John 7:38 says that “rivers of living water will flow out of the heart” of anyone who believes in Jesus Christ and it was with that inspiration that the Rev. Renee Phillips opened her church, River of Hope Christian Fellowship, 14 years ago.
Citing Matthew 28:16-20, which is known as “The Great Commission,” the Rev. Phillips said, “The vision of our church is that we would like to see all people saved, healed and delivered with a simple prayer to receive Jesus and make disciples of all men and women of all people.
“I preach about Jesus and salvation, teaching people the word of God so they can go out and teach other people about Jesus and his kindness. He went about doing good and healing people from all manner of diseases and he gave his life on the cross and rose on the third day so we could be free of sin.”
Phillips is an Odessa native and a graduate of Odessa High School who worked for a certified public accountant before opening her 3601 N. Dixie Blvd. church, which is attended by an average of 35 people at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. She has earned two doctoral degrees in theology at the International Miracle Institute in Pensacola, Fla.
Her husband Steve, co-pastor, is a master mechanic for the City of Odessa. They have four children and three grandchildren.
Phillips started River of Hope “because God was speaking to me to desire more and do more in his presence,” she said.
“I was praying one day, asking God how I would go about doing that, and the Lord spoke to my heart about being a pastor. I prayed and asked, if this is not what I’m supposed to do, Lord, show me. And that day the Lord spoke to me and said, ‘What you’re praying about is the will of God.’
“I didn’t do anything with that for a good while, then a few people started coming to our house and it took off from there. People were getting in touch with the Scripture and adding the Lord Jesus to their hearts.”
The Rev. Shaye Lane, associate pastor, said Phillips “is one of the most faithful people I have ever met.
“Renee sacrifices greatly for everyone around her and is there for everyone,” Lane said. “She loves deeply and is very humble. She loves the Lord and loves the people whom God has given her inside the church. She goes above and beyond for people outside the church, too. She is a great encourager.”
