The spiritual energy sweeping across the St. Louis metro area in Missouri, United States, continues in the wake of Breath of Life’s Hope Rally 2025, a two-week citywide revival that brought together churches, pastors, and community members under the theme of Almost Home.
The rally, led by Pastor Debleaire Snell, speaker/director of Breath of Life, began at Northside Seventh-day Adventist Church in St. Louis, and ran from June 22 through July 5. Trevor Barnes, who pastors the Northside Church, called this rally “one of the most energetic and united evangelistic efforts” he has seen in St. Louis. The 44 baptisms that took place on Sabbath, July 5, at the conclusion of the rally were evidence that something special is happening in this city, despite the lingering ravages of tornadoes that seriously damaged a large swath of the city last May.
A celebration of praise
Elder G. Alexander Bryant, president of the North American Division, attended the finale service on Sabbath at Friendly Temple Church. During his remarks Bryant said, “It’s good to be home,” referring to his time living in St Louis as a youth. Bryant also assured attendees that during the GC Session business meeting on Monday, July 7, a “major contribution” check would be presented by church leaders to St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer for the continuing tornado relief efforts.
Pastor Roger Bernard, president of the Central States Conference headquartered in Kansas City, was also in attendance at the Breath of Life closing event. He brought greetings from CSC’s officers and sincerely thanked the Breath of Life team for their dedicated efforts. Appreciation was expressed to musicians, including gospel recording artists Myron Butler and Levi, and the mass choir called Spring into Praise.
Words of declaration
During his initial prayer Elder Snell asked God to “give us as much of your Spirit today as we can stand to receive.” Snell’s sermon titled “God Stays Up Past Midnight,” focused on Acts 16: 16. “Spiritual warfare is real,” said Snell. “When you want to give up you have to push through!”
Later in the sermon Snell invited the congregation to read together these words that have been an integral part of the series:
Today, I begin a journey toward the eternal.
I make the wellness of my soul my chief priority.
I will not put off until tomorrow the decision that should be made today.
I realize that tomorrow is not promised to anyone.
So I refuse to waste my energy on haters; my time on the simple; my wisdom on fools; and I will not make another investment in people who mean my soul no good.
This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.
I have no more time to waste, because we are Almost Home.
Snell reminded attendees that all persons must choose for themselves how they will live their lives on this earth and how they wish to spend their eternities.
New members invited to transition to local churches
For Northside’s church family, this has been more than an event—it’s a movement of hope. Pastor Barnes emphasized that the revival will have a lasting impact in the area.
All newly baptized members (including 13 from an earlier baptism) and community friends are invited to attend Hope University at the Northside Church every Wednesday in July and August. Following a shared meal, Pastor Barnes will present a Bible study series to continue the learning and discipling processes that offers hope for a better life.
