Just six days ago, the world’s eyes were turned toward Philadelphia. A blend of two ancient Greek words, the meaning of the city’s name is nothing short of a profound brand expression: “brotherly love” is the explicit definition. William Penn – the city’s founder – chose the name in 1681 as he revealed his plan for the exemplary city to become a place of religious freedom and colonial prosperity. In just 344 years, what have the outcomes been?
I’m not blind or out of touch, believe me: all of the screens in our clan’s homes – Gen1, Gen2 and Gen3 – had the Game of the Year on display, along with 126 million other people. No one would claim that jaded referees had put a thumb on the scales of justice on behalf of the Kansas City favorites. The Eagles’ defensive line deserved Player of the Game for their astounding penetration of Mahomes’ protective pocket. But, the football game was not the only opportunity for the people of Philadelphia to express their exceptionalism last week. What else was going on?
One month ago in Philadelphia, Pastor Jonathan A. Mason – from Northeast Baptist Church – asked Pastor Terry Lynn O’Donnell – leader at the Church of Christian Compassion – one question: “What are we going to do about California?” Though separated by 2700 miles from fire-ravaged Altadena, their hearts closed in.
Together, they mobilized their combined congregations of 1,200 from working-class neighborhoods in Philadelphia to gather $25,000 worth of emergency supplies. Then they hired two semitrucks to deliver the goods to the devastated neighborhoods.
On the Thursday before the Super Bowl, pastors from nine local churches and ministries as well as the two pastors from Philadelphia met the two trucks and unloaded supplies destined for fire victims.
Their faith partners in SoCal became part of the spiritual supply chain. Churches knew where the assist would be best leveraged. Lift International, Pasadena Church, Community Bible Church, Hillside Tabernacle City of Faith, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and Pasadena Community Coalition joined forces quickly to provide the boots-on-the-ground for Mason and O’Donnell.
Their leaders unloaded everything from medical supplies, toiletries, water, baby formula, pet food, toys, cleaning supplies and nonperishable food for hours Thursday, undeterred by rain.
Support in Philadelphia ultimately involved 30 community partners, from Baptist and other Christian churches to city leaders, fraternities, and businesses. Pennsylvania Senator Anthony Hardy Williams paid for the cost of one of the semitrucks.
Anthony McFarland’s Lift International Church on Lake Avenue and his home of 32 years, burned down in the Eaton fire. Of the 200 households in his church, 17 lost their homes and 26 remain displaced. But the church is showing up, especially when things are tough. The “big C” Church – from Pennsylvania to California – is showing up, doing what God always wants His family to do.
It was 2000 years ago when God allowed the Apostle John to catch a glimpse of God’s history; it’s recorded as The Revelation (the last book of the Bible). In the opening pages of that prophetic reveal, Jesus addresses seven 1st Century churches, who reflect the reality of churches from then to now.
One of those letters was to the church in the ancient city of Philadelphia, in today’s Turkey:
“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name… I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” — Revelation 3:7-11
The Church in today’s Philadelphia is living up to their namesakes’ demonstration of brotherly love, in action.
Good job, Philadelphia! You’ve got a winning football team… and some world-class churches!
Bob Shank
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