Great Awakening Tour City #14 Maui, Hawaii

My first time–I loved talking with people about the Lord I found most everyone that I talked with believed in the Lord Only one man, a senior, got up and walked away

This truly was the day that the Lord had made. From the early morning high level of expectancy was vibrating in the air as well as in the hearts of the whole congregation. This really was fulfilling of statement „ No man left behind „ Everybody in the church did the part to get the whole work done. That was like a total mobilization in the local branch of Gods army! And most important that anyone got mobilized absolutely voluntarily-no one was forced to fight on Jesus side…this was the day of fighting against opression and depression.

Though the outcame of this battle was foreknown -it`s a great pleasure to recall things that happened on this Sunday. First of all hunderads of people got saved , delivered from Satans domain and brought into the Kingdom of God. Holy transition directed by the Lord Jesus himself and accomplished through His body – The church ! What an awsome privilege and great experience it is to be in His will, respond to His call and be a part of what He is doing. What a sight it is to see little children along with their parents happily coming for toys and impatiently unripping them. Smiles, joy , laughter heard everyvhere …almost heavenly atmosphere. No fear, no depression- really a piece of heaven brought down to the earth in just an ordinary day…Somebody may say: „Wait ! you`re wrong ! It`s not just an ordinary day –it`s a Sunday in the church ! „

It is an ordinary day in a sense that anybody has ability to create such a day full of joy , happiness and presence of The Lord . All we need is to strech out our hands and our hearts to the others and Jesus himself will bless our touch and make any day like a gift that is more wonderful than we even could imagine.

Renee C
none given Hawaii United States

Great Awakening Tour City #14 Maui, Hawaii

–Alaska— 2 guys got saved–one started crying

Imagine going to bed hungry or even as a child waking up with nothing under you Christmas tree. Even better yet imagine a world where you feel completely unloved. This is what Dr. Rodney Howard-Brown of the River Tampa church in Tampa Fl is working against. I am not only proud to be a part of this group under Dr. Rodney but I am honored to see how many lives’s we are truly changing.

At the River Church Dr. Rodney has set up an amazing food ministry were they feed over 500 families a week with a box of food that will last them through the week. This part of the ministry is my favorite; we see people’s lives changing every day when we go out telling them about the food ministry. To see mothers eyes go from sad to happy when she realizes that she will have food for her children that week.

This past week we handed out toys to needy families and in the process of doing that we had 374 people turn their lives over to God. I unfortunately did not get to be a part of this even. However I wish I was there the testimonies of my friend about the event touched my heart so much hearing how people were crying and thanking them or how kids who just need someone to show them love got just that.

You see for me what this church is doing to reach out to families in the city of Tampa is amazing to see. How many people can say that they truly have impacted the lives of people around not only by giving those gifts but by loving them and showing them how much Jesus Christ loves them? How many people can say that they have made an impact on the people around them and know that beyond a shadow of a doubt that those people will forever be changed? This is what Dr. Rodney Howard- Brown is doing in Tampa Fl he is making a change in the lives of people in the community and the city but not just any change he is making the greatest change of all he is showing the people that he truly cares about them.

Cheryl G
none given Hawaii United States

Great Awakening Tour City #14 Maui, Hawaii

I spoke with a Catholic I spoke with a Buddist, she has gone to St. Anthony school (catholic) she accepted Jesus and gave offering of $20 one woman in bed–after praying told me her mind tells her she could not be forgiven and I assured her that she is! she was very appreciative and thankful!!

This past Sunday was amazing! It was incredible to see the harvest of souls come in, and being touched by the love of God, not just by the message – but also through the more natural means… a bag of food, Christmas gifts, and even a “hello”. It was awesome to see people, which we had gone out into the community and invited, at the River – responding to the altar call; giving their lives to Jesus. It’s easy to get into the mindset that we are just blessing these people, but these people are blessing us; after talking to a few of them on the streets, and listening to their individual stories, the things that they’re going through – and then seeing them, presented with the love of God that is the Gospel, hope restored to their eyes, is priceless. It’s what it’s all about.

I think that what Pastor Rodney and the River are doing is incredible. Setting the tone of what the church SUPPOSED is like. Not just keeping the Gospel inside the church, where the people who already know God come on Sunday’s – but taking it out into the community, bringing light into the dark places. Before coming here for Bible school, I had never been soul winning – but now that I’ve seen it, I’ve experienced it – it’s become such a passion of mine! The love of God is not just for the church or for a select few people. It’s for everyone. And taking the message of Jesus, to the streets, is for everyone in the church! It’s a rewarding experience, to have an outreach, like the one this past Sunday. To see the fruits of your labors right there before you. Laying down everything that they came in with, at the foot of the cross, and seeing lives changed right before your very eyes. Pastor Rodney understands this, and it is such an awesome privilege being able to serve under his leadership.

Angelika H
none given Hawaii United States

Great Awakening Tour City #14 Maui, Hawaii

First time praying for prayer of salvation in retirement homes–4 saved

This past Sunday I was working in Children’s Church and I have never seen anything like it before. Before service started the room was starting to get filled 20 minutes before service actually started. Kids began pouring in from both doors with cheerful faces as they saw their friends in the room. I started to play the Hillsong Kids DVD on the projector and the kids loved it. When service began it started off just like any other Sunday, a few games, a few giveaways, Joe Manno came up on stage and there was a new kind of energy coming from him. He began to throw candy out into the crowd of kids and began to start telling stories. When he finished telling his stories he asked if anyone wanted a bike. The kids went crazy! He brought a few kids on-stage along with his helpers. He made the kids have a dance off to see who would win the bike,that was one of 3 bikes that he gave away. After that he got in a serious attitude and told the kids to sit around the front of stage.

He began to preach about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and he described it in a way that even I have never heard about. He described the whips that were used by the Roman soldiers to beat Jesus, he used so many descriptions that you could close your eyes and see everything he said. It was amazing how the kids responded. Many got touched by the Holy Spirit, a lot of those for the first time. Many lives were transformed there. He then proceeded and gave an alter call and over 150 kids gave their lives to Christ for the first time! It was an amazing thing to witness because you know that these kids will never be the same for as long as they live. And its amazing because we don’t know what God has for their lives, many of them will be nation shakers, many even generation shakers. God moved in a mighty way that will only grow and grow each week and I thank God for the opportunity to be a part of the mighty move of God that day.

Angelica H
none given Hawaii United States

Launched-ed!

Wow, we are winning souls and seing souls revived daily out here, but we also got to help build the Hope Center, an outreach of Brownsville AOG, and it turns out one of the pastors there has a brother where we are from in California, what a coincidence, huh? These folks have taken us right in with an open door, and allowed us to pitch in like we never left The River. Thanks, Daddy, You are Soooooo Gooood!!!!! And thanks, guys for your prayers. Se you in Baton Rouge!

This past Sunday at the River I experienced and was honored to be a part of one of the most amazing events. River Kids service. I have had the honor of being a part of kids church for about the last 3 months and this particular Sunday was truly amazing. It was high energy, fast paced, and full of fun as well as the word of God. Kids were running all over the stage playing carious games that related to various principals founded in the bible. They were smacking themselves in the face with whip cream and eggs. They all wanted to be a part and participate in what was going on. Their excitement level was contagious. After all the fun and excitement Joe Manno began to talk to the kids about Jesus dying on the cross for their sins. Anyone who thinks that just because they are kids that they don’t understand really has no idea of what they are talking about.

I know for me personally it was one of the most touching experiences I have seen. The visual demonstration was straight to the point and hit to the core of the heart. I saw children crying and shaking under the power of God realizing what Jesus did for them so they could spend all eternity with Him. When the altar call was given we saw in excess of 150 children ask Jesus to be the Lord of their lives. These kids were so excited about what was happening. I truly believe that there was an eternal difference that has been made in these kids. The kind of impact that they will one day have on this world is something that I truly believe is going to be remarkable. I am so glad I was able to be a part of this day.

JP and Laci L
Pensacola Florida United States

Great Awakening Tour City #20 North Miami Beach, Florida

The people are very receptive. Said it from their hearts. You could feel the annointing. The tools made it easy. Thank You. She is 72 years young and winning souls.

Before the sun broke through the eastern sky or the morning fog lifted, the River Church at Tampa Bay was alive with excitement. Tables being set up, toys being organized, groups of 40 meeting here and groups of 50 meeting there was the 6 am order. By 8am, charter buses and RMI vans were zooming through the streets of Tampa, Florida picking up eager men, women, and children for the Sunday morning main event hosted by Pastors Rodney and Adonica Howard-Browne and their River Church team.

As we approached 9:30am, hundreds packed the auditorium and lifted their voices toward heaven in adoration and praise to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Many were touched by His glorious presence as the words of Jesus, delivered by Pastor Rodney, rang true in the hearts of the people. Tears of joy and shouts of freedom declared deliverance, healing, and salvation throughout the congregation as the hearers opened their hearts to receive the powerful, life giving truth that is only found in the living Word of God. The words, “Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive me of my sin…” echoed from wall to wall as 349 of the 1335 people in attendance opened their hearts to the King of Glory, Jesus Christ. Moments later, dozens were empowered by receiving the mighty baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The day was capped with the rear parking lot of the River Church being flooded with a sea of children receiving free Christmas toys. Children ages 0-16 went home with bikes, toy trucks, stuffed animals, dolls, make-up sets, board games, and the like. Smiles on faces and joy filled laughter were the order of the mid-afternoon.

As hundreds journeyed home that day, their hearts turned to next Sunday as many began to look forward to our next meeting here at the River Church and their new found family and home.

Rozella T
Miami Florida United States

Great Awakening Tour City #20 North Miami Beach, Florida

I approached a man with the survey and he answered no, but I went up to him again today and he said yes.

This past Sunday, December 13th, I, like the last 2 months was involved with bus ministry. I encountered more children then I ever have on the buses. It seems to be that I saw more children then adults on those buses. They seemed very excited to come. I wonder if some of the kids are the ones that brought the parents to the River Church of Tampa Bay. I wasn’t in service until after worship as I helped out with loading all the busses with food. We had over 7 buses I believe which is the most I’ve ever seen. I like the fact that the church keeps on growing and primarily it’s from bringing people from other communities through consistent outreach. I believe as we tend the heart of God He meets our needs. His heart is house to house.

We are reaching people that won’t necessarily come to church. After we pray with them or minister to them they come to church, because in my mind of what God’s doing on the inside and people taking initiative door to door. I’ve never seen so many come up for an alter call in that main sanctuary since I’ve been here. No matter people theology and heart, the fact remains that there is fruit to this ministry and this is a GO YE church which follows the GO YE call in the scriptures. There was one child who one the bike after his name got picked and he was so excited. Children love receiving free gifts and even on the bus, which had no air condition, this child pressed through it and was very thankful and content it seemed. Some of the ministers or bus servants seemed more excited than the kid and that child was very excited. As we parted with many of the children and even parents, I don’t remember one argument or issue. They all seemed very thankful and gave hugs to many of them.

There’s something when people feel the love. I know we can say we love people, but when they actually feel that, there’s something that shifts or changes. Its an honor for me to be under a ministry like this which is new for me to a degree, because of the fruit and the fact that this isn’t new. This ministries been going on for years and I just know that there are few fathers but many teachers so thankful to be under a Father that’s walked it out. I’ve never heard of a negative report concerning anyone in this ministries love towards people. That’s massive. I expect more increase in souls, more people coming, as the day of the Lords return draws near. May we continue to hunger for the deep things of God both devotionally and in a corporate setting.

Cynthia B
Miami Florida United States

Great Awakening Tour City #20 North Miami Beach, Florida

Today I had the privalage through Jesus Christ to lead a lady who practiced witchcraft to our Lord Jesus.

Sunday December 13, 2009 was a special day at the River at Tampa Bay church. It was the first of two toy giveaways scheduled at the River for the surrounding communities. I began attending the River in April, 2008. My family and I started doing the bus ministry very shortly thereafter. Every Sunday we go out into the community and bring people to church from all over Tampa, FL they come to hear and receive from the Lord. They come from all walks of life. Many of them have not experienced the love of God and we have an opportunity as a body to demonstrate God’s love to them. Many give their heart to God and we see their lives transformed.

Last Sunday not only did the grown ups receive from the Lord but the children were blessed with toys. I had the privilege of handing out toys after the service. When I handed a doll to this little girl her eyes lit up and she had the biggest smile on her face. But when I looked up I saw her grandmother who attends regularly, she too was beaming from ear to ear. She was so happy you would have thought she was the one who received the doll. Their rejoicing blessed me. I saw them experience the love of God at that moment. I am so glad that the River Church is making a difference in the lives of people in the community. Pastor Rodney and Adonica Howard-Browne are committed to do what God has called us to do to take the good news of the gospel to every creature. I am privileged to be attending a church where we are sharing the gospel and winning the lost.

Sherly J
Miami Florida United States

Great Awakening Tour City #20 North Miami Beach, Florida

I used the gospel script toady on a woman who had intense pain and restricted movement due to herniated discs. She got saved and the power of God came on her. She started crying. Jake and I prayed for her after the salvation. Then jake told her to do something she couldn’t. She bent over and said she was healed, pain free and she couldn’t do thatherself – the pain was gone.

I was trained and how to minister the gospel effectively and then went into the streets. I ran into a man loading shopping carts in to the back of his truck when I asked Him if anyone has ever told him that Jesus loves him and has a wonderful plan for his life. He quickly pushed me away with vulgar language as he moved with haste to get his work done, but I felt that if I did not push in and make the importance of having Jesus known, then who else would tell him.

I kept reading down the soul winning script and he kept pushing me away. He wasn’t giving me the time of day, or so I thought. As I got to the end of the script and read the lines “ I am saved, I’m born again, I’m forgiven” he stopped in his tracks look at me with a broken heart and repeated the words as I said them. His whole heart had changed as if the Holy Spirit had grabbed his heart and made it new right there on the spot. He told me that no one has ever told him about Jesus and that He was real. The man had tears in his eyes and the once angry face now was draped with joy. So how can a man who had no interest in the Lord whatsoever all of sudden have a change of heart? Its 100% God and none of me, the Lord wants to reach the people but its through us, you and me and that’s why I go. It was Amazing and im so blessed, more than I even know! Thank you Pastor Rodney for letting me be apart of the vision for souls, I look forward to seeing that man again in heaven.

Richard M
Miami Florida United States

Great Awakening Tour City #20 North Miami Beach, Florida

One lady told me how it was so important to ask the question if she died NOW was she sure she would go to heaven. She said because Christian born again also go through temptaion and might sin and yet forget to repeat and just assume they are going to heaven. All the eight people were very glad that. Today I led one lady in her office to the Lord. She said I was a blessing to her.

We had a blast at the Toy giveaway at the River at Tampa Bay Church with Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne! One thing that has caught my attention about this ministry is the heart that they have for reaching others for Jesus¬- even those that speak different languages. The Outreach was focused on Spanish speaking people. Advertising was done, flyers were delivered, posters covered the walls of Hispanic stores and businesses, and the people came! Translation was provided at the Church, with well-able interpreters and people felt comfortable and at home. All the Church worked as a team, with 300+ workers volunteering to see one goal: SOULS. I could see the compassion of Jesus working through the church workers as they served the first time visitors and everybody who came through the doors of the River at Tampa Bay Church. Kids came expecting, and they were certainly not disappointed! For Kids’ church was amazing! With all the new equipment, teachers’ ideas and games! The children LOVE coming to church. People came with a merry heart and expectation and enthusiasm was in the air.

It was amazing to be a part of what this Ministry is doing, for the change in people’s lives is so evident, you can even see it before your very eyes. The event was a bomb! All the workers were in position by the time all the people came out of the service, things were done in order as much as possible, there were people assigned in the parking lot for directing the traffic of people, others were assigned to toys’ distribution and everything went smooth. If people got hungry, hot-dogs and ice-cold drinks were being sold at the property at very affordable prices. The event was awesome, people’s lives were changed, I highly recommend you make the River at Tampa Bay Church your home church!

Rose B
N/A Florida United States