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.
Riverside Church presents Riverside Stories, a collection of stories that showcase God’s faithfulness to take our hopeless situations and craft them into beautiful testimonies of His power, provision, and love.
Interested in sharing your story? 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 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 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.
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!
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 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.
Guided by Faith: A Search for Truth and Eternity at Riverside Church
Dan Penn
God’s spirit is moving, and Riverside Church is making a powerful impact. Unlike others, they stand firm in Scripture, guiding us toward eternity with authentic, Bible-based teaching. I’m humbled by His guidance and blessed by this church family.
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.
Would you be interested in sharing your story? Send us a message below!
A heartfelt story of a mother’s prayers answered as her daughter finds Jesus and transforms her life. From emotional rock bottom to thriving with hope, love, and peace, this testimony reveals the life-changing power of faith and the healing found in Christ.
Once homeless and lost in addiction, John and Cheyenne’s journey reveals God’s grace in unexpected places. From a car to the Dream Team, their story is one of transformation, hope, and the power of faith to rebuild lives and inspire others.
A stepmother’s gift of crochet became a ministry of love. Through fleece baby blankets, hats, and chemo throws, this heartfelt story inspires us to use our God-given talents to give back, blessing lives with every stitch.
Once lost in darkness and despair, Nicholas found hope and purpose through an unexpected invitation to church. His story of near-death, divine intervention, and transformation through Christ inspires us all to believe in the power of a second chance.
From overcoming introverted fears to building lasting relationships, this inspiring story reveals how small groups provide support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Discover why connection through faith can transform your life—because we truly are better together.
Serving others brings unmatched joy—whether you’re welcoming with a smile or working behind the scenes. Discover how stepping into service strengthens faith, builds community, and can make an eternal impact. Don’t wait—your time to serve is now!
Once lost in addiction and darkness, Gabriel found hope through a desperate prayer in a jail cell. From prison to Teen Challenge to Riverside Church, Christ transformed his life, restored his family, and gave him a new purpose. This is a story of grace and renewal!
Raised in hardship and a life of crime, this man found redemption when God protected him through countless dangerous situations. Now, with his family saved and his life transformed, he’s sharing hope and grace through faith.
Before Christ, life felt lost and without purpose. After a desperate prayer and a life-changing encounter, this man found hope, redemption, and a new path. Baptized and fully surrendered, he’s now living with a renewed heart, guided by God’s love and grace.
Struggling with addiction and self-destruction, I hit rock bottom, nearly losing everything, including my son. But in my darkest moment, I reached out to Jesus—and everything changed. Today, I’m free, proud of who I’ve become, and leaving a legacy of faith for my son.