River of Life
June 18 – 22, 2025
History
Dallas First UMC has hosted the River of Life mission event since 1999. During this five-day event each year, youth and adults serve as the hands and feet of Christ in our community by providing home improvements and fellowship to those in need.
Participation in this event extends far beyond our church walls. Youth and adults have come not only from our church, but also from other churches in Paulding County, in other counties in Georgia, and even from neighboring states. No experience is necessary—just willing hands and hearts!
River of Life Journey
Preparation for this event begins many months in advance. The River of Life committee begins making plans, selecting work sites, and raising funds shortly after the prior year’s event has ended. As prayer is the most crucial element of our preparation, we begin on our knees and end the same way! Countless hours are devoted to ensuring that no detail is overlooked to make each year’s event the best ever.
The River of Life event begins on a Wednesday evening with registration, supper, and orientation. Youth and adults are assigned to work teams and safety measures are discussed. Transportation and meal details are finalized for the week. A worship session and lights out, round out the opening session of River of Life.
What To Expect
Breakfast and Morning Devo
Each day begins at 7:00 am with breakfast and devotional time, followed by service projects.
Worksites and Those We Serve
From 8:00 am to 3:30 pm each day, participants will go with their assigned work group to a site to repair or serve a family or community mission in need of support. During this time, getting to know their “clients,” prayer and fellowship become just as important, if not more so, than the nails hammered, yards cleared, or brush strokes made.
Return and Free Time
After students return to campus, shower facilities are provided for all participants to clean off. Each afternoon, a food/ice cream truck will be on campus for them to grab a cool snack. After that, there will be group free time followed by dinner, church small groups, recapping of the service impact, and a time of meaningful worship. After service. participants will receive their ROL t-shirt.
River of Life Sunday
On Sunday morning, the event culminates with an incredible 10:00 am River of Life worship service conducted by the participants, with everyone wearing their new ROL t-shirt. Testimonies are shared about the life-changing experiences of the past few days. We are fortunate to welcome some of our clients who also share the blessings they have received throughout the week. Songs are sung and our worship speaker provides a message to wrap up the week.
Afterwards, groups are invited to pack up and return to their home churches, where we pray they will continue sharing the stories of mission and ministry they experienced while visiting the DFUMC River of Life Summer Mission.
Join Us!
There is a place for you, regardless of how little experience or time you have to devote. Please consider getting involved in this year’s River of Life. Pray about how you can best serve God through your participation. Once you do, you’ll be hooked! It will become a part of your life, as it has ours! You WILL be blessed!
For more information, questions, or to have a River of Life registration packet emailed to you, please contact the church at 770-445-2509 or by emailing us