The gospel was never meant to stay where it was comfortable. In Acts 16, God redirects His servants, opens hearts, breaks chains, and transforms lives. A wealthy businesswoman finds faith. A demon-possessed girl is set free. Two beaten prisoners sing in the darkness, and a jailer discovers salvation before dawn. It's a story of pain, purpose, and redemption that reminds us of one powerful truth: God doesn't wait for perfect people or perfect circumstances. He still uses broken people to accomplish His perfect plan.

We would be delighted if you could join us in person for our Sunday morning worship service! It starts at 10 am every Sunday, and there are multiple Sunday School options available before the worship service. Children’s Church is also available during the worship service.

Hope Wesleyan Church
505 4th Ave NE
Independence, IA 50644

Saul was absolutely convinced he was right. Armed with certainty, passion, and religious conviction, he set out for Damascus determined to stop the followers of Jesus. He believed he was serving God. He believed he was defending the truth. He believed he knew exactly what he was doing.
But he was wrong.
In a blinding moment on the road to Damascus, everything changed. The man who thought he could see was struck blind. The man who came to arrest Christians became a follower of Christ. The man who opposed Jesus came face-to-face with the risen Lord.
Acts 9:1–22 reminds us that sincerity is not the same as truth. Sometimes the greatest obstacle to God's work in our lives is the assumption that we already have all the answers. But when Jesus confronts us, our pride gives way to humility, our certainty gives way to faith, and our lives are forever transformed.

We would be delighted if you could join us in person for our Sunday morning worship service! It starts at 10 am every Sunday, and there are multiple Sunday School options available before the worship service. Children’s Church is also available during the worship service.

Hope Wesleyan Church
505 4th Ave NE
Independence, IA 50644

The church was growing, the gospel was spreading, and lives were being changed. But as the church expanded, a conflict arose. Some people were being overlooked, and the unity of the church was at risk.
What could have become a division became an opportunity for growth.
Instead of ignoring the problem, the believers responded by serving. Faithful men stepped forward to care for those in need, allowing the church to remain united and focused on its mission.
Acts 6:1–7 reminds us that God often uses challenges to create opportunities for ministry. When we choose service over selfishness and helping over complaining, God can bring growth out of conflict.
Because when God's people serve others, the church grows stronger, needs are met, and the gospel moves forward.

We would be delighted if you could join us in person for our Sunday morning worship service! It starts at 10 am every Sunday, and there are multiple Sunday School options available before the worship service. Children’s Church is also available during the worship service.

Hope Wesleyan Church
505 4th Ave NE
Independence, IA 50644

The early church was marked by extraordinary unity, generosity, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Believers gave freely, not out of obligation, but from hearts fully surrendered to God.
Then the story takes a startling turn.
Ananias and Sapphira appeared generous on the outside, but their hearts told a different story. They wanted the recognition of sacrifice without the reality of surrender. In a moment that shook the entire church, God revealed that this was never about the money—it was about integrity before Him.
Acts 4:32–5:11 reminds us that God is not looking for impressive appearances; He is seeking surrendered hearts. True generosity flows from genuine worship, and true devotion begins with honesty before God.
Because in the end, it's not about the money—it's about complete surrender.

We would be delighted if you could join us in person for our Sunday morning worship service! It starts at 10 am every Sunday, and there are multiple Sunday School options available before the worship service. Children’s Church is also available during the worship service.

Hope Wesleyan Church
505 4th Ave NE
Independence, IA 50644

On an ordinary day at the temple gate, a man who had never walked sat begging for help, expecting nothing more than a few coins. But God had something greater in mind. When Peter and John arrived, they offered no silver and no gold—only the power of Jesus Christ. In an instant, the man’s life was transformed. Weak legs were strengthened, hopelessness gave way to joy, and a forgotten beggar became a living testimony to the power of God.
The crowd was amazed, but the miracle pointed to something even greater: Changed People Change People. Peter and John had been transformed by the risen Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Because their lives had been changed, they became instruments through whom God changed someone else. Acts 3:1–10 reminds us that when Jesus changes a life, that transformation doesn't stop with us—it flows through us, bringing hope, healing, and new life to others.

We would be delighted if you could join us in person for our Sunday morning worship service! It starts at 10 am every Sunday, and there are multiple Sunday School options available before the worship service. Children’s Church is also available during the worship service.

Hope Wesleyan Church
505 4th Ave NE
Independence, IA 50644

The room was quiet—then heaven moved.
A sound like a rushing wind filled the house, and tongues of fire rested on ordinary people as the Spirit of God came in power. Fear gave way to boldness, and those who once hid now stood and proclaimed the mighty works of God.
The crowd was amazed, confused, and cut to the heart. As Peter preached, one question rose above the noise: “What must we do?”
And the answer changed everything—repent, believe, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit fell, the Church was born, and thousands were changed forever.

We would be delighted if you could join us in person for our Sunday morning worship service! It starts at 10 am every Sunday, and there are multiple Sunday School options available before the worship service. Children’s Church is also available during the worship service.

Hope Wesleyan Church
505 4th Ave NE
Independence, IA 50644

The disciples stood on the edge of something world-changing, but before the mission could begin, Jesus gave them one command: wait. In Acts 1:4–11, the risen Christ calls His followers not to rush ahead in their own strength, but to remain in expectation for the promise of the Holy Spirit. The room was filled with anticipation. Heaven was about to move. The Spirit of God would soon come with power, boldness, and fire to transform fearful followers into fearless witnesses. And as Jesus ascended before their eyes, their mission became clear—to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. This is the story of waiting before the breakthrough, anticipation before the outpouring, and the unstoppable mission that begins when the Holy Spirit takes hold of ordinary people.


We would be delighted if you could join us in person for our Sunday morning worship service! It starts at 10 am every Sunday, and there are multiple Sunday School options available before the worship service. Children’s Church is also available during the worship service.


Hope Wesleyan Church
505 4th Ave NE
Independence, IA 50644

Two weary travelers walked the road to Emmaus with heavy hearts and shattered hopes. Discouragement clouded their steps. Disappointment filled their words. The One they trusted had been crucified, and all they thought they knew seemed buried with Him. But on that dusty road, Jesus drew near. He met them in their sorrow, walked with them in their confusion, and opened the Scriptures until the fire of hope began to burn again. Then, in the breaking of bread, their eyes were opened. What began in grief ended in assurance. The risen Christ was alive! He had been with them all along, and everything had changed. When Jesus draws near, discouragement gives way to hope, disappointment gives way to faith, and weary hearts are reignited by the assurance that He is risen indeed!


We would be delighted if you could join us in person for our Sunday morning worship service! It starts at 10 am every Sunday, and there are multiple Sunday School options available before the worship service. Children’s Church is also available during the worship service.

Hope Wesleyan Church
505 4th Ave NE
Independence, IA 50644