Our History
In October, 2007, a small group of Believers began meeting together on Wednesday evenings in the home of Pastor Keith and Tanya Thrash for Bible study and prayer. The first official gathering as Freedom River Church took place on the banks of the Big Biloxi River when, on Sunday, October 21st, fourteen men, women, and children were baptized! Though the waters were cold, our hearts were warmed as we watched people of various ages, cultures, and races, identify themselves as new creatures joined together as one body in Christ.
Our first Sunday worship service took place on October 28th, in a large meeting room of the Pass Road Elementary School in Gulfport, Mississippi. That first Sunday proved what we already suspected would be true. We needed a larger space! The following week, the adults moved into the gym, and our children’s ministry moved into the meeting room.
As our congregation grew, Wednesday Bible studies moved to an office building owned by one of our members. It wasn’t long before we outgrew that space as well, but God, in His great goodness, gave provision for the vision once again, and we began to hold Wednesday gatherings at a small Presbyterian church that graciously opened its doors to us.
By the Spring of 2008, it was apparent that a new location for Sunday's Worship and Word was necessary. God provided again, and Cinemark Theater in Gulfport became our meeting place beginning Sunday, July 13th!
God has continued to expand our number, our spirit, and our vision in the time since our birth. It’s an incredible blessing to see all that God has done in such a short time. We look expectantly toward the day we can walk on land that is our own and fill the dwelling place we’ll call home. Until then, we will gather and worship the One for whom all things are possible, knowing that wherever we gather, our destiny is in His hands.
“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” Jeremiah 29:11
Thank You for Your mercy, great grace, and wondrous presence. Lost we would be without You.
But with You, we are unstoppable, an array of Your glory, an evidence of
Your reality, relativity, and wonder.
We are Yours.
Lead the way, Lord, and we will follow You
through every door, up every mountain, and over every hurdle.
Keep us pure. Keep us close. Keep us real.
Amen.