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I’m from southeast Iowa and I was actually planning on taking a year off from school to just work and then try to get into Culinary School. I had attended one year at a community college to play volleyball. I did not walk with God while I was there like I should have. After our season was over I started to feel like my life was a waste because I wasn’t doing anything for anyone else and I wasn’t sure of what I wanted to be or do so I just took classes that would keep my playing ball. The sport was the only thing that I wanted to go to college for.

My parents started watching the Great Awakening Broadcast back in February and I started to get into it around June. I heard about the scholarships and always knew I was going to do something for the Lord but never knew what. I keep praying and asking the Lord daily, ‘do you want me to go to Tampa?’ on a Friday night at church my pastor was praying to everyone and then he came and got me and gave me a word of knowledge, the Lord was telling him that I had a huge life changing question on my mind and that my pastor needed to tell me that the answer to the question is a hug YES! My parents and I were very excited!

The Lord was able to bless me with an apartment and a job all in the same day!

Since I have been here the Lord has shown me many things. I have been convicted to delete every single song on my iPod that isn’t glorifying him and to stop watching any and all shows that will not help me with my walk with Him. He’s helped me to not lust after the college life and want to go and hang out with the wrong crowd. Praise God!!! I have given him some things that have really pulled on my heart offering wise but it’s like there is a peace that he gives me right when it leaves my hand. And I know that he will provide every need that I have. I am VERY excited for this coming year!…Karla H.

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This Pastor said well I wouldn’t discourage you I would certainly encourage you. That many people that go thru the school say it’s the best thing they could have done. So we prayed and this Pastor said go sit in service and was blessed and that I was. Still not fully sure if I was going to go to school or not all the while God already had it all planned out. That same morning Pastor Rodney asked everyone to stand and gave an alter call and said, “If you feel that your suppose to be going to the school or if you didn’t sign up yet due to finances then come up here right now.” Well I stood in my seat not sure if I wanted to do this or not and Pastor Rodney said “There are more of you I no it” come down right now!! So I said ok God if I’m going to do this I have to step out of my comfort zone and put my trust in you!! So I came down and decide that I was going to school.

Like this particular Pastor said so far it’s been one of the best choices I could have made for myself. Since starting school I have learned so many things. I saw that I was relying more on friends then I was God. It took me being taken out of my comfort zone to see that. It was like one of those I had to be taken out of the picture so I could see my own picture but from the outside. I have been taken out of my comfort zone already and am learning to put all my trust in God and no body else but him. Because with God by my side I can get thru anything!! I have made lots of new friends that have helped me thru things that I was going thru by sharing there testimony of things there going thru.

God put who I needed in my path at the time I needed them. I just had to trust in him that he would. I now have a better understanding of things and have grown a lot already in my relationship with God. I had that same friend who told me I should go to the school tell me that I am looking like a total new person. How that since going thru this school so far I have so many more smiles and I just look awesome!! Hearing that encouraged me all the more and encouraged me that I had made the right choice. I am really learning a lot about everything and all the while a lot about my Faith and how to use it more. I no that my God is bigger then any fear I have!! I just have to step out and know that he is there to catch me when I fall. As well as being there with continued encouragement when I have to step out of my comfort zone. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me thru this next year. I no that the best is yet to come….. Naomi H.

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This week was one of the weeks I would never forget. Revival broke loose and the fire of God fell like never before. As we sat in service, God was pouring His spirit out on everyone. People got healed, set free and delivered. Worship was heavenly and you could feel the presence of God in a way I have never experienced it before, it was the sounds of heaven and we didn’t want to leave. We just wanted to stay in that presence and peace.

The peace was so overwhelming; people were just weeping and letting God do a major work in their hearts. God is working in the people’s heart and sharing the plans He has for us. There were prophesied over our generation and how America is going to be shaken. This revival is going to be like a consuming fire running through the whole of America. We just need to yield to His presence, because He wants to bless and pour out His spirit on us.

God is the same yesterday, today and forever. God is touching this generation of young people and making mighty warriors for His army. He is using the willing and yielded hearted. Take the word and make it your own, all the promises are there for us, we just need to start taking it. God is a God of love and He wants to see us succeed in everything we do. We need to step into the place where God can use us no matter what. –Zante P.

Worship Soundtracks from RMIRiverSong on Vimeo.

I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. John 15:5 AMP
 
When you become a child of God, you are grafted in to the Vine, you become a branch of the Vine – Jesus is that Vine. You have a new nature and a new identity in Him. You no longer function as a wordly, carnal person, because His life and nature have been imparted to you. Those who continue to operate like the world they died to in Christ, are obviously ignorant of this great new life they have been offered in Him. It is necessary for them to have their minds renewed to the truths of God’s word.
 
We (the believers) each and all represent Jesus Christ to the world and, as such, are ministers of the Gospel and ambassadors of Christ. Some are called as five-fold ministers, given to the Body of Christ for the perfecting of that Body for the work of the ministry. These five-fold ministers will be judged by a higher standard than the rest of the Body. That is why it is not wise to seek an office to which you have not been called by the Father, Himself. We should not seek an office or a position or a title, but each of us should rather just be content to do only what the Spirit of God leads us to do even as we fulfill Mark 16:15-18. Here are some requirements for those who want to be used by God.
 
True ministers of the Gospel are those who are:
 
1. United to the Vine (John 15:5)
 
2. Chosen and ordained by God to the work of ministry
 
John 15:15 AMP – I do not call you servants (slaves) any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing (working out). But I have called you My friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father. [I have revealed to you everything that I have learned from Him.]
 
2 Corinthians 5:18-21 NKJV – Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
 
1 Timothy 1:12-13 NKJV – And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.
 
3. Laborers to bring forth fruit, not idlers or lazy wasters of time and opportunities
 
John 15:16 AMP – You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you.
 
John 6:27 TMB – “Don’t waste your energy striving for perishable food like that. Work for the food that sticks with you, food that nourishes your lasting life, food the Son of Man provides. He and what he does are guaranteed by God the Father to last.”
 
4. Goers to the work, not waiters for the work
 
Acts 1:8 NKJV – “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
 
Mark 16:15-18 NKJV – And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.  16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.  17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
 
Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
 
5. Prayers that get results (John 15:16)
 
James 5:16b NKJV – The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
 
1 John 3:22 AMP – And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we [watchfully] obey His orders [observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us] and [habitually] practice what is pleasing to Him.
 
6. Lovers of all men (1 Corinthians 13)
 
John 15:12-13 NKJV – This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
 
1 John 3:18-19 NKJV – My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 19 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.
 
1 John 3:22-23 NKJV – And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.

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I’ve been asking God for a deeper revelation of Him. Everything that was on my heart was talked about in this Minister’s Conference. It was as if the conference was just for me. Apostle Maldonado was speaking about spiritual gifts among many other things, which had just been spoken about with our teachers in class. It was as if it had been all planned out. I’ve never heard him before and greatly enjoyed his teaching style, incorporating music with his preaching.

Then when Phil Smithhurst spoke about the Culture of the Kingdom, you could feel everyone’s faith rise. Hearing him and his wife, Sharon speak about the people that they minister to, you could see the pure love that they had for everyone. Listening to their hearts as to what’s really important is very moving and I‘m sure has opened many people‘s eyes. I’ve already decided to go to Overland Missions when I’ve completed school, so hearing them speak about it again is very exciting.

Then Pastor Andre from East London South Africa spoke about increase, tithing and offerings from a different perspective. Both Pastor Andre and Phil Smithhurst taught about the necessity of people being involved in the ministry as well as the business aspect of things and how the end times there will be a shift that will take place and God’s children will be more involved than ever in business in order to fund the end time harvest. That is my strong desire, to be involved in ministry spreading the Gospel across the world and having businesses for the sole purpose of expanding God’s Kingdom. Afterwards, both Pastor Andre and Phil Smithhurst laid hands on everyone together. It was extremely powerful and life changing for all who came.

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Two words, Faith building! Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Being put in a position of having to trust God one hundred percent for every need that you have is not only ridiculously and straight on flesh killing but also so very necessary. As long as you don’t worry and give in, you will see God supply your needs. I was actually starting to worry about my needs recently and one of my friends straight up rebuked me for it. He then started to remind me what the word of God says and totally encouraged me. After that I started to put my faith out more then before and started thanking God for my needs being met and the next day was and amazing day of blessings! I didn’t pay for breakfast, lunch, or dinner that day! Plus I got some extra cash for some up coming thing I was in need of and things I wanted to do.

Not only have I been financially blessed but as a Youth intern I talk to a bunch of young people and have been able to encourage them and God has totally increased my hunger to pour into their lives and just share the uncompromised Love of God with them. And to see them pressing into the things of God for whom He is and no other reason then that is so amazing. I thank God for everything that He is doing and I pray that as you read this you were encouraged and reminded that God’s Love is unconditional and unending! He will increase You as you follow and continually give Him every part of your life! You are filled to be poured out, and blessed to be a blessing!

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My year end review at work was due and I was truly blessed with a bonus.  Then I was offered overtime even though the hospital hadn’t allowed any overtime for the last year.  When I got my paycheck it covered all but about $200 of my downpayment for my home which left the money I had saved for the incidentals I would need when I moved in.  When I left my husband I left almost all the furniture with him.  I had no place to keep it and I didn’t really want any of it anyway.  I knew I had to start totally over.  God gave me a house that was almost totally furnished.  I needed a mattress and boxspring for the master bedroom and my brother and sister blessed me with that as a housewarming gift.

I had wanted a screened lanai and God gave me that also and it is even glassed in so I can use it when it is cold.  My new home is approx 1500 sq ft, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, with a fireplace and big kitchen.  I was ready to settle for a foreclosed fixer upper and God gave me a furnished home that I could move into the day I closed on the loan.  He gave me the desires of my heart way beyond anything I could have imagined.  I live in a 50′s plus community that is very safe with wonderful Christian neighbors.

I don’t know what God has in store for me this next year but I know His word is true.  He has a plan and a purpose for my future, a plan for good and not harm.  He has restored my hope and my faith is stronger than I thought it could ever be.  I know that I know that God loves each and every one of us and if we will just believe in Him, worship Him and follow Him, He will bless us and use us way beyond our wildness dreams.    As I look back over the last few years, I can see instance after instance where God was preparing me for this last year.  He protected me physically, He changed my job position at the hospital, and He planted people in my life that would encourage my faith and help me to be strong.      It’s been a hard year but if it meant losing what I have with God now I wouldn’t go back to where I was for anything.  I may be alone physically but spiritually God is with me every minute of everyday.

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I have gone to Churches where the “soul winning” is just passing out tracks. I don’t think it’s a bad idea but the Word is clear on how we are to reach out to Gods people in the world today. We are to GO and talk to them lay hands and pray for the sick. When I went with my old church it had been after going with the river and I could see how so many churches are “missing it” when it comes to the great commission or God.

I have learned through the teaching of word and the river that I AM THE TRACK! I am the was who will open my mouth and speak the work which will pierce the hearts of man. This word that comes out will draw them to God and make their rocky hearts of flesh. I Love soul winning and so does my wife we go and God does amazing things out in the streets with us. Why do we sing and pray or get any word if we will not ever tell anyone what we are so happy about? We need to bring them the real Jesus not the Jesus that the religious church of today has show them.

I will go preach the good news all the time to everybody! Whenever there is a super soul winning Saturday I pray you will go check it out. Everyone is so nice and friendly and they will show you how to win souls for Jesus. The first time I went I lead 13 people to the Lord it was amazing!! When people are frowning I will smile, if there rude I will be very nice! We need to be different and show this great love we claim to have at all times. God wants to use you like He used me. Go win should for the kingdom today and be blessed.

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What is happening to me in regard to soul winning as a result of my coming to the River Bible Institute? Soul winning has taken on a new meaning and outlook to me. Being a fourth generation Pentecostal believer rose mostly in church. I have never seen or been involved with a church that really put the rubber where it meets the road, in other words, obeying the scriptures. Mark 16:15, And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, where souls are being saved, and plucked out of a devil’s hell, and brought into the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Signs and wonders are verifying the power of the Gospel that is shared in soul winning, reaching the lost. My life has been radically changed in the way I view my call as a minister of the gospel. Even as I view my vision and mission in the pastoral role in my local church. Soul winning is the inner thread that is woven into the gospel ministry that is necessary to being a living part of the body of Christ.

Soul winning is now forever pressed upon my heart, that it is talked about as I mentor, preached about as I encourage the believers in my local church to go, go, and witness to the lost. Romans 1:16 says, For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth…; to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Without any excuse we have a biblical command to reach all men; soul winning it the recipe given to do so while the time remains, before our Lord’s return.

Soul winning has become a cry of my heart to help bring in the harvest of souls into the kingdom of God. For on that day when I stand before the Lord, I want Him to say, well done thy good and faithful servant, who has been found doing, occupying until I come and call my name.

Worship Soundtracks from RMIRiverSong on Vimeo.

I have been saved for over 20 years and before coming to the River Church I had only led 3 people to the Lord. This was even from a sermon I had preached one Sunday morning and gave an alter call. Up to this point I have never even done a single face to face soul winning prayer of any kind before.

Since coming to the River Church and the River Bible Institute I have become a soul winning machine of leading over 1400 people to the Lord. Soul winning has been made an everyday thing to do now. I am on the search for people that I can talk to. The strange thing is I love talking to people all my life just never had a true FIRE for the Lord and never really understood what it meant to “Preach the Gospel to every Creature on the earth.”

Recently while visiting a local grocery store in Florida I was going thru the line when I saw the woman behind me and she looked like she was trying to count in her head the money she had to buy a few simple things for dinner. At that moment I felt impressed to pay for her groceries. I asked the checker to put them in my bill. The lady behind me asks why I was doing that. I told her that “My daddy told me to bless her.” She responded do you mean God and I smiled and said yes. “Why would God tell you to do that?” I explained to her right then and there in the line with everyone around in the checkout line about the Love of God.

When I was done not only did she receive Christ but so did the checker in the line. Shockingly enough not one person complained about waiting in line while this whole thing took place.