Bishop Dennis Eversen shares a deeply personal testimony regarding his spiritual journey, the history of the region, and a vision for the future of the church.
The service, held on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, features a blend of English and Swahili translation.
Key Themes of the Testimony
- Palm Sunday Reflection: The Bishop opens by discussing the significance of Palm Sunday 00:22 Opens in a new window , contrasting the biblical welcoming of Jesus into Jerusalem with modern-day protests against authority. He affirms his primary allegiance to Jesus as the “King of Kings.”
- The Concept of Being “Born Again”: Using the analogy of his own physical birth on March 30, 1966 03:36 Opens in a new window , he describes the transition from a place of comfort to a world of noise and light. He relates this to the spiritual experience of being “born again” into a relationship with God 21:18 Opens in a new window .
- A Shift in Faith: Growing up in a devout Roman Catholic family 09:55 Opens in a new window , the Bishop describes a major shift when his parents “surrendered their hearts to the Lord” and joined an Assembly of God church. He eventually followed, experiencing his own personal call from the Holy Spirit 15:25 Opens in a new window .
- Overcoming Resistance to Ministry: He admits he initially resisted the call to ministry 25:25 Opens in a new window , feeling that others could do it better, but eventually surrendered to God’s plan.
The History of Springfield and a Vision of Hope
Bishop Eversen recounts a “dark” period in Springfield’s history—the 1906 Easter lynchings 28:12 Opens in a new window . He describes how this tragedy, rooted in racial hatred, caused many Black families to flee the city.
However, he pivots to a story of spiritual hope:
- The Azusa Street Connection: He mentions the Azusa Street Revival and how that spiritual movement reached Springfield 32:49 Opens in a new window .
- The Vision of the Fountain: He shares a vision received by a woman named Sister Size Love, who saw a “great crystal fountain of pure water” bubbling up out of Springfield and flowing to the four corners of the earth 35:53 Opens in a new window .
- Modern Unity: The Bishop expresses joy that the church today brings together people of different cultures and languages—specifically mentioning those from Africa—to worship as one body in the same city where people once fled 38:31 Opens in a new window .
Closing and Call to Prayer
The service concludes with a call to the congregation to answer God’s voice 40:41 Opens in a new window . Pastor John Isse then leads a time of prayer and altar call for those seeking a deeper relationship with God or preparing for baptism 43:34 Opens in a new window .
