, adorable little princess who stole everyone’s heart she ever came in contact with.
Two lives senselessly cut short.
Emotions are raw. People try to comfort. Questions swirl in our minds, and sometimes we’re not sure what we should think or feel. So we pay our respects to Ryan Sherwood and Alyssa Sherwood and cling desperately to God for a word of hope and encouragement. We remind ourselves that He is sovereign and that they are with Jesus in heaven.
God’s Word even tells us that God alone us able to bring good out of the very worst of situations—a perfect calm even in the midst of a raging storm.
Today, even if it was only for the briefest of moments, God did just that.
18 people gave their lives to Jesus Christ and are now apart of God’s family! Whenever someone crosses over from death unto life they are a new creature entirely. Adopted by God almighty.
That’s still the greatest miracle of them all.
And today we saw it 18 times and felt God’s perfect peace that passes all our understanding. We also made some great new friends from New Birth Church and New Life Fellowship. They showed us a whole new side of worship! I’m looking forward to joining both these churches for more ministry in the future.
Keep praying for the Sherland family—especially Conrad.
Rob Singleton is the lead pastor and founding pastor of 
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Rob,
We will continue to pray for the family and friends of Ryan and Alyssa. I did want to let you know that their legacy continues to move in a big way for God. While we struggled to explain this tragedy to our 7 year old, she decided that it was time for her to ask Christ into her life. We prayed with her last night and now the number of lives transformed has grown to 19. God is so good…I am sure she won’t be the last to commit her life to Christ as a result of the lives of these two precious children.
Rob,
I had the privilege of helping with ushering at the funeral service for these to wonderful kids, Ryan and Alyssa. The emotions that were surrounding this tragic time were ever present in the sorrow that the Sherland family and friends were enduring. It was truly miraculous to see how God took over that service and culminated with 19 people accepting Christ. Wow. Our hearts and prayers as Christians pour out to Conrad and his family but we can feel better knowing how God help to assuage their pain in such a time as this by showing his mercy and love. You and Geoffry’s leadership yesterday were inspiring and appreciated. Then seeing Conrad stand and raise his hands to God during the rousing gospel singing of “How Great Thou Art” was further proof of how God was moving in him and this service in his time of grieving. God is truly wonderful.
Fred Grotophorst
Rob,
I don’t blog or read any
), but I had to come here to post a comment. Mike and I have been at Southbrook for 7 years and Monday’s service for these two sweet children moved me (and many others) in an incredible way. You and Geoffrey gave an amazing farewell service to these precious babies, and the Holy Spirit was ever-present. I commend you for your unswerving obedience to and your boldness for our amazing Lord. You took a tragic situation and painted a beautiful picture of God’s amazing grace and mercy…well done!
Fondly-
Amy Parrott