Praise Of Hope
Since the Pine Valley United Methodist Church revival, I have found myself spending time just thinking about what I learned and letting it soak in. I have lots of wonderful things to process! My husband, Mike, and I both liked the different music each night. We had Ignite, Celebration Choir, old fashioned gospel hymns, jazz and our Chancel choir. I love how Pine Valley UMC always has different kinds of music each Sunday. Part of PVUMC’s DNA is the different types of music such as traditional, contemporary and jazz and they do them all well! I got to meet so many people at each night’s suppers! That is such a great time of fellowship! The best and most special thing about the days of revival was the presence of the Holy Spirit! I have enjoyed hearing people talk about the Rays of Hope revival and what it meant to them. Finally, I decided to ask some people what their favorite thing about the revival was.
“Each night the music was a blessing. I could listen to Sara Lee sing for hours, but I cannot give up SS and 11:15 worship. The messages were timely and they were all my favorite! It looked like the children had a good program from the Facebook pictures. I enjoyed the positive responses to the music and messages by those in attendance. I was happy being there with those I love. I was nudged by the Holy Spirit to receive healing prayers and anointing for a health issue. Beyond amazing. Thank you to all who made it happen.” Linda
“I would say it was the power of the Holy Spirit that was palpable especially in the music. There was a feeling present that you just couldn’t miss. The ministers chosen were wonderful and I especially liked the one Wednesday night (watched it online).” Barbara
“I liked that every night built on the previous night. Every night was like a big ray of hope for my heart. I liked hearing from four different pastors and for me the common thing I got from each sermon was that God wants my heart and doesn't put him in a box. The first night God’s spirit hit the dry spots in my heart, the second it was like He said I have a lot more if you’ll let me in, the third night the box I had God in was literally blown to pieces (I’ve always struggled feeling the presence of God in a traditional sanctuary with traditional worship but it was amazing how just having an open heart allowed me to feel His presence) and the 4th it was a good reminder that God will meet us wherever we are and take us to great places as long as we open up to Him.” Tom
“My brain was overloaded by the Holy Spirit workshop and the last night of revival! Madeline was so helpful in teaching with examples and details. I was amazed at those who worked all day and had young children, yet they came wanting what God would bless them with through those visiting preachers! Each preacher had something to share that I needed to hear and reflect on.” Sylvia
“Andy Lambert’s skit- scripture came to life! Celebration Choir - WOW! Just WOW! Madeline - Holy Spirit seminar- we have the power thru the Holy Spirit, because it was given to us as part of our birthright...inheritance. We just have to believe it! We have to have the Faith! It says it in the BIBLE! I have to keep reminding myself of this. The singing on the night of Madeline s service— felt like we were at a camp meet revival! The Holy Spirit was in that place!” Angie
“Oh my, favorite part about revival you ask. Every night I attended and the workshop Wednesday morning I felt the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Wednesday night for me, however, took me to a whole different level. From Pastor Largen's testimony sharing how God truly turned his life around to the healing service-MY, MY, MY!!!! If we're not careful worry will take over our lives BUT GOD!!!! This phrase has come to my memory often that Pastor Largen closed with; ‘Take up your mat, go home and LIVE!’ I've chosen to do just that! THANK YOU GOD FOR REVIVAL AND PINE VALLEY UMC!!!” Paula
“The ‘No;No;No’ pre-Revival video! My favorite service was the Monday night service. The Wilmington Celebration Choir was on fire with the Spirit.” Drew
“I thought the turnout was great, all four nights of revival. The food was good, the music was uplifting, and the preachers all had a spiritual message to take home.” John
As so many agree this was a time of praise and hope! Thank you, Pastor Tim, for scheduling such great speakers and, especially, for following the Holy Spirit!
Videos of all four nights of Revival are available at https://pvumc.net/sermons