We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person, equal in essence with God the Father and God the Son. After Jesus ascended to His Father, He sent the Holy Spirit to convict the world of sin and its need for forgiveness. Once a person places their trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, Jesus gives them the gift of Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit then resides within the believer to lead, teach, illuminate, convict, comfort, heal, and empower them to live a life pleasing to God. The Holy Spirit also works through believers, giving each of us one or more spiritual gifts for the purpose of serving others.