Your personal testimony has power.
A testimony is a story about what God has done in your life or about what you’ve witnessed Him do in the life of someone else. Testimonies teach us about God by speaking to us about who God is and what he does. Testimonies remind you of who you are, a child of God. What’s your testimony?
What’s your story?
Your story matters. We encourage you to record your story, whether it be writing it down, recording it on audio or video, your story matters.
Testimonies teach us about God.
Peter and John knew from personal experience about the power of Jesus Christ. After healing a crippled beggar in the temple courts, they are confronted by a crowd and the Sanhedrin. In this crowd were many who had Jesus crucified. When confronted, they gave personal testimonies of Jesus Acts 4:1-22. They proclaim the healing came in the name of Jesus. There is power in His name.
Peter and John share in their testimony that Jesus was a real person. They “testify”, or prove through their experience, that Jesus has power. There is power in His name. That same power exists today.
Salvation comes through Jesus. A testimony can compel people to learn more about God.
Testimonies remind us of His truth when we are personally challenged.
We may not deal with the external issues that Peter and John did but we do deal with internal struggles.
Whatever you are dealing with externally, your victory starts internally in your mind and your heart.
When you are dealing with real challenges, a testimony is going to remind you of who God is. It will remind you of truth. You can’t spell testimony without spelling “test” first.
The gospel of Jesus of Christ does not promise an easy life. It does tell us that there is a crucifixion but there’s also a resurrection!
When you find yourself dealing with fear and doubt, you need to stop listening to yourself. Start preaching to yourself truth. Remind yourself of all the times that God has proven faithful to you.
Just read Psalm 42:5. Why my soul are you downcast? The remedy to a downcast soul is to put your hope in Him. You have to tell yourself that you are who God says you are.
Testimonies reveal God’s power to others.
God used “unschooled ordinary men” to proclaim the glory of Jesus Christ. Their courage and boldness spoke life into those who would listen.
Your story matters to God. Your story matters to the Kingdom. Your story has power to reveal God’s power to others.
Pastors Eddie and Jessica Cole
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Our lead pastors, Eddie and Jessica Cole have had a heart for Hampton Roads for many years. While dating – more than 25 years ago! – they were visiting Jessica’s parents in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake and started dreaming about planting a church in the area.
It wasn’t until 2020, while Eddie was serving as a denominational Vice President in Minneapolis, that it became clear God was calling them to take a big leap of faith. They had helped others plant churches for years – now God began to confirm it was their turn. Within months they knew the time had arrived, they were supposed to plant the church they dreamed about in Hampton Roads.
Throughout their entire relationship, they have been doing ministry together. Most of this time was spent leading Salem Church in Staten Island, New York, and doing regional and national denominational work.
They are known for their passion for helping people experience the love and power of God. They have committed themselves to use all their God-given resources to help as many people as possible joyfully embrace and fulfill God’s purpose in their life.
Eddie earned a Doctorate in Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary and has two Master’s Degrees from Liberty Theological Seminary. Jessica is a graduate of Gateway Theological Institute and has a Bachelor of Science in Religion from Liberty University, as well as a Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership from the Liberty University School of Business.
