Riverside Stories
Your Story Can Change Someone’s Life!
Your testimony is powerful, and God can use your words to transform someone’s life in amazing ways. If you have a story about how the Lord has moved in your life and your journey at Riverside, please take a moment to share it with us below.
At Riverside, we believe every story matters—because every story reflects God’s faithfulness. Time after time, He takes what feels broken and hopeless and transforms it into a testimony of His power, provision, and love.
Riverside Stories is a collection of real-life testimonies from people just like you—stories of redemption, restoration, and God’s unwavering goodness.
Do you have a story to share? We’d love to hear it! Send us a message below.
All Stories
Extravagant Love: Angie Benn’s Story of Redemption
Life’s journey often takes us through valleys of pain, rejection, and disappointment, leaving us wondering if we’re seen or heard by God. Angie Benn’s story is a beautiful testament to the faithfulness of God—a story of redemption, grace, and extravagant love, much...
From Brokenness to Wholeness: Gabriel’s Journey of Redemption
In the darkest corners of life, where hope seems lost and brokenness takes over, God’s grace shines brightest. This is the inspiring story of Gabriel Adam—a man who went from living in the grip of addiction, violence, and despair to experiencing the transformative...
Running the Race of Faith: Wilbur Miller’s Story of Redemption and Victory
Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Along the way, we face trials, setbacks, and moments where we feel like giving up. But on the other side of our greatest struggles lies the greatest victories. This is the story of Wilbur Miller—a man who endured deep pain, loss, and...
Films
From Chains to Freedom: Jesus Is My Jubilee | Dawn Hires | Jubilee Testimony
From chaos to freedom—Jesus broke my chains, restored my life, and gave me true joy. He is my Jubilee!
From Darkness to Light: A Life Transformed by Faith | Ben Keegan | Testimony
Lost before Christ, he found hope, redemption, and a new path through God’s love and grace.
From Brokenness to Redemption: Gabriel’s Journey of Faith | Testimony
Gabriel’s journey from addiction to restoration shows Christ’s grace and life transformation.
From Dope Dealer to Hope Dealer: A Life Transformed | John H | Testimony
From crime to redemption, God’s protection transformed his life, bringing hope and grace.
From Rock Bottom to Redemption: A Mama's Prayer and the Power of Jesus | Danielle | Testimony
A mother’s prayers answered: her daughter finds Jesus, transforming her life with hope, love, and peace.
From Despair to Redemption: A Journey of Grace and Restoration| John & Cheyenne | Testimony
From homelessness to hope, John and Cheyenne’s journey shows God’s grace and the power of faith.
Stitching for the Savior: Turning a Craft into a Calling | Edna Ford | Testimony
A stepmother’s crochet gift became a ministry, spreading love and hope through handmade creations.
From Darkness to Redemption: Nicholas's Journey to a Changed Life | Nicholas | Testimony
Lost in despair, Nicholas found hope and purpose through Christ, inspiring belief in second chances.
Better Together: Finding Faith, Friendship, & Belonging in Small Groups | Jeff and Kate | Testimony
Overcoming fears, small groups bring support, belonging, and transformation—proving we’re better together.
The Joy of Serving: Finding Purpose, Faith, and Impact | Scott & Diane | Testimony
Serving others brings joy, strengthens faith, builds community, and makes an eternal impact—start today!
From Addiction to Redemption: A Journey of Hope and Faith | Corry Adams | Testimony
From rock bottom to freedom, Jesus transformed my life—I’m now building a legacy of faith for my son.
Written
Finding Strength Through God: A Parent’s Transformation
Ruth Crespo
A few months ago, I started attending church for help with my kids, and through the Parenting class, God answered my deepest questions. I’ve been blessed ever since. I’m not perfect, but with God’s help, I’m becoming the best version of myself.
A Journey of Healing: Trusting God Through the Pain
Brandy Zent
As I embrace my new journey, God is showing up in powerful ways. A survivor of domestic violence, I’m learning to release my trauma and trust that God will help me heal. Though I can’t quote scriptures yet, I’m taking steps every day.
Finding Purpose: Trusting God's Plan Over Expectations
Marlene Miller
I struggled with school and questioned if I should continue or stop at 8th grade like my parents. God made His plan clear, and though it was hard to overcome others’ judgments, I know this decision allows me to focus on my true purpose.
Following God's Call: A New Beginning in Three Rivers
Stephen Fuchs
My wife and I felt God’s calling to leave Louisiana and move to Three Rivers, Michigan, to care for my family. After finding a job, packing up, and trusting God’s plan, we know He’ll guide us through this transition. Please pray for us as we settle in!
A Fresh Start: Reclaiming My Faith After a Decade
Arlin Bontrager
At 28, after a 10-year break from church, I decided it’s time to make a change. Growing up in a Christian home laid a foundation, and now I’m returning to faith, ready to rediscover the strength and peace that only God can provide.
From Pain to Prayer: A Journey of Faith and Resilience
Jeanette Willma
As a child, I faced hardship and neglect, but through it all, God worked in my heart. From escaping a locked basement to seeking faith through church, my journey to understanding Jesus has been a path of resilience, love, and transformation.
From Knowledge to Relationship: My Life-Changing Decision
Terry Benn
Growing up knowing about God, I never had a personal relationship with Him—until I accepted Jesus at a Heaven’s Gates, Hell’s Flames play in Kalamazoo. That decision transformed my life, and I haven’t been the same since.
From Selfishness to Godliness: A Journey of Transformation
Before accepting Jesus, I struggled with selfishness and instant gratification, causing harm to others and stress in my life. Through the support of my wife and the birth of our child, I sought God’s help to transform into a better, Godly man.
A Life Changed: The Blessing That Restored Hope
Ashley Tyria
A young single mom, balancing work, school, and motherhood, received a life-changing blessing at Riverside. After being baptized on Easter, she was overwhelmed by the generosity of the church, feeling loved and uplifted in a way she never had before.
From Heartbreak to Healing: Finding God in the Struggles
Marla Schmucker
Growing up in a Christian household, I always believed but never truly explored the Bible. The struggles of my sister and the loss of her led me to dive deeper into my faith, finding strength in God and experiencing a life-changing transformation.
From Being Served to Serving Others: A Journey of Blessing
Shanna Ortiz
Serving families at the Women’s Shelter was a deeply humbling and heart-filling experience. Witnessing their resilience reminded me of the power of community. I’m eager to continue growing support for these families who’ve left everything behind.
Finding Belonging: A Single Mom’s Journey to Riverside
Shaye Franklin
After struggling to find a church that felt like home, a single mom and her son found acceptance at Riverside Church. With the encouragement of friends, they discovered a community where they could grow, feel welcomed, and be inspired to keep coming.
Reigniting My Heart: A Journey of Rediscovering Purpose"
Davita Alderson
After a season of feeling overwhelmed, I found my purpose again through serving alongside my kids on Serve Day. God revealed how teaching them to love and serve is changing hearts and reigniting mine in the process. Love is more important than ever.
Overflowing Love: Blessing a Family in Need
Kristen Cottingham
Today was a blessing as we visited a domestic assault shelter, supporting a mom and her three young kids who left with only the clothes on their backs. Thank you, Riverside Church, for allowing us to give and receive God’s love in this powerful way!
A Moment of Compassion: Sharing God’s Love at Riverside Apartments"
Pam King - Serve Day
On a mission to spread kindness, we shared ice cream and VBS cards at Riverside Apartments. One young mom, facing a tough day, was deeply moved by our words: ‘God loves you, and so do we.’ Sometimes, a small gesture can make all the difference.
A Simple Invitation, A Beautiful Blessing: Connecting Through Serve Day
Gary Boden - Serve Day
During Serve Day, I invited people to join us for hot dogs at the church and passed out water and cards. One invitee showed up with her two beautiful daughters. Praise Jesus for the connections and blessings that came from a simple invite!”
Growing Together: The Power of Small Groups at Riverside Church
Kate Coughran
We have been attending Riverside Church for almost 6 years. We have been apart of multiple small groups over the years. Small groups has helped us to get connected and grow spiritually. We would recommend that everyone join a small group.
Blessing Hearts: A Day of Hope and Joy for Mamas in Need
Emma Miller
A day full of smiles, shopping, and ice lattes brought joy to ladies at the Domestic Assault Shelter. From heartfelt conversations to picking out new clothes, we ministered to their spirits, reminding them of God’s love and care.
Would you be interested in sharing your story? Send us a message below!
