"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Matthew 13:35

The early church was full of excitement, hope, and expectation. Believers knew that Christ's coming was eminent and they earnestly strived to prepare themselves and others for His return. I'm certain that this type of church group exists today in many locations world-wide. One of these groups meets weekly in an unassuming home in Perry, Georgia.

In a standing-room-only setting, a group of young people, mostly between the ages of 18 and 28, gather to worship God fervently and to hear Bible teaching that challenges them to grow closer to Christ. Everything about this meeting is intense: the worship, the message, and the personal ministry. People fill the living room seats and others sit on the floor. Others, yet, listen in the hallway, the kitchen, the bedrooms, and outside. This is not a youth crusade. This type of meeting takes place weekly at the home of Charlie Walker, founder of First Love Ministries.

The foundational events of First Love Ministries took place in the 1970's. Walker was a seventh- grade English teacher at Rumble Jr. High School. Having a close relationship with the Lord and a love for people, Walker often counseled troubled kids. He was a faculty sponsor for the Prayer Club and had a heart for kids in the "highways and byways of life."

In the late 1970's, Walker was asked to organize a youth rally. Feeling the need to make it more than a local event, he sought out David Wilkerson to be the speaker. Wilkerson was booked in advance for two years, but after an opening was made in his schedule, Wilkerson agreed to come to Warner Robins. When that first rally was held in 1979, the Civic Center was filled to capacity. It was said that there were more people outside than inside.

Charlie relates that he asked kids from Rumble Jr. High School to function as ushers. During that rally, these ushers asked Christ into their hearts. Because the outcome was so tremendous, another rally was held in the following year at the Macon Coliseum, where Nicky Cruz was the speaker.

During this period, people had been approaching Walker with an interest in receiving discipleship training. In response, Charlie began holding meetings at his home in Warner Robins. Later, Walker moved to Perry, where he continues to hold meetings.

"There were seven people attending our first meeting," Walker stated.

Today, First Love Ministries' Saturday evening meetings are attended by approximately 50 people, mostly young adults.

"It started out being a Jr. High and High School group. As they grew older, they didn't want to leave, so the group became mostly college-aged," notes Walker.

Presently, the group consists mostly of people in their late teens and twenties, but there are a number of older participants.

"The ministry was first aimed at troubled kids. Many were on drugs. We wanted to love them to Jesus. Most who come now already know the Lord, but they want more Bible teaching. Here, they learn about spiritual warfare and the last-days remnant," says Walker.

"We encourage people to be part of their local churches. We are here to lift up Jesus and promote him. We want to grow people and bring people into a more intimate relationship with the Lord. We want to disciple people and then send them back to their local churches," Walker points out.

According to Walker, "our goal is to train people in how to do ministry."

Supported by churches, Sunday-School classes, and private donations, First Love Ministries has been successful in training people for ministry and has been a launching-pad for a number of men and women who are now serving in full-time ministry.

Aiding Charlie Walker with First Love Ministries are Brandon Farmer, president, and Matthew Hulbert, vice president. Meetings are held every Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at 623 Pine Ridge Drive in Perry, Georgia. First Love Ministries also has a Saturday night children's ministry.

In August, First Love Ministries will be hosting the 25th Annual retreat at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island.

For more information about First Love Ministries, visit their website at www.perryfirstloveministries.com or call 478-987-8577.