Church at Vallejo - Lacy Hawkins, Minister

There are a lot of things that I could say about the Church at Vallejo, but they all boil down to the feeling of Home. Home for the soul, peace of mind, excitement towards salvation, enlightenment in faith and the Word of God. It's a place that helps you feel the presence of the Almighty. Of the Holy Ghost. A place that's honest about the world we live in and provides relief and respite from the chaos, violence, and confusion we all face every single day. That pit you feel in your stomach, that emptiness you sense in your life, that void that can't be filled by money, women, drugs, or entertainment, Church of the Latter Rain is the answer to that chasm within you. But don't take my word for it, come and see for yourself!

I came to this church when I was 8 years old by way of my parents. We lived in Southern California, and my dad came to Vallejo to attend a funeral, and during his visit he came to this church with his parents. When my dad came back home, he knew he had to come back to the church because of the spirit and love that he felt, and shortly after we moved to Northern California. I didn’t understand it at the time, why we would move so quickly because of a church, but as I grew up I began to learn for myself just how special this place is.

Fast forward to age 32, I’m still attending this church, and I’m so thankful that Jesus led me this way and that I had the opportunity to serve him in my youth and now as an adult. Jesus has had great mercy on my life, and allowed me to build a personal relationship with him. The people, the environment, the ministry preaching the Word of God, and the Holy Ghost has changed my life and I owe everything to Jesus.

If you’re looking for a change in your life, for the chance to have a fresh start, Jesus has the power to do that. I would encourage anyone to come visit.

If you are looking for a change and some peace in your life, somewhere that can give you a new start in Jesus this is the place! 2 Corinthians 5:17- Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: OLD things are passed away; behold, ALL things are become new.

Coming here at the young age of 5 and growing up in this environment over the years has not only helped me spiritually but also naturally. I wasn’t old enough to know I needed a change at a young age but my mother was the one that was looking for a church to attend. A church that was following the King James version of the Bible and that was Holy Ghost led. Here is where she found both of those things plus more! Through her deciding to coming and stay, I was given a chance to benefit from that decision.

Receiving the Holy Ghost at the age of 8, I can see how Jesus has covered me in every area of my life until this day. With the support of the people as well as the guidance of the ministry here, I am who I am today. I am so thankful there is a place like this for people who are looking for a change and the truth.

This church has truly changed my life! I began faithfully attending this church at a young age — right after the lose of my mom. I was broken and hurt but mostly afraid of what life would be like without a mother ,but the love of the people truly lifted me. As a child I always wanted true friends and to be a part of a family that was unified. I found that here. I truly found a people who cares.

To this day I am still impacted by the love of the people , their testimonies , and the teaching/preaching of the Word of God. Through my daily personal studying and readings of the Bible I have found this place to be true and scripture based. My relationship with Jesus has increased immensely and I’m so thankful that Jesus led me to this glorious church.

I felt strongly compelled to write a review of this church. Before I go into my personal experience I want to say that this is a place where you can truly learn about the Bible. Not just what it says but what it means. Also, this is a place where you can get spiritual guidance. There is a group of people in this church that are truly committed to serving God and supporting one another along the way. This is also a place where you can bring your problems and get help. That last point is what has characterized my personal experience. My mother came to this church during a turbulent time in her life, pregnant with me, and distressed. What she found at first was a safe, clean place to raise a child. As I got older I found myself in a place where having access to mentorship, love, and guidance was simply my reality. More importantly though, I was introduced to Jesus in a way that is very personal. I’ve found that my relationship with God is a personal journey, but it’s impossible to keep without consistent access to spiritually dedicated people. Also, it’s something about hearing the truth of Gods word that is just different. I’ve been coming to this church almost 40 years now and I’ve never once gone spiritually hungry. I’m not a perfect person, or even a particularly important person, but I am compelled to continually recommit myself to a spiritual walk of life, so that I can return the love that was given to me when my mom and I walked through the doors of the church for the first time.

This is the place that changed my life. A girl from a single parent home. Raised in the inner city, my mother would bring me and my siblings to church my whole childhood, but the thing was I never felt a connection to the Lord where I was going. I saw and felt so many things that I did not understand that hurt. I just kept searching for a place where the taught me about God and how to connect with Him. It was not until I was introduced to the Church of the Latter Rain in 2014 I began to feel a spiritual connection to the Lord. It was the first place I attended where not only did the people there cared to know my name, but were genuinely interested in my well being both naturally and spiritually. I felt comfortable. I was able to let me walls down because I felt safe. These people are not going to hurt me. I now know it was the Spirit of God shining through the people that made me feel loved. My walls were broken down and I was able to open my heart to the Lord and received the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues. Instantly the hurt, the disconnection I felt all my life was immediately taken away. The weight of life I was carrying by myself, the Lord gave me his spirit, and has been helping me ever since that day.

I have to also say something about the ministry at the Church of The Latter Rain. It felt so good to see a group of men working together to minister the Word of God to minister and care for the people. I could tell right away something was different. They had a connection. They were brothers. I felt a sense of protection. Safety. It felt good! It has been consistent and even stronger since day one. The same safety I feel. The same love I experience. The same spirit I feel you can feel too. Just like the scripture in Romans 10:13, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Man!! What can I say about a place that my life has changed for the good. I was a young kid that came into the church at the age of 12. I was raised by a single mom and I was full of anger from life. My mom was looking for something and eventually found it in the church, and our life began when we first step foot into that place. You read the Bible and you see Jesus attributes about love. And I truly found it. That love took down walls that I built up. I have learned so much in the scriptures. I would not be alive today if it wasn’t for this place. If you tried everything and everything has failed try Jesus.

I am so, so thankful! The Lord has bought me among a people who cares.  I didn't fit in as others in this world. I was lost, even despaired of life itself. Then, one day I met someone from this body of people. This person was gentle, hospitable and caring. I felt that I could open my heart and share how I had been seeking the truth of God's word, and a life beyond the life I had been living. A card was given to me. It was simply said, "I think this is what you are looking for." Simple but powerful!. I always visited  a church that I was invited to because, I believe the day I stop seeking the truth that would be the day I miss finding the truth of God's word. So I attended the church on the card given to me.  I never had the need to serach again.

I found the way, the truth and the life. I found what my soul had been looking for. My life has changed and I will never be the old life before. I found one pearl of great price. The world didn't give it to me and neither can the world take it from me. I am thankful to be with a people who cares about the soul of an individual.  Don't just take my word; come see and hear for yourself, witness to truth of God, and to know him for yourself. He is real, he is so real! Amen!

I can honestly say that the person I am today professionally, spiritually and emotionally is attributed to this gospel & teachings. It has literally changed my life and saved my life. I’ve learned many real life skills that have helped me become productive member of society and help to make major impacts in my local community.
What I love most is everything that is taught is based on scripture and not someone’s made up ideas. I appreciate how spreading truth is priority. It has also made me a very well rounded individual & balanced. I also really appreciate the emphasis that is put on having a personal relationship with the lord for yourself. In addition my spiritual growth has reached higher levels . . I am by far not the same person I was when I started out this journey and walk with the Lord . .and I know it’s because of the teachings and doctrine. My soul is satisfied & I am thankful.

I am so thankful for this church, I can truly say this environment has saved my life. Often times we are all looking for something to fill a void in our lives, certain circumstances enter our lives that make us consider the Lord or someone greater than us that can help change us our lives or our situations/circumstances. It seems that just when we reach that point that is when the Lord leads us to a place where we can receive what we need from him.

I am an individual who grew up in a single-parent household, did not have a father in the home. I am thankful for the saints and ministry that has been faithful in my life since I was a child. I needed guidance in my life especially as I began to enter my adolescence. I remember beginning to encounter challenges in life and I am thankful for this environment because it truly saved my life. I grew up always hearing about Jesus, singing songs, reading my bible, but something had to get into my heart and I am so glad that through the years something did fall into my heart. I remember just as any teenager at the time I was faced with challenges, growing pains, mistakes, and I knew I wanted to change. We live in a world full of distractions and you can do and be anything you want, but I know that's not what the Lord was pleased with, I knew I needed a change in my life, I needed my mind and heart to change. I remember that once I reached the age of accountability I prayed and asked the Lord to touch my mind, I knew that I had received the Holy Ghost at the age of 5 years old, so I had the power to change but I needed the Lord to help me and keep me. It was then I learned that I needed to develop a personal relationship with Jesus.

I am thankful for this environment because once I really prayed to the Lord, I asked him for a personal relationship, he met me. I kept hearing the testimonies and ministering my entire life about having a personal relationship with the Lord and I realized I grew up here but I didn't quite have that relationship, but I am thankful the Lord had mercy on me, he saved my life and kept me through the years until I could truly form that relationship with him. From that day forward I felt my relationship with him grow and he's been so real to me ever since. I have gone through elementary, middle school, high school, college, now in my career and adulthood and God has kept me. I love the truth that I am learning, I love the friendships and bonds I have formed with the saints here, I am thankful for the ministers that are here and their genuine care for the people, I am thankful.

I mention all this to say, it was here at this Church I learned about the Lord, it was promoted to read the word of God for myself and get an understanding of the word of God. I learned what it meant to live a clean lifestyle, how to be a good employee, how to be a good friend, brother, son. I am thankful for the values this church has promoted not only for me to be a good citizen and employee, but to spiritually grow in God. That is why I continue to come here, I have grown, my life has changed, and I am continuing to change. Everything I prayed for, the Lord has answered since I have been here. I often love a song we sing, "If you've tried everything, and everything has failed, try Jesus" and I am so thankful that I tried Jesus. I have been here over 27 years in counting and I am thankful every single day that God has kept me and is continuing to keep me. By his grace and mercy I plan to continue on!

This place has made such a difference in my life. I walked through the doors at the age of 15, as a broken kid that didn't trust anyone. The family of God here at the church showed me so much love and kindness. This is exactly what I needed! Since I've been here, I have been able to build a deeper relationship with the Lord through learning about the Word of God. I am now 49 years old and my excitement and desire to serve the Lord continues to grow. If you are looking for a change, I would invite you to come and visit.

A church for who so ever will, let them come. I absolutely love this church & the atmosphere, the Bible studies, and great friendships that I have created, everyone feels like family. I love that it’s encouraged to read the Bible to get acquainted for yourself to have a personal relationship with the Lord. Jesus is always lifted up here. It’s everything I’ve been looking for, love, truth, friendship, peace, diversity, unity, and the word of god rightly interpreted.

I just love this place. Came in with my family was so wonderful to see a people of all nation and kindred in a wonderful setting. Felt the love of the people. And the preaching was so great to hear it did something for my soul hearing a place preach the truth of the Word of God . You definitely have to come see for yourself. Don't take my word for it but come see for yourself. Words can't do as much justice. Seeing is believing.

I enjoy the teachings of the word of God, bible study is enlightening. There are many challenges in daily life to deal with when a challenge is dealt with incorrectly it produces distress in my life, that has a weightiness that is hard to get rid of. Having instructions through the word of God on how to correctly deal with challenges produces peace in my life, a feeling of being light and joyful.

The people here show love to everyone, regardless of social status, race, creed or color. They feed people free "EVERY" Sunday. No one gets paid for their service there: Ministry, Band, Cooks, etc. They teach from the Bible. And have a Bible Study night every Thursday. They even have a gym! A must see, to believe.

Coming here to church is amazing and has changed my life thanks to the grace and tender mercies of the lord and everyone here is filled with the love and the wonderful spirit of God. My life will definitely never be the same and that's a great thing JESUS saved my life and the people here!!!

I was so impressed by the variety of ages, friendliness, and atmosphere. I will be happy to continue coming and to participate in loving our Lord! Blessed to have been invited and meet such outstanding people.
Maureen Baron

It’s a wonderful thing when you find what your soul was longing for. Spiritual enlightenment and true freedom is only made possible when you find God’s way. I’m forever grateful that He found and rescued me.

The gospel the ministry preach and teach saved my life!

Awesome place to come and change your life! If you want a real change this’s it.