Has the light at the end of your tunnel gone out? What do you do when darkness overtakes your soul? When addiction has strangled you or abuse controls you with fear? Is depression escapable? Will relationships ever be healthy again? Are we destined to sink into an abyss of sorrow? Or will the sunlight of happiness ever return?
Your life really can change. It is possible to become a new person. The stories we are about to share reveal clearly that people right here in our community have stopped dying and started living. Whether your soul has been darkened by abuse, broken promises, shattered dreams or suffocating addictions, the resounding answer is, “Yes! You can become a new person.” The potential to break free from darkness and into a bright future awaits.
Expect inspiration, hope and transformation! As you walk with these real people from our very own community through this series, upcoming blog posts and even our very own book, you will not only find riveting accounts of their hardships, you will learn the secrets that brought about their breakthroughs. These people are no longer living in the shadows of yesterday; they are thriving with a sense of mission and purpose. May these stories inspire you to do the same.
As I’ve interviewed people and listened, I’ve been so moved by these stories! When I became a pastor, my desire was to see the lives changed. As we prepare to share these stories, I know that passion is being fulfilled. I’m thankful for what God is doing at The Ridge Fellowship!
Every time we see a darkened soul that is transformed by God’s love we are reminded again that God really loves people and he is actively seeking to change lives.
We believe you have been invited, drove by, found us on the internet, saw a sticker or T-shirt because God provided it as a way to reveal his love to you. Whether you are male or female, young or old, new to the area or a long time resident we believe God cares, he loves you and came to save you. He came to save all of us from the hellish pain and darkness we’ve lived in and offer hope and real life that will last forever through faith in Jesus Christ.
Do you have honest questions that such radical change is possible? It seems too good to be true, doesn’t it? Each of us at The Ridge Fellowship warmly invite you to come and check out our church family. Freely ask questions, meet people just like you, see if we’re “for real” and, if you choose, journey with us at whatever pace you are comfortable. You will find that we are far from perfect. Our scars and sometimes open wounds are still healing, but we just want you to know God is still completing the process of authentic life change in us. We still make mistakes in our journey, like everyone will. Therefore, we acknowledge our continued need for each other’s forgiveness and support. We need the love of God just as much as we did the day before we believed in him.
If you are unable to be with us, yet you intuitively sense you would really like to experience such a life change, here are some basic thoughts to consider. If you choose, you can pray the suggested prayer. You then will experience the beginning stages of authentic life change, similar to those you will hear about.
How does this change occur? Recognize that what you’re doing isn’t working. Turn from your old life that lead to darkness and follow Jesus for new life. Jesus says, “I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
He paid for all of your failures on the cross. Believe in Jesus and accept the forgiveness he offers. Jesus explains it like this “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16
Why not pray now?
Jesus, I need you. I know the path I’ve been on leads to darkness and death, but I want that to change. I believe you paid for my sins on the cross and you are now alive to give me everlasting life and lead me into the light. Would you please do that now? I ask you to come into my life. As much as I know how, I want to follow you from now on. Help me to grow more like you. Amen.
By praying that prayer, you are now part of a growing spiritual family. Jesus is still bringing people out of darkness and into the light. I hope you can be a part of our family and continue to grow in Christ. I invite you to come this Sunday.
Darrell Koop, Lead Pastor, The Ridge Fellowship
Upwards Church 