May 23, 2026 · Pentecost Mission Retreat
STL Immanuel Church Concludes Branson Pentecost Retreat with Closing Service on “Abiding in the Lord”
On May 23, 2026, STL Immanuel Church held the closing service of its Pentecost Mission Retreat in Branson, Missouri. During the gathering, Pastor Vanessa Eusebio delivered a sermon centered on the theme of "Abiding in the Lord," encouraging believers to remain deeply rooted in Christ in order to fully experience the transforming work and sustaining power of the Holy Spirit.
The closing sermon of the Pentecost Mission Retreat delivered a powerful and integrated message centered on the imperative for believers to "Abide in the Lord" to fully experience the Holy Spirit's transformative power. This exhortation underscored the fundamental necessity of a continuous, deep connection with Christ for spiritual vitality and fruitfulness.
The sermon emphasized that this abiding relationship is vividly illustrated by the Lord's analogy of the "true vine" and believers as the "branches" in John 15:1-4. In this divine organism, the Holy Spirit acts as the essential conduit, connecting believers to Christ and transporting life, sustenance, and spiritual nourishment. The message strongly conveyed that fruit-bearing is not an independent endeavor but a direct outcome of remaining in this vital union, emphasizing that apart from the Lord, no spiritual fruit can be sustained.
To illuminate the revelation and impact of the Holy Spirit's work within individuals, the sermon drew upon compelling biblical examples. King David served as a testament to persistent faith and anointing; even amidst life-threatening persecution, as recorded in Psalm 42:1-7, David's soul intensely longed for God and he sought to worship Him. His example highlighted how the Lord's anointing remained heavily upon those who consistently seek Him, demonstrating the Spirit's work in sustaining faith through adversity.
Further underscoring the Holy Spirit's transformative power, the sermon referenced the Apostles' experience in Acts 2 and Acts 5. Their remarkable transformation, being emboldened by the Spirit and communing in unity, showcased the Holy Spirit's ability to empower believers. This transformation underscored the universal need for the Holy Spirit to enable believers, in any circumstance or place on earth, to lean on the Lord.
The sermon concluded by emphasizing the Holy Spirit's multifaceted role in comforting, guiding in truth, and leading in grace, all while testifying about the Lord.
With this profound message, the sermon presented a unified vision of Christian life rooted in Christ through the Holy Spirit. It was a call to an active, dependent relationship, promising the full portion of the Holy Spirit's power to those who truly abide in the Lord.
May 24, 2026 · Pentecost Sunday Prayer Meeting
Pentecost Prayer Meeting Ignites Hearts in St. Louis: Come, Holy Spirit
On the afternoon of May 24, Pentecost Sunday, Elim NA joined together with members of St. Louis Immanuel Community Church for a special Pentecost Prayer Meeting under the theme: "Come, Holy Spirit."
After 50 days of longing, expectation, and prayer following Resurrection Sunday, believers gathered with hungry hearts, desiring a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. From the very beginning, there was a deep sense of reverence and anticipation in the sanctuary as the praise team led worship, preparing hearts before the Lord.
The 3-hour prayer gathering was led by Pastor Lynn Cheng, starting based on Acts 2:17-18 and Acts 2:38. The meeting began with repentance prayers, thanksgiving for the Cross and salvation, and intercession for the church, unity, and spiritual renewal.
As prayers continued, the atmosphere gradually deepened. Many were moved to tears as the Holy Spirit gently revealed hidden burdens, spiritual dryness, and wounds within the heart. Walls that had quietly existed among people began to break down in the presence of God. The words of Isaiah 40:4 became living reality among the congregation: “Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low.”
The presence of the Holy Spirit brought both conviction and comfort. What began in quiet repentance slowly rose like waves of living water. The congregation entered into united prayer with one heart, crying out together for revival, holiness, and a renewed passion for God.
During the cell group prayer sessions, members openly shared their prayer requests and burdens with one another. Leaders and members laid hands on each other and prayed earnestly. Many testified to experiencing deep peace, healing, release from heaviness, and renewed strength in both heart and body. Some shared that they felt the love of God in a fresh and personal way for the first time in a long season.
A particularly powerful moment came during the prayer for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Lynn led members to read 1 Corinthians 12. With humility and hunger, members prayed not for themselves alone, but for the building up of the Body of Christ and the strengthening of the Church. There was a sincere desire among many to become vessels that God can use in this generation.
Throughout the meeting, the movement of the Holy Spirit was not marked by emotional chaos, but by growing unity, deeper surrender, and increasing spiritual hunger. Like a rising tide, the presence of God steadily filled the room.
By the end of the gathering, many faces shone with renewed joy and hope. Members expressed a strong desire to continue in prayer, pursue holiness, and rely more deeply on the power of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives.
This Pentecost gathering became more than an event - it was a reminder that the Holy Spirit is still moving today, renewing His people, restoring the Church, and drawing hearts back to Jesus Christ.