Photo courtesy of Danielle Penn Photography

Here at Shepherd’s Grove, we are so blessed to share in a community not only here in Southern California, but across the world through Hour of of Power with Bobby Schuller. For many, our music, worship and messages play an important role in their spiritual walk, and it is an honor and a privilege to hear how this ministry has touched them. That’s why we were so excited to meet Ruth.

Photo courtesy of Danielle Penn Photography

Ruth Birman and her husband of 56 years have been avid viewers of our weekly program for decades, watching Bobby and his grandfather from Longwood, Florida. They had always planned to come and visit us, but Ruth’s husband passed away earlier this year before that dream could become a reality. Still wanting to make the trip herself, Ruth made her way to California.

Photo courtesy of Danielle Penn Photography

When Wish of a Lifetime, a wish-granting organization, and Brookdale Senior Living heard Ruth’s story, they arranged for Ruth and her daughter, Sarah, to travel across the country and share in a service with us. On October 23, we were incredibly honored to meet Ruth in person!

The two stopped by our green room before service, where they met with Bobby and Hannah. The spry and jubilant 86-year-old had both of the Schullers in fits of laughter, and they were touched to hear about the role their church has played in her and her late husband’s lives. After a quick tour “behind the scenes” of the program, Ruth was escorted to her reserved seat in the front of the sanctuary, where she received a standing ovation from our congregation, honoring her and her husband as dedicated members of our church family.

God loves you Ruth, and so do we.

Photo courtesy of Danielle Penn Photography