If You Can Just Make It…

Moving toward our departure date to Tampa.
 
Not many know this about Cincinnati.  This was a the first stop for most breaking out of slavery as escapees crossed over the Ohio river – not necessarily an easy task if one was swimming.  Near Cincinnati that swim is through rapidly flowing current and well over half a mile wide river depending on the season.  Some had boats but most smaller boats were a challenge to maneuver as well.  The weather was / if often foggy at the river level.  Add to that lots of barge and riverboat traffic and you have a easy disaster.
 
The famous line that became a rally cry among those considering an escape from captivity was a line from one who had successfully made the trek across the river.  His line was simple:

I only wish that were true – for people of any color, or for those in the spiritual realm.
It wasn’t long after that Moody came to Cincy and had what he later reported as the worst time of his ministry.  He went on to dub the city as a “graveyard” for evangelism, churches and warned anyone considering coming here away.
 
Things have certainly changed.  Serving way over 10 million (no idea of the exact number) will change a spiritual environment.