Gracie’s Story
By Grace Eckstorm on August 5, 2016
Many would say that a church is known by its outward display and inward production, the attendance count on a Sunday morning, or even the experience of the Pastors who Shepherd, but here at Living Hope we believe that our church can be known by the testimonies of our people. The members of this body make up the very essence of who we strive to be, the image of Christ. So to help you get to know us better, we would like to introduce you to Grace Eckstorm. Here is her story…
I have been worshiping at Living Hope Church since December 20th, 2015. I attended a church in South Carolina, before I moved to Florida. It was the right church for me at the time and I believe that God placed me there for a purpose during that season of my life. Now that I have come to call LHC home, I see that God has placed me here for a purpose too. What has Jesus done for me since I came here? He had delivered me from a dark time in my life, and healed my heart for the future. I have been transformed by the lifting up of the Holy Spirit and the encouragement of my brothers and sister in Christ. With His undeniable presence at church I can be me, Grace Ann Eckstorm. I can sing, dance, shout, and be filled with the Holy Spirit like never before in my life.
Living Hope Church is a bible based church of God. With the weekly services, I am understanding the Word more and that has made me realize I could not handle life by myself, but that I need to be surrounded by people of faith. When I step into church, I get so filled with the love of Jesus that it sometimes makes me giggle because I get so excited about what I am going to receive that day. It’s not just Sundays, its Wednesday night bible study, Women’s Bible Study, Friday Night Fire, special services with guest speakers, our monthly Family Fun Night, and outreach events. With all the ministries here, Living Hope Church is ready for everyone. The community of believers and pastors that have surrounded me with love, hope, and encouragement have helped me in my walk with the Lord. We can’t believe by ourselves, we need Him, His love, and others that are faith driven.
I feel His presence every time I come into His house at Living Hope Church. I’ve been healed physically, and have experienced spiritual freedom through the chain that have been broken. A couple of months ago the Lord brought me to Proverbs chapter four, and after hearing a message on baptism the Lord confirmed this word and I was able to proclaim my salvation by being baptized at Stump Pass by my brother Pastor Roger Eckstorm on Easter. This is my testimony, that I may serve my Lord and Savior. I want to do this at Living Hope Church, where I know God has chosen me to be.
Love, Gracie.
