Sunday December 13, 2009 was a special day at the River at Tampa Bay church. It was the first of two toy giveaway scheduled at the River for the surrounding communities.  I began attending the River in April, 2008.  My family and I started doing the bus ministry very shortly thereafter.   Every Sunday we go out into the community and bring people to church from all over Tampa, FL they come to hear and receive from the Lord.  They come from all walks of life. Many of them have not experience the love of God and we have an opportunity as a body to demonstrate God’s love to them. Many give their heart to God and we see their lives transformed.

Last Sunday not only did the grown ups receive from the Lord but the children were blessed with toys. I had the privilege of handing out toys after the service. When I handed a doll to this little girl her eyes lit up and she had the biggest smile on her face. But when I looked up I saw her grandmother who attends regularly, she too was beaming from ear to ear. She was so happy you would have thought she was the one who received the doll.  Their rejoicing blessed me.  I saw them experience the love of God at that moment.  I am so glad that the River Church is making a difference in the lives of people in the community.  Pastor Rodney and Adonica Howard-Browne are committed to do what God has called us to do to take the good news of the gospel to every creature. I am privileged to be attending a church where we are sharing the gospel and winning the lost.  

Carolann W