2015 “IN HIS PRESENCE ~ Immersed In His Love” Ladies Ministry
With Pastor Oya Townsley and Sheila Rhodes
What an absolutely amazing time in the Lord and with one another it was for the ladies who attended the “IN HIS PRESENCE”- Immersed In His Love ministry on Saturday, April 25, 2015. The ministry was done with such EXCELLENCE, LOVE, CREATIVITY and SPIRIT! Pastor Oya Townsley hosted the ministry event at Castlewood Christian Ministries and her team of ladies created such a beautiful and peaceful environment for the Spirit of the Lord to move and dwell among us. It was a glorious day in His Presence! So much love, time, energy, prayer and creative thought had gone into making this day a very special and memorable time for everyone.
The theme of the ministry was “Immersed In His Love.” Corrie Ten Boom (1892 Dutch Christian) once described being immersed in God’s love like this: “We need to plunge into the ocean of God’s love. We must take a running jump, a deep dive, into that ocean, throwing ourselves into the lake of His love.”
Can you imagine plunging into the ocean of God’s love, swimming in it, being surrounded by it, immersed in it and completely filled to overflowing? This love that God gives us freely…is an everlasting love! Jeremiah 31:3 says: I have loved you with an everlasting love. Therefore; I have drawn you with loving kindness.” This isn’t just any kind of love. This is an intimate love. It’s the kind of love that truly knows you. It’s an eternal love…a love that goes from the past…through the present…to the future. God takes us captive in His love so that we can be “set free.” I want to walk in His Freedom every day of my life. His love is constant. God has never quit loving you and He never will. Always expect love, love and more love. God is love. Even God’s correction is His love extended towards us.
Always remember that when we immerse in God’s presence we do not remain the same. You can’t remain the same in His Presence. We can experience His transforming Grace and begin to become more like Him. We also embrace His peace. While immersed in his love we case all our cares upon Him to allow for the refreshing and renewing of our spirit. How blessed we are to be able to, at any time, delight in God’s love. He says, “Be still (let go of whatever is burdening you) and know that I am God.”
Here are a few of the photos taken at the ministry with the ladies on Saturday, April 25, 2015. The room filled with women who had come with a hungry heart to hear from the Lord and to receive all that He had for them on that day. The “afterglow” of that day’s ministry carried right into Castlewood’s Sunday morning church service. God’s presence was so powerful that all the people could do was… fall on their knees and worship Him!
What a mighty move of the Holy Spirit!
AND, a sign that a ministry gathering has been successful is when you notice the ladies just don’t want to leave when it’s over. They formed a long line to enjoy the beautiful buffet and fellowshipped with one another long after the ministry afternoon had ended. Indeed, it was a glorious time on Saturday, April 25, 2015 ….IN HIS PRESENCE!
Sheila I did not know the ministry was still going on! GREAT TO HEAR THAT. With love Jeanella!
My Dear Jeanella!
Yes, ministry to the ladies is still continuing. When there is a calling upon your life to bring hope, love, inspiration, truth and encouragement…all I can do is what God has called me to do. So, Yes, I continue in His calling wherever the door of ministry opens for me. The “IN HIS PRESENCE” Ministry to the ladies was birthed out of the heart of Pastor Oya Townsley and me 3 years ago. Oya and I have been ministering to the ladies over the past three years and it has been just a glorious time in the Lord every single gathering. At the end of this month (the end of MAY) I am flying to Ohio to do a weekend ladies’ retreat at Community of the Holy Spirit Church along with the founder of this church and the Senior Pastor’s wife. God continues to open doors!
Dan and I are very much still enjoying ministry together. Dan is mentoring younger pastors, continuing to write books and ministering in churches. We are still going “full speed ahead” in our late sixties as the Lord leads. 🙂 You have always been dear to my heart Jeanella. I love you! Sheila (HUGS)