“It was a wonderful renewal, revival experience,” rejoiced one attendee after the Faith Alive weekend held April 4-6, 2008 at St. Peter and St. Paul. “My heart was elated at the number of us who came forward to mark the weekend for our church.”

All had been quiet when the weekend began Thursday afternoon at 5 p.m. A lone man sat in the front pew, head quietly bowed. “For this weekend to be a success,” counseled Faith Alive Weekend Coordinator and national Faith Alive President, Tom Riley months ago at the first planning meeting, “it must be covered by prayer. Each Faith Alive begins with a 24-hour prayer vigil, which starts at 5 pm on Thursday and continues until 5 pm Friday.”

Prayer vigil begun, the excitement in the air was almost tangible. By mid-day Friday, the vigil was nearing its conclusion. In all 24 people took part, each spending a full hour in prayer—at home during the late night and early morning hours, and in the church for the remainder of the time. Many, who weren’t sure how to pray for a solid hour, reported very positive experiences.

As the prayer vigil ended, the out-of-town “witnesses” began to arrive. Not a preaching or teaching mission, Faith Alive features lay people who travel at their own expense to share with local churches what God is doing in their lives. Witnesses arrived from as far away as Wisconsin and Georgia. Led by master story-teller Tom Riley, the witnesses shared answers to prayers, trials and triumphs, healings and miracles, and “words from the Lord” which were specifically intended for St. Peter and St. Paul.

The elementary school-aged children (tweens) and teenagers enjoyed a program especially designed for them, which culminated in a skit on Saturday night and a presentation of a decorated rock to mark the occasion on Sunday morning. The skit, put on by the children, featured tween Michael Alachnowicz caught in a crate labeled “Sin.” In spite of the efforts of Ryan and Alex Cornell, and the others to encourage Michael to use: success, friends, good looks, education, and even religion to escape sin’s trap, Michael remained bound. Finally, through faith in Jesus Christ and acceptance of His grace and mercy, Michael was released completely from the power of sin!

Witnesses stayed in the homes of church members, which allowed for further fellowship and ministry. Saturday morning featured Neighborhood Groups: gatherings of six-12 people in homes for coffee and sharing. The groups were followed by two luncheons: one for men and the other for women.

Saturday afternoon found the witnesses visiting shut-ins and Saturday evening featured more sharing followed by small groups in which members plotted their spiritual timelines and prepared for the special commitment service on Sunday.

“This weekend has refocused my motivations. I thank God for this church!” enthused another participant. From the very beginning of the weekend through the final service a sense of joy in what the Lord is doing here at St. Peter and St. Paul filled the atmosphere.

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21