On a crisp evening in Amana, a small but vibrant community nestled just outside downtown Iowa City, something remarkable was happening. The town, known for its rich German heritage and picturesque setting, was hosting a revival service that would forever be etched in the hearts of all who attended. The people of Amana, proud descendants of German immigrants, gathered together in one of the local halls, a place that had seen so many events over the years, from German festivals to community gatherings. But this night was different. This night, Lillian, an evangelist with a heart of fire and a soul on mission, was leading the meeting.

Amana is known for its history, as well as its seven interconnected villages that each hold a piece of the puzzle that makes this area so unique. With its German roots firmly planted in the land, the traditions of the Amana Colonies still run strong, and this night, those traditions were infused with a new, dynamic energy—the Spirit of God. The Amana Heritage Museum, a treasure trove of the town’s history, was located just down the road, but tonight, the history being made wasn’t about the past. It was about the present, and more importantly, the future.

Lillian had arrived in Amana with a word that would stir the hearts of the people. Known for her deep faith and her passionate preaching, she was a woman on a mission to spread the gospel and call the people to repentance, revival, and renewal. As she stood before the congregation, a hush fell over the room, and all eyes were fixed on her. The wooden beams above, so reminiscent of Amana’s German roots, seemed to almost echo with anticipation. Even the rich aroma of traditional German lagers from a nearby brewery couldn’t compete with the holy atmosphere that had descended upon the room.

“Tonight, we’re not just gathering in the name of tradition,” Lillian began, her voice strong and filled with conviction. “We’re gathering because there is a new thing God wants to do in Amana. He’s calling us to something deeper. He’s calling us to bring revival to this town, this state, this nation.”

Lillian spoke with urgency, her words punctuated by moments of silence, as if she was allowing the weight of each statement to sink into the hearts of the people. For many, this was a night unlike any other. This wasn’t a typical gathering where people simply came to hear a good sermon or to enjoy the comfort of familiar faces. This was a night of awakening.

“This town, Amana, is rich in history,” she continued. “But tonight, I want to tell you that God has an even richer plan for your future. I know this town holds many traditions. The German festivals, the shops, the food, the spirit of community. But God is calling us to step into the future with a renewed sense of His purpose. He is calling this community to shine as a beacon of hope, not just for Amana, but for all of Iowa.”

The crowd was captivated. Lillian had a way of speaking that didn’t just address the mind—it touched the heart. People who had lived in Amana for decades, who knew the history of the Amana Colonies like the back of their hands, were listening intently, some nodding in agreement, others with tears in their eyes. God was moving in the room, and His presence was undeniable.

“As the Bible says,” Lillian continued, “’For such a time as this, I am bringing My people to life—true life in Me.’ This is your time, Amana. The seeds that were planted by your ancestors, the very roots of this town, are now being stirred by the Spirit of God. You are not just inheritors of a legacy—you are called to carry that legacy forward with the power of the Holy Spirit in your lives.”

The people of Amana were used to celebrations and gatherings that showcased the best of their German customs. Whether it was the traditional German lagers, the incredible festivals that marked the seasons, or simply the camaraderie that existed in their tight-knit villages, the people of Amana had always found joy in their rich heritage. But tonight, Lillian was inviting them to celebrate a deeper, eternal heritage—one that transcended culture and history and pointed directly to the Kingdom of God.

“I know that many of you have come from different backgrounds. Some of you are well-versed in the ways of the church. Others might be here out of curiosity or seeking something more,” Lillian said, pausing to look around the room. “But no matter where you are in your walk with God, I want you to know this: God has something more for you. His heart is for you, and He’s calling you to rise up and partner with Him in what He’s doing in this hour.”

The atmosphere in the room was electric. Lillian’s words were like a spiritual wind, sweeping through the hearts of those present. Some were visibly moved, their eyes shining with a renewed sense of purpose. Others were deep in thought, wrestling with the call to step into a new season of faith. Amana, with its German customs and traditions, had just encountered a fresh outpouring of God’s presence, and the people were beginning to realize that this was a pivotal moment.

Lillian then shared a word of prophecy for Amana: “The Lord is saying to you tonight that He is bringing a realignment of the heart. There are people in this town who have been walking in the ways of tradition, but God is calling them to break free and step into the fullness of His plans for their lives. You are not just a town rich in history. You are a town called to bring forth new life—spiritual life—into the communities around you.”

The crowd was still. No one dared to move, as if they were hanging on every word that Lillian spoke. For many, it felt as if the message was directly for them. The realignment Lillian spoke of was not just for the people who lived in Amana but for anyone who was willing to hear God’s call. The revival wasn’t something that was coming from afar—it was happening right here, right now.

As Lillian prayed for the people, there was an undeniable sense that God was doing something profound in Amana. The light of revival was beginning to shine brightly, and the people who had gathered were ready to carry it forward. God was stirring something deep in the heart of this small, historic town, and the waves of transformation were just beginning.

Before the meeting ended, Lillian encouraged everyone to take what they had received and to go out into the streets of Amana, to share the love of God, to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, and to be the living witnesses of Christ that this town so desperately needed.

“Amana is ready for change,” she said, her voice filled with passion. “And it starts with you.”

As the meeting concluded, many stayed behind, praying, talking, and sharing their experiences. Some were overwhelmed by the power of the Holy Spirit, others simply thankful for the message that had been spoken into their lives. Amana had just experienced a shift, a move of God that would ripple out into the community and beyond.

The revival had begun.

Haiku-Pauwela, a small, peaceful town nestled on the north shore of Maui, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and close-knit community spirit. With a population of just around 9,245, this town is a place where people come together, whether it’s for a friendly chat at the Pauwela store or a shared passion for outdoor activities like hiking and ziplining. Haiku-Pauwela has a way of making everyone feel included, and its friendly, safe environment is one that many residents hold dear. Recently, the community gathered at the local church for a powerful church conference, where Raya, a guest speaker from the mainland, shared her inspiring message on faith, choice, and the importance of spiritual growth in today’s world.

The conference took place in the heart of Haiku-Pauwela, where the scent of the ocean mingled with the fresh breeze from the surrounding trails. This idyllic setting set the stage for an event that would encourage everyone to deepen their relationship with God while fostering a stronger sense of community. The church, with its welcoming atmosphere, was filled with people from all walks of life—families from the area, long-time residents, and even those who had only recently settled in Haiku-Pauwela. As the attendees gathered, there was a sense of anticipation in the air.

Raya, the speaker, began by acknowledging the beautiful simplicity of life in Haiku-Pauwela. She spoke of the peace that the town exuded and how that same tranquility can be found in a life centered around God. “In the quiet moments,” Raya said, “God speaks the loudest. It’s in the stillness that we can truly hear His voice.” She encouraged everyone to take a moment each day to quiet their hearts and minds, just as the town itself provided a natural refuge from the hustle and bustle of the world.

She went on to speak about the power of choice. Drawing from the wisdom of scripture, Raya explained that God, in His infinite love, gives every individual the freedom to choose their path. “God’s healing is available to us all, but He doesn’t force it upon us. He gives us the power to choose,” Raya emphasized. “We must choose to embrace that healing, to walk in the light of His love, and to exercise our free will in ways that bring honor to Him.” This idea resonated deeply with the attendees, as many of them had experienced firsthand the importance of making the right choices, not just for themselves but for the community as well.

Raya also addressed the issue of how Christianity is sometimes represented in the media. She reflected on the damaging portrayals of Christian leaders who seek fame and fortune, tarnishing the image of the faith. “It’s crucial that we, as believers, be mindful of how we represent Christ to the world,” Raya said. “We are called to be His ambassadors, not for our personal gain but to glorify His name.” This message struck a chord with the congregation, especially in a town like Haiku-Pauwela, where simplicity and humility are highly valued.

The discussion then shifted to the idea of spiritual maturity. Raya shared her thoughts on how the church is meant to build up the body of Christ, bringing believers to a place of maturity in their faith. Drawing from Ephesians 4, she explained that the role of the church is not only to evangelize but also to help people grow spiritually so they can minister to others. “We must move beyond the basics of faith and strive for deeper, more meaningful connections with God,” she urged. “It’s not enough to simply believe; we must live out our faith in a way that transforms our hearts and lives.”

The importance of love and humility in relationships was another key theme of the conference. Raya shared her thoughts on how relationships, particularly within marriages, require mutual respect and submission. “When we choose to love selflessly, we reflect the love Christ has for us,” she said. “This is the foundation of every relationship, whether it’s between a husband and wife, friends, or even within the church community.”

As the conference continued, Raya shared stories of personal transformation, including the testimony of a man who had turned his life around after being involved in a life of crime. This man’s powerful testimony spoke of how Christ had entered his life and completely changed him from the inside out. “It’s not just about what we’ve done; it’s about what God has done in us,” Raya explained. “When we surrender our lives to Christ, we become new creations. The old has gone, and the new has come.”

The conference also highlighted the importance of discerning God’s will in our lives. Raya spoke of how the Holy Spirit guides believers in making decisions and knowing what is right. She explained that the Spirit is not only present in moments of worship but in every aspect of life. “When we listen to the Spirit, we are led to make choices that align with God’s purpose for us,” Raya said. “The Spirit empowers us to live out our faith with strength and conviction.”

In the afternoon, the community gathered outside for a time of fellowship. As the sun set over the ocean, families and friends shared meals, stories, and laughter. The Pauwela store, with its reputation for treating everyone like family, provided the ingredients for a delicious meal, bringing people together in the spirit of community. The warmth and connection shared among the attendees was a true reflection of the themes discussed throughout the day.

Raya concluded her message by reminding everyone that while Haiku-Pauwela offers a peaceful environment, true peace comes only through a relationship with God. “You may live in a safe, beautiful place, but without God’s peace in your heart, it’s impossible to experience the fullness of life,” she said. “Let us be a community that chooses to walk in His peace, His love, and His truth every day.”

The church conference in Haiku-Pauwela was not just an event but a call to action—a reminder that each person has the power to make choices that align with God’s will. It was a day of reflection, transformation, and renewal. As the community of Haiku-Pauwela left the church that evening, they did so with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that they were part of something much bigger than themselves. They were a part of a community united in faith, bound together by the love of God.