“This is the day the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Rev. Preston Dixon of Mt. Gilead Church opened the service with that scripture. Yes, it was raining cats and dogs outside but the joy that came from within those walls made the weather move to the back burner.

The Italy Ministerial Alliance hosts the Easter Sunrise Service every year, traditionally at daybreak, and takes turns at each member church. This Easter, the service was held at Mt. Gilead with Rev. Todd Gray, pastor of Central Baptist Church, delivering the message. Mt. Gilead choir sang special music throughout the service. Afterwards, all delighted in breakfast cooked by Mt. Gilead men.

Rev. Gray talked about the power in the Resurrection and it was time to celebrate. “Gospel means good news,” Gray said. “What was accomplished on the cross was released because of the Resurrection.” During the course of the message, Rev. Gray gave 15 reasons why Jesus died on the cross for us and followed up with 5 observations of what was accomplished on the cross and the power that comes from it.

Throughout the service, people of all denominations and faiths sat with each other and sang “Amazing Grace” together and lived the rejoicing of Easter.

Gray ended the message by saying, “We do not serve a God and Saviour that is dead. He lives today!” And it was all evident that morning.