Wow…where to even begin? We were not scheduled to play at the River when set out for Indiana, but we believe wholeheartedly that God set up for us to meet Deana (beautiful wife of Pastor Darrel @ the River) at the YHOP service. Deana found out that we were free on Saturday night and immediately called Darrel to have us come. Darrel called Mike and by the end of the night it was all set for us to come to their service the next night!
This particular service was the 1 year anniversary of The River, and the first night in a new building. It began as a house church, but had outgrown it quickly. A church in the next town called Pastor Darrel and said they wanted to let them use their building at no cost! We were so excited to be able to share in such an exciting night for this amazing body!
Worship was incredible – they were so passionate and their hearts were on fire for God! The presence of God was so thick in the room, and hearts were being opened for the word Pastor Darrel was about to bring.He shared a powerful message about not being offended and actually had James speak for part of it! James did amazing and numerous people told me afterward that his testimony really ministered to them in their place of waiting on God and laying down their own desires for HIS.
The altar time was powerful – there were several people delivered from suicidal thoughts and actions, and several who gave their hearts to Christ. It really showed in that time how much of a body this church really is. There was a sincere love for each other that showed as they prayed, cried and rejoiced together!
After the service finished I spoke with a woman named Emily who had recently come to the Lord. Her best friend Sunny was one of the people to give her heart to Christ – a total answer to Emily’s prayers! Ever since Emily had come to the Lord, Sunny had been harassing her…saying she joined a cult and had been brainwashed, and leaving negative texts, messages and comments on her facebook. Yet Emily refused to give up on her and continued to pray and invite her to The River. She finally convinced her to come and told her there was going to be a band there…and God totally stepped in!
That’s just a small fraction of what took place that night. It’s hard to put into words all that God did in all of us there… He truly bound all of our hearts together with the River, and gave us a home away from home at a church we never expected to visit. The River will always be like an extended family to us – they blessed us far more than we did them!
Thank you Pastor Darrel & Deana for letting us be part of such an incredible night – we were honored and we love you! Keep doing the work – greater things are still to be done!
dream big,
melissa
