Happy Hour: The Joy of Serving God

By Tim Cooper

Before I worked with Happy Hour, I had never taught a home bible study, had very little alter working experience, had never had the joy of laying my hands on someone and seeing God fill them with the Holy Ghost. I had never preached a message or seen God's Power fall right there and then. I was very timid and barely invited anyone to church.

One day however, I felt that I was not doing enough for the kingdom of God. I felt as if I was simply taking up pew space. What was I doing? It was as if I was soaking it all in and giving nothing back. I was too scared to approach people at random and tell them that God loved them. I had preached a few times, mostly to my classmates in a high school chapel setting at Imperial Beach Christian School. I had played the organ a few times at chapel services, and I told Brother August Defore that I could assist in the music if he needed. He agreed.

At first, I was scared of the homeless that came, I would sit on the other side, of the building and leave soon after the music was over. But, God had another plan for me. Soon as I began to be used by God in Happy Hour, I began to meet the people who came, work with them, and even be used to speak to them. Soon, I was preaching and God was using me to preach the gospel to the people of Happy Hour.

One service I remember distinctly, the first time I ever laid hands on someone and immediately God filled them with the Holy Ghost. I came from a background of long alter services. I myself was a chronic seeker as a child, seeking almost a year for the Holy Ghost. But the young man that I was praying for was hungry NOW, and he didn't have a year. I learned very quickly, the saving power of God and how fast God was to move on someone who was hungry for him. As soon as I laid my hands on brother James, I remember so vividly how he lifted his hands, and spoke in tongues. WOW.

I recall strongly one of the sermons that I have preached. I had prepared a week for this message, knowing that I would have to use it once for Happy Hour and then again for the youth. It was called a book of Acts Prayer for a Book of Acts Revival! In the middle of my message, Bro August grabbed the mike, and started to speak faith to the people. Many miracles happened that night, including a woman, who was demon possessed, been delivered by the power of God. God further confirmed his word the next night to RIOT youth, when our youth service exploded afterwards with a good half hour of speaking and tongues and travail.

I am happy to be used by the Lord. He has taught me so much. Ministering to people is a good way to develop your skills, and find God's will for your life. "Go out into the highways and the byways and compel them to come in," God says, "That my house may be full."