October 7, 2009
There is such an atmosphere of anticipation and celebration on this day!…Today is special because we will be joined by people of prayer from all over the world. It’s HoPE Global! It’s not quite 7pm yet. For now, people trickle inside the sanctuary, and by 8pm, it will be full of people who have come to experience God in a new way. God did not disappoint. See more at:
http://www.forestlakechurch.org/CatDetail.asp?CatID=261
Among the worship leaders that evening is Terry Hall. Terry is the business owner of a marketing company and serves as the church’s Director for Communications. He keeps a busy schedule, yet there he is preparing to help lead the worship with singing.
He has been with the House of Prayer Experience when it started out with a group of six, ten to fifteen people who gathered in a church classrooms a couple of years ago. Terry remembers Pastor Derek Morris and his wife Bodil teaching everyone Scripture Songs. The atmosphere of friendship within the small group was another aspect of the meeting that kept him coming back almost every week… until today.
How did you become involved with H.o.P.E?
Terry: When I began coming to prayer meeting, I had not been coming to church for the past four years because of health reasons. Music had been part of my life since I was 4 years old. I have been part of this church since I was ten. Music is part of who I am. I didn’t think I would ever do music or sing again.
Pastor Derek suggested that prayer meeting would be a great place to start again. I helped lead out in singing the Scripture Songs. The prayer meeting was the most comfortable place I could be. It felt like a family. Even though we are larger now, it still feels like a family. There is an intimate atmosphere at H.o.P.E.
What does it mean to you to be able to use your gifts of music and singing at H.o.P.E?
Terry: Music and prayer brings us closer to God. When God gives you a talent, whatever it may be, it is in order to honor Him!
Tell us more about what makes this midweek service important to you?
Terry: When you have prayer in your life…it makes you more aware of the power of prayer in your life, and I have found physical, mental and spiritual healing and strength here.
What impacts you the most about these Wednesday night meetings?
Terry: I have seen answers to prayer in people’s lives, and it continues to go on. I have seen miracles. I am amazed and humbled every time I see them, and all this shows what a mighty God we serve. There is an …energy in the air. I guess it is the Holy Spirit. The presence of the Holy Spirit charges the air and connects all of us to Him, one another in a special way.
What do you want people to know about the ministry of prayer at H.o.P.E?
Terry: There is nothing like intercessory prayer to change your life. People here are genuinely concerned about your concerns. I’m so thankful that no matter how often we stumble–we can always reconnect to our Heavenly Father in music and prayer. That’s what the House of Prayer experience is all about. He never stops loving us!!! Praise God!!!
