Letters: God’s presence is palpable here

My husband and I moved here from Illinois about two months ago, and it has been an eye-opener. People had told us that religion was just part of the subculture, but I can say without a doubt most people live their faith. There is a freedom here that I have not experienced anywhere else.

I believe the Holy Spirit is unrestrained here. For the first time in my life, I am part of a majority and not the minority. People in this region are very kind to strangers and will engage you in conversation. The message I hear over and over is that this is a special place and they are thankful to be here.

It is so refreshing to have the acceptance and freedom to worship the Lord without fear of oppression. That is true freedom in Christ. I am living in the land of milk and honey. Like Jacob in Genesis 28:16b, I can say, “Surely the Lord is in this place.”

This story was originally published June 27, 2016 at 9:14 AM with the headline "Letters: God’s presence is palpable here."