10/30/2026
WHAT AN AMAZING NIGHT OF MINISTRY IN ALTON!
This might be a tad long, but please hear my heart.
Our Thursday night Street Church continues to grow! In fact, since this summer, we have nearly DOUBLED the number of people we’re serving! And what a blessing it is to witness what God is doing!
Generally, our Thursday evenings are incredibly peaceful. You can truly feel God’s presence, and last night was no exception, although we had a few unexpected challenges!
Last night our guest speaker, Pastor Cole Abell of Restore Church in Alton (meets in Alton Holiday Inn), started sharing his message when the rain came! We quickly moved everyone under the awning at the Head Start building. Between loud trains, blaring music, and plenty of distractions, there was a lot going on! But once again, God’s peace settled over us, and Pastor Cole delivered a powerful, timely message!
When the rain stopped, we moved back into the parking lot and had a BEAUTIFUL evening of ministry! We prayed with people, ministered one on one, heard encouraging testimonies of lives changing, and served approximately 70 to 75 people! We were so busy we couldn’t get an exact count, and we LOVE that!
Just as we were finishing up, a TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR sent everyone scrambling! But what an incredible night it had been!
THIS is what ministry is all about!
Meeting people right where they are, loving them without judgment, helping restore hope, and allowing them to experience God’s love in a REAL, tangible way!
Ministry isn’t a pretty package wrapped with a bow. Sometimes it’s stepping into the messiness of people’s lives, walking alongside those who are hurting, rejected, struggling, or feeling hopeless.
It’s reminding someone whose entire world fits inside a backpack that their VALUE isn’t determined by what they own, where they sleep, or the mistakes they’ve made. Their value is found in WHO GOD CREATED THEM TO BE!
God has a plan for their lives, and their circumstances do not have to define their future!
We are SO GRATEFUL for our incredible team! Those who prepare meals, sort and organize donations, drive, serve, pray, encourage, and genuinely love the people we minister to. And to every person who gives financially or takes time to bring donations, YOU are helping make this possible!
We are equally grateful for our wonderful partnership with the Head Start preschool on Broadway. Their kindness and support have provided a consistent location where people know they can come every Thursday. That stability matters more than many realize, and we thank God for their generosity!
The hugs, tears, heartfelt thank-yous, powerful testimonies, and lives being transformed are what keep us going!
When I look around and see 70 to 75 precious lives being loved, encouraged, fed, and ministered to, I can’t help but think, THIS IS GOD’S HEART!
He continues to open doors, provide, give us favor, and expand our reach. We never take these opportunities lightly.
After more than 30 years in ministry, I can tell you that some of the most beautiful moments happen in the most unexpected places, among people the world often overlooks.
THIS is the heart of Jesus. THIS is what loving people looks like. And THIS is what introducing someone to a Savior is all about!
It was a pleasure also to meet Cole's wife, Ashley Abell and they're adorable little boy.
Please pray for their church Restore Church in Alton, Illinois. We are hearing wonderful things about what they were doing!!
Videos of Cole's message to post after this one!
