Worship Soundtracks from RMIRiverSong on Vimeo.

The mission of the local church is: Preaching and teaching; Making disciples; Fellowship; Worship; Missions and evangelism; Maturity of the believer; Ministry in the home; Ministry to material needs.

Ministry to material needs:
   
Many people religiously think of the Church merely as an institution, however, the Church is you and me; the believers; the Body of Christ. Some people seem to think that the Church’s primary and only job is to give hand outs, to feed people and fix their roofs after a hurricane, but Jesus told us first to preach the Gospel, save, heal and deliver. Jesus preached and demonstrated the Gospel, by saving, healing and delivering. When they needed food, He multiplied what they had and fed a multitude. He did this out of compassion for people. We, too, are obligated to one another in the love of the Lord. We are not responsible FOR each other, but we are responsible TO each other. We are responsible to be hospitable to the Church first and then to the world. The Church is not responsible for lazy people, but out of love for humanity, they lend a helping hand to those who are struggling as a result of circumstances beyond their control. They do this out of love, not because they are forced to do it.

1.  The Early Church, motivated by the Holy Spirit and by compassion, were hospitable and gracious to one another. They cared for one another like family and shared what they had with everyone who had a need.

Acts 2:44-45 NKJV – Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
Romans 15:25-27 NKJV – But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.  

2.  Everyone is responsible to meet the needs of their own family first. The Church may step in to help those who truly have no family and no help and no way to earn a living themselves. Those receiving the Church’s help, should, in turn, be serving others in the Church — not staying home and/or getting into trouble.

1 Timothy 5:3-16 NKJV – Honor widows who are really widows. 4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God. 5 Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. 7 And these things command, that they may be blameless. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, 10 well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work. 11 But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, 12 having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith. 13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. 14 Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some have already turned aside after Satan. 16 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.  

3.  Faith or true religion is not in pretending to be Holy, but in ministering to the needs of others, spirit, soul and body as we have capacity to help.

James 1:26-27 AMP – If anyone thinks himself to be religious (piously observant of the external duties of his faith) and does not bridle his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person’s religious service is worthless (futile, barren). 27 External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.  
James 2:15-17 NKJV – If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?  
2 Corinthians 9:9 AMP – As it is written, He [the benevolent person] scatters abroad; He gives to the poor; His deeds of justice and goodness and kindness and benevolence will go on and endure forever!   

4.  Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:34-46, that whatever good we do, whatever kindness we show, to others in Jesus Name, it’s as if we have done it to Him. Our kindness and generosity toward others, is a demonstration of God’s love and goodness toward them, causing them to repent and turn to Him. Jesus said in verse 40, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” And in verse 45, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.”

5.  The account of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37, lets us know that Jesus wants us to care for our neighbor as best we can and also that everyone is our neighbor, not just certain people.     

6.  The disciples concentrated their efforts on prayer, preaching the Gospel and ministering to people’s spiritual needs. In Acts 6:1-6, they appointed anointed, responsible men to minister to the material needs. Two of these men were Stephen and Philip who later did extraordinary things themselves.

Worship Soundtracks from RMIRiverSong on Vimeo.

Ministers conference 2010 was a phenomenal uplifting experience.  I am reminded more and more how it doesn’t matter the circumstances we facing or what is going on, when we enter into the presence of God and allow Him to touch us situations and opposition fade away.  He draws us in and wraps us in His arms, His love is an all consuming fire.

With God all things are possible, but without Him our race is empty and to no avail.  In God’s presence there is fullness of joy.  His promises for us are always yes and Amen.  God is waiting us on to call upon Him and to submit ourselves to Him so He can bless us, so He can prosper us.  When we allow God the opportunity to do the work then our lives are limitless, there are no boundaries and the increase is seen as the fruit in our lives.

We are reminded that it is not by might or power, but by the spirit of the Lord.  During ministers conference there were a lot of anointed men and women of God who came to share with us.  When we draw from the knowledge and the anointing upon their lives, however different then we become enriched with the goodness of God’s omnipotent power.  That same power is available to all, including you and I if we would receive and trust God with our lives.  For we have been bought with a price and really our lives are not our own.

Worship Soundtracks from RMIRiverSong on Vimeo.

Words really can’t describe how God has changed my life in the short time I have been an intern.  God has completely changed my life and my I am forever grateful to Pastor’s Rodney and Adonica for giving me this opportunity to be an intern and to learn priceless lessons and helping thoroughly prepare me for ministry.  My time here in The River Bible Institute has been incredible to say the least and the departments that I have had the privilege of serving under and learning from have imparted so much into me and I will forever be changed.

As a pastoral intern and an outreach intern has really stretched me to step out in faith with praying with people and believing and standing in faith with people.  My personal walk with the Lord has gotten stronger and my faith level has increased and we have seen incredible miracles of provision and healing in our own lives we well in other people’s lives.  I believe that the timing of God is perfect and that we are in the perfect will of God for our lives now, and being an intern has enhanced us and has brought us the most fulfillment in our lives so far.  We are excited and fully believe that this is just the beginning of what God will do in and through our lives.  Thank you Jesus.

Worship Soundtracks from RMIRiverSong on Vimeo.

I am never alone.  I wouldn’t trade that for anything or anyone.  It is so wonderful to feel true love for the first time in my life.  God loves me unconditionally and I have never known that kind of love in my life.  I never felt good enough to be loved and now I know in my heart that I don’t have to do anything to earn God’s love.  He loves me no matter what.  I look for chances to share what I have learned and to tell people how much God loves them.  I look for chances to lift people up and share what God has done for me.  My boss and I have started a weekly bible study at work and as the word gets out I’m sure it will grow.  I pray that God keeps me sensitive to those around me and that he allows me to share his love with them openly.  I have never been able to just go out and witness but God has allowed me to form friendships at work with people that need to have God’s love and word spoken to them, that need to be encouraged and lifted up.  I pray I never miss an opportunity to share with them what God has done in my life.

Please pray for me that God’s perfect plan for my life will be fulfilled.  I want to know Him more, to trust Him more and to love Him more.  I want to see His face.  I want to know Him so well and be so close to Him that I walk in His presence and His will everyday.  I want to be used by Him.  I thank God every day for His love and for what He has done in my life.  God is awesome and I love Him with all my heart. It was wonderful to be back at the River for the anniversary of the church.  It was like coming home again.  Pastor Rodney, Adonica, and the River will always have a special place in my heart.  I will never forget the first Sunday at the River or the years that I worked at RMI.  I made life long friendships and learned so much about God and what it takes to run a ministry.  I pray that God continues to bless this ministry mightily and that millions will be touched by it in the years to come.  May God bless you all.

Worship Soundtracks from RMIRiverSong on Vimeo.

This camp meeting allowed the people to come in one place to hear the sound that God was sending out to this generation. There was a sound of recommitment, rededication, and a sound for the hunger and fire of God which is needed to see a generation shaken by the power of God. People who came were healed, set free, and delivered. People were encouraged, corrected and comforted. Young men and women were able to see ministers flow in the gifts of the Spirit. There was a demonstration of healing, miracles, word of knowledge, diverse kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues that encouraged the body of believers.

The congregation as a whole was able to find relief, strength, and restoration in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Many people, amongst the body of believers were encouraged to come back to their first love. They were ignited to do more for the Kingdom of God and were strengthened by the joy of the Lord; people were encouraged to continue in the work of the ministry.

Summer Camp meeting 2010 was a camp meeting like no other. People were being touched from many aspects. There were so many dynamics of the spirit that were being released that it left us with a sense of fulfillment. The Word of God was going forth on a consistent basis, by the function of the Spirit. Healings were going forth by the power of the Spirit and strength went forth by the joy of the Lord!

I thank God that as a body, we were able to come together and fellowship and am a part of the great move the spirit. It was so great that many people’s lives have been radically changed. People who will go home and wake up with a burden for the lost and a hunger for the things of God!

Another update on what God is doing in Ambler, PA. My pastor, John Hanlon was prophesied over by Pastor Rodney “If you don’t bring the fire of God to Philadelphia, who will?” They almost came to Tampa but then God gave them a church who operates in the 5 fold ministry. A person got healed after walking into the church during a service. Pastor John spoke the word and a woman was healed from a blood disease attacking her baby, as was prayed the doctor said “I can’t explain it, but there’s NO TRACE of it in your blood.” Several people’s knees healed, carpal tunnel healed – no need or surgery, hip pain healed-could barely walk-was prayed for before left to soul win and the pain left as she won souls, stomach pain & GERD healed. The Church of Acts sent me here to RBI 2006-07 and when I got back to PA I was asked to head up evangelism for the church so I am doing so. Lisa H. gave me a whole bunch of supplies when I was in Dix Hills, NY with the team, this was an answer to my prayer asking God for supplies to soul win! It is a small church, 20 or so on a good day, and growing! In five times going out since mid-June, and people in their every day lives having caught the fire, we have led 78 people to the Lord! As my Pastor jokes, more than 3 times the size of the church! We use the Spanish script and survey a lot.

One guy said he wasn’t even supposed to be there in town that day. I led one Spanish speaking woman to the Lord while my friend played with her children, then I spoke with the children using the Spanish script and when it came time for the prayer, I asked Momma to come and she led her children to the Lord, 5-6 years old. Many youth are getting saved, they are hungry, some have never heard that God loves them and has a wonderful plan for their life, then they get saved. I have been persecuted, just like RBI taught, mostly from the religious people, one especially IN the church, totally manifested and still is at times, please PRAY for her freedom, it is horrible and makes me sick to my stomach. After RBI it is true that you can spot religion from a mile away!!! I am constantly shooting down baby cows, full grown cows, PRAY FOR PENNSYLVANIA! And pray for the baby Christians too, that we do all we can as a church to ‘Go ye and make disciples of the nations, teaching them all Jesus taught us’ I see soul winning and discipleship as equally important to the Lord, and since we are a church in town where the people live and we lead them to Jesus, I believe we are Jesus’ hands and feet, full of the Holy Spirit, and must do all we can to care for them, all Spirit led, but not neglecting them!

This takes even more work, as we get into their messes and help them grow up into mature, on-fire believers! They don’t call us, babies don’t do that, we must go after them, it is God’s heart to make disciples and teach them all about Jesus, help them, encourage them, pray with them, as the Bible says they will know we are Christians by our love for one another. This is a huge burden on my heart, can you tell? More “mini- Pastors” and teachers in the church who’s gifting is such to help the babies grow up!!! Thank you for your prayers, I believe we need to have a new believers sort of fellowship in place so the babies have somewhere to go weekly and receive nourishment and encouragement, it is not hard when God raises up someone to do this, it will be God’s grace and gifting, that person’s part in the body of Christ, all working together in love. Otherwise, Sunday and Wed, meeting are not enough for them and usually baby Christians are not comfortable asking questions about God that may make them look stupid…they are shy like when young children are in a room full of adults. I want the new believers to have a place to go and feel comfortable asking those new believer questions, in addition to the church services! God can do it! Even if it is in a home, a neutral public place, could even be a restaurant for dinner…God is CREATIVE! I don’t think He much cares about the place but more the LOVE for the babies to help them grow up in Him, MULTIPLICATION! I thank God for The River Bible Institute, I came for faith for finances, evangelism by fire and joy and got all three in abundance! I plan to stay in touch with the good reports!