Copyright . FIRE FOR THE NATIONS. All rights reserved.
Fire For The Nations
Ministry
Dear Family & Friends,
We again want to thank everyone who helped make
this trip possible, either by your prayers, giving, or both. There was a
tremendous sense of grace for what we did and the schedule we kept. We know
that prayer truly made the difference on this trip.
On Tuesday afternoon, October 20, our team of four
(Ray & Renaid, Sheila, & Ed) departed
Arrival
in
The overnight flight was uneventful and after clearing
customs we secured a rental car (the first time we have ever done this on a
foreign trip) and started our journey. The rented GPS got us from the airport
to
On Thursday morning, I (Ray) awoke before the
others and spent time with the Lord on the balcony overlooking the hills of
The team spent most of the day resting and
processing the things the Lord was showing us before venturing into
The
Reason We Went
On Friday morning we were up early so we could
drive a few miles to a church in Cana to do what we had come to
Before we finalized going to
Everybody
Was Healed
At the conclusion of Day 1 of the conference we all
went back to HOPE for a time of rest before we had to drive about 45 minutes to
the town of
During the worship I jotted down a few notes but
Renaid said later that as I began to speak she had no idea where I was going. I
understand; I didn’t either. I began by relating about a time when we were pastors.
One Sunday morning, about two hours before the service was to begin, I had no
idea what I was going to teach. In desperation, I told the Lord that if He
didn’t speak to me than I would have to go to church and just be led by the
Spirit. Immediately, God spoke to me, “That’s your message – being led by the
Spirit.”
I started with
I never did get to what I thought might be my main
text. God began to give me ‘words’ about healing through ‘hot spots’ on my
body. We asked those with these ‘issues’ to come forward. Renaid had gotten a
word for the pastor (Rania’s cousin who was also translating) before the
morning conference session. Knowing that he and his church were called to
healing, we asked for those in the church to help pray for the sick. Women were
testifying that their pain had left. Eventually I asked if there were any men
who needed healing. Ed then prayed for a man with neck problems and the pain
left immediately. At some point in my “rambling”, I mentioned that in the early
church, just as in the ministry of Jesus, everyone was healed (Acts 5:16). As
far as we could tell, everyone that needed healing from the Lord that night
received one. We give God all the praise. He’s awesome!
Conference
– Day 2
On Saturday we continued our training with teaching
on the prophetic. A gentleman that we met two years ago was the translator for
the day. We laid a scriptural foundation and the purpose of prophetic ministry.
Renaid shared some about the importance of character over gifting and some of
the things God has taught her about prophetic ministry. After lunch, we shared
the scriptural basis for ‘Prophetic Evangelism’. It is not only getting a word
for a person that may reach a multitude, as Jesus did with the Samaritan woman
in
At the conclusion of the training we had a time of
impartation and personal prophetic ministry. Many, especially the women, were
powerfully touched as the Spirit of God fell and moved among us during the
prayer time. We believe numerous lives were encouraged and transformed during
these two days.
A Meal to
Remember
On our way to a youth meeting, we stopped near
Tiberius at a Lebanese restaurant. Several of us wanted meat, but Rania was
fairly insistent that if we ate salad first we wouldn’t need any meat. We
weren’t totally convinced but deferred to her as our host. It was a good thing
– we probably ended up with 15-20 different kinds of salad and certainly no
room for meat or desert. (None of us will ever think of salad the same way
again).
It was during this meal that Renaid shared that she
felt the prophetic destiny of
Arab
Youth
Our time with the Arab Christian young people was
wonderful. They were very friendly towards us and obviously in love with Jesus.
Most were able to converse with us in English, which they learn in school along
with Hebrew, in addition to Arabic. After a time of worship, the team
ministered to the 25-30 youth and adults in attendance. Near the conclusion of
our time together, I (Ray) felt led to impart a blessing to the young people by
giving them a ‘holy hug’. After eating (again – we were told it would be
offensive if we didn’t eat all they piled on our plates), we began saying
good-byes. One mother said that her 12 year old daughter would like to have
another hug, as her husband and girl’s father had died. Of course I agreed. I
earlier had the privilege of praying with this young girl as she received the
baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Time in
After resting and debriefing with the Rania and the
team on Sunday, we drove to
During our time at the Prophet Samuel’s tomb, we
were able to pray and make declarations for the Land, as well as praying that
the Lord would birth a prophetic school in
It was amazing to stand in the Upper Room where the
Holy Spirit had fallen on the infant church on the Day of Pentecost 2,000 years
ago. Only Gene and the four of us were there. As we simply opened our hearts
and lifted our hands, we asked God to fill us afresh with power from on High.
While we waited, we began to feel the fire of God – all of us felt hot all
over.
Summary
We can’t understate how lovely the Arab people are
in general. Whether in restaurants or trying to assist us with directions when
we were lost (the GPS did not work most of the time), they went out of their
way to serve and help us. The non-Christian young people were friendly and more
than willing to speak English with us.
Having Sheila and Ed with us was invaluable.
Our flights home were uneventful and seemed to pass
quickly. Since returning home, Ed has confirmed that he received healing of
long standing physical issues after receiving prayer during a meeting at one of
the 24/7 houses of prayer in Jerusalem.
We believe that all of our lives and those we
ministered to have been changed. We again want to thank all of you that prayed
and gave financially to make this trip possible. In God’s timing, we believe
that we will go again.
God bless,
Ray & Renaid
This was our third trip to France, the others being in 2001 and 2003. Beginning with the last trip, our host pastors (Thierry & Yannick Andre) have wanted to take us to the south of France. When we accepted the invitation to come and speak at their annual church retreat, Thierry felt strongly that we needed to visit some friends who pastor in the south that we had met in the Paris area on our last visit. It was decided that we would go to the south before the retreat, which, timing wise, turned out to be very significant.
We arrived in Paris on Monday, May 1, and on Tuesday we (Renaid & I, Melissa Antolec, Randi Baldwin, and Pastor Thierry) drove about 9 hours to the Cevennes region in the south of France. This area was ‘home’ to the Huguenots, or French Protestants. They were known for moving in prophecy, including young children. Three weeks before we left for France, the Lord spoke to me He wanted to ‘heal the land’ and that part of the healing included "re-digging the wells of the Huguenots." As I was reviewing material from the French prayer movement, I came across a prophetic word given by a woman from England that said there is "a seed of revival hidden in the caves in the south of France."
Before we left the States, I stated that I wanted to find "the seed." Soon after we arrived in France Thierry reminded me that we had prayed three years ago about a "bridge", or connection, between France and the U.S. We had no idea that we would find both on our journey. In the south there is a museum dedicated to the Huguenots. In the room dedicated to the martyrs, we found ourselves both weeping and worshipping. We had the sense of connecting with "an ancient sound," as well as feeling that "others" (angels) had joined in our worship. It was a very moving experience, but didn't’t really prepare us for what we would find in the next room of the museum.
Pastor Thierry had visited the museum several times previously, but had never noticed what we were about to discover. Around the walls of the room, near the ceiling, were the names of the places that the Huguenots had fled to. These included areas that are part of present day Germany, Switzerland, South Africa, Sweden, Russia, America, … and Pennsylvania! We could hardly believe it, but we had found the connection. We have since learned that the Huguenots came to other areas in America - New York, Virginia, and the Carolinas, but why is our state the one on the wall? Why had Pastor Thierry never noticed it before? It hardly seemed a coincidence that four worshipping, prophetic intercessors were there, but what was God saying?
We concluded our visit to the museum and had a French picnic lunch before we were off to the next part of our journey. Our contact in the Cevennes, Pastor Samuel knew where there was a cave. Not just any cave, but one where as many as 42 Huguenots met for worship and prayer before they were eventually betrayed. This cave was off "the beaten path" and was certainly not on the list of tourist attractions. If not for Pastor Samuel, we would never have found this cave on our own. We had to crouch or "get low" to enter the cave. (Even as I write this, I think that maybe this is representative of humbling ourselves). We needed flashlights to see anything at all. We proceeded to a place where we could stand upright and were able to see what may have been the pulpit area. We began to worship and pray, asking God to renew the covenant He had made with our brothers and sisters of long ago. We asked the Lord to release again the spirit of prophecy in the nation of France, but with a double portion. We prayed that the well of the Huguenots would flow again. The Lord even gave me a cave scripture - 1 Samuel 22:1-2, which talks of the early days of David’s mighty men. We again felt a connection to an ancient sound, but as before, we still didn't’t know what it all meant.
From the cave, we proceeded to a place further up the mountain for a time of prayer. The day before, Pastor Samuel "happened to meet" some intercessors who were planning a time of reconciliation prayer the next day, the day we "just happened" to be there. These intercessors were from various nations and were part of a prayer school that was traveling around Europe on prayer assignments. We again worshipped and prayed. The place we gathered was where the Huguenots had said "good bye" as they fled to other places. Many of those that departed were spiritual leaders, as well as skilled craftsmen. Not only had people left, but also their gifts, both spiritual and natural. We learned of the pain that has been passed down through the generations because those left behind felt abandoned and orphaned. Many, whose families left, felt guilt because they hadn’t returned as they had promised. At one point, Renaid felt led to prophetically release the gift of prophecy that she carries into the leader of the group. We believe that the individuals that were there received healing as repentance and forgiveness were ministered. We are also trusting that God’s purposes were accomplished as we sought Him for the healing of the land.
The following day we traveled to Nimes, which has the best-preserved coliseum from Roman times. During our "audio tour," we learned that in addition to the gladiator combat that took place, criminals were fed to lions, usually at lunchtime. Sometimes those "criminals" included Christians. It so happened that we were there just past noon. As we talked about our visit, we discovered that all of us had gotten a sick feeling in our stomachs at the exact same time. Tradition says that on at least one occasion the presence of the Lord came so strongly into the coliseum that some of the spectators gave their hearts to the Savior and jumped into the arena to die for their new faith. May God give us the same resolve to live for Him.
After two days of traveling, and prayer in other places, we returned to the Paris area to prepare for the church retreat, but we still were not totally sure what God had done. We had all been impacted greatly, but what was God saying through all of this? This was the burning question. On Saturday afternoon we would travel to Normandy for the retreat, but in the morning I was asking the Lord, "What is the seed of revival?" I felt God speak to me, "Prophetic evangelism." I asked the Lord for scripture to confirm what I felt He was saying. He directed me to John 4, the story of Jesus and the woman at the well. In short, her entire village encounters Jesus because of the prophetic word He gave her.
At the retreat we were led to share about our experiences in the south, and then to release the spirit of prophecy (see Revelation 19:10). We prayed for everyone who wanted to move in this gift of the Spirit. In the next service, they brought the infants and children to receive prayer. At the final meeting of the retreat, we asked people to gather in small groups with those they didn't’t know very well and begin to pray and prophesy for one another. Many testified of seeing pictures (visions) and receiving words of encouragement or comfort (see 1 Cor. 14).
There are many other things we could share. What we had taught regarding the prophetic was put into operation. At the conclusion of the women’s meeting that Renaid taught, she, Melissa, and Randi taught the worship team how to do "harp and bowl." Pastor Thierry decided that we should continue in that vein for the evening service. They caught on quickly and the church began to enter in. During the course of our time in France, some received physical and emotional healing. Several received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. God’s presence was evident in every meeting. It appeared all were drawn closer to the Lord. We were told later that it was the best retreat they’ve ever had, and that each time we’ve come it has taken the church to the next level. We can take no credit for the "wonderful works of the Lord." We’re just grateful He allows us to be a part of what He’s doing in the earth today.
We pray that God would richly bless you and that He moves all of us into prophetic evangelism. Lord, teach us Your ways.
On Sunday, May 20, Renaid and I, along with friend Melissa Antolec, left Pittsburgh for Israel on Continental Airlines. For reasons known only to God, we missed our connection in Newark, NJ due to weather problems earlier in the day that caused a number of flight delays. Initially we were told that there was a chance we would just make it in time, but once we got on the runway another delay was announced. We were also told that a cart to take us to our gate would be waiting for us when we arrived. It wasn't. And when we asked where our gate was, we were told it was already closed. In all of our travels, this was the first time we missed a flight. We were quite disappointed, to say the least.
When we found the "help desk", we were told that we were rescheduled to fly out on Tuesday - 48 hrs later. My response was, "that's totally unacceptable." After looking at various alternate routing to Israel, we were booked for the following day with a connection through Paris and a transfer to El Al Israel Airlines. Continental put us in a hotel for the night and gave us food vouchers. We called our contacts in Israel and told them we would be a day late. All of us had been quite busy before the trip, so at least we got a good night's sleep before departing.
Our flight into Paris was a little late and we only had about 90 minutes to make our connection to begin with. When we finally got to El Al check-in, we learned firsthand about Israeli security. I was wondering if we were going to make this flight as we watched them swab everything in our possession looking for explosive residues. Melissa's carry-on, a drum, also provoked extra scrutiny. Melissa was given the option of checking her drum or leaving it in Paris, so I'm sure you can figure out her decision. She pulled her flutes out of the bag, and we all prayed another prayer for everything to arrive safely. (It did).
We arrived in Tel Aviv around 4 pm and found our luggage - it was sent on an earlier flight without us. We had waited standby but there was no room in the inn, I mean plane. Our contacts, Karen Goodman and Lisa Hutcheson from Apple of His Eye Ministry (www.AOHE.org), were there to meet us and another young man arriving just after we did.
From the airport we drove to AOHE's apartment in Jerusalem, about a 45 minute trip. Along the way we passed many burned out military vehicles that had been left as memorials from a previous war (I think for independence in 1948). Upon arrival in Jerusalem, we were united with the remainder of the team, including Lila Terhune. We were 13 total - 3 from Apple, 3 others from Florida, the 3 of us, and 3 more from the Pittsburgh area, and Lila's daughter from California. From the balcony of the apartment we could view Mt. Zion and the Mount of Olives, which were not far away.
As we gathered together, we heard about some of the things we had missed because of our delay, as well as the earlier arrival of part of the team. We also found out that our first night in Israel would really just be a nap. The next day was Pentecost, one of the main reasons for the timing of this trip. We would arise at 3:30 and join many others in walking up Mt. Zion to the Western or Wailing Wall. This wall was part of the Second Jewish Temple and dates to around 5 centuries before Christ.
What we commemorate as Pentecost, Jews also ascribe to being the time that the Law was given to Moses. Because of their "partying" while Moses was on the mountain with God, the Jews say they were "sleeping". They have also decided that if God ever speaks on that day again that they will be awake. Therefore, many stay up all night and walk with other "pilgrims" to the Wall to wait for sunrise. It was quite an impressive sight to look behind us and see people streaming to "the House of the Lord."
When we drew near to the Wall, we saw the partition that separates men from women. As a group, we were far enough back that we were able to stay together. As dawn approached, it became almost shoulder-to-shoulder in many places. While some appeared to be there because it was "the thing" to do, most were there in an attitude of reverent humility and genuine hunger. We saw many young people weeping as they read from their prayer books and scriptures. We were not there to preach or worship openly, but all of us joined in silent intercession for the people of the land. We prayed the eyes of their hearts would be opened and that they would have a revelation of Messiah Jesus.
Just before sunlight, a flock of birds created a small commotion as they flew overhead near the Wall. As they departed, there suddenly appeared two white doves. The significance of this was not lost on us.
On the way back to the apartment, we stopped at Succat Hallel ( www.jerusalempraise.com), one of the 24/7 places of worship and prayer in Jerusalem. We joined in for about an hour. It was obvious that God is speaking the same things to His people throughout the earth. We felt right at home. We visited and participated on several other occasions, even helping to lead one session.
The location of Succat Hallel has particular prophetic significance. Day and night prayer is going up from a former optical store that faces Mt. Zion. It is also situated just under the place that literally was the lifeline into Jerusalem as Israel fought for independence. While a blockade existed around Jerusalem, supplies were placed in a basket that was than conveyed on a pulley across the valley to the Old City. The basket remains as another memorial to God's faithfulness. Lest you have forgotten, Israel had ceased to exist as a nation for almost 1900 years until she was "reborn" according to prophecy in 1948.
As I write this I am realizing how much there is to tell about the trip. My intention is to write a report, not a book. Therefore, I will not recount every detail but several other highlights. We knew that this trip would be much different than others we have taken. This was more of a prayer journey and on-going Bible study than a time of outreach.
On one of following days, we had the opportunity to revisit the Wall - up close and personal. Although Renaid and I were not together (remember separate sections for men and women), we each had similar experiences. Both of us were moved to tears as laid our hands on the Wall and literally felt God's Presence. We both placed written prayer requests in the Wall. What we experienced was unplanned and unrehearsed, but us we compared notes, almost identical.
As a group, we also spent part of an afternoon with an Orthodox rabbi, who is not a believer in Jesus, discussing our faiths. At least two comments stand out. First, no one comes to Israel by accident. Regardless of how one comes, it is really is the result of an invitation by God Himself. Secondly, as an Orthodox Jew that obviously loves God, he stated that Jews in Israel believe that we are living in the last days.
At the end of the week, we loaded up two vans and headed for Apple's house in Tiberius, overlooking the Sea of Galilee. We learned that this was the region where most of Jesus' miracles were performed.
While still in Jerusalem, Renaid discerned that as much as you can sense and feel God in the land, the opposing forces are very real and heavy as well. Jerusalem literally is the center of the world, both spiritually and geographically. It could also be said that it is the spiritual center of the universe. It is no wonder that this city has been so contested through the centuries.
One day about two weeks before we left for Israel, I suddenly found myself praying that "God would restore the signs & wonders and miracle ministry of Jesus in the land of Israel." When we arrived in Israel and I shared this with Lila and Karen, they said that they have been praying the same thing. On Saturday, we attended a Messianic congregation in Tiberius. Many of the believers are from Russia. During the service (in Hebrew, but with multiple language translation through headsets), I heard Messianic Jews praying the same thing - for the restoration of the signs and wonders ministry of Jesus. How awesome! They also prayed a familiar passage: 2 Chronicles 7:14 - "if My people, who are called by My name..."
It was also during this service that I sensed the Lord saying that the harvest has already begun. I asked the Lord for a scripture to confirm this and ended up at John 4:35 - "Do you not say, `There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest." What I believe the Lord was showing me is that we can no longer keep saying the harvest is in the future, but now is the time. We need to raise our level of expectation. During our time in Israel, Renaid had several visions (mental pictures) of ripe wheat fields. Also, several believers stated, "Israel is ready to explode" for the gospel. Pray, as the scripture instructs, for laborers to be raised up.
The next day, Sunday, we attended a Global Day of Prayer gathering in Nazareth. It was the first such gathering in Israel for Arab believers. Amazingly, for the culture, the meeting was organized and led by a woman. Our group was the only outsiders invited to attend this milestone event. During the meeting (again translated for our group), they also used the Chronicles passage as they humbled themselves and sought God for their nation. They also prayed "my" prayer (apparently God's prayer), for the restoration of the signs, wonders, and miracles of Jesus to take place in the land. Since the Lord is laying the same prayer on so many hearts, it appears that this is a prayer that He intends to answer.
We also had a night of worship (2 hrs) on a boat on the Sea of Galilee. Additionally, we prayed in many places - along borders looking into Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon; in Caesarea Philippi, a place of revelation where Jesus confirms to Peter that He is the Christ; on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem; and on and on.
My concern before returning home was "hitting the ground running" back to everyday life. That didn't happen! While in Tiberius, I began not feeling well. The last few days in Israel varied between miserable and tolerable. I was weak and lost a good part of my appetite. I slept most of the eleven hour flight back to the States. The day we arrived home, we called the doctor and since there was a cancellation, saw him that evening. He looked at me and wanted to send me to the emergency room. I opted to wait to see how I felt the following day. Although I had blood work scheduled, I never made it as I was quite sick that morning. Instead, Renaid took me to ER. Almost as soon as they put me on an IV, I began feeling better. Tests showed diverticulitis, so they admitted me and I ended up in the hospital for three days. I am feeling much better but can still use your prayers.
I would also appreciate prayer in another matter. Before we went to Israel, we had prophetic words that we would receive something in Israel to bring back that was not just for ourselves. At the conclusion of the Global Day of Prayer, I asked one of the Arab pastors to pray for me (this was before I got sick). His prayer included that I would receive whatever it is that I was to take back with us. I did not say anything like this to him. So, please pray that God's revelation would be clear. I have some sense about this, but don't feel like I've totally grasped "it" yet.
One final prayer note that is time sensitive: While in Jerusalem, we learned that there will be a "One Thing" conference from June 29 - July 1. This will be the largest gathering of its kind in Israel's modern history. Jewish and Arab young people will be coming together to worship and receive teaching from a number of Christian leaders from the US. One of those invited was Lou Engle, who is leading The Call - Nashville on July 7th (7/7/07). This event in Nashville hopes to gather 100,000 people to pray and seek the Lord for our nation. Initially, Lou turned down the invitation in Israel because of his event the following week. But the Lord told him that he had to come - that there is a connection between the two. So, please pray that God's kingdom purposes will be revealed and established in the earth, as it is in heaven.
We want to thank everyone who prayed and gave to make this trip possible. We believe your reward will be great.
Love & blessings,
Ray & Renaid
First, we would like to take this opportunity to thank those who prayed and gave towards our recent ministry trip to Holland (Feb.28-Mar.12). Officially, the country we call Holland is the Netherlands and although Amsterdam is the capital, all the government resides in The Hague, about an hour's drive to the south. This is where we stayed the entire time, being driven to meetings in various cities around Holland, some as much as two hours away. God connected us with the Johan Maasbach World Mission, possibly the largest ministry in Holland. It was my affiliation with Christ For the Nations that was a big key in them opening their churches to people they didn't know. As with all of our trips, we begin without knowing anyone in a particular country and end up with an open invitation to return, in God's timing of course.
Abundant Grace
The Lord first began speaking to me (Ray) sometime last summer about Holland. As I began to understand that God was speaking about this nation, I said, "Lord, I don't know anything about the spiritual conditions in Holland, all I know is that it's known for sin." God's response came immediately: "Where sin abounds, grace does much more abound" (see Romans 5:20). I was then reminded of the words of Zechariah 4:7 - "What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of "Grace, grace to it." This was the proclamation that the Lord led us to make while in Holland: "Grace! Grace! More grace! Abundant grace!"
It was during the fall that the Lord gave a very strong confirmation through a missionary friend's prophetic word and vision (more about this later). A little later that day I inquired of the Lord when He wanted us to go. His answer: "February 28." About a week later talk began of the U.S. going to war at the end February. We were not thrilled with this prospect, but were confident that God had spoken. We began asking friends in Europe if they had any contacts in Holland. We received one name, but God had something else in mind. As the start date for war was pushed back, we received an email from Christ For the Nations in the UK that the directors (Kevin & Pam Swadling) had just received a letter from good friends in Holland - the current director of the Maasbach mission. This was not a coincidence! After writing to them to explain what the Lord had put on my heart, we received an email that we were welcome to come at that time and that they would arrange an itinerary for us. As it turned out, we were home by the time the war started.
God's Plans for Holland
Though Holland may not have more sin or sinners than other nations, much of its sin is well publicized and open - things like legal prostitution, legal drugs, same-sex marriages, and euthanasia. We declared that God has enough grace for all the sinners in Holland, and for the worst sinners in Holland. But how is God going to communicate His love and grace to the people of Holland? And how would Christians there know that we had heard from God? As part of the message, God showed the connection between what He has privileged us to walk in for the past 4 years (His manifest Presence) and what He wants to do in Holland. Exodus 33 describes God's relationship with Moses and Israel. In this chapter we learn that Moses had found grace (or favor, depending on your Bible translation) in God's sight and that the distinguishing difference between God's people and those of the world is His Presence, as evidenced by His going with them.
As we were preparing to leave for our first meeting, I looked across the street from where we were staying and saw a New Age store. I believe the Lord allowed me to notice this to share during the messages. How does a sinner walking down the street know whether to enter the New Age shop or the church a few doors away?
It should be the Presence of God being in our midst. At the conclusion of each meeting as we became to pray and make declaration and release the Spirit of grace (see Zechariah 12:10), God's Presence would descend upon His people. One pastor described it as the "sweetest" he had ever experienced. We believe this provided confirmation as to God's intent in the future and increased people's hunger to seek after God.
Setting Things in Motion
The Lord had spoken to Renaid that we were in Holland to "break the seal" of the things that God wanted to do, and that others would be coming after us to continue this work. We prayed for and ministered to as many as wanted to receive from God. Most of the meetings went longer than normal, but in each case people were given an opportunity to leave if necessary, but few actually left. In some of the meetings there were testimonies of being instantly healed. Some rededicated their lives to the Lord and some were baptized in the Holy Spirit for the first time. Others surrendered more of their lives than previously. One pastor was significantly touched and we were told by others that there was something different about his preaching on the following Sunday. His own words were, "I was at a place where I was stuck. I knew there was more, but didn't know what it was or how to get there." We thank God for allowing us to be instruments of breakthrough for him and his church.
In addition to the church services, Renaid was asked (prior to coming) about doing several women's meetings. This stretched her, but with the Lord's help she accepted the challenge and God used her to minister to women from three separate churches. As well as personal ministry to each in attendance, she shared "things I've learned about ministry that I wish someone had taught me." It was a blessing to all.
Strength to Minister
As the time in Holland went on, I came under physical attack with a cold and congestion. This limited any free time to resting rather than sightseeing, and prevented us from even going to Amsterdam. But God's grace was sufficient in allowing me to minister effectively. In one meeting in particular, I was aware of a different anointing than I had ever experienced before. Renaid actually said it was the best she had ever heard me speak. This may have been in part due to having a professional translator for that meeting. Even though we had fine translators in all of the meetings, and are used to working and flowing with a different one in each service, there was something special that happened that night. Renaid didn't know how I even made it through, but God's grace carried me.
From Vision to Reality
Back to the vision mentioned previously. Our friend "saw" a little Dutch girl welcoming us and asking for help. I didn't know if this was a real person or just a vision, but before leaving the States I asked the Lord to let me meet this girl if she was real. I hadn't thought much about this prayer until we arrived in one church that had a young girl, maybe 11 or 12, playing the violin on the worship team. She kept looking at us, and we at her. There was definitely something going on. I asked the Lord if this was "the girl?" I felt He said, "yes." When I got up to speak I shared the vision, and wondered aloud if that little girl was there that night. (There were a number of young people in the meeting and I didn't want to put her on the spot, or be wrong). During the ministry time at the end I called her up and asked if we could pray for her. I said, "Are you that little Dutch girl?" She sheepishly shrugged her shoulders, but when I asked if she had prayed that God would send someone there to help, she responded that she had.
We thank God for again using us and allowing us to be apart of what He is doing in the earth today. We give Him all the praise and glory!
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