Sunday, May 22, 2016, was my first visit to Redemption Church in Knoxville. During the weeks prior to this day, through a process of dreams and time alone with the Lord, I understood this was the next step in my personal walk with God.

When I arrived that morning, I noticed golf carts moving through the parking lot, offering rides to the front door for those who were unable to walk the distance or those who just preferred a faster pace. I actually chose to ride on this bright sunshine day and engaged in conversation with the driver. Pleasant words and smiles were exchanged as I stepped out of the cart at the church entrance. I entered the building and made my way to the sanctuary. I did not know anyone personally who attended this church and did not expect to see a familiar face. I prayed that I would hear from the Lord during the message. As I observed the activity going on around me, my mind was reflecting on the possibilities this change could mean moving forward.

Praise and worship refocused my thoughts on the Lord. Pastor Ed King opened the message in prayer and then made a surprising statement. He announced to the congregation that he had thoroughly prepared a sermon for today; however, God had awakened him with a very strong impression to speak on “Destiny”. He changed his message in obedience and began to read in Psalm 16. From the first word, I sensed God was speaking directly to me, though undoubtedly others were receiving from the Lord as well. I took notes as fast as I could write. Sometimes Pastor King would speak a sentence containing several profound truths and I struggled to get all the words written while he continued on with the message. I was overwhelmed with the revelations from the Word and I knew God was teaching me concerning my future.

At the end of the message, Pastor King asked anyone who was a scribe to stand, because he felt the need to bless the scribes. A few people scattered across the congregation stood in response, while I was thinking to myself that this does not apply to me as I am not a member of the church. Immediately, behind those negative thoughts was a strong silent command to stand up, and I obeyed. Pastor King then prayed a blessing of anointing over the scribes. After service, he instructed the scribes to stop in the foyer at the “blue room” and to volunteer for the Legacy Project. I proceeded slowly out of the sanctuary in disbelief, arguing with myself silently that I would not be allowed to serve on this project since today was my first day attending the church. God’s prodding prompted me to keep moving. I joined the small group standing around the leader who was explaining the details of this project. I filled out the volunteer application somewhat skeptically. Prayers were lifted as I drove home for God’s will to be done.

I received a phone call the next day from Deborah, a member of the office staff, and we had a long conversation. I shared about my walk with God, my love story with Scott, and my book, “Showered By Grace”. Many questions were discussed. She explained that I would be contacted by the leader of the Legacy Project with further instructions. When the call ended, I was filled with awe at God’s presence in this situation and wondered about the steps ahead.

A meeting was held subsequently and the volunteers were instructed on how to access the digital files for transcription or editing and how to complete the work according to their specifications. We would be issued one or two files at a time, with an expected turnaround time frame of one week. These files were Dr. King’s past teachings that had been recorded on tapes. We would be transcribing and/or editing his words to be used in printing the material.

This became an incredible gift to me personally. Knowledge was increasing exponentially every Sunday morning, and God was teaching me through the older sermons as well. I was being saturated in the Word in a most unexpected and interesting manner. I reviewed my notes after every Sunday’s message and then read and reread Dr. King’s teachings from the past through the week. The information was substantial, and I prayed for the Holy Spirit to seal these truths in my spirit because I was not confident I could recall it without divine help. The “Destiny” series continued for many weeks. One Sunday in June 2016, Pastor King spoke to the congregation and said he had spent hours on this series and he did not receive his information from books. I understood this teaching was anointed by Holy Spirit and I was at this church at this time for this reason. Dr. King’s next teaching, “Faith For The Journey”, lasted several months and provided powerful insight in fulfilling our destiny.

I continued to attend Redemption Church faithfully and to serve in the Legacy Project for two years. Mere words cannot adequately describe the treasure of the Word I was taught during that season. I was humbled and strengthened by God’s presence and grace. Special events occurred and I received many dreams during that time. I am thankful for the special friendships that also developed. Though there was some sadness upon leaving Knoxville, I was confident of God’s calling to return to Goshen in April 2018, for His purpose in and through my life. I reflect on these steps as I continue to move onward and upward with Jesus.

Psalm 16:5-6: “LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”