By Andrew Burrows
Within the city of Buffalo, the Lord is bringing His church to life. For the last 3 years, I have personally seen the Lord utilize His church to light the flame within this city. Ephesians 2:19 says that “we are no longer strangers and aliens but instead fellow citizens with the saints,” and this verse has been tangibly expressed through Summit’s partnership with Restoration Church. Though we exist in unique societal contexts, we remain unified under the call of Christ and the mission of God. Together, we were able to support each other while evangelizing and caring for the homeless throughout Buffalo.
This week, our team of 13 college students had the privilege to grow in our intimacy with God and in relationship with others as we leaned into our identity as a family on mission. We spent the week evangelizing on the campus of University at Buffalo and the surrounding community. Evangelizing served as a beautiful reminder of what our lives as Christians should look like. Dan Boutwell, a church planter and member of Restoration Church, spoke with our group about the importance of the church in upholding the Great Commission. As the bride of Christ, the church has the responsibility of making disciples, baptizing believers, and teaching them the commands of the Bible. In this conversation, Dan left us with what became a constant encouragement for the week, “Dig a hole. Plant a seed. Pray for rain.” This short phrase resonated with us as we reminded ourselves that the work is ultimately fulfilled by Christ and not our own doing. Our mission of bringing others to Christ is just that, to put others in a position to encounter Christ, and through prayer, trust that the Father will meet them where they are.
I saw evidence of this truth play out in the life of a student we met in Buffalo named Tae. The way in which he vocalized his love and appreciation for the gospel became a great encouragement to us throughout our time there. For me, this trip marked the last of my mission trips as a student with Ignite, and Tae was the beginning of a long-awaited answer to years of prayers. To see such a passion not only from him, but also fellow Ignite and UB students, brought so much peace knowing that God’s church is alive and well.
Through deeper connection and fellowship with our brothers and sisters in the faith in Buffalo, we were able to recall the joy that it is to serve our Father. In all of this, the Lord allowed us to act as His hands and feet towards the goal of spreading the gospel and bringing glory to His name. While we entered into the week with a goal of gospel saturation, it became evident that the Word of God had already begun to saturate this place long before we arrived. So, although our work over the years appeared slow at times, no portion of it was in vain.
The greatest takeaway from our trip was the reminder that the work we have done is not solely ours, but instead, we have been given other faithful members in the body of Christ. So with confidence and joy we can say that THIS is the answer to our prayers. The Church is not coming alive within Buffalo, but is alive.
Lord, my prayer is that, as the body continues to grow, we remain rooted in the one true source of life—you. As the fig tree is planted and cared for in the vineyard, Lord we plant your Word in the hearts of your people. Praying that from these seeds you bring forth an orchard. Though the fruits of the tree may not be seen by our eyes, we continue to live in accordance with your Word, trusting your hand as you prune and grow the hearts of your people. Like this tree, your church is living and breathing. Extending its reach as the body grows. Holding fast in the firm foundation that is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will surely bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:3-6
