God Heal This Land!

Almost four years ago River Run Fellowship made preparations to erect a new building to house its church activities.  Over these past years we have watched it emerge with hope.  At the same time we have also known many difficult struggles and disappointments.  Ultimately the struggles have led us to believe it was best to sell it all.

The sale of the properties was faster than one could imagine however it too was met with unbelievable complications.  Yet River Run people continued to believe that God can do the impossible.

With that in mind, on Wednesday, January 18th, 2012 Barney Coombs (Vancouver), Dennis Penner (Pickering), and Andrew Wynn (Newmarket) met with Stephen on the building site to pray that God would complete its' sale.  Together they asked God to 'Heal this Land' and to 'Make the bitter water sweet'.

Barney reminded the group of the power of negative words and of their menacing effect.  Together and in agreement, they bound and broke the power of negative words or curses.  Words like demise, peril, and loss had been spoken against the church, and were specifically bound.  As Barney prayed, he proclaimed with a commanding apostolic voice, "Enough is enough, bring this chapter to an end!"  He continued with reminding the Lord of his promises to His people.

In addition Stephen blessed those who had cursed them.  He asked God to strengthen, increase, and use those who had specifically spoken negatively of the church and himself.  Heartfelt forgiveness toward the church's accusers was offered before the Lord.  The Lord's presence was among the four, and God was hearing them.

The time of prayer and warfare was completed when Andrew took a mallet from among the framing timber and struck the platform as if it was a gavel.  He said, "It's finished, seal the deal Lord - it's time for these people to move on!"

God had ordained the day.  Barney had arranged to be with Stephen two weeks prior to Wednesday, January 18th.  Andrew and Dennis had asked to come to pray with Stephen six days prior to the 18th, not knowing Barney would be there.  The company taking soil samples outside on River Run property, happened to do it at the same time the group of four were praying inside the building.  To God be the glory!

The group picture was taken by the person taking soil samples.

Christmas At River Run 2011

Not too many years ago the majority of people in churches were mostly from the surrounding area, where as today's church is a mixture of local people, and people from around the province and out of province.  Many people are traveling during the Christmas season. This makes for a very different church and the need to rethink how we celebrate seasonal holidays.


Most church celebrations are as near as possible to the actual holiday.  This year for example churches would traditionally celebrate Christmas with something special on Saturday, December 24th or Sunday, December 25th - and for New Years with something special on Sunday, January 1st.  Added to the already planned family celebrations, it makes for a busy time of year.

However the River Run folk were encouraged to be with their families and friends for these occasions, when we cancelled both Christmas and New Year Sunday Worship Services.  This allowed people to travel where they need to be, and to visit as long as they are able.  Equally any service at home would not be half attended.


For this reason we celebrated Christmas on Sunday, December 18th.  We sat around festively decorated tables and enthusiastically worshipped the Lord with our favorite carols.  The children spiritedly sang some songs with actions that made everyone smile.  Stephen concluded the service with a message about anticipation, illustrating the story of Mary and Elizabeth.

Then it was time to eat our Christmas lunch.  Spring rolls, bun-wiches, festive hors d'oeuvres, and more were laid out on the buffet table, and everyone helped themselves.  It was good to eat but it was also good to hear the laughter and see people enjoying themselves.  A special shout out to the those who organized the event, it was one of the best!

Tot's Playdate Christmas Party 2011

Tot's Playdate happens each Monday morning and offers a great opportunity for moms to meet other moms, and for tots to play with other tots.  Usually there's coffee and snacks, and sometimes there's an outing or special event, yet without exception there is always good conversation and genuine support.  If you would like more information on Tot's Playdate, contact us at riverrunfellowship@gmail.com


Santa makes a special visit to Tot's Playdate!