A vision was birthed into the heart of Pastor Carl Clark Sr. to begin a ministry in which the rivers of living water could flow out of the believer. On June 21, 1998 that vision was fulfilled as Pastor Carl and Jeanette open the doors of “Rivers of Living Water Church (School of the Spirit)” at 406 South Third Street. Twenty-two people attended the first service.
As a result of the Lord’s blessings, the church experienced rapid growth. With the increasing numbers in membership, the church needed to enlarge its tents. In 1999, we were able to purchase 4.7 acres of land on the northern end of Third Street. Construction on the first phase of our new church began in September 2000. The building was completed in April 2001. It is named in honor of the late Elder Kenneth Clay. The first service at the new site, 509 North Third Street, was held June 2001.
Between August and December 2002, the Word of the Lord came to Pastor Carl Clark Sr. by four of God’s anointed vessels that he would be expanding the tents of his borders – “twin sisters”. As He meditated on these prophecies, God gave him a vision to establish a second Church location to reach out to others outside of the city of Leesville. On April 10, 2003, that vision became a reality as Rivers of Living Water Church opened the doors of our second site, 1702 N. Pine St., Deridder LA.
The church serves the community by ministering to the needs of those in the area. The mission statement for the church can be found in the seventh chapter of the book of John, verse 38 – “He that believeth on me as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” On June 4th, 2006, Pastor Hilton Wells was ordained and placed as Pastor of the Rivers of living Water Word of Faith Community Church, DeRidder, La. On June 7th of 2006 ROLWC opened the Guardian Angel Day Care/ Learning Center. GADC closed its doors October 26th, 2012 with planes to reopen as lead by the spirit of God.
Rivers of Living Water Church opened Compassion of God Outreach in January of 2008. Compassion of God Outreach is a community outreach developed to make available affordable cost clothing, household items, and furniture for families in our community. Rivers began the construction of the Family Life Center (Gym) in 2009. Other Community Outreach established by Rivers, Royal Blue Car Wash and a Shelter, or Restoration Center, which is a work in progress.
Rivers of Living Water is a Ministry on the move, eager to do all that God has called us to do.
