From June 22 to July 5, 2025, the city of St. Louis experienced a spiritual revival as Hope Rally 2025 swept through the city, bringing hope, restoration, and renewed faith in God. Hosted at Northside Seventh-day Adventist Church and co-sponsored by Breath of Life Ministries and the Central States Conference, the two-week-long evangelistic series was led by Debleaire Snell, Breath of Life pastor, whose nightly preaching drew large crowds and powerful responses. The revival culminated in the baptism of 58 individuals, marking a significant move of God in a city still recovering from the devastation of May’s deadly tornadoes.

“Initially, I believed that we were invited to St. Louis to be a part of an evangelistic push leading into the General Conference Session,” said Snell, speaker and director of Breath of Life Ministries. “But as I look back, I am convinced that coming here was a providential assignment.”

“St. Louis is still dealing with a collective grief,” he continued. “And there was a deficit of hope that only the gospel of Jesus Christ was able to offset.”

Adding to the vision behind this evangelistic thrust was Central States Conference President Roger Bernard, who recognized the spiritual opportunity that aligned with several major events in the city.

“With Pathway to Health and the General Conference coming to St. Louis, I felt it was vital to continue sharing hope with the city,” Bernard said. “That’s why I was excited to partner with Breath of Life to help make that vision a reality. The desire to bring the gospel to St. Louis became even more urgent when a devastating tornado struck the city. If there was ever a time people needed hope, it was now.

“The Hope Rally evangelistic meeting was a powerfully anointed and life-changing experience—a divine encounter that ignited people’s faith, renewed hearts, and drew souls closer to Christ. I was filled with joy as I witnessed the Central States churches unite in a powerful mission for souls. What a blessing it was to see 58 precious individuals enter the watery grave of baptism, discovering that there is still HOPE!”

Each evening, Pastor Snell delivered one of 10 biblical reasons for hope, preaching relatable, Spirit-filled messages that resonated deeply with long-time believers and those just beginning their faith journey.

Each year, Breath of Life Ministries travels to a different city under the banner of the Hope Rally — a movement dedicated to preaching the good news of Jesus Christ to those in need of encouragement, hope, and spiritual renewal. This year, God led Breath of Life to St. Louis, where the message of hope met a city longing for restoration and revival.

“I choose to teach on hope because I believe the world right now is in a constant state of anxiety,” Snell explained. “There is always unrest about the state of affairs, a great deal of division and uncertainty about the future. Hope allows people to settle. It becomes the basis through which we experience peace ... and the reminder that as believers, there is a better world that awaits us.”

Special musical guests helped to reinforce the message of hope, including Jonathan Nelson, Melvin Crispell III, and Myron Butler & Levi, while singing evangelist Tamara Bodie ministered in song nightly, preparing hearts for the Word.

The rally was the result of unified efforts from churches across the St. Louis Area Ministries (SLAM) network, which came together in prayer, planning, and participation to reach the city for Christ.

“This has been one of the most energetic and united evangelistic efforts I’ve witnessed in St. Louis,” said Trevor Barnes, Northside Seventh-day Adventist Church pastor. “There’s a real sense that something special is happening. We’re seeing people come out who haven’t attended past meetings or week-of-prayer events.”

Throughout the revival, an excitement filled the building, matched by a deep hunger for the Word of God. Each night, a spirit of expectation permeated the room — hands were lifted in heartfelt worship, attendees leaned in with notebooks in hand, and individuals both young and old responded to the nightly appeals. It was an atmosphere where hearts were open, faith was stirred, and God moved in a tangible way.

“One of the greatest joys of evangelism is to see people who are unchurched or disconnected from God begin to settle into the truth of the word,” Snell shared. “From night to night, I saw the word settle into the hearts of people who did not know God was real, who were not sure they could be saved, and who had no knowledge that Jesus was coming again. The greatest joy each night was seeing the Lord add to the church daily, such as should be saved.”

The closing service on July 5 brought the revival to a triumphant conclusion. The worship experience was filled with powerful praise and heartfelt celebration in partnership with Spring Into Praise and its mass choir. Snell preached his final message of hope, entitled “God Stays Up Past Midnight,” and the service ended with a beautiful baptism ceremony, followed by a fellowship lunch welcoming the new members into the family of God.

For those who attended, Hope Rally 2025 was more than just another evangelistic effort — it was an encounter with the Most High God. And as each individual rose from the waters of baptism and dozens more were inspired to recommit their lives to Christ, one truth became unmistakably clear: Hope is still alive in St. Louis. And His name is Jesus Christ!

— Gianna Snell, Breath of Life Ministries communications/marketing director, contributed this article for the NAD and Breath of Life Ministries.