International Partners in Christian Ministry

For 18 long months, the IPICM team planned its ministry to the Nepali people and the time finally arrived. Following 2 plane changes and a combined 36 hours of travel, Dr. Michael Lanier and Tom Stoy arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday the 20^th of March. The 2 days spent in Nepal’s capitol city were certainly filled with sights and sounds that all but defied description. For example, neither adventurer ever considered the possibility that a 2 lane road could actually support 3 lanes of intense, zig-zag traffic. Motorcycles, mini-vans and yes, even rickshaws, blazed their own unique paths! Even a seasoned Jamaican taxi driver couldn’t contend. (It was better to close one’s eyes and pray his guardian angel could keep up.) And then there were the Buddhist temples with all their cute little monkeys and their monkey “mess.” And of course there was the Hindu bazaar with the 12 year old goddess. Yep. But after 2 days of sightseeing and making a few curio purchases, Michael and Tom were ready to begin the next leg of their adventure.

Fly eastward along the southern slope of the Himalaya mountain range and when you finally arrive at Biratnagar—the second largest city in Nepal—turn left and drive 4 hours until you come to the foothills of the world’s tallest mountains. The team’s destination was the small farming community of Pakhribas, nestled deep within the rolling mountains of East Nepal. It was here that the real joy of ministry was to begin.

Saturday is the day of worship for Nepali Christians, so on the morning following the men’s arrival, the first official day of ministry began. Tom preached the message to which 2 Hindus responded. But because the team was told they should finish the service by 12:30—and that was the time when Tom’s sermon concluded due to a multiplicity of announcements and other matters—there appeared to be no opportunity to pray for the people. However, a single individual came forward for prayer for her aching body. As the Spirit moved in healing, those looking on thronged forward for their own healing needs. (It was at this time—1:30 in the early morning Texas time—that Michael’s sister, Judy McReynolds, awoke from her sleep to intercede for the team. Little could she have known what was to happen 12 time zones away.) The time of healing began when Michael announced “There is someone in this section (the ladies area of the room) that needs healing in the knees. Come forward and God will heal you.” Seven women responded and all 7 were healed. For the next 2 hours, Michael and Tom prayed for approximately 20 souls having maladies too vast to detail for the moment. Should you list every possible affliction from A to Z and head to toe—regardless of technical diagnoses—you would certainly happen upon many of the afflictions that were cured that day. Headache, neck and throat, ear, eye, teeth, shoulder, fever, joint pain, heart, lung, chest pain, an assortment of internal organs, nerve, knee, hand and foot, toe, and more—all would be prayed for that day. Let it be emphatically declared: God heals today the same as He did in biblical times and the people of Pakhribas would learn this truth for themselves.

The team never simply accepted a healing had taken place at face value. Michael and Tom sought proof. Every recipient of a healing was asked to do something to demonstrate he or she had received a verifiable healing. “Do something you couldn’t do before” was the expression heard frequently throughout the afternoon. On that first day of ministry, it was estimated that 85% of those prayed over were completely healed; 10% partially healed; and 5% were not healed. Of course, some may have been healed in the hours that followed. (When Jesus healed the 10 lepers, it was “as they went.” Paul’s own healing at the time of his conversion came “in that hour.”)

One need not pray long prayers to witness God’s healings. In most cases, hands were laid on individuals. Sometimes a simple word of healing would be spoken as the affliction was commanded to depart. Regardless, many prayers took no longer than 1 to 3 minutes. Some certainly required longer and several people were prayed for a second time when their healing was only partial following the initial prayer.

As fascinating as this time of ministry was, still greater things would take place over the next couple of days as Michael and Tom were the chief speakers at a 3 day pastor and leadership conference. The account of the leper, the demoniac, healings of multiple Hindus who came for Christian prayer, along with other accounts, will find their way into the next post.

Please note that internet service will probably be lacking for the next 10 days as the team will be traveling by car, local bus, and by foot from village to village, conducting services in local churches and bazaars. Please be patient and stay tuned. Above all, please pray for Michael, Tom, and the local Nepali team.

To suggest the 5 week mission trip to Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia exceeded all expectations is an understatement. (The interactive map below will show you where the team ministered. Click on the blue balloons for additional local information.)

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None of the team members had ever before seen the hand of God move in such spectacular ways. Even now, 2 weeks following their return to the States, each member struggles with any attempt to summarize their experiences.

With more than 3,000 souls receiving ministry, salvations may have exceeded 200. Some of the people who responded to altar calls recommitted their lives to Christ, but the vast majority came in response to the Gospel message. Some encountered the Lord in church; some during open air meetings in the market; and some as a result of one-on-one evangelism.

A summary of healings is equally difficult to access. Some entailed maladies that only a doctor could verify such as HIV and pneumonia. But most were instantly verifiable. Of those that could be verified, an estimated 90% of those prayed for were healed. On some occasions, everyone that came forward for prayer received healing. Between 225 and 250 were prayed for over the 5 week stretch. (It is important to note that everyone who stated they were healed was asked to give verification. For example, those who experienced some degree of blindness were given the task of proving their recovery by counting fingers or describing something they could see. Those who recovered from pains were asked to move about in ways that only moments prior would have been too painful to have done so, etc.)

The number of prophetic utterances was equally great. Over the entire 5 weeks, every word that was given was verified and declared by each recipient to be completely accurate. (To better understand what prophecy is and its relevance for today, go to the Doctrine page and navigate to footnote [60].)

The trip was also highly successful in other ways as well. the IPICM School of Ministry for pastors and church leaders is now a reality. It is set to begin in 2013 and will enjoy an initial presence in 3 countries, with a fourth planned for July 2013. A school administrator has been selected. Pastor Enson Sinkhonde is a man who enjoys much respect in the Assemblies of God denomination; who is quite excited about the prospects of reaching his fellow ministers in southeast Africa. IPICM is also pleased to announce Happy Gondwe as its Regional Director. Without Pastor Gondwe’s involvement, little could have been achieved. He was instrumental in setting up meetings with 3 high ranking government officials with whom a future partnership in the way of medical and dental missions was discussed.

In the end, the journey is perhaps best summarized in an email from the Pastor Gondwe. He writes:

Hi Dr. Michael,
I and the churches in Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania say thanks for
fulfilling your promise of visiting us though it was not easy.
We thank you and your team mates (Tom Stoy, Marvin Hunter) for your
humility, obedience to the voice of the Holy Spirit as you were
ministering at our midst.
Reports are still coming to me about the prophecies you predicated
which are being fulfilled now. Pastor Khembo phones me always giving
much thanks. He says since your revival meeting his congregation
receives new converts every week, also there is an explosive prophetic
ministry going on in the church. Indeed the prophetic gift has been
impacted to his congregation.
Glory be to God for many souls saved, prophesied to, healed, restored
and delivered during your ministry in Africa.
The church in Blantyre also give thanks to Michael for the gift of
video camera and cordless microphone.
The churches are looking forward for your next year’s coming, they are
asking God to provide you with funds so that you will also be able to
open a school of ministry which is much needed.
Yours in Lord’s service,
Happy S C Gondwe

The 2012 mission trip to Africa was only the first of many to come. Invitations to visit churches and communities now exceed all possibilities, given current resources and manpower. (IPICM has been invited to visit Kenya, and opportunities to begin work in Mozambique and Zimbabwe are under consideration.) Please consider joining with IPICM for future work in Africa; whether in prayer, financial assistance, or joining the team overseas. In addition to church ministry and leadership training through the School of Ministry, IPICM plans to hold its first outdoor crusade in a 3,000 inmate facility in Lilongwe, Malawi.

The next trip is set for June-July 2013. This will follow a 4 week mission trip scheduled for Nepal in March-April of 2013.

7/23—7/29

The African campaign was drawing to a close. Harrison departed for the USA on Sunday, leaving Michael and Tom to wrap up events in the town of Blantyre.

Monday was Tom’s turn to bring the message to the lunch hour crowd at City Pentecostal Church. (Happy assisted and Michael took the day off.) As had become customary, following the sermon, prayers were given for those in need.

Michael brought the Tuesday lunch hour message at City Pentecostal. (Tom took the time to prepare for an afternoon open air service.) At its conclusion, both Michael and Happy called out healing needs the Lord wanted to address. Approximately 20 individuals came forward for prayer; a few for matters other than healing. Wonderfully, everyone that came for healing was granted their request. Those suffering from headaches and a variety of body pains were immediately granted relief. One of the more remarkable examples was of a man going blind in his left eye and suffering the ravages of arthritis in his legs for years. After prayer, he high stepped in place as the effects of arthritis had vanished. When Michael moved about 30 feet away from the man and several times asked him to report the number of fingers he was hold up, the man correctly did so on 4 out of 4 tests. The team found it difficult to leave the building as people continued to stop them with their prayer requests.

Late in the day, Tom preached an open air service in a local market. Three people responded to the gospel message and were referred to Happy for follow-up.

Thursday was a busy day. Michael, Tom, Happy, and Enson (the newest African team member and director of the newly established IPICM School of Ministry) were asked to minister at the noon hour school assembly for Western College; a secular business school run by a Christian. Following a message brought by Tom, there were 5 salvations and several healings.

After meeting with a member of Parliament on matters of bring medical, dental, and other mission groups to Malawi, Thursday night found the team ministering one final time in Champions in Christ Church. Michael taught and after praying for those expressing a desire to draw closer to the Lord, there was a time given to healing ministry.  Approximately 20 came forward with a variety of healing needs, ranging from various pains to more severe afflictions. While epilepsy and HIV healings cannot be verified, all other prayers witnessed immediate success. Tom prayed for a woman with a toothache and another with intense stomach pain; both of which were healed. Michael interceded for a man suffering from several maladies, including malaria, pain in his private area, and pain in his knees. While healing from malaria cannot be verified, the other issues were immediately resolved as the man ran in place, celebrating healing in both his legs. From what could be seen, everyone’s obvious afflictions were healed that night but one.

Following the meeting, an engaged couple came to the house where Michael was staying so that he might pray for them. Remarkably, the time turned into something of a prophetic session as the Spirit revealed many matters deeply held in both the man’s and woman’s heart. Neither knew the deep seated matters within their prospective spouse but both acknowledged the shared words were true as each was grateful for what the Lord had revealed. It seemed as though a relief had taken place as the couple left greatly blessed.

Sunday marked the final day of ministry as the team had made its way to Lilongwe; the city of departure. Michael brought the sermon in an Assemblies of God church just prior to his and Tom’s departure for the airport. About 350 people were present to witness 7 more souls added to the Kingdom. With that, the 2012 mission trip to Africa was concluded.

A summary of accomplishments and thoughts will be posted in the near future.

7/16—7/22

The beginning of the fourth week found the team getting some much needed rest. Ministry did not commence until mid-week.

Thursday at noon, the team was asked to minister at City Pentecostal; a branch of the Canadian Assembly of God denomination located in downtown Blantyre. Happy brought the message and followed with a declaration there was a woman present with pain in the area of her “womb” and someone else with head pains. Three people came forward for prayer. All 3 left having been immediately freed from pain. (The next day, the team encountered the woman that had suffered from abdominal pain who joyfully said that the pain was still gone and informed the team she’d suffered for 3 months prior.)

Thursday evening found the team ministering in a time of personal ministry at Champions in Christ Church where Happy pastors. The time was given specifically to prophetic ministry. With benches rearranged in a manner more conducive to small group ministry, a chair was placed in the center where called-out individuals could sit to receive prayer and prophetic messages. For nearly an hour and a half, person after person received some of the most detailed prophetic utterances Michael had ever witnessed—anywhere. This should come as no surprise since the phenomena is biblical and still accepted by many non-western cultures. In prophetic ministry, according to 1 Corinthians 14: 25, “the secrets of (a man’s) heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.” NASU Every man and woman present that received prophetic ministry testified to the 100% accuracy of what had been spoken.

The team returned Friday to continue ministry at City Pentecostal. Like the previous day, Happy called forth several people suffering from a variety of afflictions; all of which were healed.

Saturday afternoon marked a time of outdoor evangelism in the heart of the local market. Harrison brought the message under less than satisfactory conditions with plenty of street vendor noise and blaring music from a bar next door, but 2 men gave their lives to Christ.

Sunday morning found the team divided to minister in 2 locations. Michael ministered at Pastor Enson Sinkhonde’s Assemblies of God church for the 2 morning services where 3 notable events took place. First, Pastor Sinkhonde was in the process of training his 600 person congregation in the need and art of personal evangelism. Between services and as part of their training, many went out into the local market to witness. During the second service, the report came back that 41 individuals gave their lives to Christ. Second, following the second sermon, somewhere between 25-30 adults and children answered the altar call—more souls for the Kingdom. Finally, a young man that was about to start bible school was called out of the congregation for prophetic ministry. Many of his thoughts and situations were disclosed—matters that no human could naturally know—in the way that brought much needed encouragement for which he was truly grateful.

While Michael was ministering in Enson’s church, Harrison and Tom ministered to Happy’s congregation where Harrison brought the message. Following the sermon, somewhere around 20-30 healings came to pass with most people professing their afflictions cured. Tom remarked that the time of healing ministry was the most powerful he’d witnessed to date. Among the healings was a man suffering from a stroke that labored in his attempts to walk; a man experiencing severe heart pain that was immediately healed; headaches; various pains; and much more. Notably, most healings resulted following very brief prayers.

Sunday afternoon, Tom proclaimed the word. Several prophetic utterances came forth and a handful of people were prayed for regarding healing needs.

Overall, the powerful events of the first 3 weeks also continued through the fourth week.

7/9—7/15

Following a short downtime, the team began a 3 day and night campaign in the sleepy community of Chilumba, in northern Malawi. The series of meetings were held in Champions in Christ Church, led by Pastor Curtain Campbell.

Wednesday marked the first service. Following a time of praise, something happened that is sure to be remembered for a season to come. Through the speaker, the Spirit delivered a rebuke to the congregation that in essence, it had lost its first love. Beginning with the women’s section, the Holy Spirit revealed a number of issues many of the women were involved in that were displeasing to the Lord. When finished, attention was then focused on the men; many of whom were visiting pastors. Immediately following the rebuke came a breaking in the hearts of the people as revival flooded forth and was everywhere evident over the days that followed. As had become customary in the previous 2 weeks, a sermon was preached by Tom, followed by a lengthy prophetic ministry. After a lunch break, Tom taught a seminar on prayer. Harrison gave the evening message which was followed by a healing service. Happy’s gift of calling forth healing needs witnessed many coming forward for prayer. This was 1 or 2 events to date in which everyone that came forward was healed; a total of 23.

Two young ladies gave their lives to Christ in the evening service and under unusual circumstances. In the morning as the team was breaking for lunch, Michael saw the 2 girls with their mother and told the mother God was going to do a work in their lives that evening. As it turned out, both girls had very real issues that needed to be dealt with. The older of the 2 had experienced daily epileptic daily seizures for over 5 years. The younger was in training for witchcraft and having nightly dreams of being stolen by witches, and had just been given a “witch’s ring.” Michael crushed the ring under foot and the team prayed for healing from epilepsy. It is important to note that neither girl had nightmares or seizures when questioned the next afternoon.

Thursday morning began with the customary sermon brought by Harrison, and followed by a time of prophetic ministry, led by Michael. That afternoon was given to a seminar on discipleship, also taught by Michael. The evening service was preached by Tom and concluded with a time of healing, led by Happy. Somewhere between 20 and 25 people were healed of a variety of afflictions. Following the altar call, 12 souls were added to the Kingdom of God.

Friday was a near repeat of Thursday’s events with the exception that the afternoon seminar was replaced with an open dialogue question and answer session. That morning’s prophetic ministry was 2 hours in length and much of the time was given to praying for every pastor present.

Prophetic words were highly specific. As an example, one pastor asked for prayer for his church. Without knowing further detail, Michael prophesied the following: “There is dissension in your church. One woman in particular is causing much of the problem.” The pastor then said it could be one of several people, to which Michael responded “It’s the heavyset woman.” The pastor knew immediately who she was. Then Michael continued, “And the men who are in positions of leadership have issues of their own and are not fully dedicated to their responsibilities. However, there is one individual who is called to be a leader.” Again, the pastor was uncertain who the individual might be and stated so. Michael responded “He is a quiet and humble man. He picks up his Bible and quietly walks out of the service whenever there is strife.” Instantly, the pastor knew who he was and acknowledged the matter. This is but a single example of the detailed prophetic words that came forth most days.

That evening, Michael preached the service. Approximately 21 individuals came forward to recommit their lives to Christ. Finally, Happy led the prophetic healing service where many healings were again witnessed. With the dismissal, the 3 day revival in Chilumba was concluded.

In summary of the 3 day event, there were numerous salvations and recommitments, and maybe as many as 70 healings. Prophetic utterances could not be counted, however, everyone who received a word willing attested to the accuracy of what they had been told. Among the many healings were

• A throat was healed which had cause suffering from childhood
• An epileptic healing
• An asthma attack was instantly restored to natural breathing
• A healing of glaucoma resulting in restored sight
• A wide assortment of body pains received instant relief

On Saturday, the team was requested to pray for a prominent village leader’s ailing wife in the nearby mountains near Livingstonia—the famed community where David Livingstone began his work in Africa in the mid-nineteenth century. When the team arrived at the man’s home, the house was filled with neighbors; many of whom needed healing. Although the man’s wife did not receive healing, others did. Next, the team was asked to pray for an elderly blind man living next door. The man was 86 years of age and suffering from glaucoma. All he could see was a white haze. After prayer, the elderly gentleman was asked to state how many fingers a team member was holding up. He repeatedly gave correct answers. At one point, the team member was standing in the hall and the gentleman was sitting on the opposite side of the room. Still his answer was correct as can be verified in the videotape.

There is yet another series of events worth noting. On 3 occasions throughout the day, the Spirit revealed individuals, along with past and present events in their lives, who were in need of salvation. Two of the men prayed to receive Christ. The third was at work and said he would come to where the missionaries were staying later that night. (Note, the man did as he said he would but was turned back by the night watchman. His request to know more about Christ was left with Pastor Campbell for followup.)

Sunday found the team in Kyela, Tanzania. The day had a rather rough start (the church the team was to minister at cancelled at the last minute) but everyone felt the need to press on to see what God would do. Following a less than smooth border crossing and a lecture from a Malawian detective who informed the team they were exiting his country with too much Malawian money, the team was elated to discover they’d received a last minute invitation to minister at a Free Pentecostal Church of Tanzania mission church with an attendance of about 150 worshippers. As it turned out, the bishop over the entire denomination of over 100 churches was present.

Following a message brought by Harrison, the team entered into a time of prophetic and healing ministry. Michael began by pointing to a section in the congregation and declaring there was a woman experiencing certain events in her life; that if she would come forward, the team would pray for her. Moments later, a lady in the section pointed to, burst forth in tears as she crawled to the altar for prayer. Soon after, Happy called forth a number of healing needs (such as, “There’s a lady here struggling to walk with intense paint in your feet. Come forward to be prayed for.”). To the best of the team’s recollection, all but 2 of the more than 40 individuals that came forward received healing. In the end, the bishop joyfully requested the team should spend a full week upon their return to Tanzania in 2013. Following Sunday’s service, the team spent the remainder of the day and the next on their return to Blantyre in southern Malawi.

7/2—7/8

The second week of ministry witnessed a greater measure of the Spirit’s power than anyone had been prepared to experience.

Monday was a planned rest day, but 2 incidents are worth noting. In the morning while on a sightseeing tour, seeds were laid for the IPICM School of Ministry’s groundwork. As it turns out, Enson, the pastor that received prayer for the dead kidney the previous day, was concluding his master level training and expressed a desire to work with IPICM. Specifically, he wants to help in setting up and conducting training seminars for African pastors and leaders. (IPICM will provide printed materials and Enson will likely direct the school. The idea of the school has been met with great enthusiasm in virtually every community where it’s been discussed—in Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia.) That evening, Eric, a police “crime watch boss” that had been hired to watch over the house, came by for a visit. As he sat with the team discussing how he’d been used in ministry to establish 22 churches over the years, a prophetic word came to him, detailing his past ministry including the difficulties with whom he’d worked, how others had taken advantage of him, his current difficulties at home and in his present church work, and most importantly, great reassurances that God is still with him. From the beginning, Eric broke into loud sobs declaring “It is true, it is all true.” When finished, one of the team handed him a large sum of money to meet his current needs—something he’d never asked to receive.

On Wednesday, the team ministered in Lilongwe at the New Covenant Church, pastored by White Banda. It is important to note that Pastor Banda had been revealed to Michael 3 months prior in a vision in which he afterward described his appearance to Happy using Skype and the internet. Happy instantly knew the man described and declared “It’s my mentor in the faith.” (Two points should be made. First, the man of the vision was described as having broad facial features, white hair and a white beard, among other characteristics. Second, Michael’s mother had the same vision at the same instant, describing exactly what Michael had seen. To make matters even more interesting, Pastor Banda didn’t have the hair and beard when Michael encountered him. He told Michael he’d cut it off for the meeting, but that ordinarily, he kept a beard. There was no doubt the man was to join the team in ministry, which he did in the towns of Lilongwe and Mchinji, along the Zambia-Malawi boarder.)

The meeting was nothing short of spectacular. God’s presence was unmistakable. Following an evangelistic sermon given by Harrison, 47 young people came forward to profess their faith in Jesus Christ. Next came the time for prophetic and healing ministry. After a number of utterances of had been shared, Happy moved in his own unique prophetic gifting. (Unlike detailed prophecies common to Michael’s prophetic ministry, Happy sees visions of people present that are suffering from a number of maladies. He regularly keeps a notepad with him and patiently waits as the Spirit shows him a list of needs to be prayed over.) As Happy systematically called forth individuals in need of healing, the team moved into a time of healing once again. Before the lunch break, everyone who’d received a prophetic word or healing was asked to stand and testify about their experience. A number of individuals shared as their testimonies were videotaped.

Following the lunch break, Tom brought a second message as Michael continued a one-on-one time of prophetic ministry with a group of visiting ministers; some who’d walked as far as 30 kilometers (roughly 18 miles) just to attend the meeting. As the time for ministry drew to its conclusion and the team made its way to the car, the flood of healings continued to occur. Michael stated that as he made his way from the front of the church to the exit in the rear of the building, he prayed for 6 additional people; all of which were instantly healed.

By Thursday, the team made its way to the Malawi-Zambia border town of Mchinji, where they ministered at New Covenant Church under the leadership of Pastor Mbulo. As in preceding churches, again God ministered prophetically and in healings. Several visiting pastors were in attendance. Five individuals received salvation.

Following a day of rest, Friday marked a continuation of ministry in Lilongwe, this time at Christ for Nations Church where Forster Mbale serves as pastor. By comparison to date, no experience matched the move of the Spirit as experienced by the team. The morning session seated an estimated 300 individuals and the afternoon saw approximately 200. Following Tom’s morning sermon, Michael led the prophetic time. Pointing to a section of the congregation, he spoke of the presence of a woman that was experiencing certain stirrings from the Lord, coupled with several other matters. From the back of the section, came forward the sister in the Lord. After several additional statements, the woman burst into tears declaring “It’s true, everything you said.” The encouragement received was incredible. Next, the Lord revealed there were several inspiring men that sensed a call from God to be ministers. Eight men came forward to be prayed over; most of which received prophecies of their own, detailing past and present matters.

The afternoon session was even more powerful. Following a sermon given by Harrison, Happy and Pastor Forster moved into prophetic healings. Many health issues were called out and the applicable persons came forward. Most of those who responded were instantly healed. (The only uncertainty was associated with those having HIV and pneumonia, which simply couldn’t be verified.) What happened next almost defies description. Picture a few individuals attempting to hold back a throng determined to break through a police barricade and you’ll get an idea of what happened at the conclusion of the service. The team fanned out to pray for as many individuals as came forward for prayers of blessings and healings. While the team was divided—and swamped—Michael made his way to the back of the church and the tail end of a healing line. Among the many healings he witnessed as he worked his way toward the front of the healing line, Michael prayed for a man with double vision, who was healed, and many others with an assortment of pains and maladies. Reflecting back, Tom confessed he’d prayed quick prayers for an estimated 75 people. Harrison, who spent more time in prayer, prayed for an estimated 30. Following a time of refreshment and prophetic prayers for the leadership, the team departed.

Saturday and Sunday marked a significant time of service at the Abundant Grace of God Church in Chipata, Zambia, where Milton Kosamuphiri serves as pastor. (By this point in the team’s travel, the average morning service consisted of a sermon followed by a time of prophetic ministry to individuals that are either called forth or events in their lives are spoken openly by the speaker and the applicable person is then invited to respond for ministry. Following a lunch break, a second message is preached followed by a time of healing. With the exception of the lunch break, most services generally run from 9 am to 4 or 5 pm.) During Saturday afternoon’s service, only prophetic ministry came forth. Sunday morning, Tom brought the message and 71 persons came to Christ or recommitted their lives. Among those healed were an older gentleman that had been in the hospital the prior week with a damaged leg, but who was dancing with great joy only moments after receiving prayer for healing; a man having suffered from sciatic nerve damage for 5 years was immediately healed; and numerous other pains and conditions were healed.

Everywhere the team ventured, there was great interest and many were the wonders worked by the Lord.

6/25—7/1

Following a series of missed flights and the eventual recovery of lost bags, the team of Dr. Michael Lanier, Tom Stoy, and Harrison Hunter made their way to the beautiful African nation of the Republic of Malawi. (Tom and Harrison have some interesting insight on Ethiopian Airlines. Beware.) Although the better part of the week was given to jet lag recovery, one significant event worth noting occurred on Friday evening during the journey from Lilongwe to Blantyre. About halfway through the 4 hour drive in a passenger car, the belt that charges the car’s battery broke, forcing the driver from that time forward to frequently shut off the engine and coast when going downhill. After about 20-30 minutes, the team came to Ntcheu, a small community, where they slept overnight in the car until a new belt could be located and installed the next morning. Ray’s car will forever be referred to as the “rolling hotel.” Actually, God used the event to create a bond between 5 men that is certain to endure over the years.

Saturday morning, upon arrival in Blantyre, the team met with the Assistant Spokesman for the Ruling Party of Malawi. The goal was to see what extent the government would be willing to work with IPICM and its future endeavors. There was no disappointment as the doors of opportunity were flung wide open and a meeting with the Senior Special Assistant to the State President was scheduled for later in the trip.

Saturday afternoon marked the beginning of the team’s 5 week campaign. An afternoon event was held at the Champions in Christ Church, Blantyre, pastored by Happy Gondwe. Following a sermon, a man with bad knees was healed; a lady with pain in her eyes was also healed; a lady with a 3 year long struggle with a throat blockage was immediately healed; and a prophecy was given to a young man struggling with drug issues that led to his salvation. Several similar wonders also occurred. The day’s events would give only a small foretaste of what was to come—beginning with the next day’s 2 services.

Sunday morning began with Harrison ministering to approximately 175 children. Michael gave the morning sermon which was followed with a time of healing ministry. A lady suffering from breast and back pains over the previous month, was instantly healed; a lady that had seen Harrison in a dream the night before declared she knew she would be healed when he prayed for her backache, itching, and pain in her legs (and her healing came to pass just as she had dreamt); and another lady with back pain was healed.

Sunday afternoon was even more eventful. As the team arrived at the church, Michael called Pastor Gondwe aside to show him the fulfillment of a vision he’d shared with Happy 2 months prior to arriving in Africa. (During one of their Skype chats, Michael asked Happy if the road that ran in front of his church branched off to the right shortly beyond the entrance to which Happy responded “Yes.” Michael then stated he saw a young man standing to the left of that side road wearing a horizontal stripped shirt, and that he and many like him along the roadside needed to be reached for Christ.) As the 2 men looked in the direction of the side street, there was the young man in the striped shirt standing in the exact spot according to the vision. This young person and many like him are the next generation in need of the Gospel.

In the afternoon service, Tom brought the sermon. Following the message, the team prayed for the sick. A lady with pain in her hips and numbness in her legs was healed. Another lady partially blind was able to see clearly as she declared “Now I know something was wrong but now it is right.” With that, she accurately described team members’ facial features. Enson, a pastor from another church, told the team he had a “dead” kidney according to his doctors. With it, he also had back pain. After receiving prayer, the pain was gone. (The next day when the team saw the pastor, he declared his pain was no more.) Another lady returned to the church service having been there the day prior so she could receive salvation.

For clarification for this and following entries, please note what is meant by the terms prophecy and healing. Prophecy, like Old Testament, New Testament, and early church prophecy, is a proclamation that is given by the Holy Spirit for the expressed purpose of ministering to group and personal spiritual needs. Whenever prophecy is uttered, the question is always asked “Is this true?” or “Is this correct?” Absolute care is taken to avoid presumption. The same holds true for healing. After praying for healing, the recipient is always told to do something they couldn’t do before receiving prayer. In the case of blindness, the healed person is asked to describe something they see. As for deafness, recipients are told to repeat words spoken to them. In the case of pain, the healed person is asked to move in ways he or she couldn’t moments prior.

While many marvelous things occurred the first few days of travel, they pale in comparison to the events that are yet to be posted.

4/6—4/11/2011

When God does a work, it’s powerful and often ongoing. Such has been the case the second week of ministry in Jamaica. With Judy McReynolds’ arrival, ministry never missed a beat.

Wednesday morning witnessed the opening of a “new door” for ministry. The team had tried for years to minister in the Montego Bay, Freeport Jail, but never to any avail. Members had often witnessed to inmates in Lucea, Negril, and Bethel Town, but never in the larger Montego Bay facility. After placing a number of unanswered calls to the Lucea jail, the team finally thought to call the former superintendent of the Negril jail, almost as an act of desperation. Although she hadn’t worked at that facility in 2 years, Nadine was extremely helpful in placing the team in direct contact with the key individual over the Montego Bay region—her adopted mother. Following their introductory meeting, Ms. Williams gave the team free access to evangelize and leave bibles and toilet items with the inmates.

The visit to the holding wing of the unit almost defies description. Neither the cloud of flies, nor the heat compared with what the team met within the iron gate. A long corridor housed a combination of teenage boys, women, and the most hardened of men. Terms such as “dark,” “hot” and “overcrowded” do not do descriptive justice. With the bulk of the 32 young men pressed hard against the iron bars separating them from Judy and Michael, the Good News was preached and roughly half of their number prayed to receive Jesus Christ. Bibles, toiletries, and even partially filled personal water bottles were distributed to the flock of hands reaching through the bars. The experience was both glorious and heart-rending at the same moment.

Wednesday night at the Hopewell church marked an occasion too few in life will ever experience. Approximately 15 believers were present. Following a couple of praise songs, a short message was shared. For the next 90 minutes or so, individuals came forward for Michael and Judy to pray for prophetically. Roughly 5-6 minutes of specific and personal information about each individual’s life—matters that God desired to address which only the recipients knew—were brought to light. Nothing embarrassing was ever spoken. Smiles and tears of acknowledgement were in great supply that night. With the meeting concluded, Judy and Michael returned to their quarters nearly exhausted.

One other aspect should be noted. When she arrived on the island, the Lord spoke through Michael to his sister, “The Lord is going to show you many things about the peoples’ lives while you’re in Jamaica. This is for your training and the beginning of how He will minister through you in the future.  You won’t need to contemplate what you see or hear—you’ll simply know matters and boldly share them. When your brother speaks prophetically, you’ll know what he knows and mirror his thoughts as he thinks them. In this way you’ll know God is speaking to and through you.” This very word was fulfilled in the Wednesday night meeting in Hopewell. Only God could assure such a fulfillment. Afterward, Judy shared “Many times I found myself finishing your sentences.” In truth, that’s exactly what she did–audibly–on several occasions.

Thursday evening was a night set aside for an evangelistic street meeting in Granville. There had been nothing but high expectation among all interested parties which included local ministers, but then something happened. The bishop in charge went to Kingston and left another individual in charge. In brief, the meeting failed to materialize. Instead, the team was left to look forward to a rescheduling for the next night. The bishop, also the Justice of the Peace who would issue papers allowing the event to be held on the street as previously planned, approved the Friday night public meeting. The only remaining problem was where to find a place with electricity for the PA system. But as Michael, Judy, and Cornel were eating dinner, contemplating matters of the night’s meeting, something uneasy was present. None of the 3 sensed a peace over holding the meeting. Strange as it was, they decided to cancel the event. Something simply wasn’t right. What it was will likely never be known, but there’s a time to trust in what you feel–especially if it might be God’s warning.

Saturday was slated for a visit to the “dump.” The actual name of the unofficial living community is “Retirement Recycle Facility.” Dilapidated cars, scrap metal, and heaps of rejected discards were everywhere among the many scattered and improvised homes and other odd structures. In the midst of such things were 2 churches that outwardly reflected the conditions of their environment. The mission team fared well enough until they approached the actual landfill where they witnessed humans and carrion-eating birds competing for the same scraps of food scattered across the daily discarded heaps of rubbish. Although the “dump” would not be on the agenda for this trip, everyone knew they would return to minister to the community on their next return. Cornel all but guaranteed there would be church services in one of the churches. He knows the pastor.

Sunday morning was a powerful time of ministry. Judy and Michael returned for one last visit to the Hopewell Christian Deliverance Center. Following a time in the word, Judy ministered to an overwhelming group of about 30 individuals that came forward to either accept Jesus Christ or be reassured of their existing salvation. Michael then spoke words from the pulpit describing situations in individuals’ lives for the purpose that those to whom the words were directed might come forward to be prayed for and prophesied over. Time and again he would begin an announcement with “There’s a person here who . . . .” Every specific word had a specific recipient and once the individual came forward to be prayed over, the process would begin again. God cares so much for His people that He’ll call out situations in their lives so they can know that through missionaries from thousands of miles away, He can address their needs and concerns.

Sunday afternoon the team of Cornel and Maggie (the team’s Jamaican hosts), Judy and Michael visited the Montego Bay jail for the final time. This time they brought a PA so those incarcerated in the back-end of the facility might hear the Gospel. As the door behind them slammed shut, the guard at the desk was overheard to say, “These are really hardened criminals.” While Cornel and Judy shared the word over their allotted 20 minutes, Michael couldn’t help but associate what he saw with the closing chapters of the Book of Revelations. What a perfect illustration. At the desk where the principal guard was stationed was the largest ledger book he’d ever seen; measured in terms of about 2 feet in height by 3 feet in width. He was instantly reminded of Revelation 20:20, “books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.” (NASU) As team members continued to preach, he listened to the sounds emanating from the visibly dark women’s cell; “I wanna go home” cried one tormented soul. Others soon joined in with their heart-rending moans. “Could this be a fore-taste of what the torment of Hades is like?”[1] Michael wondered. By the end of their visit, the missionaries were visibly moved by their experience but at least some of the unseen souls were heard to express a desire for redemption.

Monday morning was was a particularly difficult day for Michael. Shortly after he had arrived on the island 2 weeks earlier, Michael was visiting with his host when an old friend called the villa just to say hello to the owner. Once finished with her conversation, she handed the phone to Michael who then had his own visit with the caller. But throughout the visit, Michael felt from deep within there was something very wrong with his friend and inquired so several times. No matter how hard he pressed, he couldn’t pin the matter down. Several days later his friend arrived on the island, himself to do ministry work, but the paths of the 2 men never crossed. Then on Sunday night, Michael discovered his friend had been living a double life. Unexpectedly, everything he’d been feeling was validated by witnesses that knew the man and shared matters they had seen. Michael’s fears had been realized! That same night, his friend was staying in a rented house with his island girlfriend;[2] someone Michael personally knew. He had no choice but to confront the man by phone, who immediately became incensed he’d been discovered. A denial, followed by theats, comprised the man’s response. After several intense minutes, the conversation was over. The 2 went their separate ways. Let it be known, God will not be mocked. No one can escape exposure forever. Michael did what he had to do. Confrontation–no matter how much we wish to avoid it–is sometimes necessary if we are to follow the dictates of Scripture.

The 2 week trip to Jamaica was magnificent. God worked through His servants. The devil’s pre-trip attacks failed to halt the works of the Spirit and the zeal of His servants. Healings occurred. Prophetic ministry was “off the scale.” Salvations took place. In reflection, God has been glorified. The team eagerly looks forward to their next Jamaican encounter.

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FOOTNOTE

[1] Hades is the place where the departed souls of the damned now reside. Hell receives its victims following the final judgment when bodies and souls are re-united at the final resurrection and are cast into everlasting torment.

[2] Some months later, the former girlfriend called and texted Michael asking him for assistance in putting relationship related matters with the man behind her.

3/28–4/3/2011

After a couple of brief days of rest following his March 28^th arrival on the island, Michael was ready to commence the work of a missionary. The only significant difference between the anticipated work of the next 2 weeks and that of so many other return visits over the previous 18 years was the heightened awreness there would be significant prophetic ministry.

Wednesday night, Cornel, the Jamaican member of the team, and Michael, were scheduled to begin their series of meetings at the Hopewell Deliverance Center. It rained not long before the service and the turnout would be smaller than anticipated since most people walk to church. As Cornel was leading those present in worship, Michael heard the Spirit say, “Those behind you are burdened; minister to their needs.” When it was time to speak, Michael turned to see the presence of only 3 elderly ladies. But rather than be disappointed in the turnout, he knew that God summoned only those He desired to be there for that particular service. He was also aware that what was about to take place would likely not have taken place had a larger crowd been present.

When it was his turn to minister, Michael closed his bible rather than offer a lesson and called Cornel and the 3 ladies to stand with him before the altar. The Spirit of prophecy then moved mightily among the little gathering of believers. Each of the ladies, in their turn, received powerful prophetic utterances. The Spirit spoke to each individually over matters no one else present could have known—deeply personal and complex matters the Lord addressed as suited His purpose. The tears that streamed that night did not flow as a result of embarrassment, but rather in great joy in the presence of God. The last words He spoke to the missionary as he was preparing to leave for the evening were “I have seen their faithfulness.”

Thursday evening’s meeting held in Bishop Reece’s Granville church was a very different sort of meeting. To begin with, it should be noted that prior to his arrival, Michael was stricken with severe stomach cramps—something he couldn’t remember having had since childhood. Of course, he immediately knew the source and the sinister goal aimed at discouraging his involvement in the upcoming meeting. But along with a little Pepto Bismal (which still reminded him of liquid “chalk” some 40 years after his last dose), he shook off the pain which left him a short time later. But that was only the first of 2 surprises. As it turned out, Michael had misunderstood the evening’s purpose. Thinking the service was to be a street meeting–an evangelistic event held on the street to reach the lost–he quickly discovered his mistake. As he approached the double-wide entrance to the church, he paused long enough to notice those within were dressed in church rather than street attire. He whispered with a slight chuckle, “Lord, you’re gonna have to work this out because I certainly don’t have anything prepared to speak.” With that, he was escorted through the doors and directly to the platform. All was well however, for he had an assurance the Spirit was prepared to move—and move He did.

From the start, God moved in prophetic ministry. As he approached the podium with bible in hand, the Spirit had Michael describe a series of specific events that were taking place in a lady’s life; that shortly the Lord would be ministering to her in greater detail. With that, he then turned around to face a visiting minister sitting upon the platform and said “The Spirit has a word for you too if you’re willing to receive it.” Then a brief teaching from 1 Corinthians 13 and 14 was shared to demonstrate the purpose for prophetic ministry.

With the teaching finished, God began to move in powerful ways. At first, Michael couldn’t help but notice there seemed to be a serious spiritual “slumber,” or even a measure of resistance. Although the congregation was unresponsive in the beginning, the awkwardness of the moment was soon overshadowed by what the Spirit began to do. Michael asked the lady the Lord described at the beginning of the service—who had not yet been revealed to him—to stand. A moment later, a single elderly lady stood. As Michael approached her, God began to pour out specific and detailed information regarding things she was currently experiencing, the newness of her experiences, how others were unable to understand or relate to her when she would attempt to explain God’s fresh work, and how the Spirit’s work had caused her to stand alone within the church and apart from long-time friends. With the message completed, God then addressed the congregation as a whole and the bishop (Bishop Reece) specifically. The word to the church was only the third prophetic rebuke Michael ever shared before an entire congregation. “You are taking advantage of your bishop” began the word. “You have chosen not to follow the one God has set before you.” Then with considerable precision, the Spirit began to describe the bishop’s brokenness, including even the very words he uttered in his intercessions for the church and the physical manner in which he knelt to pray. The Lord then described how the bishop had tried everything he knew to do to make changes within the church, but to little avail. With that, a call ushered forth for the trouble-makers to repent or to depart from the church, but that this situation must change. Michael then related how he encountered a similar situation in Browns Town a few years earlier when the congregation was warned that by their deeds, it was “killing” their bishop. In truth, the warning was literally fulfilled 3 months later with the untimely death of their pastor.

With the corrective word finished, Michael called for “several men” in which God had begun a new work, to stand. Three men stood to their feet. All 3 were called to come forward and then face the congregation. One at a time, all 3 men were prophesied over, with God revealing past and present events, contents of their communications with the Father, and what He was about to do in each of their lives. Finally, the guest pastor Michael addressed earlier was called forward. The Lord showed him that contrary to his thinking, he’d not come to the end of his call as a pastor; that he wasn’t in a “dead end” position. “God will advance you, even though you and your wife are not in agreement as to what will come next. Is this correct?” The pastor acknowledged that what had been spoken was accurate. Michael then prayed for unity in the matter between the man and his wife.

As the night of ministry concluded, the bishop announced that God had indeed worked “miracles” and truly visited His people. In every prophetic utterance, the validity of each message was verified.

Friday night, Delilah, a guest from New York who was also staying at the villa with the missionary team, mentioned she had been suffering from pain in the neck, painful carpal tunnel nerve damage in both her hands, and from a knee devoid of cartilage. Michael briefly touched her neck and prayed for healing just prior to turning in for the evening. The next morning, she said “Last night was the first night in a long time that I got a good night’s sleep because my neck didn’t hurt. I think I’ll give you a whole list of things to pray for.” The 2 laughed and went their ways the rest of the day, but the next morning would witness a far greater manifestation.

Saturday morning breakfast was set at a poolside table just outside Michael’s room. Although he was accustomed to fixing his own breakfast to save on expenses, Michael briefly joined Delilah and Nevil, a young man that worked at the villa, at the breakfast table. They spoke of her need for further prayer and that they should pray together later in the day. Michael then returned to his room. He had not been in his quarters more than a few minutes when the Spirit said, “Return and pray for Delilah now.” Barging back to the table, he interrupted, “We need to pray now.” With that said, Michael prayed for her neck, hands, tennis elbow and knee. About an hour later, he saw Delilah again. Wide-eyed and excited, she said, “My hands are fine; the pain’s all gone. And you know, when you prayed for my knee, I felt a burning sensation and it’s now much better. I don’t feel the throbbing pain anymore.” It’s important to note that when she left the island on the following Monday, she was still free from pain in her hands—the first time in 6 years. Her neck and elbow were free of pain (except when she slept on them a certain way in the night) and her knee had only a mild, dull ache rather than the throbbing pain she’d lived with for so long. Her body had definitely been touched. It should also be noted that she’d been on heavy doses of pain medication for years.[1]

Sunday morning marked the beginning of a long and powerful day of prophetic ministry. The day began at Pitfour Heights in the Valley Christian Ministries International Church, located near the top of a mountainous region overlooking Montego Bay. As the music began, it became abundantly clear that the church took to heart the words “make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” The overpowering drums were no more than 5 feet from where Michael was sitting, making it virtually impossible to hear the praise leader’s singing. Not that it mattered much at that point, but whatever hymn was sung, the keyboardist knew only one arrangement which was always 2 or 3 keys off from that of the singer. In addition, the microphone squelched almost non-stop for 25 minutes. But regardless of the music situation, a great time of ministry would break through for the glory of God.

Following time in the word, the Spirit ministered powerfully and individually to His people. One lady was called to come forward. “You have gone through one difficulty after another your entire life, and it seemed as if those struggles would never end. Is that correct?” asked Michael. The lady took the microphone and testified not only to the validity of what had been declared, but how she had been “passed around,” among other things. The Spirit then ministered to her about current things that were taking place and what was yet to come, giving her the hope she so desperately needed. When he finished ministering to her, Michael then turned to a young lady sitting near the front of the room. In the same manner as earlier in the trip, God shared past and current matters only the recipient could know, along with what was yet to come. With the word complete, Michael asked the entire congregation of approximately 30 to stand and join hands in a circle. Next, it was Pastor Robinson’s turn to receive encouragement. After spending several minutes speaking of past, present, and future matters, the pastor testified how God had just spoken a word to His servant. Finally, Michael turned to a man standing nearby and said, “Please stand next to the pastor.” He then continued, “Sir, you need this pastor. Pastor, you need this man.” As it turned out, the 2 men had worked together in times past before the man walked away from the Lord for a season. On this particular morning, the 2 were reconciled.

Sunday night witnessed a very different sort of church service. Back at the Hopewell Deliverance Center, Pastor Blair was now in attendance having returned the day before from the United States. While seated with the pastor on the platform, Michael received instruction from the Lord that would take him in a quite different direction than he’d planned. With microphone in hand, he stepped off the platform and stood quietly before the congregation. “You have become a church without unity” came the words. “As a church, people have gone in separate directions.” Then issues such as gossip, the lack of carrying out even a single plan pertaining to correcting identifiable issues, even plans for reaching the lost that were never carried out, and more, came forth. Everyone knew it was the Spirit that spoke that night. After several minutes of rebuke, the entire church was called to come down front and join hands in a show of unity. Then the pastor was asked to step forth in the middle of the circle. “There are a couple of ladies here tonight that are close to you. Please step forth and lay hands on the pastor.” (Please note the pastor is a lady pastor.) Two ladies came forward and burst into tears as they interceded for their pastor friend. Then the question was uttered, “Why are you (pastor) doing all the work in this church?” The men who were present were admonished to become more involved. Next, Michael turned to a lady who was involved in certain ministry matters. “You’re not satisfied with what you’re doing in the church. Is this correct?” he asked. She acknowledged in the affirmative as expected. Words of encouragement then followed. Finally, Michael turned to a tall, slim, elderly lady standing nearby. “Sister, you have prayed much for this church, with a mixture of results. But God is about to take you to another level in your prayers.” She burst into tears. As it turns out, she was one of the principal intercessors for the church. A short time later with the prophetic ministry concluded, the church was dismissed, but not before the pastor’s acknowledgement that God’s Spirit had indeed been present.

This marked the end of the first week of ministry in Jamaica. As was his regular practice in all his meetings, Michael asked every prophetic recipient the same question: “Is this correct?” He makes it a practice to do so wherever he goes for 2 reasons. If he is not hearing from the Spirit of Christ, he wants to know in order that he might stand corrected. But on the other hand, if the Spirit is speaking, then let the words be a testimony to others within the congregation so they might be encouraged that God still speaks to His people today.

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FOOTNOTE

[1] After Michael returned home, he met with a long-time friend and intercessor, Tom Stoy, who shared a revealing story with him of how he was led by the Spirit to pray for Michael during the mission trip. The Lord spoke to him in a dream, before the trip began, that after Michael had been on the island for 5 days (a dream that he told Michael about via an email shortly after his arrival in Jamaica), he was to spend extra time in intercession. Calculated out, the 5^th day was Saturday. That morning, Tom prayed for a full hour from 8-9 am for his friend. Michael noted that the time of Tom’s prayer was the same day and time the healing took place.

The previous post reflects Michael Lanier’s journal entries during his spring trip to Jamaica. This post is a reflection of his fall mission trip.

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Events began at a Wednesday night service in Lucea. Four of us were present to minister to a combined total of 9 people. Though the number was small, the work was great. To recap, all 9 received in-depth–even intimate–prophetic words. As a result of what they witnessed, 2 men came forward to accept Jesus. One lady who had scoliosis was told to stretch out her hands. Instead of finger to finger, the tips of her hands were about 3 or 4 inches uneven. Upon command, in a matter of seconds, the hind hand slowly inched forward to equally match the length of the lady’s forehand as her back straightened. Such overwhelming joy expressed as she fell to the floor. What a powerful display of God’s loving power.

Sunday morning was only the beginning of what would be the most powerful display of our God’s love and power any of us had ever witnessed. Our meeting was held in Hopewell. The meeting began with the sermon but before I could actually get started, God gave a prophetic word to the entire church addressing what amounted to their lack of reaching the lost among other things. (The sermon was recorded but since I’ve not seen it as of yet, all I can truly say is that the word was both a rebuke and one of encouragement, and was well received and confirmed.) Following the sermon, our team of 11 broke into 4 separate groups to pray for those that wished to come forward to receive prayer. My group was for those seeking a prophetic word. God spoke to the issues and other detailed matters of everyone that we prayed for. Judy led the group that prayed for salvation. She is such an evangelist. (Even as I write, she is traveling to minister to inmates in 3 jails.) Approximately 15 people prayed to receive Jesus. Sharon led the group that prayed for healings. There were many needs of which I hope to get detailed information during our debriefing session tomorrow. Sharon did say however, that she estimated the healing success rate was 80% to 85% of those who prayed to be healed. People would even shout as God healed their bodies. Steve and his group prayed that God would prosper those that had given from their meager means. Overall, the morning was powerful; more so than any had anticipated. Hopefully, more details will be recorded shortly. The service didn’t conclude until 2:30 pm.

Before I continue, I want to make a side note. God has powerfully used me in His prophetic call throughout the years, but he has taken me to the next level on this trip alone. Virtually everyone in every meeting I’ve attended (4 churches) and everyone on an individual basis that I ministered to elsewhere, has received a detailed prophetic utterance to which all confirmed the issues the Spirit addressed. God has been speaking so clearly and frequently, it is almost as though each utterance was spoken on demand, though it must be made clear that God speaks sovereignly when and where He wishes. The details are simply phenomenal!

Sunday night, our teams split. Steve and his group returned to the Hopewell Church to give a presentation of his recent journey to Thailand and India. My group (Judy, Jeanne, Sharon, Harrison and Novia) and I ministered in Montego Bay at the Word of Faith Deliverance Centre. After the sermon was proclaimed, we invited the congregation to come forward for those in need. I suppose a good quarter came forward to be prayed over. Although I have prayed for many in the past, God has seldom used me in the healing ministry. But that track record was about change. (The first day after my departure for Jamaica–actually, the same day–Dale, my physical therapist wife, met a patient’s daughter who lives with her mother. The daughter–a Christian–blurted out “Wait a minute. The Lord is speaking to me. The Lord is about to take your husband to a new dimension.” I’m sure she meant a new level, which is exactly what he has done not only to me but to all our team.) I can no longer remember the order of what happened, so I’ll write only what I can recount as far as my own experience with those of a few others as well.

One lady came forward for prayer regarding an undisclosed temptation. Among all else that God spoke to her, He described a lady that was gentle, caring, and always smiling; that she (the one seeking prayer) was not share her prayer need with anyone in her church, but with this lady alone. As it turned out, she works with the lady, who is also a pastor’s wife.

A lady came forward that needed prayer for her thyroid. After prayer, the Lord showed me she had another healing need. She said “yes,” that it was both her knees. We prayed for healing. I then told her to move about her knees.  She said they were better. “Not good enough,” I said. After praying a second time, she was lifting her knees high and without pain.

Another lady came forward with a shoulder injury that was troubling and left her unable to lift her arm. I’m pretty sure it was the rotator cup. We prayed and she was better but not yet fully healed, so we prayed a second time and the healing was complete. Later, during the testimony time at the end of the service, she and I had a “boxing match” before the congregation. What a display of God’s love and healing power.

A gentleman came forward. He too had bad knees. And like the lady before him, he too was prayed over twice and then was able to high step. Likewise, he shared his experience during the time of testimony. In the end, 7 or 8 of the approximately 40 persons there shared their testimonies of being healed.

Judy, next to me, prayed for a woman who was about to have knee surgery due to an injury. After her second attempt at prayer, she held out the fully extended leg and it had been healed.

Another came to Judy to pray for salvation. How utterly glorious! Others prayed for needs as well and God was faithful to meet their needs. What a night. What could top such an experience we wandered?

Later that night, on his way home and travelling in a tropical rain storm, Dimitri, one of our drivers, was hit head on in a car crash totaling his car, but short of glass in a hand cut, he was all right. More will be set on this momentarily.

I awoke Monday morning to discover a very swollen and red big toe. Apparently, I have been bitten, but strangely, there was no noticeable venom entry; ant, centipede, or something else we didn’t know. I stayed in that day to get rest, but went for the first of three evening services in Bethel Town.

Let it be recorded that during the day, while either in a time of fellowship are in prayer, I was given a vision of a short, young, heavyset lady with her hair pulled back. She also had a daughter. I knew the woman was disheartened but I knew little more.

When the ministry team arrived to join up with the medical team already on location, I was extremely tempted to turn around and return to where we were staying–especially after the doctor (Mark) told me to get off my feet. As the team was loading up the medical personnel, the lady from my vision approached me asking for prayer for an excruciating headache she was enduring. In the brief moment it took to place my hand on her head to either a 1 or 2 sentence prayer, she was completely healed. Consequently, I stayed for the service and was indeed grateful that I did.

Harrison brought the message. When it came time for the team to minister, I began by announcing “There’s a lady here and you’re experiencing pain in your chest.” I pointed to the area of the sternum. “Come up and let us pray for you.” With that, a lady came up and stood before me. We prayed 1 time. She was instantly healed and she so testified. From that moment forward, our team was fully engaged in ministry. One mother asked for prayer for her young son who’d been living with his unbelieving father and had become unruly. A prophetic word was given to her that her son would come to her telling her he was sorry for his actions. At the same moment–unknown to those of us praying with the mother–the son was praying with a team member to receive salvation. Moments later, he came to his mother telling her he was sorry for the way he’d been acting. Healings, salvations at prophetic utterances flowed.

Tuesday, my foot problem worsened. We prayed for it but like Paul leaving Trophemus in Mileta, I too would remain behind for the rest of the trip.

When Judy and Jeanne returned from Tuesday’s medical clinic, they shared with me what had transpired. Although I know more than one healing occurred, the ladies told me of a young girl that had a swollen wrist and hand and could not grasp anything–which the doctor verified–was healed when Judy prayed for her. The swelling was gone and she had full use of her hand. (In the photo, notice the surprised expression on the doctor’s face when the young girl was brought to him a second time; this time for a healing verification.)

When Dimitri, our driver who’d been involved in the car crash, brought Judy and Jeanne back to where I was staying, I told him we wanted to pray for him. By now, he was suffering whiplash in his neck and chest, for which he had been given a pain prescription but had not yet had the prescription filled. We prayed for his neck which was instantly healed. Next, we prayed for his chest with the same result. He didn’t need the prescription.

As I pen these words, the medical team is back in Bethel Town for a final day. The doctor has given me steroids, antibiotics, and an anti-histamine. Judy and her group are on the road visiting 3 jails. Later today, they will all merge for a meal being given in appreciation and from there, go to the Assemblies of Holiness Church for one last meeting. How I wish I was there. I asked the Lord moments ago if I could go but He said “No, I want you here with me.” He has some things He wants to show me, so with that in mind, I’m satisfied to stay behind.

On the following Sunday, Judy and I shared with our church all that we could in 35 minutes–far more than what I have shared within this entry.

The following excerpt was taken from the personal journal of Michael Lanier.

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The April mission trip to Jamaica is behind me now. We conducted services and medical clinics in four communities and made 2 new ministry contacts. The doctor saw over 200 patients. We now have opportunities to minister in 9 or 10 communities when we return in November. All that God did cannot be reduced to pen and paper, but with brief notation, I’ll attempt to cover some of the highlights.

Sending morning and evening, at two different churches, God worked primarily in the prophetic. In Grange Hill, the message centered on the fact that the people had lost hope. Nearly in, all church members to the inner circle holding hands in prayer. God gave an overview of what was going on in the midst of the congregation–everyone appeared to acknowledge the validity of the word. Sunday night was limited only to praying for the sake of prophetic ministry at a church in Negril. One by one, we prayed for people in tool somewhere around 10:30 or 11:00 pm. At the end, prophecy was spoken to the pastor who then openly declared God had spoken to her.

On Monday, a young lady with an evil spirit came to us at the hotel. She was not a Christian. She became demonized as a result of a witch doctor’s attempt to remove her ongoing headaches. Spiritual (demonic) manifestations were showing themselves daily to her family and friends, causing much consternation. At last, she could feel the presence of the entity in her own belly–she had not eaten in 10 days! She was even dreaming of the demon having sex with her. As she sat on the balcony with us–wide-eyed, unfocused and certainly terrified–I promised that God would set her free that very day, but that she must be willing to receive Christ’s salvation along with his deliverance lest something worse happen. She agreed. The instant we prayed for deliverance and commanded of the demon to depart, she felt the spirit leave her belly. Her entire demeanor changed.  Immediately afterward, Steve bought her lunch–her first meal in 10 days. (Steve received a call from her the following Sunday as he was preparing to leave the island–all seemed fine.)

Tuesday found us ministering at the community center in Bethel Town. That night, the room was packed.  Several preached. When the time came for the invitation to receive Christ, no one came forward. Knowing that was not to be the case, I told the people we would wait. Still no one came. The Lord then revealed situations in the lives of 2 women. Apparently, I surmise that others must have known the situation because people thronged forward. Many prophecies came forth as did several salvations.

Wednesday was devoted primarily to medical missions but Thursday was an extremely eventful time prior to the evening street meeting in Lucea, I had a spiritual encounter in my hotel room with an unseen demonic presence. I sensed a hideous mockery. Righteous indignation welled up within me! After rebuking the presence, our first carload left for the street meeting. While in route, Harrison, the main speaker for the night, was sitting in a chair at the hotel that suddenly and without explanation, disintegrated, causing him to crash to the floor and then bang his head against the wall. Harrison still managed to speak later in the evening after considerable use of an ice bag. At the place where we held the street meeting, we had another demonic income. A man who begged money earlier in the day and shortly after our arrival, had an extreme change of personality. Sitting against a wall, he began a litany of peeps, chirps, and mumblings similar to those mentioned in Isaiah 8:19, “spiritists that chirp and mutter.” From across the parking lot, under her breath and impossible for the man to hear, Judy prayed to God that the spirit within the man would be silenced and come out. Although the spirit did not depart, it did fall silent. Some time later as I walked near the man, I glanced at him and found him staring back at me with the expression of a wild animal. The man once again became wildly vocal when I asked the spirit its name. “Peter” was the response in a quite proper English voice. Wishing to return him to a state of silence, like Judy, I commanded the demon to be silent and come out of the man. As before, it fell silent but failed to depart. I was reminded that some kinds come out only after much prayer. No other noises were made by the man for the duration of the service. As we were packing for our departure, only then was a single peep detected. Several people came to the Lord as a result of the service.

On the following Sunday, Judy and I shared with our church all that we could in 35 minutes–far more than what I have shared within these pages. What God has done all but defies description.

January–May 2008

Revival didn’t cease with the onset of the winter holidays. To the contrary, it picked up steam.

Salvations and a New Year, January 1, 2008

Although we didn’t hold service at prison a week ago due to the Christmas holidays, we did have a service on New Year’s Eve—and what a service it was. The worship was wonderful and the word went forth as usual, but it was the latter moments of the service that were something to be remembered. According to prison policy, only 100 men can attend chapel service at a time. Of the 100 present, almost 10% of the entire meeting came forth to receive Jesus Christ at the time of the invitation. Eight came forth at first. According to our practice, others who volunteer to be their supporting brethren (and even mentors in some cases) came forward as well to stand with the new brethren as we prayed the prayer of salvation together. Afterwards, we prayed for other needs as some of the brothers testified as to how God had answered some of their prayers.

As the meeting was concluding, something else took place. For some months, a young man with large gang related tattoos scrolled across his forehead and both cheeks—we shall call him Jacob—came to me privately. Very shy, with almost no eye contact to speak of, he said: “I’m getting out in 2 more days. Will you pray for me?” Certainly I was willing to do that, but not without first confronting him with the decision to accept or outright reject Jesus Christ before he was to make his departure. As we were speaking, God simply took over. Without going into specifics, Jacob was confronted in a way that only God can confront. Moments later, as we were running out of time for use of the facility, Jacob also prayed to receive the Lord and Savior. I didn’t truly appreciate just how significant this time was until I was told afterward that the young man had been involved in a heinous crime involving 3 individuals prior to his incarceration. How God truly transforms the heart that desires Him.

I will close with a prayer request. One of our congregation was savagely beaten last week by 8 hooded men for allegedly being a “snitch.” He is currently in protective custody, which means absolutely no visitors. His name is David. Please pray for his health, protection and future. I’m saddened to know that I can’t say goodbye before he is transferred to some other facility.

Still More Salvations and Testimonies, January 9, 2008

I want to briefly take a moment to give a quick overview of how this week’s prison ministry went. For the first time since the revival began 3 months ago, our team sensed something spiritually wasn’t quite right. The praise team was on edge, too loud and seemingly having an “off” night. Many in the congregation seemed not to be focused. Members, not only of our team but church members as well, had been experiencing quite a bit of difficulties throughout the day—some of it significant. Bluntly, I believe spiritual warfare was taking place. After the time of music, our congregation went outside for baptisms while at lease one of our team members stayed inside to intercede. When we returned to continue service, we shared in 1 last song before commencing with our bible study. How amazing! The entire place was filled with praise, with almost every hand raised and voices lifted.  What a difference a few minutes and some intercession had made. When the music stopped, there was such an evident peace that everyone appeared to notice. At that point, it seemed appropriate to address before the congregation what had taken place.

I’m also very pleased to let you know that 2 more inmates came to Christ and 3 others were baptized. I never get tired of seeing what God does.

We’ve also decided to institute another feature in our service—testimony time. Over the last 6 weeks—almost as long as we’ve been studying the topic of prayer—at least someone in every meeting testifies regarding answered prayer from the week before. Most often testimonies relate to healing, but not always. This week, a brother that we prayed for last week, shared that the obstruction in his throat that didn’t allow him to sing was gone the day following our intercession. In his own words: “I’ve been singing all week-long.” Another brother testified how he’d been hurt in a sporting event, but that as he’d prayed afterward, the problem was gone the next day. This week, because so many were requesting prayer, all those in need were asked to stand where they were. Then others sitting nearby were asked to go to those standing and to pray for them. The challenge was for everyone to put into practice all that we’ve been studying over the past weeks. I eagerly await next week’s time of sharing as to how God has answered prayers from this week.

Healings Multiplied, January 29, 2008

Over the past 2 months, we’ve come to regularly expect to witness God do some things that we’ve generally not observed with any consistent frequency over the 12 years our team has been ministering at this facility—the powerful evidence of God answering prayers within hours of their utterance. Last night, we concluded a 2 and a half month study of prayer. (From my perspective, it was one of the most revealing studies I’ve every participated in.) With the conclusion of the study and just prior to our time of praying for the inmates’ needs, we passed the microphone around the chapel for men to share how God had answered their prayers since the last time we met.  At least a half-dozen stood to testify. One shared how he’d been having trouble with a hamstring for some time; that he’d have to stop walking to re-stretch it at the conclusion of each lap of his walk (or run). Last week, after prayer specifically for his situation, he testified how he returned to his dorm where his hamstring began to burn and cause him some measure of discomfort. The next morning, he returned to the exercise area where he concluded 20 laps without incident! He’s had no further problems. Another testified of having been healed from stomach pain after a team member laid hands on him and prayed. Still another (you may recollect a brother having been healed from an obstacle in his throat) testified that after we prayed the last week for a neck problem, he was healed. Another shared that after his family’s house burned to the ground during the Christmas holiday, the Lord moved him to fervently pray for their immediate needs. As a result, the community has joined together to rebuild the burned house. Similar prayer needs were expressed the week prior and God responded then with the same faithfulness as with that witnessed last night. Several other powerful manifestations occurred before the meeting concluded, but it should suffice to say that our God is a loving God who truly cares for the needs of His people and is willing to respond to fervent prayer.

I will conclude by saying, the events that are regularly taking place are not Pentecostal or charismatic—they’re simply answers to the prayers of God’s children who come from a variety of backgrounds. We recognize that it is God’s prerogative to answer or not to answer prayer, according to His sovereign purpose in each of our lives. My hope for all of us is that we learn to expect God to do those things we ask Him to do (matters that are in His perfect counsel) and no longer be surprised when He does answer our petitions.

Healings and Other Answered Prayers, February 5, 2008

Our service at prison last night might best be described as a time of testifying to God’s faithfulness in answering prayer. One week ago, we finished a 10 week study on prayer. Last night, the brothers had an opportunity to share how God had been answering their prayers over the past week. I’ll let the brothers speak for themselves.

Brother A had been experiencing a 3 year-long struggle with acid reflux due to his former drug use. While praying over the matter with another brother, God healed him. Not only was that notable, but the brother that prayed for him was also healed at that time of an undisclosed affliction—something they had not even been praying for.

Brother B had asked for prayer that someone in his family would contact him since he’d not heard from his family for 6 months. Within the week, he’d received a letter from his family. (As an observation, it is worth noting that in the time it took for him to receive the letter, I can only surmise his family must have written about the time of his prayer request.)

Brother C had asked for healing for his separated shoulder. He was supposed to be operated on but when the doctor saw the shoulder, he said there was no longer a need. God had healed it.

Brother D reported that due to an accident years ago, he was left with an injured leg, arm and neck. In addition he was suffering from some kind of cramps. After prayer, he was healed.

Brother E reminded us that 1 week ago, when my father (Ross Lanier) was bleeding uncontrollably at the hospital, that God showed him that by the time I got in my vehicle to go home from the service, there would be some good news regarding his condition. In fact, I well remember that when I did get to the car, I had a message from my sister who was still at the hospital and unable to be at the service that night. When I called her at 9 pm, she said that Dad had just turned the corner—that the doctors finally got his bleeding to stop. It had only been 10 minutes prior that as a group, the brothers had finished praying for Dad. How wonderful that moment was.

Brother F shared that on Christmas, at God’s instruction, he posted a prayer on his dorm door that everyone in his cell should make parole in 2008. Out of 6 “cellies,” 4 have gone home and only that brother and 1 other remain. (Now that’s an inmate’s prayer.)

Brother G shared that his prayer had been for “spiritual” healing, having to do with a situation at his home church. He received a letter from the church and apparently, the healing he’d requested had been granted.

Brother H reported that his clothes had been stolen out of the washer. After prayer, they were returned.

Let me remind you, these reports covered only things that took place in the last 7 days. One has to wonder about all those accounts that weren’t shared, perhaps by brothers who were unable to attend due to the 100 inmate limit. We may never know. But what we do know is this: God is willing to answer the prayers of His children.

A Change of Direction, May 28, 2008

It has been approximately 3 months since our last prison update. Many of you have asked why you haven’t received anything during that time. All I can say is that the lull was most certainly not in any way due to inactivity on God’s part, but rather a problem I was not certain how to overcome. The difficulty I refer to has nothing to do with a problem in the usual sense—I simply have not known how to report prison events in a way that everyone can accept. After much consideration, I’ve finally decided to report our most recent service as it took place, that Jesus might be exalted as He deserves. I’ll be content to leave any matters of acceptance between you and your Lord.

As we began the service, the time of praise was awesome. Our praise team consists of a talented group of musicians (keyboard, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, mandolin and drums) and choir. With singers moving in an almost fluid synchronization—as only a black gospel choir can do—praise was sweet; flowing from a range of old-time hymns to country gospel and concluding with praise choruses.

Our series on moving in the spiritual gifts—something I haven’t taught on in 18 years and never at a prison facility—is about to be concluded after a 3 month journey. (As a note, I’ve attempted to use all my exegetical and hermeneutical understanding as I’ve made every effort to accurately portray the purpose and function of God’s gifts to the church. But beyond that, I’ve also endeavored to take such information out of the theoretical arena, as I’ll touch upon momentarily.) Over the months, I’ve been so very pleased to see the response of so many. It’s been a most rewarding study, especially now that I’m beginning to see the fruits of our study manifested in such powerful ways.  This week’s service is just a sample of what God is doing among those who are willing to receive His powerful hand in ministry.

Ordinarily, as we conclude the time of study, we enter a time of sharing testimonies. The brothers are encouraged to take a minute or 2 to share what God has done in their lives in the week since our last meeting.  This is usually the time when inmates share their answered prayers and testify to healings, etc.  But this night was to be different.

Before I touch upon the night’s events, I want to first say that in our services, we try to take little for granted. From November through February, we witnessed God’s grace, largely in the way of physical healings. Indeed, at one time, there were as many as a half-dozen unmistakable healings reported in a single night. But something strange and wonderful began to happen about the time we began our study on spiritual gifts in late February. The healings abruptly seemed to stop and prophetic utterances began—big time. It was as though one light was switched off and another turned on. (Although prophecy today is a difficult concept to understand in a traditional and western worldview, it is none-the-less biblical. As a minister, I do all I can to allow God’s Word to speak as originally intended, without trying to attach to it unnecessary and unbiblical qualifiers.) As I look back, God simply shifted gears for a reason I’m not entirely sure I understand. While this may be difficult for some to accept, please stay with me, for I believe what I’m about to testify to will most certainly speak for itself.

The congregation was asked to be silent before the Lord as we prayed for the Holy Spirit’s direction. After a moment of quiet before a packed congregation, one of our team inquired “Who here just received bad news from home?” The minister knew nothing of any particular situation other than what God was revealing. Two men rose to their feet and were asked to come forward. Facing the congregation, everyone in attendance was asked to softly pray and ask God to give them a message for either (or both) of the brothers that had just come forward. Everyone was already fully aware that prophecy is given by God for “for edification and exhortation and consolation.” (1 Cor. 14:3 NASU) Now, nearing the end of a 3 month-long lesson, was the opportunity to put teaching into practice. I watched as approximately 8 to 10 men came forward, evenly distributed between the 2 hurting brothers, to encourage them with what they believed God had given them to minister. After all had delivered their encouragement, I asked the 2 if they would care to share whether or not God had ministered. Specifically, were the words they’d received accurate and meaningful? Both were eager to testify. In brief, things about their situations—which no one that came forward could have known—were addressed in the most comforting of ways. In fact, one of the men gave his life to Christ later in the service—he wasn’t even a Christian! (If you’re doubting this, consider 1 Cor. 14:24-25, “But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.” NASU)

I must also testify as to what happened to me during that time.  When brothers were coming forward to minister, I too had 2 men separately approach me.  One said he wanted to help to usher brothers forward during our ministry times because he believed God was showing him that those of us who minister during the prayer times needed someone to help maintain order—that we are supposed to focus more on praying for the needs of the inmates 1 on 1, and not be concerned with logistics.  Amen!  What an answer to my recent prayers.  He could never have known my unspoken prayer request and accompanying frustration on this matter.  The second man was equally appreciated by me for his willingness to take a chance on his step of faith.  In brief, he shared 2 very specific ministry matters with me that I believe God had already been speaking to me regarding the kind of ministry I was about to embark upon and when to expect it.  In fact, the brother was 100% right on the mark as far as I could tell, and I assure you he had absolutely no way of knowing what was on my heart.  (I truly wonder what the state of the Church in America would be like if more Christian ministers would take a chance on preaching the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ—the part that includes the work of the Holy Spirit today—not just that which conforms more to our comfort areas.)

While I continued to pray with some of the men that came forward for more prayer, Judy sensed God wanted to give those present who might not know Christ, an opportunity to respond. Three men came forward to receive Jesus. As I’ve already stated, one of them was 1 of the 2 men that had received bad news from home. It was indeed ironic that by his response to the invitation, he had exchanged his bad news for the Good News of Jesus Christ.

It wasn’t long after our practicum and invitation that we were forced to conclude matters due to the lateness of the hour. After praying for a few more brothers, our team made its way from the chapel to the main gate about a quarter of a mile up the way. As always, we are escorted by 3 or 4 of the brethren. One of them, Mr. B, could hardly wait to tell us of an answer to a prayer we had prayed the previous week. He told me the prior week that he had been experiencing demonic activity for some time, likely because his cell mates were heavily involved in the role-playing game, Dungeons and Dragons. He would often awake to something pressing down on him—his face and chest—only to find nothing visibly there. He would cry out to Jesus to find relief. (This is not unusual at a prison.  I’ve had others recently make similar statements.) In brief, I remember we prayed together for his freedom from the demonic. As it turned out, not only was he no longer troubled, but he had also been healed from a neck and shoulder injury. And for those of you who can accept it, our team prayed over Mr. B and God revealed a number of things to the brother that he already knew about—and we didn’t—in part to validate what he was about to experience with his younger brother once he was set free. Of course, we didn’t even know he had a brother, but he knew and testified to the validity of everything that was spoken over him that night. Nothing could have been more special about our departure—or so we thought in our moment of exuberance—until another brother who had accompanied us to the gate shared how he too had been healed of a leg problem when Ross and Jo (my parents and fellow team members) had prayed for him the previous week. By that time, we knew we had to exit the gate or risk floating over the 3 rows of razor wire stretched across the parameter fence.

Reflecting Back

As I look back, I’m amazed at what God does in the lives of the humbled and broken. Is this what it takes to experience true revival? Yes, in many aspects. Hearts must be willing to let the Lord break through layers of self-inflicted strife and struggle. We must come to the place where we’re willing to let God have His way so in the truest sense, He might bring forth His glorious changes that we could never access in our own strengths. Most inmates have little or nothing in life; many expect even less when they re-enter society, fully aware of the struggles that soon lay ahead upon release. But those who’ve embraced Christ; who’ve experienced His love and grace firsthand; who know that true revival begins in the heart and then goes forth to affect the lives of so many others–these are the children of God that will share the things of Christ, having lived them in exceptional ways.

There’s one more thing that needs to be spoken. Did you note the ongoing regularity in which God moved powerfully among the inmates from the fall of 2007 through the spring of 2008? These accounts are absolutely true and were witnessed by many. The men were not only willing to explore the spiritual things of the Spirit, but came to eagerly desire to walk in them. How wonderful it would be to see something similar break forth in the churches of the world.

As an added note, to date, we are beginning to see the onset of very similar encounters with Christ at the very same prison. May God have His way.

October–December 2007

Revival is something that comes when hearts cry out to God for change. For a period spanning well over half a year, from the fall of 2007 through late spring of 2008, the men at a north Texas prison experienced real revival; sparking the kind of change that defies any other explanation. The somewhat lengthy section that follows is a slightly revised excerpt from a news letter that went out in the June of 2008. The principle benefit in examining multiple meetings over a length of time is that it’s much easier to see God’s ongoing activities. One exceptional encounter might be perceived as a fluke; a half a year of similar events is something entirely different. Enjoy.

Please note, everything that has been posted can be verified and has been witnessed by numerous individuals.

The Early Stages of Revival, October 30, 2007

I know many of you are praying for our services at prison, for which we are extremely grateful.  I apologize for not telling you about the events over the last couple of weeks but overall, more people received Christ Jesus and were baptized.  Last night was simply marvelous. Completely unscripted and unplanned (as were the previous several weeks), 4 brothers requested to be baptized, so we were only too happy to comply. (You’ll appreciate the significance of the fire ant bed at the base of the horse trough. Just use your imagination.) As was the case 2 weeks prior, they took turns trading off their clothes so those not prepared would not have to sit through service in wet clothing.

The service itself was awesome. The smiles on so many faces were nothing short of contagious. Our former Hindu (the new brother that requested we burn his Hindu library—2 bags full) was radiant. He resembled a sun’s ray, for lack of a better means of description. And our former Wiccan continues to demonstrate the changes God has wrought in his life. At the end of the service, instead of praying over the prayer requests as we normally do, an invitation was given to accept Christ in which 7 men responded! This time we’re planning for multiple baptisms next week. (I pray the ants will have moved on by then.)

The hunger among the brethren is only growing. Many are now inviting their lost friends to chapel services. Others continue to hold Bible studies in their dorms. My prayer is that this in only the beginning of a great move of God in an otherwise darkened community of lost and dying individuals. Praise be to God! Please keep the men and our services in your prayers.

On A Spiritual Roll, November 11, 2007

For about 2 months now, God has continued to bless our congregation with His wonderful presence. The changes He’s making can neither be dismissed nor ignored. Where even earlier this summer the tension among the brethren was often evident, the peace and overwhelming joy of the Lord is scrawled across almost every face is the capacity filled chapel. Watching the excitement reminds me of some holy contagion just waiting to break forth. Smiles, hugs and almost unlimited expressions of brotherly love serve to display the godly warmth felt and expressed by so many of the brethren. I cannot express the joy I get when I see brand new Christians bringing their friends to services—all for the hope they too might experience the new-found change of heart—the passing from death unto life.  To God be the glory!

In addition to a wonderful time of praise and worship, 4 more brothers received believer’s baptism. As a note, we continue to take a bag of towels to chapel, never knowing when they’ll be needed. (Last night, as I was walking past the line of brothers waiting to sign in for the service, I had 2 different ones raise their change of clothing in a manner as though inquiring whether we were going to have a time for baptisms.) May God continue to move His mighty hand at prison.

Power and Souls, November 20, 2007

Last night was the first opportunity I had to attend chapel services at prison since my return from our team’s mission trip to Jamaica, which is itself a remarkable and separate story. (Don’t let anyone tell you God doesn’t still work signs and wonders just as He did in the Book of Acts. We saw many salvations—many within the jail where Judy, Jeanne and Harrison ministered; spiritual warfare beyond anything I had ever experienced; and miracles. Needless to say, our team can hardly wait until our return trip in April! God is awesome!) We were immediately faced with a problem that could not be remedied. By rule, only 100 inmates are allowed to attend chapel during any given service, yet there were approximately 150 in line waiting to get in.  Sadly, 50 were turned away. Increasingly, it appears that revival is truly in progress.

To summarize, allow me to hit a few high spots. After a time of worship, we baptized 3 more new brothers. This is particularly significant since none of these came to Christ through any invitation we gave, to the best of my knowledge. The inmates themselves are leading their fellow inmates to Jesus Christ! How glorious is that? Prayer meetings within the prison are apparently growing. Two brothers told me that they had prayed for another that had been suffering from stomach problems for the past 3 weeks. As they prayed, the affliction dissipated. (One of the 2 praying was our former Hindu I spoke of in an earlier mail out.) The joy and excitement of being in church last night was truly infectious and everywhere evident. After Judy and I testified to God’s workings while in Jamaica, an alter call was given. Five more inmates came forward to receive Jesus Christ, along with another who publicly professed his desire to return to Christ, desiring to leave his backslidden ways behind. I suspect more will be coming for baptism next week.

More Power and More Souls, December 7, 2007

God’s work at prison is in its third month of revival. I don’t say that lightly. Although I missed giving a report from last week, our Lord drew one new creature in Christ unto Himself along with 3 or 4 professing their desire to return to a closer walk with Him. There were no baptisms only because the weather was too cold to hold an outdoor baptism service.

This week was even more spectacular. Once again, the weather was simply too cold for prison officials to allow an outdoor service (for health reasons so we are told). However, the service was packed. At the end of the service, as we have begun to pray more for healings than in times past, one brother reported on the prayer request he addressed the previous week. He reminded the congregation how his 4-year-old daughter had been diagnosed with a deadly “blood disease” (he preferred not to elaborate), that during the same night as our service, the doctors took an updated blood sample which in turn proved to be negative! Praise God! The response of the brethren was immediate and thunderous. It goes without saying that we are beginning to focus more and more on prayer and healing than in times past.

Let me conclude by saying that at the end of the service, once again we extended an invitation to come to Christ. As a result, 6 new brothers received new life. More than 20 professed their desire to get back right with God. If weather is appropriate, I suspect we’ll have baptisms next week.

Abundant Healings and Still More Souls, December 20, 2007

For almost 3 months now, I’ve attempted to keep you up-to-date with the happenings in chapel services at prison. I’ve repeatedly referred to God’s move among in the facility as revival. To be sure, it’s just that. But over the past three weeks, we’ve begun to see another dimension of this wonderful work as well which I’ll touch upon momentarily.

This week’s service has been equally phenomenal. We’ve been studying prayer over the last several weeks. The study in itself has been rewarding (if only for myself, just due to the many things I find myself learning after 31 years as a Christian), but this is not my focus. Judy—again sensitive to the leading of the Lord—brought an altar call. Three more new brothers in Christ responded. A further dozen or so came forward praying to recommit their lives to God. Another half-dozen came to the front for healing. Quickly, we were out of room at the front of the chapel. The love of the brethren continues to exceed all we’ve experienced in more than a decade of service at this same facility. I suspect there will be quite a lineup for baptism when the weather is once again warm enough to hold outdoor baptisms.

I mentioned that God is adding another dimension to our services. Allow me to elaborate. As a church, together, we’re learning the true meaning of prayer. Only part of what we refer to as prayer has anything to do with making our requests known to God, but make them known we are to do. In recent weeks, we’re hearing more of the brethren sharing praise reports regarding prayers that have been answered. Two weeks ago, we prayed for the young daughter that had a life threatening blood disease, which after prayer, the doctors could no longer detect (as of later that night following our meeting). Last week we prayed for 3 men in need of healing. One came forward this week and reported that the problem (with his arm—the specifics I no longer recall) was gone. The problem had apparently been ongoing for some time. In short, he was healed. Another man asked if he could testify, but unfortunately, between the events of the night and my increasing inability to remember much of anything (or so it seems), he didn’t get a chance to share as he’d requested. Although we won’t have service this next week, he will most certainly share the following meeting. Yes, God is adding the healing element to our service. I believe this will continue to be so as we seek dependence on Him.