Date: March 22, 2025
Bella’s Message:

“Good evening, everyone! I’m so excited to be here with you tonight. I want to share a story about faith, determination, and standing firm in what we believe in, even when the odds seem stacked against us. It’s about a young woman named Jordan Patel, a figure skater right here in Bethesda, Maryland.

Jordan had one dream—to compete at the national level in figure skating. She trained tirelessly, balancing long hours on the ice with helping her mother run their struggling coffee shop near the local ice rink. It wasn’t easy, but Jordan loved both her family and her sport.

One day, news broke that a wealthy developer planned to demolish the ice rink to build luxury condos. For Jordan, this wasn’t just a building—it was her second home, the place where she poured out her heart and soul. Losing it meant losing everything she had worked for. It would have been easy to give up, to accept that she was just one person who couldn’t make a difference. But Jordan wasn’t one to back down.

With the help of a former rival, Lena Brooks, she started rallying the community. They organized petitions, reached out to the media, and even planned a major skating event to raise awareness. But just as things were looking hopeful, Jordan uncovered a truth that shook her world—her own family had ties to the developer threatening to tear down the rink. Suddenly, her battle was more than just saving a building. It became a journey of understanding her own past and realizing that sometimes, the biggest challenges aren’t just external—they’re within us.

Now, let’s pause and ask ourselves: Have you ever felt like the odds were against you? Have you ever faced a challenge that seemed too big to handle? Maybe it’s a tough situation at school, pressure from friends, or doubts about your own abilities. In moments like these, we have two choices—we can give up, or we can trust that God has a greater purpose.

Proverbs 16:9 says, ‘In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.’ Jordan thought her battle was about an ice rink, but God was using it to teach her about courage, resilience, and family. Sometimes, we focus so much on what we think we’re fighting for that we don’t see the bigger picture God is painting in our lives.

Bethesda is a city that has changed a lot over the years. It started as a quiet community but has grown into a thriving urban center with amazing restaurants, theaters, and cultural attractions. Change can be good, but it can also be scary. Just like Jordan had to embrace change and trust that something greater was happening, we, too, have to trust God when things shift around us.

Tonight, I challenge you—what is something in your life that feels overwhelming? What is a dream you’re afraid to chase? What battle do you feel like you’re losing? I want you to remember that just because things seem difficult doesn’t mean God isn’t working. Sometimes, He uses the hardest moments to shape us into the people we’re meant to be.

Group Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever faced a situation where you felt powerless? How did you handle it?
2. What is something you are passionate about that you would fight for, like Jordan fought for her ice rink?
3. How can you trust God more in difficult situations?
4. Do you believe God is guiding your steps, even when you don’t understand where you’re going? Why or why not?

Fellowship and Reflection:
After the meeting, the youth gathered for snacks and continued discussions about their own challenges and dreams. Some opened up about struggles at school, while others shared how they wanted to be bolder in their faith. As the night ended, there was a sense of encouragement in the room—a reminder that no matter what they faced, God was walking with them, just like He walked with Jordan through her journey.

It was a cool evening in Kansas City, Kansas, as believers gathered at the local church for a special prayer meeting. The sanctuary buzzed with anticipation as men and women, young and old, came together seeking comfort, healing, and direction from God. The city itself, known for its dynamic industrial base and rich cultural heritage, seemed to echo the sentiments of those present—a place of resilience, faith, and unity.

As the meeting began, the pastor introduced the speaker for the night, a well-known woman of faith named Paisley. With a warm smile and a commanding presence, Paisley stepped up to the pulpit, her voice carrying a sense of authority yet filled with tenderness.

The Call to Wait on God

Paisley opened with a word of encouragement. “My brothers and sisters, tonight is a night of divine release. The healing of God is being poured out in this place, and as we wait upon Him, we will see His glory in ways we never imagined. Some of you are wondering how God is going to ‘pull this off.’ I tell you, the way He moves will be glorious because He is working FOR you!”

The congregation responded with resounding “Amen!” and “Hallelujah!” Hands were lifted in surrender as people began to expect a mighty move of the Holy Spirit.

Paisley continued, referencing scripture and urging the people not to lose faith. “We know that sickness and bondage are part of the curse of the Law, but Jesus has redeemed us. We have been set free! The Amplified Bible tells us that we are delivered from the doom and condemnation of the Law. So why do we hold on to sickness and despair when our healing has already been secured?”

The Power of Commitment and Covenant

Paisley spoke on the importance of understanding covenant. “When we enter a covenant with God, we are making a commitment. Unlike contracts that people break today, God’s covenant is everlasting. He does not change His mind. He has promised healing, restoration, and breakthrough, and tonight, we are standing on that promise!”

She recounted the story of a woman who approached Jesus, desperate for healing. “She didn’t hesitate. She didn’t question. She reached out and touched the hem of His garment with faith. And what did Jesus say? ‘Daughter, be of good comfort. Your faith has made you whole.’”

The room filled with soft murmurs of agreement. Some wiped tears from their eyes, realizing that healing was not a distant concept but an immediate promise available through faith.

Stepping into New Assignments

Paisley shifted the focus to a prophetic word for the city and the people in attendance. “God is commissioning many of you tonight. He is calling you into new areas of ministry, into new assignments that will require deeper trust and dependence on Him. Some of you have felt exhausted, like you cannot continue, but the Lord is saying: ‘I am renewing your strength. Stand and watch Me fight for you!’”

She urged the congregation to pray for clarity. “Many have felt lost, confused, unsure of where God is leading. But hear this: You are crossing into a season of supernatural clarity. The enemy has tried to blind you, but God is sharpening your vision. You will see further, discern deeper, and walk with greater confidence than ever before.”

The presence of God was thick in the room. People knelt in prayer, lifting their voices in thanksgiving and surrender.

Healing and Restoration

Paisley then invited those who needed healing to come forward. “We are going to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, just as the Word promises.”

Many stepped forward—some in need of physical healing, others seeking emotional and spiritual restoration. As hands were laid on them, testimonies began to arise. A woman who had been suffering from chronic pain felt it leave her body instantly. A man struggling with anxiety felt peace wash over him like a wave. Families estranged for years felt a sudden pull toward reconciliation.

Paisley raised her hands and declared, “This is just the beginning! The Spirit of God is moving in Kansas City, Kansas! He is not just healing bodies but restoring dreams, renewing callings, and releasing His people into greater levels of faith and impact!”

The night continued with fervent worship and prayer, the people of Kansas City, Kansas, standing together as a unified body, ready to walk in faith and victory. The church, much like the thriving city around it, was stepping into a new era of growth, renewal, and divine purpose.