Left, Right...

Yesterday, the boys and I decided to join thousands of fans from the Netherlands for the parade from Power & Light to Fan Fest.

We found shirts that were orange enough, walked a block west from the church to Grand Ave, waited a few minutes for what seemed like an endless sea of orange, and then...just merged into the parade. I'm still not convinced that's how you're supposed to join an international fan march, but no one tackled us, so that's good ?.

We marched with about 30,000 of our newest Dutch friends and fellow Kansas Citians, singing Links Rechts (Left, Right) and Sweet Caroline. Although by the second chorus it felt more like “Sweaty” Caroline. Every time the crowd stopped, the temperature seemed to rise. When the crowd stopped moving, everyone was packed together, and combined with the Kansas City humidity, I was pretty sure that personal space had officially disappeared.

Eventually, we turned onto Pershing Road and the crowd spread out into Washington Square Park. Ian and I headed back toward the church, and the older two kept exploring, found a juggling circle, and kept soaking it all in.

So, what inspires 30,000 people to put on matching orange shirts, sing with strangers, invade each other's personal space, and happily sweat together for hours...before the game even starts?

The answer is simple. Something had captured their hearts. Now, don't misunderstand me, we're a soccer family. We love the game. And having the World Cup in Kansas City is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. We've been trying to say "yes" to as many experiences as we can.

But as fun as it all is...it's still a soccer game. And if a soccer game can capture hearts, imagine what Jesus could do?

This Sunday, we'll finish our journey through Luke 3–4, where Luke has been carefully building the case that Jesus is our Savior. In Luke 4:38–44, Jesus heals the sick, casts out demons, and then says, He can't stay, but has to go to other towns to preach the good news.

More than any parade or game, Jesus shifts our focus from immediate comfort to His global mission.

I can't wait to worship with you this Sunday at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available)…DON’T FORGET, we have a full Spanish service this Sunday at 1:00 pm.  Otherwise, you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or on our New Life website at 9:15 am. Also, we would LOVE for you to follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and  Instagram.

See you soon,
Troy