An Unexpected Guest

On May 3, 2009, the Lord blessed us with an unexpected guest at Christ Church in Otsego, Minnesota, USA. It was to be a big day for our church family as our Facility Development Team would be unveiling architectural plans for our much anticipated future church facilities and relocation to 37 acres of new property. These plans had been in development for more than a year. I was to follow this presentation by re-casting our mission and vision as a Transformation Church. Here’s what happened!

As I arrived at church at about 8:15 a.m. Sunday morning there was a “Suburban Taxi” sitting all by itself near the light pole on the office end of our parking lot. I wondered, “Is someone getting a ride to the airport later?” It is unusual to see a taxi in our community because we are well outside of the Twin Cities metro area.

I parked my car out on the overflow lot as usual. As I got out of my car and began walking towards the church building, the taxi driver, a black man who looked to be about 40 years old, got out of the taxi and began walking towards me. He called out, “Are you the pastor of the church?” I shouted back, “Yes I am.”

As we met there in the parking lot he said, “My name’s Billy and God sent me here to pray for you today.” My immediate response was, “Praise the Lord! Let’s do it.”

He took my hand and prayed a beautiful prayer for me and for the whole congregation. I was struck by how loving, encouraging and peaceful his prayer was. As he finished the prayer… still holding my hand… before I could even say thank you… he looked me right in the eyes and said, “Tell your people to keep their eyes on Jesus… Don’t be discouraged… God is about to bless you.”

Almost stunned by his words I said, “Thank you. I receive it.” He turned around and starting walking back towards the cab. By the time I looked up, trying to take in what had just happened, he was gone. I came into my office and wrote down the three phrases right away so that I would remember them exactly.

I have never had an experience like this in 29 years of ministry. What an amazing affirmation from the Lord on the day of the “unveiling” of our future plans. The signs all around tend to fill us with fear and discouragement. But God says, “Keep your eyes on Jesus… I am about to bless you.”

I encourage you to receive this word personally as well. This was either an angel or an obedient taxi-cab driver. I may not know until I get to heaven. But I do know in my heart that this was a word from the Lord for me… for you… for our church family… for this whole area… and for anyone who will receive it. God has his hand upon us! Transformation is happening!

Ed Silvoso has taught me that when we are given a blessing like this it is important to say, “I receive it,” just like you would reach out and receive a gift from a friend or loved one. So I encourage you right now to extend your hands and say out loud, “I receive it!”

Whatever your situation is today, you can know that God loves you, he has not forgotten you, and he will provide for every need in abundance. I encourage you to continue to pray and seek the Lord and see just what God has in store! I love surprises!

Humbled by the Love of God,
Greg Pagh