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Pastor Bobby’s encouragement for you today is not to ask for fewer obstacles in your life, but instead ask for more wisdom with his message: “Don’t Wish it Was Easy, Wish You Were Wiser.”

Alli Patterson is a writer, speaker, and pastor who, after many years working in corporate America, earned a degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. She now serves as Teaching pastor at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her first book, How to Stay Standing: 3 Essential Practices for Building a Faith That Lasts, looks at how we can hold onto our faith when life hits us hardest.

Raffia Thomas is a professional vocalist and recording artist. Originally from New York, Raffia is currently based in the Los Angeles area. In 2013, Raffia released her own CD, which has been featured worldwide on radio and online syndicated stations. She has also performed background vocals for numerous artists including Toni Braxton, Blake Shelton, and many more. Raffia and her husband Cecil Thomas Jr. founded the Raffia Music Studio located in Lomita, California. The studio provides private music lessons to children and adults of all ages. Today, Raffia performs “Believe for It” (CeCe Winans; Mitch Wong; Kyle Lee; Dwan Hill) and is accompanied by Dr. Marc Riley and the Hour of Power Orchestra. Backup singers Sarah Grandpre, Preston Parker and Connor Smith join Raffia on “Never Lost” (Christopher Joel Brown; Steven Furtick; Tiffany Hammer). They are accompanied by Dr. Marc Riley and the Hour of Power Orchestra.

Directed by Dr. Irene Messoloras, the Hour of Power Choir performs an IsiZulu, South African selection entitled, “Ngothando” (Mbuso Ndlovu). The choir is accompanied by Bruno Cilloniz on the djembe.