Doing God's Work! Eternal Emmanuel Dancers
During this five-day event each year, youth and adults serve as the hands and feet of Christ in our community by providing home improvements and fellowship to those in need.
Participation in this event extends far beyond church walls. Youth and adults have come not only from our church, but also from other churches in our area. No experience is necessary—just willing hands and hearts!
Preparation for this event begins many months in advance. The River of Life committee begins making plans, selecting work sites, and raising funds shortly after the prior year’s event has ended. As prayer is the most crucial element of our preparation, we begin on our knees and end the same way! Countless hours are devoted ensuring that no detail is overlooked to make each year’s event the best ever.
The River of Life event begins on Wednesday evening with registration, supper, and orientation. Youth and adults are assigned to work teams and safety measures are discussed. Transportation and meal details are finalized for the week. A worship session and lights out round out the opening session of River of Life.
The following three days begin at 7:00 am with breakfast and devotional time before leaving for the work sites under the supervision of capable and dedicated work team leaders. During these three days of physical labor, the participants take pleasure in getting to know their clients. Prayer and fellowship become just as important, if not more so, than the shingles placed, or nails hammered. Each day, after a fulfilling day of service, the participants are transported to a local high school for showers, and then back to the church for some play time, dinner, and an awesome time of worship. Various recreation and “down time” activities are also offered throughout the week, including tournaments in volleyball, dodge ball, or broom hockey. A prayer labyrinth has been an enriching option the past years for spiritual growth. As the workdays come to an end, a sleeping bag on the floor, following a nighttime snack, is a welcome sight!
On Sunday, the event culminates with an incredible River of Life worship service conducted by the participants. Testimonies are given and stories shared about the life-changing experiences of the past few days. We are fortunate to welcome many of our clients who also share the blessings they have received. Songs are sung and our worship speaker provides a message to sum up the week. A covered dish lunch follows the service with more memories shared through awards and a video of the event.
Over one hundred youth and adults participate in River of Life each year. Friends are made and bonds formed. Disabled clients are provided with ramps to enter and exit their homes, or maybe just a place to sit outside and enjoy fresh air. Fresh paint revives a home that may have been neglected for decades. Buckets are removed after years of catching leaks from dilapidated roofs. Lives are changed.
There is a place for you, regardless of how little experience or time you have to devote. Please save this and consider getting involved in next year’s event. Pray about how you can best serve God through your participation. Once you do, you’ll be hooked! It will become a part of your life, as it has ours! You WILL be blessed!
See Mickey Moring for details: 478-361-5224
Participation in this event extends far beyond church walls. Youth and adults have come not only from our church, but also from other churches in our area. No experience is necessary—just willing hands and hearts!
Preparation for this event begins many months in advance. The River of Life committee begins making plans, selecting work sites, and raising funds shortly after the prior year’s event has ended. As prayer is the most crucial element of our preparation, we begin on our knees and end the same way! Countless hours are devoted ensuring that no detail is overlooked to make each year’s event the best ever.
The River of Life event begins on Wednesday evening with registration, supper, and orientation. Youth and adults are assigned to work teams and safety measures are discussed. Transportation and meal details are finalized for the week. A worship session and lights out round out the opening session of River of Life.
The following three days begin at 7:00 am with breakfast and devotional time before leaving for the work sites under the supervision of capable and dedicated work team leaders. During these three days of physical labor, the participants take pleasure in getting to know their clients. Prayer and fellowship become just as important, if not more so, than the shingles placed, or nails hammered. Each day, after a fulfilling day of service, the participants are transported to a local high school for showers, and then back to the church for some play time, dinner, and an awesome time of worship. Various recreation and “down time” activities are also offered throughout the week, including tournaments in volleyball, dodge ball, or broom hockey. A prayer labyrinth has been an enriching option the past years for spiritual growth. As the workdays come to an end, a sleeping bag on the floor, following a nighttime snack, is a welcome sight!
On Sunday, the event culminates with an incredible River of Life worship service conducted by the participants. Testimonies are given and stories shared about the life-changing experiences of the past few days. We are fortunate to welcome many of our clients who also share the blessings they have received. Songs are sung and our worship speaker provides a message to sum up the week. A covered dish lunch follows the service with more memories shared through awards and a video of the event.
Over one hundred youth and adults participate in River of Life each year. Friends are made and bonds formed. Disabled clients are provided with ramps to enter and exit their homes, or maybe just a place to sit outside and enjoy fresh air. Fresh paint revives a home that may have been neglected for decades. Buckets are removed after years of catching leaks from dilapidated roofs. Lives are changed.
There is a place for you, regardless of how little experience or time you have to devote. Please save this and consider getting involved in next year’s event. Pray about how you can best serve God through your participation. Once you do, you’ll be hooked! It will become a part of your life, as it has ours! You WILL be blessed!
See Mickey Moring for details: 478-361-5224
