What has Tikvah meant to you? Drop us an email and share your testimony!

Tikvah has been such a part of God's healing, touching, and renewing for us through the many years we have been blessed to be a part. We have had personal miracles where God answered prayers through this ministry. Pastor Lou, Eric, and Denise were always a vital part of this ministry, and without them lifting us up through the hard times, I don't know how we would have made it. They have always been a blessing and source of strength for us. God, we thank you for this blessed ministry!

Maryann Behrend

Denise, I was just thinking about how 10 years ago, the Lord sent me someone who would change my life forever. I cannot believe that it has already been 10 years since you invited me to play violin for a Disney trip. It's been 10 years since I was sitting in your classroom listening to those highschoolers sing, and later joining the altos as you taught me to sing harmony. And it's been almost 10 years since you invited me to my first TIKVAH.

I remember that first TIKVAH and playing violin like it was yesterday. A woman was lying on the floor with a blanket over her. I asked you, "Why is she sleeping? Is she bored with our music?" And you replied, "No, dear, she's out under the power of God." And then, do you remember the look on my face when you asked me, "Vivian, have you ever been in a church like this one?" And, coming from a Buddhist background, I replied, "I've never been in a church!" I remember the look on YOUR face! And it's been almost 10 years since you brought me to play violin at another ministry's meeting on Clearwater Beach, and we laughed out heads off because a woman in the prayer line lost her slip as it fell to the floor, and instead of leaving it there or nonchalantly picking it up, she was trying to put it back on! Oh my!

And so, I just wanted to say THANK YOU. Thank you for being available to be used by God. Thank you for just being available to listen to me. Thank you for teaching me so much about the Lord. Thank you for showing the Love of the Lord to me. But I want to especially thank you for showing me how to worship God. How to enter into His presence and sit at His feet. To truly enter into the Holy of Holies basking in His glory. Thank you so much. My life has forever changed because of you.

Vivian Ko Bell

Because I have been made to feel like a "family member" of Shepherd's Heart Ministries and at Tikvah Israel over the last four years, I feel that working with both Eric and Denise has been more than a blessing... it's been a great opportunity to grow and mature as a Christian. I have been blessed by being allowed to share a God given gift of music in playing drums and singing, which sat dormant for years, through Tikvah Israel. Through the Youngs, the Lord has helped me to become not only a better musician and a more effective sound technician, but also a worshipper! The most important miracle is how El Shaddai has used the Young's consistency in their Christian walk to bring my soul "to a higher place". God willing, they will be "stuck" with me for a long time to come!

Neil Gibson

I give thanks to the Lord for leading me to Shepherd's Heart Ministries and all of the ministries it covers . . . Tikvah Israel (aka Tikvah @ The Father's House), Shepherd's Heart Fellowship, and High Places Music.

Bruce Lavery

Even though I have only been attending TIKVAH off and on since December 2004, more off than on due to work, God has met me there. First of all, I was readily accepted into the fellowship, even as a stranger, which made the transition from Nashville, Tennessee to Treasure Island, Florida seamless. The worship is where I am touched the most. The dancers, standard-bearers (flags), and other active worshippers are inspiring and stir the zeal of the Lord within me. The anointing on the music and musicians has enabled them to carry TIKVAH time and time again in worship, which makes worshipping EASY!!!!!.....and FUN. I have experienced the Presence and the emotions of the Spirit of the Lord there many times; as well as the joyful assembly of the saints. God has taught me MUCH about myself, His Spirit within me, and the art of worship just by worshipping Him all those times. TIKVAH . . . a true jewel on the Emerald Coast!

Christopher Bailey

I want to say THANK YOU, Eric and Denise, for your love, kindness, and prayers. You both have been such a blessing to me and Sabrina. God only knows what would have happened had you, Eric, not been there for us. It really spoke volumes to me as to the man of God that you are, and the heart you have for God and His children. I have met and spoken with many people who talk about living for God and being Christlike. But, Eric, you actually live what you talk. And so do you, Denise. I know it and see it from the love and joy that you guys display through all you say and do. Thank you for your prayers, and thank you for being selfless and willing vessels for God's Kingdom. I love you guys, and you will always hold a special place in my heart.

Thank you, God, for Eric and Denise and for their children, Amanda and Austin. They are a blessing to many, and I pray that You will bless them spiritually, physically, mentally, and financially, and bless the ministry that You have given them and continue to open doors for them. God, I pray that You would raise up more people like Eric and Denise. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Romeo & Sabrina Spagnolo