Hundreds of people from many, many churches gathered March 7 and 8 to honor God at ‘A Celebration of God at Pittsburgh’s 250th Birthday” at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Pittsburgh. With the city celebrating it’s 250th Birthday in 2008, it was fitting that one of the first celebratory events was designed to thank God for what He has done here and to help people to grow into deeper relationship with Him.

Henry Blackaby, author of ‘Experiencing God’ and founder of Blackaby Ministries International, and his son Richard Blackaby, also an author and President of Blackaby Minisries International, were the keynote speakers. The two generations of Blackabys led people to encounter God as they spoke on Spiritual Leadership (Friday) and Hearing God’s Voice (Saturday).

Response to the two-day event was tremendous, after which, people shared that God spoke to their hearts in very specific ways. Our God is a God who cares about the details of our lives and people experienced His leading in a variety of areas. Many had remarkable encounters with the Living God of the Bible. It is true that God changes lives.

God will be found by all who seek Him and He is calling each of us in the Pittsburgh region into a deeper relationship with Him. Listening and obeying are the keys. What better way to honor God at this significant moment in Pittsburgh’s history than to offer Him open and obedient hearts.

We hope that as 2008 continues many will continue to honor God on behalf of our city. The Word says: If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” 2 Chronicles 7:14. God is faithful to His Word.

People were encouraged to go before God and take a spiritual inventory of their lives and our city - to seek God for what He would have each of us to do.

More information on Blackaby Ministries International may be obtained by visiting the website www.blackaby.org