THIS IS THE

STORY

In the summer of 2016, Thomas Cook, a 24 year old graduate from East Tennessee State University (ETSU), was led by God to gather 1,000 different churches together for a public prayer and worship service in Johnson City, TN.

The idea originally began as a collaborative worship service between the ETSU campus ministries (The Campus Wide Worship) and turned into a call to gather area churches together to pray and worship Jesus Christ. After graduating from ETSU, God called Thomas to give up $1,000 as a sacrificial offering when money was very tight. After wrestling with that decision, Thomas finally gave in and gave up the $1,000. A few weeks later, because of his obediance with his money, God specifically called Thomas to gather 1,000 churches together for a prayer and worship service. Upon prayer, guidance from multiple ministry veterans, and hearing a quote stating, “take on a challenge so great it is doomed for failure unless God is in it.” Thomas submitted to the faith calling, and to relying on God for the endeavor. He knew this was a challenge God was specifically asking him to take on.

Thomas set out on the journey, and has been fortunate to have been accompanied by an amazing group of young adults, current ETSU students, and alumni to take on the challenge. The Core Team of individuals met every two weeks to diligently plan and work on making the mission a reality. A large event called Adoration 2017 was created to fulfill the endeavor by God to gather 1,000 churches together, and upon learning of the terrible prescription drug abuse epidemic in Appalachia, the team decided to fully embrace the epidemic and make it their social cause seeking to mobilize the Body of Christ to work together to Restore Appalachia. 

Adoration 2017 took place in the Mini Dome at ETSU on October 1, 2017. Over 260 different churches, 24 different denominations, and over 2,000 people attended the first event, and as a result, a new student organization at ETSU was born bearing the name of Adoration Life. Adoration Life has three purposes; Honor Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, unite the Body of Christ, and Restore Appalachia from prescription drug abuse. With Adoration 2017 under wraps, the Adoration Core Team of young adults and college students have started to diligently pray and seek God for guidance during the planning of Adoration 2018 happening on Sunday, October 21st, 2018 at the ETSU Mini Dome. The mission is still to gather 1,000 different churches together at ETSU.

We invite you to join us in this story as we seek to gather 1,000 different churches together in one location!!