Trish’s Encouragement from Sophia Tran’s Story

Date: March 18, 2025
Location: Columbia Community Church, Columbia, MD

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Opening Prayer:
“Heavenly Father, we come before You tonight with open hearts and minds, seeking Your wisdom, Your encouragement, and Your guidance. We thank You for bringing us together as a church family and for the opportunity to be uplifted by Your word. Bless our time together, and may the message tonight inspire us to walk in faith, trust Your plan, and remember that You are always working behind the scenes for our good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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Trish’s Message:

“Good evening, everyone. It is such a blessing to gather together in the house of the Lord tonight. As I was preparing to speak, God placed a story on my heart—one that speaks to perseverance, trust, and uncovering the blessings that may be hidden in our past. It is the story of a young woman named Sophia Tran, who grew up right here in Columbia, Maryland.

Sophia was a high school junior, passionate about fencing. She had been training for years with one goal in mind: to earn a scholarship to a prestigious college. She worked tirelessly, dedicating countless hours to her craft, honing her skills, and dreaming of the future she believed she was meant to have.

But then, something unexpected happened. A new coach arrived at her club—his name was Victor Moreau. He was different from the other coaches Sophia had known. He pushed her in ways that no one else had. He challenged her to rethink everything she thought she knew about fencing, about strategy, and even about herself. And as they worked together, Sophia felt a strange sense of familiarity. Something about Coach Moreau stirred memories deep within her, though she couldn’t quite place why.

Then, one day, Sophia made a discovery that would change everything. She learned that Victor Moreau had once been a student of her late grandfather—a man she had only known through old photos and a few stories. Her grandfather had been an Olympic fencer, a legend in his time, but he had never spoken much about his past. And now, here was Victor, someone who had been deeply shaped by her grandfather’s teachings, standing before her and carrying forward a legacy she never even knew existed.

Sophia could have ignored this discovery. She could have continued to focus only on herself and her personal ambitions. But instead, she leaned into it. She began to ask questions, to learn more about her grandfather’s past, and to understand the hidden history of her own family. And as she did, she uncovered a truth that shook her to her core: Her grandfather had once been on track to win Olympic gold, but due to unforeseen circumstances, he had walked away from the sport entirely. However, even though he never returned to competition, he never stopped passing on his knowledge, training students like Victor, who in turn was now training her.

What does this tell us, church? It tells us that God’s plans are bigger than our own. We may think we understand our path, but God is working in ways we can’t always see. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.’

Sophia thought fencing was just about earning a scholarship, but God had a deeper purpose for her gift. He was connecting generations, revealing a legacy, and showing her that her talents were not just for personal gain but to honor those who came before her and those who would come after her. Isn’t that what faith is about? Seeing beyond what is in front of us and trusting that God is doing something greater.

Tonight, I want to encourage you with this: There may be things in your life right now that seem uncertain. You may feel like you are working toward something, but the path is changing in ways you don’t understand. Maybe you are questioning why certain doors are closing or why new challenges are arising. But let me tell you, God is not just writing your story—He is connecting it to something greater than you can imagine.

Think about Columbia, Maryland. This city was planned and designed to be a place where families and businesses could thrive. It was built with intention. And look at it now—Columbia has grown into one of the most livable places in the country, filled with opportunities, beauty, and community. In the same way, God is planning your life with intention. He sees beyond the moment you are in right now. He is shaping your story to bless you and to bless others through you.

So, I ask you tonight—what legacy are you carrying forward? What hidden blessings is God waiting to reveal in your life? Maybe there are family stories, old dreams, or forgotten callings that God is bringing back to the surface. Maybe, like Sophia, you are on the brink of a discovery that will reshape how you see yourself and your purpose.

Let us not be discouraged by what we don’t yet understand. Let us walk forward in faith, knowing that God is always at work. He is training us, preparing us, and placing us exactly where we need to be.

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Closing Scripture and Prayer:
Jeremiah 29:11 – ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’

‘Heavenly Father, we thank You for the reminder that You are always at work in our lives. We thank You for the hidden blessings, the lessons, and the legacy that You are weaving together for our good. Help us to trust in Your plans, to walk in faith, and to embrace the journey even when we do not understand it. May we be lights in this world, passing on the faith, wisdom, and love You have placed in us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.’

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Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, lifting up the town of Terre Haute. We thank You for the blessings You have bestowed upon this community, for its people, its institutions, and its beauty. As we gather here tonight in Your name, may our prayers rise like incense before You, and may our faith be strengthened through fellowship.

Speaker: Penelope

“Brothers and sisters, tonight we come together in prayer for Terre Haute, a town widely considered to be one of the best college towns in the country. This town, nestled in the west-central part of the state along the border with Illinois, has a unique spirit. It is known as the ‘Queen City of the Wasbah,’ a title that reminds us of its rich history and strong foundation.

Terre Haute has long been a place of learning and growth, a town filled with students and educators alike. With five colleges and universities, the pursuit of knowledge fills its streets with an energy that is both lively and laidback. As we reflect on this, let us pray for the young minds that come here seeking wisdom. May they find not only academic success but also spiritual enlightenment. Lord, guide them in their journey, help them to make decisions that honor You, and lead them toward lives of purpose and faith.

Prayer for the Community: Lord, we also lift up the families of Terre Haute. This town is filled with beautiful green spaces and parks, and it is known as ‘Tree City USA.’ Just as trees need deep roots to grow, we pray that the families in this community would be deeply rooted in faith, love, and unity. Bless the parents raising children here, give them strength and patience, and let their homes be places of peace. For those who are struggling, Lord, be their provider and protector.

Prayer for Rejuvenation and Growth: Lord, we thank You for the ways in which You have renewed this town. Once suffering from urban decay, Terre Haute has been blessed with rejuvenation, with new energy, and with fresh life. Art galleries, theaters, festivals, and music events now fill its streets. We see Your hand at work in the restoration of this place. Let us take this as a reminder that You are a God of renewal, of new beginnings. No matter how broken or weary we feel, You can restore us. Let us embrace that truth tonight.

Prayer for Spiritual Revival: Father, beyond the physical and economic renewal of Terre Haute, we ask for a revival of faith. We pray that Your presence would be felt throughout this town, from the churches to the college campuses, from the businesses to the parks. Stir in the hearts of the people, awaken their spirits, and draw them closer to You. Let there be a movement of prayer, a hunger for Your word, and an outpouring of Your love.

Closing Prayer: Lord, we thank You for this time together. As we leave this place, may we carry the light of Your presence with us. Bless Terre Haute, its people, its students, and its families. May it continue to be a place of growth, learning, and faith. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

One evening in Kapaa, on the island of Kauai, a remarkable healing meeting took place, led by a woman of great faith, Hattie. The small town, home to just over 10,800 people, is known for its charm, with its low crime rate and affordable living. It’s a place where families have chosen to settle down, drawn not only by the lower cost of living but also by the sense of community that binds them. That evening, Hattie’s gathering would reflect the same spirit of unity, as individuals from all walks of life came together seeking healing, restoration, and renewal.

The meeting began in a humble church room in the heart of Kapaa, where Hattie stood at the front, radiating a quiet confidence that was both comforting and empowering. The air was thick with anticipation as families and individuals filled the pews, their hearts open to the possibility of God’s transformative power. There was an air of expectancy in the room, as though the community could feel that something remarkable was about to happen.

Hattie started by sharing a few words of encouragement, reflecting on the beauty of Kapaa as a town—its low crime rate and its cost-effective living that made it an ideal place for families to grow. In many ways, Kapaa was a symbol of what people yearned for: a safe haven, a place where life could flourish without the constant strain of high living expenses. For many, the gathering was not just an opportunity for physical healing but also a spiritual one—healing from the burdens that came from living in a world filled with anxiety, pressure, and uncertainty.

“We all carry burdens,” Hattie began, her voice gentle yet firm. “But tonight, I want you to know that there is healing in this room. God has brought you here, not by accident, but because He sees you, He knows you, and He is ready to pour out His healing power upon you.”

As she spoke, there was a soft murmur of agreement throughout the room. The attendees had come seeking relief, whether from physical ailments, emotional struggles, or spiritual battles. Many had heard of Hattie’s reputation as a woman who, through prayer and the laying on of hands, had witnessed countless healings in her lifetime. It was said that wherever she went, people experienced profound breakthroughs—whether it was a release from chronic pain or a restoration of broken relationships.

The town of Kapaa, with its peaceful energy and beautiful surroundings, seemed to offer the perfect backdrop for such a miraculous event. Known for its vibrant shopping area, the Kinipopo Shopping Village, and its thriving local businesses, the people of Kapaa were no strangers to hard work. Yet, despite the lower cost of living compared to other parts of Hawaii, many still carried the weight of life’s struggles. The meeting that evening was a beacon of hope for anyone in need of healing and renewal.

Hattie invited everyone to stand, and as the music played softly in the background, she began to lead the group in prayer. With each word, she called upon God’s power to move in their lives, asking for healing not just of the body, but of the mind and spirit. The words she spoke were not just of hope but of authority, as she reminded the attendees that they were beloved children of God, destined for peace, healing, and restoration.

“I want you to picture yourself free of the weight you’ve been carrying,” Hattie said. “See yourself in the fullness of God’s healing—whether that be in your physical body, your heart, or your mind. He is the great physician, and there is nothing too difficult for Him. This is your moment of freedom.”

The atmosphere in the room shifted as people began to respond to the invitation to receive healing. Some closed their eyes, others lifted their hands, and a few even knelt, feeling the power of the Holy Spirit moving in their midst. There was a palpable sense of unity and trust. The town of Kapaa, with its strong sense of community, was now experiencing a deeper, spiritual connection that transcended the ordinary.

Hattie moved among the crowd, laying hands on the sick, speaking words of life and healing over them. It wasn’t long before testimonies began to emerge. A woman, who had been suffering from chronic back pain for years, began to move without any discomfort, her face lighting up with joy as she realized the pain had disappeared. Another man, who had been struggling with anxiety and depression, felt a weight lift from his shoulders as peace filled his heart.

One by one, others came forward with their stories. A young mother, whose son had been battling severe asthma, testified that her child was breathing clearly for the first time in months. A father, who had been dealing with a broken marriage, shared that he felt a deep sense of restoration and forgiveness. It was clear that something extraordinary was taking place in the room, and the presence of God was undeniably strong.

“These healings are not coincidences,” Hattie said, her eyes filled with compassion and conviction. “This is the power of God at work. He is healing you not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally. You are not the same as you were when you walked through those doors.”

As the evening continued, Hattie emphasized that true healing wasn’t just about the miraculous signs, but about a deep connection to God that empowered individuals to walk in their full potential. She encouraged everyone present to continue to seek God’s presence daily, to trust in His plans, and to believe in the healing that was available to them at all times.

“God has a plan for each of you,” she declared, “and no matter where you are in life—whether you’re living in a small town like Kapaa, or in the midst of a busy city—His healing power is available to you. You are not bound by your circumstances, but by the promises He has made over your life.”

The meeting came to a close with a final prayer, and the attendees, now filled with renewed faith and hope, left the gathering with hearts full of gratitude. For many, it was the beginning of a new chapter—one where they could walk in the fullness of healing and restoration that God had for them. Kapaa, with its small-town charm and close-knit community, had witnessed something extraordinary that night—an outpouring of God’s healing power that would be remembered for years to come.