Meet Marcellus Hunter. When I think about evangelism, my friend is the first person to come to mind. I met Marcellus my freshman year of college. He worked in the school’s dining commons, where he would swipe our IDs as we entered. Within a few minutes, I knew he was a Christian. He truly had a passion for Christ, which was very evident in his life. As students entered and exited the building, they were frequently left with “God Bless you” and “Jesus loves you.” Smiles would arise and, for at least a moment, joy and hope were in their lives. It is amazing what a few words propelled by the Holy Spirit can do.
One of my first encounters with Marcellus was during dinner one evening. He was sitting in a booth while on break with another student. To my amazement, he had the Bible out on the tabletop and was going through Philippians with the student. Seldom did I remember myself taking the time to share the Gospel and the Word of God with my friends, let alone with a mere acquaintance. But there he was sharing the Gospel with someone he probably met that very day, even giving up his break time to do so. When I think about Marcellus, it always makes me wonder what I am willing to give up for the advancement of the Gospel. The remarkable thing about this event is that it is an everyday occurrence for Marcellus. He was always sharing the Gospel, praying with people, and reading the Word. The public stage was as much a place for display and practice of spiritual disciplines for him as was the private. For him, the first time he will be on break from evangelizing will be when the Lord says to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Anytime you would talk to him, the conversation was always directed toward Christ. If you were a non-believer, you were confronted with the goodness and greatness of Jesus Christ. If you were a believer, you were encouraged and challenged by hearing about the work God was doing in his life and seeing him walk it out.
Thinking about Marcellus, one thing is for certain. He has left a legacy on the campus of Case Western Reserve University. He has touched so many people with his unashamed faith, compassionate nature, love for Christ, love for his neighbor, passion for the Gospel, and the unabashed, proclaiming way he lives his life. Even now as he has moved on from the college, students still talk about him and remember the things he said and how he lived his life. How many seeds has God planted and how many souls won using him? Only God knows. This I do know - he has left a deep impression on my life. He has been a great encouragement to me and I can see nobody else I would rather take as my pattern for evangelism. I thank the Lord everyday for my friend and brother.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Early Christmas Blessing
This thanksgiving weekend my grandma, aunt, mom, sister and I decided to go to the holiday Christmas tree festival in Akron. We go about every other year, to look at the beautiful and unique trees that people and companies have decorated and donated to sell to help raise funds for Akron Children’s Hospital. They also have a raffle for about ten trees, each tree is decorated so beautifully and surrounded with other things, for example there was an Ohio State tree with a flat screen tv, xbox 360, season passes, and tons of Ohio State things. Every tree was just surrounded with tons of neat things. There was one in particular that my mom and many others really liked. This tree was the Joanne Fabric tree, the biggest display there. Basically it was a craft room with everything you can think of without the walls. So my grandma bought us tickets to put in the raffle boxes, we each picked our favorite displays and dropped some in each. My mom and I had one ticket left and couldn’t decide which box to put it in, so we dropped it in the Joanne Fabric display box. The winners were to be drawn that night, so we had our phones ready for the call. Take in mind that every year we have gone, we have put in tickets and never have received a call, so we were taking it pretty lightly knowing that a call would be unlikely to happen. As I sat there doing some schoolwork I heard my phone ring and I noticed it was an unfamiliar number, I quickly answered the call and heard a voice ask, “Are you Becky Carlisle?” I answered, “Yes I am!” They then went on and said that I had won the Joanne Fabric Christmas tree display. At this point everyone was in the room trying to hold in their excitement till the phone call ended. I then hung up and revealed the news. My mom about fell over when she heard which one it was. Winning this raffle was definitely a God thing and at a wonderful time to. It is so amazing at how little things can be turned into such joy for a family. I give God all the thanks for this one; it really was an early Christmas blessing.
~Becky C.
~Becky C.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
I Am Free
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Where to start I went to the women’s retreat and wow how awesome!
First let me start with a prayer. Dear God I lift Your name on high! I ask that You
be with me and bless all my brothers and sisters. This testimony is to glorify You!
Throughout my life I have felt Your presence but until the day I hit rock bottom I did
not know how deep Your love for me was. As I sat there with a handful of pills ready
to take my life; I fell to my knees cried out Your name and You held me in Your arms
and I still fill Your presence when You are around me.
My one question was always why? Why this? Why that? I always wondered why a
loving God would let an innocent child be so badly abused by the hands of her own
family member. I was mad very mad at God!
Time goes by I meet the love of my life I am happy. I get married have five children,
whom I call gifts from God. Not mad at God anymore figure He and church are worth
another try. Things seem to improve and I feel good, but deep down inside there is a
depression. My weight is out of control at 315lbs. I was crying inside.
In June of 2001 I have a Gastric bypass everything seemed fine but four months post
op I got severely sick. Had to be rushed to hospital where I was told they were going
to Med flight me back to Texas where I had the surgery. I was in constant pain- it
took 10 months for them to find the problem. I had to have seven more surgeries. I
died on the table two times and God spared me I spent over 195 days in the hospital.
I came home on a pic line (feeding line) for 18 months. I grew depressed.
I got a liver infection and a blood clot. Things just didn’t seem like they were getting
better and at this time I felt very alone and very far away from God. I wanted to take
my own life again I was consumed with death. I got scared and went to the ER where
they sent me to a psychiatric hospital for 18 days. They put me on a lot of meds-
three that caused weight gain and in four months I gained 80lbs back -that was rock
bottom.
Then I find High Mill Church and I like it. Things are improving and my son
Christopher stands by my side; he encourages me and inspires me. I feel the Holy
Spirit speaking to me telling me I am not alone and He has so much more good
things in store for me. I meet Kim Dent and she welcomes me with open arms
and a warm heart. I go on the Ladies retreat and find that I am not alone in my
struggles. I get prayed for over and over and man wow I am set free!! Free of the
past that’s been haunting me; free of the guilt I feel for putting my family through
so much stress. I am a work in progress. My new name is Beloved and I believe
that is God’s cry to my heart, telling me I am not alone. I am His and I am worthy!
Deuteronomy 33:12 “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him for He shields
him all day long and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders. I am free
because he who the Lord sets free is free indeed!”
-Karla
Where to start I went to the women’s retreat and wow how awesome!
First let me start with a prayer. Dear God I lift Your name on high! I ask that You
be with me and bless all my brothers and sisters. This testimony is to glorify You!
Throughout my life I have felt Your presence but until the day I hit rock bottom I did
not know how deep Your love for me was. As I sat there with a handful of pills ready
to take my life; I fell to my knees cried out Your name and You held me in Your arms
and I still fill Your presence when You are around me.
My one question was always why? Why this? Why that? I always wondered why a
loving God would let an innocent child be so badly abused by the hands of her own
family member. I was mad very mad at God!
Time goes by I meet the love of my life I am happy. I get married have five children,
whom I call gifts from God. Not mad at God anymore figure He and church are worth
another try. Things seem to improve and I feel good, but deep down inside there is a
depression. My weight is out of control at 315lbs. I was crying inside.
In June of 2001 I have a Gastric bypass everything seemed fine but four months post
op I got severely sick. Had to be rushed to hospital where I was told they were going
to Med flight me back to Texas where I had the surgery. I was in constant pain- it
took 10 months for them to find the problem. I had to have seven more surgeries. I
died on the table two times and God spared me I spent over 195 days in the hospital.
I came home on a pic line (feeding line) for 18 months. I grew depressed.
I got a liver infection and a blood clot. Things just didn’t seem like they were getting
better and at this time I felt very alone and very far away from God. I wanted to take
my own life again I was consumed with death. I got scared and went to the ER where
they sent me to a psychiatric hospital for 18 days. They put me on a lot of meds-
three that caused weight gain and in four months I gained 80lbs back -that was rock
bottom.
Then I find High Mill Church and I like it. Things are improving and my son
Christopher stands by my side; he encourages me and inspires me. I feel the Holy
Spirit speaking to me telling me I am not alone and He has so much more good
things in store for me. I meet Kim Dent and she welcomes me with open arms
and a warm heart. I go on the Ladies retreat and find that I am not alone in my
struggles. I get prayed for over and over and man wow I am set free!! Free of the
past that’s been haunting me; free of the guilt I feel for putting my family through
so much stress. I am a work in progress. My new name is Beloved and I believe
that is God’s cry to my heart, telling me I am not alone. I am His and I am worthy!
Deuteronomy 33:12 “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him for He shields
him all day long and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders. I am free
because he who the Lord sets free is free indeed!”
-Karla
Monday, September 20, 2010
Before I begin to share my experience at the Women’s
Retreat, I must share how I even ended up at Beulah Beach on
Sept. 10, 2010. My journey truly began this summer when
I was finally obedient to God and sent an e-mail to a very
special person from High Mill Church. To know Marykay is
to love her for she is like an angel on earth who continues to
fill my heart with the goodness of the Lord. We scheduled a
meeting and it was from that first encounter that my life has been
moving onward and upward with the powerful presence of God.
Upon arrival last Friday, I was assigned a roommate and we
seemed to have no trouble with conversation! Little did I know
that I would eventually talk to her about things I have only told the
closest people in my life (oh how God just knows the right people
to put in your path). The worries of feeling awkward and out of
place began to vanish and the purpose for my presence began to
unfold.
From the breathtaking Saturday morning sunrise over the
lake to the final communal worship service, I was feeding my soul
and discovering more and more about my spirituality. It was truly
rejuvenating as I observed and listened to women with such strong
faith and incredible wisdom.
On Saturday evening, my roommate and I shared a very
personal conversation. Unlike everyone else, I have had my share
of life’s valleys; particularly a verbally and mentally abusive
marriage that ended after 23 years, leaving me to raise four
children ages 11, 13, 16, and 18. It actually surprised me that I
shared so much detail with her when I thought I had let go of this
inner turmoil a long, long time ago. Surely I was healed and over
this pain. Eight years have passed and I know my faith is as strong
as ever after going through this life shattering experience. Also,
my life has been blessed with four beautiful children, a teaching
position, lovely home, and good friends.
Well, it was time to attend Saturday night worship. My
roommate tried to prepare me for the service and I felt open-
minded and eager to attend. Clearly and sadly, there were so
many women dealing with pain and sorrow. I kept wondering if
there was anybody I could possibly help, but I was soon going
to discover that I too was still dealing with pain and sorrow.
Sandy, the featured speaker, immediately captured my
attention and I noticed how everyone’s eyes followed her like a
man watching the last sixty seconds of a tied football game! She
had a presence about her like I have never felt or seen before.
When she approached a woman that I had conversed with earlier,
I reached out my hand and began to pray for her as Sandy let us
know how desperately she needed our intervention. Before I could
grasp what was happening, I felt her hands touch my shoulders and
a stream of tears began dripping off of my face. Others around me
placed their hands on me as Sandy forcefully proclaimed the pain
that I was dealing with and that I needed everyone to pray I would
finally have peace.
In complete shock, I tried to comprehend what had just
happened; yet I did not want to miss one word she had to say. The
entire message was so powerful, so incredibly honest and truthful,
so driven by the Holy Spirit. I became free that night, free from
those painful thoughts that constantly were being battled in my
mind, free from the strongholds of Satan.
I know the battle is never completely over, but now I know
how to put on the armor of God and fight those battles without fear
or worry. I know I must completely place all my trust in the Lord
for He knows the plans.
My experience at Beulah Beach was truly life changing. I
have been sharing it with friends as I anxiously wait for what God
has in store for me next. I am getting a little better at listening to
His voice and obeying Him more quickly knowing that I am still a
work in progress. (It only took two people to indirectly ask me to
write this testimony!)
This is an exciting time in my life as I am finally starting to
feel peace and a sense of joy. I also know this is a result of the
women from the retreat who are still praying for everyone. When
you have a taste of what life can be like when others around you
live by the fruits of the Holy Spirit, you begin to crave it.
I have so much more to learn and share. I know this is only
the beginning. I am hoping that my new attitude will be
contagious and my friends will begin to desire what I rediscovered
at the women’s retreat; God is good, He loves us unconditionally,
and He wants to share an intimate relationship with each and every
one of us. If we are ready and willing, He will fill us with His
divine Spirit and bless us in ways we can’t even imagine. I am
ready and willing to go where He leads me for I know that all
things are possible through Christ who strengthens me.
I will be back next year for this incredible experience and
will be recruiting friends who desperately need to renew their
minds. Thank you to the women of High Mill Church who
welcomed me and blessed me with this wonderful adventure that
was so beautifully orchestrated by the everlasting God.
--Linda
Retreat, I must share how I even ended up at Beulah Beach on
Sept. 10, 2010. My journey truly began this summer when
I was finally obedient to God and sent an e-mail to a very
special person from High Mill Church. To know Marykay is
to love her for she is like an angel on earth who continues to
fill my heart with the goodness of the Lord. We scheduled a
meeting and it was from that first encounter that my life has been
moving onward and upward with the powerful presence of God.
Upon arrival last Friday, I was assigned a roommate and we
seemed to have no trouble with conversation! Little did I know
that I would eventually talk to her about things I have only told the
closest people in my life (oh how God just knows the right people
to put in your path). The worries of feeling awkward and out of
place began to vanish and the purpose for my presence began to
unfold.
From the breathtaking Saturday morning sunrise over the
lake to the final communal worship service, I was feeding my soul
and discovering more and more about my spirituality. It was truly
rejuvenating as I observed and listened to women with such strong
faith and incredible wisdom.
On Saturday evening, my roommate and I shared a very
personal conversation. Unlike everyone else, I have had my share
of life’s valleys; particularly a verbally and mentally abusive
marriage that ended after 23 years, leaving me to raise four
children ages 11, 13, 16, and 18. It actually surprised me that I
shared so much detail with her when I thought I had let go of this
inner turmoil a long, long time ago. Surely I was healed and over
this pain. Eight years have passed and I know my faith is as strong
as ever after going through this life shattering experience. Also,
my life has been blessed with four beautiful children, a teaching
position, lovely home, and good friends.
Well, it was time to attend Saturday night worship. My
roommate tried to prepare me for the service and I felt open-
minded and eager to attend. Clearly and sadly, there were so
many women dealing with pain and sorrow. I kept wondering if
there was anybody I could possibly help, but I was soon going
to discover that I too was still dealing with pain and sorrow.
Sandy, the featured speaker, immediately captured my
attention and I noticed how everyone’s eyes followed her like a
man watching the last sixty seconds of a tied football game! She
had a presence about her like I have never felt or seen before.
When she approached a woman that I had conversed with earlier,
I reached out my hand and began to pray for her as Sandy let us
know how desperately she needed our intervention. Before I could
grasp what was happening, I felt her hands touch my shoulders and
a stream of tears began dripping off of my face. Others around me
placed their hands on me as Sandy forcefully proclaimed the pain
that I was dealing with and that I needed everyone to pray I would
finally have peace.
In complete shock, I tried to comprehend what had just
happened; yet I did not want to miss one word she had to say. The
entire message was so powerful, so incredibly honest and truthful,
so driven by the Holy Spirit. I became free that night, free from
those painful thoughts that constantly were being battled in my
mind, free from the strongholds of Satan.
I know the battle is never completely over, but now I know
how to put on the armor of God and fight those battles without fear
or worry. I know I must completely place all my trust in the Lord
for He knows the plans.
My experience at Beulah Beach was truly life changing. I
have been sharing it with friends as I anxiously wait for what God
has in store for me next. I am getting a little better at listening to
His voice and obeying Him more quickly knowing that I am still a
work in progress. (It only took two people to indirectly ask me to
write this testimony!)
This is an exciting time in my life as I am finally starting to
feel peace and a sense of joy. I also know this is a result of the
women from the retreat who are still praying for everyone. When
you have a taste of what life can be like when others around you
live by the fruits of the Holy Spirit, you begin to crave it.
I have so much more to learn and share. I know this is only
the beginning. I am hoping that my new attitude will be
contagious and my friends will begin to desire what I rediscovered
at the women’s retreat; God is good, He loves us unconditionally,
and He wants to share an intimate relationship with each and every
one of us. If we are ready and willing, He will fill us with His
divine Spirit and bless us in ways we can’t even imagine. I am
ready and willing to go where He leads me for I know that all
things are possible through Christ who strengthens me.
I will be back next year for this incredible experience and
will be recruiting friends who desperately need to renew their
minds. Thank you to the women of High Mill Church who
welcomed me and blessed me with this wonderful adventure that
was so beautifully orchestrated by the everlasting God.
--Linda
Friday, September 3, 2010
Defeating Death
When we face death, our definition of God is challenged. Which in turn challenges our faith. Which leads me to ask a grave question. Why is it that we interpret the presence of death as the absence of God? Why do we think that if the body is not healed, then God is not near? Is healing the only way God demonstrated His presence?
Sometimes we think so and as a result when God doesn’t answer our prayers for healing, we get angry. Resentful blame replaces belief. “If You had been here, doing Your part, God, then this death would not have happened.”
It’s distressing that this view of God has no place for death.
Shirley Kirsch
Sometimes we think so and as a result when God doesn’t answer our prayers for healing, we get angry. Resentful blame replaces belief. “If You had been here, doing Your part, God, then this death would not have happened.”
It’s distressing that this view of God has no place for death.
Shirley Kirsch
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Our God Cares For One Little Boy
Sunday, July 18th started out early- 4am to be exact. 2 year old Keyan woke us up with
his howling. I jumped out of bed from a deep sleep and Jodi came running up the steps.
Yosh informed us that Keyan had been sitting up and then fell back and hit his head.
Not far for such a little guy. He was burning up with fever. We gave him a little water
which almost immediately came up. Ugh! Tomatoes are NOT pretty at 4am! I put a
cold compress on his neck to try to cool him down. Finally got him settled and he drank
more water and kept it down. We also gave him Tylenol for the fever. We all went back
to bed. At 7am he woke saying it is morning. He felt better.
The time came for all of us to head home to Ohio. Bryan and Jodi and the boys left.
About half hour later Brian and Jenny left. We lingered about 30 minutes longer saying
good byes etc. The phone rings… It is Bryan telling Yvonne that Keyan had just had a
seizure. Time stands still for a moment. Where are they? They are just about to get on
the Pa. turnpike. (Had they gotten on the turnpike, it would have been at least 20 miles to
the next exit.) Jim and I, Yvonne and the kids pray and then we head for the truck, going
to Hershey for where we think they are.
Bryan said that Jodi looked back and saw something was very wrong with Keyan. She
called to him but he was non-responsive. Then he went into a seizure. Bryan said they
were at an exit and he literally whipped across traffic into the exit. There was a church
there. He stopped by the front door and grabbed Keyan and Jodi was dialing 911,
wondering where in the world they were. As they went in, 2 women came out and she
asked them where she was. One of the women just “happened” to be a pediatric seizure
nurse. She took over the phone and gave EMS directions. Soon quite a few people were
around them, praying in the Spirit. The nurse took Jodi’s face in her hands and prayed.
Jodi felt peace come and she knew everything would be ok. Another person took Yosh
into a classroom and let him play.
They arrive at Hershey Medical Center. At one point Keyan was very agitated and Yosh
crawled up on the bed and sang Jesus Loves Me to him. He liked that. Jenny and Brian
arrived soon after and kept them company. When we arrived he was sleeping. By that
time the doctor had determined that he had a double ear infection. The seizure had come
as a result of a sudden spike in the fever- not uncommon in children under 5years. The
doctor decided not to run a bunch of test because he was positive that was the case.
3 hours later he was released and they returned to Wendell’s to spend the night. They
picked up his antibiotics, wanting him to have a couple doses before they ventured home
again. As we were getting ready to leave, the nurse from the church called Jodi and
asked if she could stop and see them. She told us that a few weeks ago that someone had
a word that soon a host of angels would descend on their church and it had something to
do with the highway. She and many others felt that God was referring to this situation.
Amazing how God cares about one little boy rescued in Ethiopia, one little boy who was
pretty severely burned before he ever arrived home in Ohio, one little boy who had spent
time in the burn unit, waiting for skin grafts to heal; one little boy that God cares so much
about that He gave a word and orchestrated a whole day, where the pieces all fit and
just ”happened” to fall into place at just the right time. Amazing how much God loves
one little boy from Ethiopia!
his howling. I jumped out of bed from a deep sleep and Jodi came running up the steps.
Yosh informed us that Keyan had been sitting up and then fell back and hit his head.
Not far for such a little guy. He was burning up with fever. We gave him a little water
which almost immediately came up. Ugh! Tomatoes are NOT pretty at 4am! I put a
cold compress on his neck to try to cool him down. Finally got him settled and he drank
more water and kept it down. We also gave him Tylenol for the fever. We all went back
to bed. At 7am he woke saying it is morning. He felt better.
The time came for all of us to head home to Ohio. Bryan and Jodi and the boys left.
About half hour later Brian and Jenny left. We lingered about 30 minutes longer saying
good byes etc. The phone rings… It is Bryan telling Yvonne that Keyan had just had a
seizure. Time stands still for a moment. Where are they? They are just about to get on
the Pa. turnpike. (Had they gotten on the turnpike, it would have been at least 20 miles to
the next exit.) Jim and I, Yvonne and the kids pray and then we head for the truck, going
to Hershey for where we think they are.
Bryan said that Jodi looked back and saw something was very wrong with Keyan. She
called to him but he was non-responsive. Then he went into a seizure. Bryan said they
were at an exit and he literally whipped across traffic into the exit. There was a church
there. He stopped by the front door and grabbed Keyan and Jodi was dialing 911,
wondering where in the world they were. As they went in, 2 women came out and she
asked them where she was. One of the women just “happened” to be a pediatric seizure
nurse. She took over the phone and gave EMS directions. Soon quite a few people were
around them, praying in the Spirit. The nurse took Jodi’s face in her hands and prayed.
Jodi felt peace come and she knew everything would be ok. Another person took Yosh
into a classroom and let him play.
They arrive at Hershey Medical Center. At one point Keyan was very agitated and Yosh
crawled up on the bed and sang Jesus Loves Me to him. He liked that. Jenny and Brian
arrived soon after and kept them company. When we arrived he was sleeping. By that
time the doctor had determined that he had a double ear infection. The seizure had come
as a result of a sudden spike in the fever- not uncommon in children under 5years. The
doctor decided not to run a bunch of test because he was positive that was the case.
3 hours later he was released and they returned to Wendell’s to spend the night. They
picked up his antibiotics, wanting him to have a couple doses before they ventured home
again. As we were getting ready to leave, the nurse from the church called Jodi and
asked if she could stop and see them. She told us that a few weeks ago that someone had
a word that soon a host of angels would descend on their church and it had something to
do with the highway. She and many others felt that God was referring to this situation.
Amazing how God cares about one little boy rescued in Ethiopia, one little boy who was
pretty severely burned before he ever arrived home in Ohio, one little boy who had spent
time in the burn unit, waiting for skin grafts to heal; one little boy that God cares so much
about that He gave a word and orchestrated a whole day, where the pieces all fit and
just ”happened” to fall into place at just the right time. Amazing how much God loves
one little boy from Ethiopia!
Friday, July 2, 2010
On June 12, 2010 2:00 pm, we piled into our vehicles to make the drive to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to begin our journey to Armenia. As a team, we were going to Armenia to be a part of the History Maker II conference in coordination with our sister church, Burning Bush Church, in Vanadzor, Armenia. The conference focused on connecting, encouraging, and imparting a new generation of youth and young adults in Armenia and 8 other nations who are passionate about restoring the Gospel and Lordship of Jesus Christ in their lands and rekindling a fresh fire for Christ among the attendees.
We ministered in a couple different villages, bringing food along with us to give to the many in need. The people were very appreciative of the food and were so gracious to share the little they had with us. We fellowshipped with them and tried to be the hands and feet of Christ to them. We were able to share music and Christ. As Pastor Arman’s dad spoke to the people about the love of Christ and his work on the Cross, people listened, and a few came to Christ that very day. Amen!
The conference started Thursday with brothers and sisters across Armenia arriving to join with those of us at the resort. The conference started off with some great worship by Burning Bush’s worship team. Even though we could not always understand the words to the songs or recognized the music, the presence of the Lord was evident and that is what matters. When we worship in Spirit and in truth, we are united in Christ. Even if we are singing in different languages there is unity there because we were as one body lifting up the name of Jesus. Over the course of three days of the conference, team members presented powerful messages, performed skits and music, shared meals, prayed for attendees, and shared life with one another. We laughed together as we played games, danced, and joked at the dinner table. We cried together as we were made more aware that Christ truly loves us, overcame sin and hindrances in our lives, and as we said our goodbyes. We prayed together, lifting up our brothers and sisters so that they could be encouraged, refreshed, given clarity, and set free from sin and death.
Prayer was a major factor in our trip and four times of prayer really stuck out. The first was in the airport in Washington DC. Since our flight to DC had been delayed we ended up missing our international flight. After talk to the airline desk, we were told we would not be able to get on a flight possibly until Tuesday. There are NO flights; there are NO seats available the ticket people told us. Given seemingly no hope, we decided to place our situation in the hands of the Lord. We prayed and did prayer walks through out the concourse during the night. As we returned to the ticket counter in the early morning, we found the miracle we had been praying for. The ticket agents were able to get the whole team on flights that morning. God answered our prayers!
The second time was during the morning conference session on Friday. The guys and gals were split up into separate groups as purity was discussed. As the word was brought forth in a straight-forward and vulnerable way, many were touched by the Lord. I can speak for the guys as many came forward for prayer wanting to become instruments for righteousness (Romans 6:11-18). Strongholds were shattered, walls were broken, confession and forgiveness met, and many lives I believe were changed. It was great to see my brothers lifting each other up, willing to share in the hard things with each other, to be an encouragement to one another, and to remind each other of the victory we have in Christ. The third time was Saturday morning, the third day of the conference. Up to this point there had been a lot of spiritual warfare going on and we took time that morning to really tackle it head on. Again, the Lord was faithful to hear our prayers, as the Holy Spirit directed us and gave clarity as to how to fight against the attacks being waged upon us by the enemy.
Soli Deo Gloria
~ Aaron Ford
After 50+ hours of criss-crossing the eastern seaboard of North America and much of Europe, our team reunited in Armenia having witnessed the Lord work a miracle in working out our flight schedule and becoming more aware of his sovereignty and the power of prayer. Our travel delays allowed for the Lord to show that He is in control and works out all things for the good for those that love Him. Quite the precursor for the events of the conference to follow.
As exciting as flying and traveling can be, it was good to have finally arrived and be able to settle in at the resort. There was so much anticipation built up for Armenia that a delay in our arrival by a day caused it to feel as if we were spinning our wheels. It made us clamp down and focus in on what the Lord had in store for us. Over the next couple of days, our time was spent building relationships with Pastor Arman and his family, preparing for the History Maker II conference, ministering in villages, integrating in the other internationals as they arrived, and seeing the beautiful country of Armenia, learning a bit of its history and culture along the way. We ministered in a couple different villages, bringing food along with us to give to the many in need. The people were very appreciative of the food and were so gracious to share the little they had with us. We fellowshipped with them and tried to be the hands and feet of Christ to them. We were able to share music and Christ. As Pastor Arman’s dad spoke to the people about the love of Christ and his work on the Cross, people listened, and a few came to Christ that very day. Amen!
The conference started Thursday with brothers and sisters across Armenia arriving to join with those of us at the resort. The conference started off with some great worship by Burning Bush’s worship team. Even though we could not always understand the words to the songs or recognized the music, the presence of the Lord was evident and that is what matters. When we worship in Spirit and in truth, we are united in Christ. Even if we are singing in different languages there is unity there because we were as one body lifting up the name of Jesus. Over the course of three days of the conference, team members presented powerful messages, performed skits and music, shared meals, prayed for attendees, and shared life with one another. We laughed together as we played games, danced, and joked at the dinner table. We cried together as we were made more aware that Christ truly loves us, overcame sin and hindrances in our lives, and as we said our goodbyes. We prayed together, lifting up our brothers and sisters so that they could be encouraged, refreshed, given clarity, and set free from sin and death.
Prayer was a major factor in our trip and four times of prayer really stuck out. The first was in the airport in Washington DC. Since our flight to DC had been delayed we ended up missing our international flight. After talk to the airline desk, we were told we would not be able to get on a flight possibly until Tuesday. There are NO flights; there are NO seats available the ticket people told us. Given seemingly no hope, we decided to place our situation in the hands of the Lord. We prayed and did prayer walks through out the concourse during the night. As we returned to the ticket counter in the early morning, we found the miracle we had been praying for. The ticket agents were able to get the whole team on flights that morning. God answered our prayers!
The second time was during the morning conference session on Friday. The guys and gals were split up into separate groups as purity was discussed. As the word was brought forth in a straight-forward and vulnerable way, many were touched by the Lord. I can speak for the guys as many came forward for prayer wanting to become instruments for righteousness (Romans 6:11-18). Strongholds were shattered, walls were broken, confession and forgiveness met, and many lives I believe were changed. It was great to see my brothers lifting each other up, willing to share in the hard things with each other, to be an encouragement to one another, and to remind each other of the victory we have in Christ. The third time was Saturday morning, the third day of the conference. Up to this point there had been a lot of spiritual warfare going on and we took time that morning to really tackle it head on. Again, the Lord was faithful to hear our prayers, as the Holy Spirit directed us and gave clarity as to how to fight against the attacks being waged upon us by the enemy.
Fourthly, the last session of the conference Saturday night was a time of great prayer and impartation. We were able to pray for many of the attendees, for the workers of the resort, for the worship team, and for Pastor Arman and his family. It was especially sweet to my heart to stand back and see Pastor Arman, his family, his parents, and his brothers and their families, standing together on stage. Everyone of them, from his parents down to the grandchildren, are Christians who love the Lord and are on fire for Him. It was such an awesome picture to see a family standing united for Christ. And I believe it is an encouragement for people who may be singularly walking out their faith in their families. Keep praying for those family members and close friends who don’t know the Lord. It may not happen overnight, but the Lord will hear the prayers of his people. As we walk out our faith, our families will see Christ in us and how we have changed. It will bring about change in our families, so that they can become more and more Christ-centered and that someday down the line we too can stand with generations of our family that love the Lord. I think many on our team can attest to that, as we have witnessed the work of the Lord in our own families. The introduction of Christ to our families has to start somewhere. It may start with a singular person, but that one person can be used mightily by God to bring about change.
And we worshipped together. We sang. We clapped. We raised our hands and shouted for joy. We danced and knelt before the God. We truly sought out the presence of the Lord. It wasn’t about hype or the music or about being entertained. It was simply about communing with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Watching the video of the last night’s worship, one might see it as hokey or weird, maybe even ungenuine. But it was none of that. It was the Holy Spirit touching our lives, welling up in us a sense of joy and thankfulness that we just had to praise the Lord for it, be it by singing, dancing, or playing of instruments. I really believe we were embodying the words of the psalmist in Psalm 26: 6-8. -- “I wash my hands in innocence and go around your altar, O LORD, proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds. O LORD, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells.”
Looking back, I think many lives were changed on this trip. Many were encouraged, refreshed, and had a fire for Christ rekindled. The Lord definitely was faithful and showed that He is in control. That He is the LORD.
Soli Deo Gloria
~ Aaron Ford
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)