Feeling a revival

For the last several years, JR’s Barn of rural Waldorf has made a name for itself as a prime location for weddings, parties, and other social gatherings.

This summer the venue is also opening to the public in another way: ministry.

Owner Renae Groskreutz wants the public to know that, in addition to continuing operations as JR’s Barn, the facility now also offers itself as “The Nations Glory Barn.” When operating under this alternate name, The Nations Glory Barn is carrying out a type of ministry which Groskreutz calls “revivals.”

Many may be acquainted with the term: internet sources explain that carrying out a “revival” is an effort to reawaken people’s faith and “revive” their connection to the Holy Spirit–the member of the holy trinity who is credited with opening people’s hearts to belief and trust in God.

Groskreutz puts it this way. “When you’re filled with the Holy Spirit, God takes over, and things start moving. It’s a very intense process.

“Revival speakers usually start at 6 p.m. and most of their meetings go until two in the morning. People drink in the spirit, the glory, and they don’t want to leave.”

A total of 30 ministry events have been planned, and/or taken place throughout the summer, each featuring speakers from varying backgrounds with different numbers of followers.

Depending on the speaker, anywhere from 150 to 500 people attend. Speakers from all around the world have visited the barn, including Bishop William Waschira from Kenya.

People from throughout the country and Canada attended one event held in June. “If we have 110 people here, I might only know 20 of them,” Groskreutz admits.

“This summer we estimate about 8,000 people at this location for weddings,” Groskreutz claims. “We expect our ministry events to draw another 8,000.”

She explains that the name, “Nations Glory,” came from one of the ministry’s prophets. The gatherings have not only proven to be popular among area residents, but have drawn attendees from the entire Midwest.

About 175 people attended each event at the Barn when Youtube speaker Deborah Williams of “Midnight Cry with Deborah” came to share her message. There was so much demand for the event, she ended up staying for three weeks instead of the intended two days.

So far attendance has exceeded Groskreutz’s high expectations. The weekend of July 31 – August 1 featured Julie Green ministries; the Barn was filled to capacity for the two-day event. Although it was anticipated about 500 people would attend, more than a thousand showed up from all over the nation to hear Green’s message.

Groskreutz’s daughter, Amanda, lavishes, “That’s not a normal number for around here. That’s a lot.”

It’s not every day people from across the country travel to Waldorf, Minnesota, for an event.

More than 28 states were represented; more than 100 people chose to be baptized.

“It was breathtaking,” Groskreutz emphasized.

“Word of Faith Church” of Lake Mills, Iowa, was one of the churches which took part in the Green Ministries’ weekend. They were the first church to participate in any event hosted by Nations Glory Barn. Groskreutz hopes more area churches will consider becoming involved in these revivals. “We are always looking for more participation from all area churches,” she says.

Groskreutz acquired her enthusiasm for revival gatherings after taking part in a similar one held in the region. A “Contagious Love” event led by Jennifer Martin inspired her to begin making her site available for this new use.

“She [Jennifer Martin] listens to people. Those who feel hurt, neglected, traumatized–all of those things–come to her service. She loves on them with the Holy Spirit and helps them pray through all of that baggage.

“I saw so much compassion in this woman’s eyes,” Groskreutz reveals. “We have all this hurt: We can’t take in anything good if we’re holding onto all this bad. When I saw her do this, I thought, ‘That’s it. People need deliverance. In order to move forward, they need to have someone to walk with them through the process.’”

Groskreutz says that revival meetings and special ministries are a great way for people to get closer to God. Her daughter, Amanda, agrees. “Our grandparents laid the foundation and instilled in us that if we have the ability and the resources to help, we should do it,” Amanda expands. “It’s the way we grew up, doing what we could to support and assist people in need.  So, when the opportunity to start gathering and praying for people arose, we were driven by the spirit to do it.”

Groskreutz believes everyone should give revival a try.

“I want people to know that this is a safe place,” she emphasizes.

For those hesitant about attending a revival, Groskreutz said she understands if people are skeptical. “I would love for them to come and see what’s going on. We want people to come with skepticism and come discover God’s love for them.

“It’s amazing,” she continues. “God has called us to be a regional hub so people all over the Midwest can come. It doesn't matter where anyone is in their faith walk.”

Groskreutz wants to emphasize that JR’s Barn and Nations Glory Barn – while sharing the same location – are two different entities. “JR’s Barn is focused solely on weddings. Nations Glory is focused on ministry, outreach, and revival.”

The well-received revivals will continue through the summer.

From August 14-17, revivalist Christa Elisha with Arise Kingdom Ministries will be at the Nations Glory Barn. Groskreutz expects a “powerful weekend of revival fire, healings, miracles, and encountering the Holy Spirit,” with baptisms performed each evening. For readers curious to find out more, the ministry’s website is  thenationsglorybarn.org.

These events are free to anyone who wishes to attend. Donations are welcome.