Vilonia, formerly Vilsonia, is the city of two valleys.
1 Kings 20:28 (NIV)
28 The man of God came up and told the king of Israel, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Because the Arameans think the Lord is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the Lord.’”
Having already canvassed the neighborhoods, telling of the good news that another move of God was about to sweep through their town, the church in the valley opened the doors of their building to the community on Easter 2013.
The church in the valley has poured sweat, blood, and tears over the redemption of the old dollar general building they’ve chosen to use for a gathering space. In two short months, a family has formed; ties have been knotted; The Church has gathered. With much anticipation of life change, this group of believers is now has a space ready to invite friends, families and other captives to join them on Sundays to celebrate the living God.
As they met early Easter morning, giddiness spilled over the entire place. Bright-eyed after only a few hours of sleep, these people gazed at the parking lot as it filled with cars. Cars full of those in need of Christ and His church. They began to pour in and suddenly men had to wheel in more chairs to accommodate those attending the first official gathering of this new extension of The Church. Prayers went up before the worship service began. Not of fear but of thanksgiving. God had already answered so many God-sized dreams. The fickle prayers had been blown out of the water. These people now sit with their arms open wide. Waiting. Waiting to see how God will show up next. Beyond expectation.
People. Not a space. Are God's Church.
THIS is The Church in the valley:
Sounds amazing!
I’m pretty sure we are all hanging out on cloud 9 this week!
Jules and Matt and family, I was thinking of you all day Sunday, praying you would have a great turnout, checking your sites for news!
I am happy that it went well. Looking forward to reading more and watching your progress.
Alleluia!
Thank you Vivienne! God has blessed beyond expectation & I’m pretty sure He’s got more in store. Thanks also for allowing us to share our story on your radio show. Can’t wait to share more. I’m having trouble putting it all into words right now…I guess it’s a bit overwhelming.