Local Preachers Act In Faith – Envision Hope

Posted on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 2:53 pm

What started as a search for a truck quickly turned into a conversation over the similarities of a vision two local preachers have for the people and churches of Grundy County and beyond. The journey this vision has taken will come to fruition beginning on February 4 at the Living Water Independent Church through a meeting called “Fire on the Mountain.” It is an interesting course of events between Clint Shrum, Michael Hill and some other churches in this community.

At the beginning of 2012 the Shrum family was in the market for a truck, which led them to Michael Hill. With both men being associate pastors at their respected places of worship it wasn’t long until their conversation was more focused on the souls of men than torque and horsepower.  It seemed a bit odd that Clint, who belongs to a non-denominational church, and Michael, who belongs to an apostolic church, could find so much common ground on how they felt God wanted to help Grundy County. 

After several days of talking, the two men agreed to pray the Lord would work through them to offer those around them salvation and hope through Jesus Christ. It wouldn’t be long until the Lord would confirm his word.

In December 2008, Brother Rick Rigsby started a monthly fellowship service that was designed for local pastors and their congregations to have the opportunity to gather and enjoy being with other churches on a more regular basis. After Brother Rick passed away Brother Mike Rigsby, Brother Bobby Winton and Brother Rick Hawkins continued the meeting each month.  It wasn’t long until other churches were becoming involved including the Living Water Church. 

On August 8, 2011 Pryor Ridge Church hosted the meeting and Brother Bobby Winton invited Brother Clint Shrum to preach the message.  Bro. Clint took his message from Psalm 23:5 and entitled it, “My Cup Runneth Over.” Using a gallon jug of water and a bunch of cups as an illustration a powerful message was preached on God’s ability to fill people up and sustain them even when they were at their lowest point. He preached on how God was able to take our tests and turn them into testimonies and satisfy the longing of the soul. “It is a message I won’t ever forget preaching,” said Bro. Shrum.   As you continue reading this story there is something to keep in mind. Brother Michael Hill was not at the Pryor Ridge meeting that night this message was preached.  

Fast forward to December 10, 2012 and the fellowship meeting that was being held at Mt. Calvary Church. Bro. Michael Hill would be preaching the message.  He and Brother Clint had not ever talked about the Pryor Ridge meeting. Bro. Michael stood up behind the pulpit and read Joel 2:24 and titled his message, “An Overflowing.”  Using a picture of water and a bunch of cups as an illustration, Bro. Michael preached a powerful message on God’s ability to fill people up and sustain them even when they were at their lowest point. He preached on how God was able to take our tests and turn them into testimonies and satisfy the longing of the soul. Many people who heard the message that night had heard the message that was preached at Pryor Ridge on August 8, 2011. God was now confirming things.

After much prayer and discussion Bro. Michael and Bro. Clint met on Thursday, December 20 and decided that without a doubt it was time for “Fire On The Mountain.” February 4 would be the start date and Living Water Church would be the location. This would be about a coming together of people and not a promotion of doctrine. The only thing being promoted in this meeting is Jesus Christ. And in true Holy Ghost fashion and as if to say this is what I want, the Lord sent a final word of confirmation.

On December 23 the Plainview Community Church hosted a singing featuring Chris Van Allman and High Praise. After Living Water Church dismissed their service, they joined Plainview and as the Lord would have it Mt. Calvary Church had decided to do the same thing that night. The power of God was real during the service and in his closing remarks and having no idea that “Fire On The Mountain” was about to be announced, Bro. Mike Rigsby made this statement, “There is a since of revival in the air.” Bro. Clint and Bro. Michael sitting on the same pew looked at each other and just smiled for without a doubt God is about to do something such has never been seen on this mountain. 

“God’s Church is on the move!” stated Bro. Hill. “There is a restoration taking place on top of this mountain. I believe families are going to be restored, lives are going to be restored, and The Church will be restored. God’s Grace is sufficient for all needs. If grace were water then The Church should be an ocean. Not just a place where good people hang out, but a hospital for the broken. Broken hearts will be mended, bodies will be healed, minds will be healed, and miracles will happen! God is going to show himself in a mighty way among his people.”

Shrum stated, “There is no question people in our county are looking for some hope and help. Not only lost people but saved people alike. They battle everyday with addictions and darkness that has had them bound for years. This is a chance for them to break free. This is a chance for the entire church community to reach out and help. If we are ever going to make a difference it has to start today.”

“Fire On The Mountain” starts Monday, February 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the Living Water Independent Church in Tracy City, next door to the Dari Delite. For more information go to www.lwiconline.com or visit Living Water Church on Facebook. 

 

 

 

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