I am continually amazed at how Jesus will use something intended for evil to bring people to Him, amazed at how He is actively working to redeem people, societies, and cities. I was thinking about this while I was looking at the condom machine (in the building formerly known as Tabella) in what will be the children’s bathroom in the spot where the baby-changing station will go. Jesus is about redemption.

Shortly before I got a call from a guy who has become a friend named Jesse who works where I live in downtown Seattle. His life has been one disaster after another; failed jobs, failed relationships, four children with four different women.a true player. I invited him to one of our downtown core group meetings which he came to and later told me he sensed a nudging in his spirit during the meeting. When he heard the news that we were purchasing the Tabella Nightclub and were going to have church there, he phoned me immediately and told me that God officially now has his attention and he is ready to come to church, change his life and follow Jesus. His ex-girlfriend, who to Jesse represents the dark side of his life, was one of the staple go-go dancers at Tabella and upon hearing the news of the change-over, was a sign to him that God was speaking to him.

Jesus is in the business of redeeming people and places, and we are already seeing the beginning of what Jesus is planning on doing in the city as his name goes out.

Ephesians 3:20-21 : Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.