The past year has been a reflection of life itself—full, fun, and often hard. Like every year, right?

As we move toward the Christmas season, I pause to reflect on what God has been up to in the life of our church and our families. Looking back on all that has happened, I am incredibly grateful for all the ways I see God moving through each of you! This Christmas, we have so much to celebrate and be thankful for.

A Kingdom Movement: Building Foundations, Inside and Out

River of Life is committed to a Kingdom Movement that impacts our community in two vital ways: through physical stewardship of our property and resources, and through spiritual formation within the hearts of our people.

We believe that a strong ministry must have a strong foundation—both literally and spiritually.

Our physical efforts go far beyond mere maintenance; they are acts of service and love. By tending to our facilities and the surrounding community, we create a welcoming, functional, and beautiful place where everyone can encounter God and receive help.

This year, our hands-on efforts have included:

  • Essential Stewardship: Undertaking critical improvements like digging ditches to improve water flow, repairing dry rot, and installing new flooring.

  • Creating Welcoming Spaces: Building a peaceful new nursery room for children aged 0–3 and enhancing the parsonage with a sturdy new porch.

  • Community Presence: Serving families at our VBS and Easter Event, blessing students and teachers for Back to School, and hosting community movie nights.

This Kingdom Movement is driven by the internal work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of our church family. Our goal is not just to fix buildings, but to cultivate a spiritual foundation within each believer that exudes the Fruit of the Spirit.

Through teaching, discipleship, and fellowship, we empower churchgoers to live lives marked by:

  • Love, Joy, and Peace: Creating an atmosphere of genuine warmth and optimism that draws others in.

  • Patience and Kindness: Serving the community with grace and enduring understanding, even amidst difficulty.

  • Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control: Demonstrating Christ-like character in every interaction—at home, at work, and in South Hill.

Multiplication in 2026: Igniting Hope in the Next Generation

Having established a solid spiritual foundation—cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit within our church family and stewarding our property well—we stand ready for multiplication in 2026!

We believe that the time is now to accelerate our outreach and impact, with a strategic focus on the next generation. In 2026, we will be focusing more heavily on children’s and family events, creating intentional, accessible entry points for families across South Hill.

An Invitation Culture for Kids and Families

We are creating an invite culture for kids and families to bring their friends to church, recognizing that a simple, fun event can be the most significant first step.

One of our key strategies for 2026 is transforming our quarterly family movie nights into kids movie events held one Sunday a month immediately following our morning service.

  • Low-Barrier Entry: We believe you never know—a movie might be the first step a family takes through the church doors. It is a fun, non-intimidating way to experience the warmth of the River of Life community.

  • Life-Changing Application: These aren't just entertainment. Each movie is themed for a quick 5-minute spiritual application piece, ensuring that amidst the fun, there is always a chance for something life-changing to occur.

This Ministry Is Your Story

Looking back on all the progress we've made—from the spiritual growth in our services to the hammers swinging on our porch project—it is essential to stop and recognize the true engine of this Kingdom Movement: You.

The work of the River of Life doesn't happen on its own. Every ditch dug, every family served, and every life touched is a direct result of your commitment. It has been your compassion that identifies the need, your consistent prayers that sustain our strength, and your generous giving that provides the resources we need to act.

You haven't just supported this ministry; you are this ministry.

As we prepare to multiply our efforts in 2026, we lean on your continued partnership to reach even more children and families in South Hill. Thank you for making the River of Life a tangible expression of God’s love in our town.

Your Gift Multiplies Our Mission

River of Life (ROLSouthHill.org) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. This means your gift is fully tax-deductible and provides immediate, essential fuel for the work ahead.

In 2026, we are intentionally expanding our efforts for children and families, specifically launching our monthly Kids Movie Events to create an invite culture for the next generation. Your support is directly responsible for funding:

  • Expanded Outreach: Resources needed for new family and children's ministries.

  • Operational Costs: Keeping our facilities—from the nursery to the new porch—safe, functional, and welcoming.

  • Program Supplies: Everything from VBS materials to popcorn for our monthly movie nights.

Will you help us ignite this multiplication in 2026?

Every dollar given is an investment in the spiritual foundation and physical impact of the River of Life for the greater South Hill community.

How to Give Today:

You can make your secure, tax-deductible donation quickly and easily:

  • Online: Visit our website at rolsouthhill.org/give

  • Mail: Send checks payable to "River of Life" to: 229 Windsor Street, South Hill, VA 23970

You can also help to advance our mission by visiting our Amazon Wish List to select items to enhance our ministry efforts. 

Thank you for being the heart and hands of this Kingdom Movement. We look forward to seeing what God does through our partnership in the year ahead!

 

Sincerly, 

Dr. Justin L. Hardcastle, Lead Pastor 

on behalf of the River of Life staff and church family