The Post Falls Church in Idaho and the Otis Orchards Church in Washington both participated in the “Hope Awakens” series by It is Written. Held in April and May 2020, the virtual events were intentionally planned to reach those within a 5-mile radius of each church.
Working with It is Written helped the churches form a mission-minded outreach team. After every meeting, team members followed up with those who had signed up for the "Hope Awakens" events. At first, many were not sure what it was going to look like or how things would go. But as they emailed, texted or called, they were surprised by the responses.
A majority of those who signed up were extremely impressed with the series and wanted to continue to watch it. There were others who had prayer requests and wanted prayer. There were even some who appreciated being called simply to see how they were going. The positive feedback was encouraging for everyone on the team.
It was also encouraging to see teams work together very well. The teams would pray together before and after each presentation. They prayed for the speaker, John Bradshaw, and also for those who were working behind the scenes to stream each night’s event.
The teams also met via Zoom twice a week. They discussed the next action steps according to It is Written’s guidebook. The instructions were well organized and easy to follow.
Towards the end of the series, the teams formed virtual small groups for each church and invited meeting attendees to join. It was so exciting to see two community members join. One of them was there because they felt convicted to learn more about the Sabbath. The other attendee said she felt impressed to start going to church again.
As it turns out, the member who was ready to return to church had actually left the Adventist church when she was young. Her father is a member of the Post Falls Church and had been praying for her to return. Through the “Hope Awakens” series, God convicted her heart to start coming back to church.
God moved in the hearts of two others. They asked for Bible studies following their participation in the Post Falls Church events.
It is Written’s “Hope Awakens” series brought many blessings to the Post Falls and Otis Orchards Churches. Church members continue to follow up with individuals and families who attended the meetings.
