Pastor Nate (32 yrs) - We've been privileged to have the opportunity to partner with students and adults from Greenville, SC and Denver, CO this week to "hit the streets" with the gospel as well as learn some amazing truths from our I Give Life course! Our main purpose this week has been to empower these believers to give life and it's taken place in a huge way. Every one of these students and adults has led someone to Christ this week (many of them for the first time)...and a lot of them have led numbers of people to Christ. Others have worked their first miracle including backs, arthritis, foot pain, broken legs, broken arms and other ailments being instantly healed by the power of God flowing through them!
In one area, I met a young man who had never heard of the resurrection and what that meant for him. He first asked me if "smokin' bud would send him to hell." I explained the gospel to him and when I got to the part about Jesus rising from the dead, his jaw dropped! I told him it was a literal event in history and there were 500 eyewitness accounts from people who saw Christ after he had risen from the dead. After presenting the full gospel, he was ready to accept Christ as the only way to heaven and he said the prayer of salvation with me. The crazy thing about this was that just a few minutes earlier, I was leading a young girl to Christ and he walked by and made a snide remark. She said she was going to go slap him and I said, "No, let me handle him" and I approached him with the love of God and then watched God work on his heart! Praise God!
It's been amazing to be a part of the Empowerment Revolution and being able to see over 1000 people accept Christ in ONE WEEK as a result of the ministry of the believer. It's not hundreds of people coming to Christ at a crusade with a big-name speaker. It's hundreds of people having a one-on-one interaction with a life-giving believer who ministers to them as an individual. We're seeing a transition back to God's intended purpose for evangelism - every believer doing the ministry of reconciliation! Praise God! I want to encourage you to join the revolution and get out there and give life!
We have one final day of ministry today and we're ready for our most astonishing day yet!
Friday, June 22, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Stepping out of the Box
Maggie (14) - Today I went to talk to people in a neighborhood called Cherry Tree. The first time I went there, on Saturday, I was very intimidated by the people. Because of that, I didn't really talk to anyone. I think the intimidation was only part of the reason I was nervous to talk to the people. I'm usually not easily intimidated by people. I'm known as the girl who loves to talk. I think I was so out of my element that I froze. In Denver, I don't think areas like Cherry Tree exist.
So today, I went back to Cherry Tree with Pastor Gregg. This time, I was a little more familiar with the area and the people I was with. So, I had a newfound boldness and prayed with one of the first people we saw to be saved. Even though she was an interesting person (BIG fake eyelashes and fingernails even longer), God accepted her and loved her just the way she was, so I thought I should do the same.
Today I was out of my element, but I decided to let God use me and it paid off in every way.
So today, I went back to Cherry Tree with Pastor Gregg. This time, I was a little more familiar with the area and the people I was with. So, I had a newfound boldness and prayed with one of the first people we saw to be saved. Even though she was an interesting person (BIG fake eyelashes and fingernails even longer), God accepted her and loved her just the way she was, so I thought I should do the same.
Today I was out of my element, but I decided to let God use me and it paid off in every way.
Older Brother Accepts Christ
Orry (18) - My older brother Ethan is married to Kim and because of how close I am with her, she is also my sister. Not only in this life, but now for all Eternity. On Sunday, June 17, 2012, after a day of church, fellowship and service, I called my 25 year old brother to wish him a Happy Father’s Day, and just tell him I love him.
After listening to what I thought was my brother venting for almost twenty minutes, I suddenly felt this urgent need to tell my brother about Jesus. I had this strange but awesome feeling of boldness and courage for my brother. Hearing Ethan tell me that he felt run down and tired of being in such a bad situation with his wife and kids and having to take care of our grandma while my mom, younger sister and I are in Augusta, Georgia on a mission trip broke my heart. He told me that he felt like leaving and not looking back. Ethan said, "I have the keys in my pocket; I could leave right now and be gone forever." At that moment I felt the Holy Spirit flow into me and give me that boldness. I stopped Ethan from talking and I told him that it's not him feeling like this but the devil whispering into his ear and getting him to feel that way because Satan doesn’t want me to tell you this. I said, "Satan had me feeling the exact same way before I got on the plane to fly out here, bro. He was telling me to give up, just walk away from my faith, it’s not even real. Satan tried to convince me so I wouldn't stretch some kid’s shoes yesterday, so I wouldn’t share this with you right now. The Devil had you feeling like this so you won’t accept Jesus into your heart right now. I'm not saying this because I'm in Georgia on a mission trip, or because I go to church three times a week, but because I am your brother and I love you. So Ethan let me ask you, if you were to die tomorrow, would you go to heaven?"
Ethan replied by saying, "I don't know. I'm a good person and I try to do well, and I know that there is a God, but I don't know." I told Ethan right there that the only way for him to go to Heaven was for him to invite Jesus into his heart and accept Him as his Lord and Savior. With both of us crying by now, Ethan told me he wanted to invite Jesus into his life, so I led Ethan in the prayer of salvation. I know for a fact that the Holy Spirit was speaking through me, because I didn’t have a script and I don’t exactly remember what I said in that prayer. But I told Ethan as soon as we finished, "Dude, it does not matter what you have done. All the bad stuff you told me you did, all the bad stuff you haven’t told me you did! None of it matters, nothing you've done, nothing you’re doing, nothing you are ever going to do matters anymore because you meant that prayer in your heart."
By now, I sounded like a little girl and Ethan had to get his kids in the car and drive 40 minutes across town back to our grandma. We said bye, he thanked me and after I prayed and thanked God we hung up. I rejoiced and dropped to my knees because I was going to see my brother in Heaven. I immediately went to my mom and told her. I was crying so much my shirt was collecting tears, and we hugged and thanked God for what He did.
Not 15 minutes later did my sister Kim call me frantically telling me I had to talk to Ethan. She tried to hand Ethan the phone but he wouldn’t talk, any sound he made sounded muffled and not from him. I told Kim just hold up the phone to him, and began commanding the evil spirit to leave my brother alone. "In the name of Jesus Christ I bind you, and command you to go in the authority of His name. You have no power over Ethan and although I am over a thousand miles away the Holy Spirit is not, and Jesus himself is not! They are in the car with Ethan; In His name GO right now!" And just like that, Ethan came to and took the phone. He was confused and told me he was scared. He said, "For some reason Orry I just felt like jumping out of the car on the highway." I told Ethan, "That was not God. He loves you and would never want that. That was the enemy and the Bible says that Heaven is throwing a party because you meant that prayer. Satan is furious that you meant it and will try to scare you out of it, but the devil can't touch you, he has nothing on you anymore because you are a child of God. As long as you call on the name of Jesus Christ and take authority over the enemy, he will not harm you, but you must command it in the name of Jesus to go."
Ethan was again on the verge of tears, but he believed what I was telling him and he asked me "Are you serious about everything I have ever done?" I told Ethan, "I promise you that Jesus has forgiven you for all of it and there is absolutely no doubt that He loves you."
Ethan told me that he loved me and that he wanted me to tell mom and our sister that he loves them too, and he thanked me for everything I've done and he had to go take care of his kids and wife. I told him just before he hung up to get the Bible under my bed and read some of it. You don’t have to read a whole bunch, and you don’t have to do it tonight, just open it up and read some before I get back from Georgia and to start in the book of John!
It was so amazing to have the boldness to do this after six years of being too scared of rejection. Thank God for the Holy Spirit empowering me to be a witness!
After listening to what I thought was my brother venting for almost twenty minutes, I suddenly felt this urgent need to tell my brother about Jesus. I had this strange but awesome feeling of boldness and courage for my brother. Hearing Ethan tell me that he felt run down and tired of being in such a bad situation with his wife and kids and having to take care of our grandma while my mom, younger sister and I are in Augusta, Georgia on a mission trip broke my heart. He told me that he felt like leaving and not looking back. Ethan said, "I have the keys in my pocket; I could leave right now and be gone forever." At that moment I felt the Holy Spirit flow into me and give me that boldness. I stopped Ethan from talking and I told him that it's not him feeling like this but the devil whispering into his ear and getting him to feel that way because Satan doesn’t want me to tell you this. I said, "Satan had me feeling the exact same way before I got on the plane to fly out here, bro. He was telling me to give up, just walk away from my faith, it’s not even real. Satan tried to convince me so I wouldn't stretch some kid’s shoes yesterday, so I wouldn’t share this with you right now. The Devil had you feeling like this so you won’t accept Jesus into your heart right now. I'm not saying this because I'm in Georgia on a mission trip, or because I go to church three times a week, but because I am your brother and I love you. So Ethan let me ask you, if you were to die tomorrow, would you go to heaven?"
Ethan replied by saying, "I don't know. I'm a good person and I try to do well, and I know that there is a God, but I don't know." I told Ethan right there that the only way for him to go to Heaven was for him to invite Jesus into his heart and accept Him as his Lord and Savior. With both of us crying by now, Ethan told me he wanted to invite Jesus into his life, so I led Ethan in the prayer of salvation. I know for a fact that the Holy Spirit was speaking through me, because I didn’t have a script and I don’t exactly remember what I said in that prayer. But I told Ethan as soon as we finished, "Dude, it does not matter what you have done. All the bad stuff you told me you did, all the bad stuff you haven’t told me you did! None of it matters, nothing you've done, nothing you’re doing, nothing you are ever going to do matters anymore because you meant that prayer in your heart."
By now, I sounded like a little girl and Ethan had to get his kids in the car and drive 40 minutes across town back to our grandma. We said bye, he thanked me and after I prayed and thanked God we hung up. I rejoiced and dropped to my knees because I was going to see my brother in Heaven. I immediately went to my mom and told her. I was crying so much my shirt was collecting tears, and we hugged and thanked God for what He did.
Not 15 minutes later did my sister Kim call me frantically telling me I had to talk to Ethan. She tried to hand Ethan the phone but he wouldn’t talk, any sound he made sounded muffled and not from him. I told Kim just hold up the phone to him, and began commanding the evil spirit to leave my brother alone. "In the name of Jesus Christ I bind you, and command you to go in the authority of His name. You have no power over Ethan and although I am over a thousand miles away the Holy Spirit is not, and Jesus himself is not! They are in the car with Ethan; In His name GO right now!" And just like that, Ethan came to and took the phone. He was confused and told me he was scared. He said, "For some reason Orry I just felt like jumping out of the car on the highway." I told Ethan, "That was not God. He loves you and would never want that. That was the enemy and the Bible says that Heaven is throwing a party because you meant that prayer. Satan is furious that you meant it and will try to scare you out of it, but the devil can't touch you, he has nothing on you anymore because you are a child of God. As long as you call on the name of Jesus Christ and take authority over the enemy, he will not harm you, but you must command it in the name of Jesus to go."
Ethan was again on the verge of tears, but he believed what I was telling him and he asked me "Are you serious about everything I have ever done?" I told Ethan, "I promise you that Jesus has forgiven you for all of it and there is absolutely no doubt that He loves you."
Ethan told me that he loved me and that he wanted me to tell mom and our sister that he loves them too, and he thanked me for everything I've done and he had to go take care of his kids and wife. I told him just before he hung up to get the Bible under my bed and read some of it. You don’t have to read a whole bunch, and you don’t have to do it tonight, just open it up and read some before I get back from Georgia and to start in the book of John!
It was so amazing to have the boldness to do this after six years of being too scared of rejection. Thank God for the Holy Spirit empowering me to be a witness!
Boy Stops Smoking After Prayer
Maggie (14) - Today while I was out on the outreach, Pastor Nate and I came upon a man who could only speak Spanish. So Pastor Nate pulled up one our scripts in Spanish so he could talk to this man. I, of course, couldn't speak any spanish. So while I awkwardly stood there, I zoned out and I saw a boy about my age walking up a hill near the park. So while Pastor Nate continued with the gospel in Spanish, I ran over to the boy to ask for any prayer requests. His name was Johnathan and he was 13 years old. He told me he had an addiction to cigarettes and it had been that way since he was 8 years old. He told me he had started getting into smoking because of his biological father who forced him to smoke with him.
I told Johnathan how I knew a man who died of smoking at a young age. I told him how his decisions as a kid, like smoking, could affect his life as an older man. He agreed with every word I said, and I could tell he didnt want to smoke, but he said it's very hard because everyone around him smokes. So we talked for a while about how he could decide his fate right now and stop with the help of Jesus. After talking to him about this he said that he had a cigar in his pocket and he took it out and broke it apart and said he would stop smoking and try his best to change his future.
I felt so good that I had talked to him about this and prayed for him. I thank God for giving me the boldness to run over to him in the first place. I also feel that I helped myself in a way today during that conversation. I feel like by seeing his sad lifestyle that it made me even more thankful for where I live and the parents I have. I and truly blessed.
I told Johnathan how I knew a man who died of smoking at a young age. I told him how his decisions as a kid, like smoking, could affect his life as an older man. He agreed with every word I said, and I could tell he didnt want to smoke, but he said it's very hard because everyone around him smokes. So we talked for a while about how he could decide his fate right now and stop with the help of Jesus. After talking to him about this he said that he had a cigar in his pocket and he took it out and broke it apart and said he would stop smoking and try his best to change his future.
I felt so good that I had talked to him about this and prayed for him. I thank God for giving me the boldness to run over to him in the first place. I also feel that I helped myself in a way today during that conversation. I feel like by seeing his sad lifestyle that it made me even more thankful for where I live and the parents I have. I and truly blessed.
The Invitation
Harry (16 yrs.) - On Saturday I was in Dogwood Terrace with my buddies--Kris and Tyler. We only had a few moments to do a quick blitz of the neighborhood. We were in the middle of sharing the Gospel with a group of kids when a guy in a car called me over and asked me what we were doing. I proceeded to tell him we were out handing out bottled water and praying with people. He responded and told me that he was on his way to the store and would be back shortly. We continued to go on our way and planned to meet him again before we were headed back to the church.
After we prayed with the kids, we saw the man drive back by again. So we made our way over to his car, which was about a block away. I was interrupted on my way to the guy's car by another man asking us what we were doing. He was standing behind a screened door. We followed the script, and the man was so eager to call on Jesus as his Lord and Savior. His face changed immediately after that prayer. We continued to walk towards the man's car, and finally, we met the man. His name was Dexter, and he was very curious about what we were doing. I asked him the "million dollar question," and he thought, in his own words, he was "going to heaven for sure, hopefully." I told him we can know for sure, without a doubt that heaven is our home. He had a puzzled look on his face and said he had never heard anything like this before. Dexter and his friend Tiffany called on Jesus right on his porch.
The interesting thing about these testimonies is that normally when we are out, we have to approach people and grab their attention, but these guys approached us and grabbed our attention. I am used to giving people an invitation to receive God's gift of salvation, but Dexter and the other man gave me the invitation to reach out to them.
After we prayed with the kids, we saw the man drive back by again. So we made our way over to his car, which was about a block away. I was interrupted on my way to the guy's car by another man asking us what we were doing. He was standing behind a screened door. We followed the script, and the man was so eager to call on Jesus as his Lord and Savior. His face changed immediately after that prayer. We continued to walk towards the man's car, and finally, we met the man. His name was Dexter, and he was very curious about what we were doing. I asked him the "million dollar question," and he thought, in his own words, he was "going to heaven for sure, hopefully." I told him we can know for sure, without a doubt that heaven is our home. He had a puzzled look on his face and said he had never heard anything like this before. Dexter and his friend Tiffany called on Jesus right on his porch.
The interesting thing about these testimonies is that normally when we are out, we have to approach people and grab their attention, but these guys approached us and grabbed our attention. I am used to giving people an invitation to receive God's gift of salvation, but Dexter and the other man gave me the invitation to reach out to them.
Twin Dad Gets New Life!
Gregg - (32yrs)
Yesterday, we went back to a neighborhood that we'd been to before, but this time it was in the evening. We wanted to change the schedule up to see if more people would be out, and YES, more people were definitely out!
My team walked around passing out waters, and met this guy who told us to pray for his jobs, and that he had just found out he was going to be the dad of twins! It was so neat to have a connection with him right on the spot, and that we were able to talk about what we had in common, and give him a little twin advice! Before too long, his sister pulled up in the car and we were able to tell her the good news about her being an Auntie, and then we told her even greater news about Jesus! They both prayed the prayer of salvation, and were changed. Joshua (the twin dad) told us that he needed that, and he was sooo grateful that we talked to him.
Whose eternal destiny can you change today? Who do you know that needs the good news of Jesus? Who can you talk to in partnership with the Holy Spirit that needs to hear something like that today?
Excited to continue the journey!
Yesterday, we went back to a neighborhood that we'd been to before, but this time it was in the evening. We wanted to change the schedule up to see if more people would be out, and YES, more people were definitely out!
My team walked around passing out waters, and met this guy who told us to pray for his jobs, and that he had just found out he was going to be the dad of twins! It was so neat to have a connection with him right on the spot, and that we were able to talk about what we had in common, and give him a little twin advice! Before too long, his sister pulled up in the car and we were able to tell her the good news about her being an Auntie, and then we told her even greater news about Jesus! They both prayed the prayer of salvation, and were changed. Joshua (the twin dad) told us that he needed that, and he was sooo grateful that we talked to him.
Whose eternal destiny can you change today? Who do you know that needs the good news of Jesus? Who can you talk to in partnership with the Holy Spirit that needs to hear something like that today?
Excited to continue the journey!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Healing the Lost
Sophia (10th Grade) - Today while walking on the street, me and Jessi were walking in the neighborhoods, speaking to people about Christ. We saw a woman get out of her car and we decided to go and talk with her. The Holy Spirit called upon us to go and carry out God's work. So we walked over to her and asked if we could speak with her. We stood in the shade of her apartment building and we led her to the Lord. She began crying and we just knew that she needed to hear that prayer that day. After this, we held her and comforted her. We did not know what was going on in her life, but we knew that now she had someone she could lean upon in times of trouble.
We then asked if she needed prayer and she said she wanted us to pray for her aching bones in her ankles because she had arthritis in her limbs. We then laid hands upon her and commanded the pain to go. We ministered to her three times and then she was healed completely. She had problems walking before, but I could tell as she was walking away that she was healed. I praised the Lord and Jessi and I just went out and reached out for others. We prayed for two kids and we also healed a boy's lungs. He had asthma in his lungs and he couldn't run very well and we watched him take a deep breath and he said he could not do that very well before. We definitively saw changes in that boy and simply going around the neighborhoods, we came across many people who were already saved. I found it astounding to see people already saved and living out God's plan. It just makes me think that our people must be doing a very good job about preaching and ministering to people. I just found that absolutely astounding and I am so glad I get opportunities like this for the rest of the week. I can't wait to find out more and see more about what God has to offer for me!
We then asked if she needed prayer and she said she wanted us to pray for her aching bones in her ankles because she had arthritis in her limbs. We then laid hands upon her and commanded the pain to go. We ministered to her three times and then she was healed completely. She had problems walking before, but I could tell as she was walking away that she was healed. I praised the Lord and Jessi and I just went out and reached out for others. We prayed for two kids and we also healed a boy's lungs. He had asthma in his lungs and he couldn't run very well and we watched him take a deep breath and he said he could not do that very well before. We definitively saw changes in that boy and simply going around the neighborhoods, we came across many people who were already saved. I found it astounding to see people already saved and living out God's plan. It just makes me think that our people must be doing a very good job about preaching and ministering to people. I just found that absolutely astounding and I am so glad I get opportunities like this for the rest of the week. I can't wait to find out more and see more about what God has to offer for me!
Empowered to Give Life!
Gregg (32yrs) -
We are a few days into our mission trip to Empower 2012, and are already seeing God work in miraculous ways! I can't wait for you to read and hear all the stories from the students and adults from Greenville, Augusta, and Colorado. I had the privilege of sharing my story on Sunday morning of how I received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and this enabled a few people to get over their fears, questions, and concerns. Jesus promised us that He would send the Holy Spirit as a counselor, comforter, and as one who would give us power. We've learned this week from Acts 1:8 that the Holy Spirit's power is God's plan to change the world, as we are empowered to be His witnesses!
We had several students from Colorado receive an outpouring of the Holy Spirit from God at Camp Overflow, and they are being Empowered this week to Give Life! On Saturday after we returned from camp, we immediately hit the streets to share the good news with people. The first three ladies we encountered had never accepted Christ, and when we were done telling them about Jesus, they were ready to accept Jesus! When we were out on the streets today, one of the teens prayed with her first person to receive Christ after presenting the gospel reading directly from the scripts provided. God is so good and people are so open to this method of presenting the most powerful message on the planet. Just alone from our group in one area, we prayed with 44 people to be saved. Over 200 people gave their lives to Christ TODAY during our time of ministry!
I am excited for more ministry and for more people to hear the message as we continue to step out in faith and present the gospel in boldness!
We are a few days into our mission trip to Empower 2012, and are already seeing God work in miraculous ways! I can't wait for you to read and hear all the stories from the students and adults from Greenville, Augusta, and Colorado. I had the privilege of sharing my story on Sunday morning of how I received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and this enabled a few people to get over their fears, questions, and concerns. Jesus promised us that He would send the Holy Spirit as a counselor, comforter, and as one who would give us power. We've learned this week from Acts 1:8 that the Holy Spirit's power is God's plan to change the world, as we are empowered to be His witnesses!
We had several students from Colorado receive an outpouring of the Holy Spirit from God at Camp Overflow, and they are being Empowered this week to Give Life! On Saturday after we returned from camp, we immediately hit the streets to share the good news with people. The first three ladies we encountered had never accepted Christ, and when we were done telling them about Jesus, they were ready to accept Jesus! When we were out on the streets today, one of the teens prayed with her first person to receive Christ after presenting the gospel reading directly from the scripts provided. God is so good and people are so open to this method of presenting the most powerful message on the planet. Just alone from our group in one area, we prayed with 44 people to be saved. Over 200 people gave their lives to Christ TODAY during our time of ministry!
I am excited for more ministry and for more people to hear the message as we continue to step out in faith and present the gospel in boldness!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Scores of Salvations
PNatey (32 yrs) - Following our camp for students in 6th-12th grade, Camp Overflow, we took 52 students and adults on the streets with an organized outreach. Because of having 100 people at camp, everything took longer than expected, so by the time we were ready to go out, we really only had 45 minutes to minister in the various neighborhoods where God led us. By the time all of our teams had gathered back for dinner, we led 155 people to Jesus!
I was with Brian and Jay and we had tremendous testimonies! At one point, Brian (11 yrs) saw a large group of people on the basketball court and was immediately wanting to go minister to them. You see, at camp, Brian received the Holy Spirit and was empowered to be a witness (Acts 1:8). I told him to let me run grab the cooler full of water and we'd head over there. Jay was off getting another guy saved while Brian and I started wheeling the cooler to the court. Brian shouted, "Come get some FREE WATER!" It was like we had fish food! They all came over and grabbed a bottle. I presented the gospel and Brian led 16 young men and women in the prayer of salvation. After he got done praying, he said, "Now, who needs healing in their body?"
One guy perked up and said he had just twisted his ankle playing ball. I shared with him from our blue Miracle Working script and then Brian laid hands on him and commanded the pain to go! He said it was a little better but after we ministered to him once more, he said, "I'm straight now!"
I believe Brian is a shining example of Acts 1:8 and what happens when the Holy Spirit empowers believers! He said he would have never done that before camp!
This is just one of many miraculous stories that God did in just 45 minutes! What can He do if you give Him something to work with?
I was with Brian and Jay and we had tremendous testimonies! At one point, Brian (11 yrs) saw a large group of people on the basketball court and was immediately wanting to go minister to them. You see, at camp, Brian received the Holy Spirit and was empowered to be a witness (Acts 1:8). I told him to let me run grab the cooler full of water and we'd head over there. Jay was off getting another guy saved while Brian and I started wheeling the cooler to the court. Brian shouted, "Come get some FREE WATER!" It was like we had fish food! They all came over and grabbed a bottle. I presented the gospel and Brian led 16 young men and women in the prayer of salvation. After he got done praying, he said, "Now, who needs healing in their body?"
One guy perked up and said he had just twisted his ankle playing ball. I shared with him from our blue Miracle Working script and then Brian laid hands on him and commanded the pain to go! He said it was a little better but after we ministered to him once more, he said, "I'm straight now!"
I believe Brian is a shining example of Acts 1:8 and what happens when the Holy Spirit empowers believers! He said he would have never done that before camp!
This is just one of many miraculous stories that God did in just 45 minutes! What can He do if you give Him something to work with?
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
shockwave challenge
PNatey (31 yrs) - Three weeks ago, I issued the Shockwave Challenge to our church. Share the gospel with at least one person a day. For the past three weeks, I have done just that. I have prayed with 25 people to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I met one lady in Wal-Mart who didn't know she was going to heaven when she died. When I asked her if she would like to know, she said, "Of course! How do you know for sure?" I presented the gospel to her and she called upon the name of JESUS! I met five guys at the park one Sunday afternoon and after I asked them if they needed prayer, one of them said, "Yeah, you can pray that we'll go to heaven!" How about an open door of opportunity! They all thought that you get into heaven by doing good works. After I shared the true gospel with them, they all trusted Jesus as their only way into heaven.
I've had the opportunity to pray for so many strangers and their needs. I've prayed for family members with cancer, people with physical ailments and financial needs and I've seen God prove Himself faithful to His word. He said that He would be with us as we go into all the world and preach the gospel and that He would confirm His word with signs following. I've seen Him do that time and time again. I prayed with one lady who had just broken her hand and was scheduled to have surgery the next day. After I prayed for her, she could move her fingers with no pain. John 14:12 says that believers can do the same works as Jesus. It's time for those who believe in Jesus to start being Jesus to their world!
I'm committed to the Shockwave Challenge. Will you? Let's see what God can do when His body actually takes Him at His word and steps out in faith to reach others.
I've had the opportunity to pray for so many strangers and their needs. I've prayed for family members with cancer, people with physical ailments and financial needs and I've seen God prove Himself faithful to His word. He said that He would be with us as we go into all the world and preach the gospel and that He would confirm His word with signs following. I've seen Him do that time and time again. I prayed with one lady who had just broken her hand and was scheduled to have surgery the next day. After I prayed for her, she could move her fingers with no pain. John 14:12 says that believers can do the same works as Jesus. It's time for those who believe in Jesus to start being Jesus to their world!
I'm committed to the Shockwave Challenge. Will you? Let's see what God can do when His body actually takes Him at His word and steps out in faith to reach others.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Impact 2011
Pastor Nate (31 yrs) - We just completed an incredible week of ministry at Good News Church. We had a lot of laborers from Good News and Grace Christian Church (from Greenville, SC) hit the streets with us to pray for people and offer free bottles of water. After passing out over 2500 bottles of water and ministering to over 3000 people, we saw 1024 people call upon the name of Jesus for salvation and each of them have their own story. It's amazing what can happen in one week.
One day, I went with a group of guys to some areas on Wrightsboro Road and by the end of the day, our team of 4 had 34 salvations and 4 confirmed miracles. John Whitaker (20 yrs) prayed with a young man who had been injured in a skateboarding accident and couldn't move his arm any higher than his shoulder without grimacing in pain. After John commanded the shoulder to be healed in Jesus name, the boy lifted his arm high above his head! He was so excited to get back on his skateboard again!
On that same day, I spoke with two ladies who both were experiencing pain. One of them just had surgery and was in constant pain in her abdomen and lower back. After I commanded the pain to go in Jesus name, she bent over and touched her toes without any pain. When I asked how she was doing, she said the pain was 100% gone! Afterward, I prayed with her sister who was wearing a wrist brace for support because she had carpal tunnel syndrome. She took off the brace and said the pain that was there before was completely gone. Later, I encountered a mother who wanted prayer for her daughter because she had recently found a knot above her chest and was in constant pain. I ministered to this 15 year old girl and the knot was dissolved instantly. When the family of 7 witnessed this miracle, ALL of them called upon the name of Jesus to be saved! I'm so honored to be one of many who went about doing the works of Jesus this week and partnering with Him to see lives changed for GOOD!
One day, I went with a group of guys to some areas on Wrightsboro Road and by the end of the day, our team of 4 had 34 salvations and 4 confirmed miracles. John Whitaker (20 yrs) prayed with a young man who had been injured in a skateboarding accident and couldn't move his arm any higher than his shoulder without grimacing in pain. After John commanded the shoulder to be healed in Jesus name, the boy lifted his arm high above his head! He was so excited to get back on his skateboard again!
On that same day, I spoke with two ladies who both were experiencing pain. One of them just had surgery and was in constant pain in her abdomen and lower back. After I commanded the pain to go in Jesus name, she bent over and touched her toes without any pain. When I asked how she was doing, she said the pain was 100% gone! Afterward, I prayed with her sister who was wearing a wrist brace for support because she had carpal tunnel syndrome. She took off the brace and said the pain that was there before was completely gone. Later, I encountered a mother who wanted prayer for her daughter because she had recently found a knot above her chest and was in constant pain. I ministered to this 15 year old girl and the knot was dissolved instantly. When the family of 7 witnessed this miracle, ALL of them called upon the name of Jesus to be saved! I'm so honored to be one of many who went about doing the works of Jesus this week and partnering with Him to see lives changed for GOOD!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
A New Beginning
Pastor Nate (31yrs) - On Saturday, March 12, we sent a group of 27 adults, teenagers and children into various communities of Augusta with the sole purpose of reaching people with the gospel. After a mere 2 hours on the streets, we came back with a total of 155 salvations and several healings. My team went to Olmstead Homes and the park at Lake Olmstead. While we were there, I'm happy to say that Andrew and Stephen took off on a mission. They had a goal in mind and in the last few minutes of our expedition, they went over and prayed with 28 people to be saved between the two of them! I was extremely pleased with their excitement and passion for reaching the lost. It wasn't just about the numbers for them; it was about changing someone's eternal destiny!
I met a family member of someone I knew and had the opportunity to lead her in the prayer of salvation. She didn't know if she was going to heaven at first and wasn't happy with the life she was living. We ministered to her and shared the good news with her and her friend. They both got saved! Afterward, I met her daughter and learned that they had been praying for her for a while. Praise God for answered prayers and BEING the answer to someone's prayers!
I also met Kindel. I was walking by his apartment when I saw his face behind the screened door. I offered him some water and a prayer and he asked if we were trying to get people to join our church. I told him we were simply there to spread the love of God and I began talking with him about Jesus. He had his music blaring and told me to hold on while he went inside to turn it off. When he came back and I began telling him about how to get to go to heaven when you die, he told me to hold on again and went back inside and shut the door behind him. I prayed he would come back out because I didn't know if he was trying to dodge me or what. He came back out and said he wanted his friend to hear it too, but she was trippin' and wouldn't come out. I proceeded with the gospel presentation and got to the point of decision. Kindel was concerned that we weren't in the right place at first. He said, "Don't I have to be in a church to say this prayer? Or get really quiet?" I laughed and told him we were in the perfect place to say this prayer. He was so elated when we said "Amen" and I gave him our gospel script to share with his friend. He said the whole Jesus story seemed too good to be true. Even though he didn't deserve a new beginning, he got one anyway. That's what the good news is all about!
I met a family member of someone I knew and had the opportunity to lead her in the prayer of salvation. She didn't know if she was going to heaven at first and wasn't happy with the life she was living. We ministered to her and shared the good news with her and her friend. They both got saved! Afterward, I met her daughter and learned that they had been praying for her for a while. Praise God for answered prayers and BEING the answer to someone's prayers!
I also met Kindel. I was walking by his apartment when I saw his face behind the screened door. I offered him some water and a prayer and he asked if we were trying to get people to join our church. I told him we were simply there to spread the love of God and I began talking with him about Jesus. He had his music blaring and told me to hold on while he went inside to turn it off. When he came back and I began telling him about how to get to go to heaven when you die, he told me to hold on again and went back inside and shut the door behind him. I prayed he would come back out because I didn't know if he was trying to dodge me or what. He came back out and said he wanted his friend to hear it too, but she was trippin' and wouldn't come out. I proceeded with the gospel presentation and got to the point of decision. Kindel was concerned that we weren't in the right place at first. He said, "Don't I have to be in a church to say this prayer? Or get really quiet?" I laughed and told him we were in the perfect place to say this prayer. He was so elated when we said "Amen" and I gave him our gospel script to share with his friend. He said the whole Jesus story seemed too good to be true. Even though he didn't deserve a new beginning, he got one anyway. That's what the good news is all about!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Walk This Way
Harry (14 yrs) - I was with Jason (16 yrs) at Oak Pointe. We were about to leave and go back to church. We saw a guy about a block away on the other side of the street. We chased him down and didn’t notice he had a cane until we got up close to him. He looked like he didn’t want to talk to anyone. We asked him if he’d like to walk without the cane. He said he needed 2 hip replacements but had no insurance to get it done and was going to have to pay out of pocket. He was actually very open to what we had to say. We commanded whatever was wrong to be healed. Jason took his cane away from him. When he walked this time his steps were bigger than they had been before. We laid hands on him again. This time he said all the pain was gone. As we drove off we noticed he had his cane under his arms and he was walking normally.
Go for Broke!
Grayson (13 yrs) - I was with Wesley when we encountered a girl with broken toe. We had just heard about Harry and Jason running after people to pray for them for healing; so we ran up to this lady and asked her why she was having trouble walking. She said her toe was broken. We asked if we could pray and she said yes. She was better after we laid hands on her and she asked, "What was that?" So we explained the gospel to her and she prayed the prayer of salvation.
No More Sprain or Pain
Grayson (13 yrs) - I was with Eden
My First Miracle
Lindsey (13 yrs) - Hope and I were in one of the communities we visit often and there was a lady walking with her kids. We approached and asked if there was anything we could pray with her about. She told us she had back pain and internal pain. I asked her if I could lay hands on her and she said that would be fine. I took authority over the pain in the name of Jesus. After we prayed, she said the pain was immediately gone. This was the first healing miracle I have experienced at my own hands.
Monday, November 8, 2010
The Cure for Cancer
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to preach on a Sunday morning while the pastors were out of town. I preached a message called Superhumans about knowing our true identity and unleashing our powers to save a lost and dying world (or something like that...get the CD for the full message). After the worship team sang "Healer" by Hillsong, I was inspired to have people minister healing to each other and had those who needed healing in their bodies raise their hands. I asked those around them to minister to them. I also had people who didn't feel comfortable raising their hands to place their hands on themselves where the pain or sickness was and I began commanding healing to come and various sicknesses to leave. I remember speaking specifically to cancer and tumors and other maladies. We got an e-mail a week and a half later from a lady who had been diagnosed with cancer. She did as instructed and then went home after the service feeling a little ill. Later that week she had an appointment with a doctor who was planning to surgically remove all of the cancer that he could. After examining her and running various tests, he came back in the room and exclaimed, "I don't know what happened, but the cancer is GONE!" Praise God for being the ULTIMATE cancer cure!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Empowerment
PNatey (30 yrs) - As a youth pastor, I often get the opportunity to speak for chapel services at various Christian schools or clubs. I was at Hope Christian School for their second chapel service of the school year and I had a specific message for them about being a witness through the Show and Tell Gospel based on Jesus' words in Acts 1:8 and what he meant by the word witness. The gospel is meant to be told and demonstrated through the divine seal of miracles and supernatural gifts. After the message, I told them we'd have a demonstration. Little did they know that they would be the ones demonstrating my message. By the word of knowledge, I called out those with neck pain. There were 3 students who came forward for healing in this area. I called for 3 students who believed my message was true and were willing to pray for those who had come forward for healing. Three brave students stepped up and I coached them through working a miracle. All 3 students were healed instantly. We continued to have a variety of instant healings including a girl with ringing in her right ear, a guy with heart problems who was told he'd need surgery within the year or there'd be a 50% chance he'd die, a girl with pain in her knee and a guy with two sprained fingers. All of these students were healed through other students who were bold enough to step out of their comfort zone and minister to their peers. Praise God for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Welcome to the Family
Stephen (14 yrs)- I asked Christ into my life only a couple of months ago and received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit even more recently than that. As you can imagine, I was super excited for the outreaches Good News Church was having. I hardly ever missed a meeting during the first two weeks of IMPACT but this particular day stuck out to me. Wesley and I were at East Augusta Commons when we met two ladies and several children standing on a porch. Wesley presented the gospel and both women were saved. However when one of the ladies started walking, I noticed that she was in a great deal of pain. She explained that she had arthritis in her knee. After we told her about the miracle of God's healing power, I laid hands on her and spoke to the arthritis. She was a little better...so wetook authority over the disease again and the pain in her knee was completely gone. She was as excited as I was! Earlier I said that this particular day stuck out to me and that's because that this incident was MY first healing miracle. The fact that I am still a young christian doesn't mean I can do anything less than anyone else in my new church family. The same power flowing through them flows through me too. I'm looking forward to giving more life to others; there are more miracles to come!
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