Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Matthew 5:6

I met a group of very hungry people yesterday. I was invited to conduct a Sunday school class at St. Mark United Methodist Church here in Atlanta.

My hosts had told me to expected anywhere from 5-20 people in the Sunday school class. I was greeted by about 50. These people were hungry. They thirsted to hear my words as they sought for the satisfaction promised by Jesus. Most of the people in the room were gay and lesbian Christians.

I realized the power of the hunger and the thirst when I attended services after Sunday school. The church was filled to the brim with people of every stripe: gay, straight, transgendered, African-American, white and other ethnic heritages. I nearly cried when I saw such a diverse group worshipping in love together!

St. Mark is what I call a "miracle church." The church is very near the heart of downtown Atlanta, and just 8 years or so ago was on the verge of closing its doors. Rev. Mike Cordle took over as pastor, and has played a key role in revitalizing the church.

St. Mark is on the route taken each year by the gay pride parade. One year, Rev. Cordle decided to pass out water to the marchers. He also handed out flyers inviting marchers to attend a service. Since that first pride parade, they've gone from a nearly empty church every Sunday, to packed services.

Jesus' power to satisfy our hunger and thirst for righteousness is alive and well in a church revitalized by a largely gay and lesbian population. Jesus' power to transform our lives, and use our gifts in God's service is alive and well, if we'll only seek that righteousness.

This hunger, and thirst for righteousness has not only revitalized a whole church, but the people themselves are revitalized. I met more warm, compassionate, and caring people in one day in that church than I think I've met my entire life. Jesus is alive and well at St. Mark and I'm blessed that they allowed me to be a part of their family for even one day.

My GLBT Christian brothers and sisters, we have the power to transform our lives and the life of the church. Let us continue to hunger and thirst for righteousness. We will be satisfied, over and over again.

Blessings,
Candace