Contributed
Contributed
After years of planning and prayer, the Gastonia, N.C., Church experienced a Spirit-filled revival during a powerful evangelistic series held in March 2025. Leslie Louis, Carolina Conference president, presented the “Live With Hope” seminars, originally scheduled years earlier, but providentially aligned with the North American Division’s “Pentecost 2025” initiative. The Carolina Conference embraced the initiative under the theme, “Let It Rain.”
Preparation began nearly 18 months prior. About 10 months before the series, Louis met with the church leadership to align strategies and encourage spiritual engagement. Members united in prayer daily at 6 a.m., claiming the promise of Luke 11:13 for the Holy Spirit’s outpouring. Weekly fasting and prayer deepened the spiritual preparation. “We took God at His Word,” shared one member, “and He honored our commitment.”
In collaboration with Daniel Hall, Carolina Conference director of Compassion Ministries, the church focused on community outreach. Members were trained to meet practical needs while sharing Christ. “Jesus said to become fishers of men,” said Hall. “This church followed faithfully.”
The church also partnered with its Spanish-speaking congregation to connect with the local Hispanic community. The community responded — more than 100 guests registered on opening night through Facebook outreach alone. Throughout the 24-meeting series, attendance remained high. Guests received spiritual messages alongside practical support, including free groceries, toiletries, diapers, and children’s toys.
The Holy Spirit moved powerfully. As of this writing, eight individuals have been baptized, and four more are preparing for baptism. A coordinated retention, calling, and transportation ministry continues to nurture new members through Bible studies and church fellowship.
The Gastonia Church expressed gratitude for the support of Glen Altermatt, Carolina ministerial director, and Haskell Williams, Carolina vice president for administration. Above all, members gave glory to God for the harvest, and look forward with faith to future outreach.
Carolina | September 2025
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