One of the most memorable moments in Olympic history took place during the 1992 Barcelona Games. British sprinter Derek Redmond was competing in the semifinal of the 400-metre race when, partway through, he tore his hamstring. He collapsed to the track in pain, and his hopes of an Olympic medal were gone.
But Redmond wasn't finished. Determined to complete the race, he got back to his feet and began hobbling toward the finish line. Eventually, his father made his way onto the track, put his arm around his son, and helped him make it the rest of the way.
It's a powerful reminder of something we all know but can easily forget: There's a big difference between starting a race and finishing one.
I've been thinking about that distinction a lot this week. This past Sunday, after months of praying, planning, preparing, and working, we officially launched our Downtown Halifax location!
And what a Sunday it was! We welcomed 85 people, including lots of new faces and university students. To see a room filled with people worshipping Jesus in the heart of our city was an incredible encouragement. I'm so grateful for the team that has worked tirelessly to make this possible and for the generosity and prayers of so many who have helped us get here.
Praise God for what we've seen!
But here's what I've been reminding myself this week: Launching Downtown wasn't the finish line. It was the starting line. You see, our goal was never simply to launch another Sunday gathering. Our goal has always been to help people encounter Jesus and follow his way. And that takes time.
It takes building relationships with people who don't yet know Jesus. It takes inviting friends, neighbours, classmates, and coworkers into our lives. It takes opening the Scriptures with people, helping new believers grow in their faith, developing leaders, and creating a community where people are genuinely known and loved. In other words, the real work is just beginning.
When we planted Port City nearly four years ago, we weren't simply dreaming about launching a church. We were praying that God would establish a gospel movement that would impact Halifax and beyond for generations to come. And that prayer hasn't changed.
So, as we celebrate this incredible milestone, I want to encourage you to do two things.
First, praise God for what we've seen and pray for more.
Every person who walked through the doors on Sunday represents a life, a story, and an opportunity for the gospel to take root. Let's thank God for the 84 people who gathered, for the university students who joined us, for those who are exploring faith, and for the people who have sacrificially given themselves to this work.
But let's also ask God for more. More people encountering Jesus. More lives transformed by the gospel. More disciples being made. More leaders being raised up. And, Lord willing, more churches being planted throughout our region.
Second, keep praying.
Pray for our Downtown team as they begin the ordinary, week-in-and-week-out work of ministry. Pray for meaningful relationships with university students and young professionals. Pray for opportunities to share the gospel. Pray for those who visited on Sunday to return, build relationships, and find a community where they can grow.
And pray for our entire church, that we would never become so comfortable with what God has already done that we stop dreaming about what he might do next.
Port City, we have so much to celebrate. God has been incredibly kind to us. But we're just getting started.
The starting gun has sounded. Now, by God's grace, let's run the race before us.
Pastor Jeremy
