Building a City of God
Although Good Friday Together was more than a month ago, we are still hearing stories about the impact that the event had on people from all over WNY. We had the opportunity to talk with two people who have been waiting for something like Good Friday Together to happen for more than a decade:
“Greater things have yet to come, and greater things are still to be done in this city.” Al & Deb Warner believed this promise over 10 years ago, when they were given the vision for their ministry in Buffalo, NY. At Good Friday Together their prayers were answered in an amazing way!
In 1997, after serving as pastors and missionaries for over 30 years, God planted a vision in the Warners’ hearts. They answered his call and began a ministry with the purpose of “wanting to see the body of Christ, in Buffalo, come together across racial and denominational lines.” Their ministry, Set Free Inc, serves to connect and train local pastors to pray together and build authentic relationships.
...she began believing that “one day, this arena is going to be filled with Christians.”
They hold events and meetings to network church, political, and business leaders and empower them to minister in their workplaces. They have lead National Day of Prayer events at Niagara Square, praying and hoping to one day fill an auditorium with believers. Deb states, “We have spent years walking this out, building one relationship at a time with pastors and leaders. Good Friday Together was the fleshing out of the original vision.”
In 1999, the Warners were given tickets to hear President Clinton speak at the Marine Midland Arena. They went as intercessors, praying for our country and region, as President Clinton discussed the future of our country. At that event, Deb felt God moving, and she began believing that “one day, this arena is going to be filled with Christians.” Fourteen years later, Deb was blessed to see God’s plan fulfilled, as she witnessed the Christian unity of over 11,000 people from over 200 churches gather to worship the name of Christ.
As Pastor Al served the bread during a time of communion, he was able to look out over a filled auditorium and see God’s vision being fulfilled. Many denominations, races, backgrounds, political affiliations, colors, and stories, all gathered together under one God, sharing in the same body. Once again, they heard about the future of our city. However, this time, the promises were certain and the ending was known—eternity with our Lord and Savior.
The Warners’ feel renewed in their commitment to bring Christians together in prayer and vision for Buffalo, NY. Pastor Al believes, “Once again, we have proven we are better together.” They are not certain about what will come next, but they do believe that Good Friday Together was a tipping point for our city. “The spirit of hope is taking root in our city.”
To find out more about Good Friday Together, or to see photos from the event, visit: goodfridaytogether.com