River of Life Ministry of Manistee, Michigan was formed in October 2008.  For a short time meeting in a home.  God soon blessed us with property and a building.  After a few renovations and preparation in April 2009 the doors were opened to the public.

 

During our first service God gave us a scripture for the ministry of River of Life.

Ezekiel 36:33-36

 

“Thus says the Lord God: ‘On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will also enable you to dwell in the cities, and the ruins shall be rebuilt. The desolate land shall be tilled instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass by. So they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the Garden of Eden; and the wasted, desolate, and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.’ Then the nations which are left all around you shall know that I, the Lord, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted what was desolate. I, the Lord, have spoken it, and I will do it.”

 

So the Lord started a new work in Manistee Michigan. He has been raising up a church in a building that sat empty for a several years.  God has and continues to rebuild it.  Sending people to ROL one by one. The amazing thing about Ezekiel 36:33-36 is how God is revealing to us daily its importance to what He has called ROL to do.  This scripture is our basis of ministry and is uniquely impactful for every person that walks through our doors.

 

ROL is many ways resembles the Garden of Eden..... What does that look like?

 

It looks like what has and is transpiring is each person that comes.  They hear the truth in a way that is real and personal to them.  They can have a relationship with God, receive of His love and love Him back. An opportunity to learn to love themselves, which enables them to love others.  What a privilege it is to watch as lives are changed as they realize they have a relationship with God.  Those that have walked with God for a longer season are also being blessed.  Finding new relationships, lives to pour into and increasing in the revelations found in God’s Word.