27-01-2025
CI Hero: Peoria Reverend leads life of service
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Epitomizing service while leading and living a life dedicated to Christ.
'The door is open for any and everybody who wants to be saved or to be delivered and there is power in the name of Jesus,' said Rev. Alvin Riley.
This week's CI Hero, Reverend Alvin Riley, leads his flock to the word of God at Sovereign Grace Missionary Baptist Church in Peoria.
'My whole goal is I get to turn to the Lord, because I remember my lost soul and I also remember my failures in life,' said Rev. Riley. 'So, when you fail in life, you (then) want to succeed. So I believe in Christ, and being a Christian, and he can turn your life around and put your broken pieces back together.'
The reverend received the Tom Connor Service Award at the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Thanksgiving Luncheon two months ago.
'I always wanted to be that kind person behind the scenes,' said Rev. Riley. 'I never wanted to be out front. Always liked to do things behind the scenes because God forgives me behind the scenes. He loves me behind the scenes. So, winning such an awesome award like that just made (me) feel joy like I can't describe.'
His servant's heart also shines through his work positively impacting Peorians.
'Growing up, my grandfather had a lot of influence of Wednesday night classes teaching me the scripture and so it just became a burning fire in me and I've been doing it ever since,' said Rev. Riley.
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