News Letter September 13, 2005

Dear Friends,

ANOTHER CHANGE IN PLANS FOR MISSIONS PREP 101
Through the events of this past weekend, being in the presence of God we discerned that we would probably not be going and taking a team to Mozambique this fall.  As a result we agreed that it would be better to do the second weekend of our Missions Prep 101 course in the Spring.  

The first weekend (October 14,15) would stay the same, as we will have Felito here from Mozambique.  We just don't have the location nailed down yet.  Stay tuned for more updates, and be ready to be flexible.

Anyone who wants to come from a distance, I think you will find it worth coming for and we can find homes to billet you if you like.

PERSONAL NOTE:
The past weekend has been one of the most spiritually and emotionally intense for us in a long time.  There has been significant spiritual warfare going on and there have been tremendous victories as well.

Saturday night we gathered at the Praise Fellowship facility, now used by Wellspring Christian Church in Carol Stream, near Wheaton College.  We had scores of youth and college kids and Shara was really in her realm.  It was the most fun ministry for her in a long time and many kids were radically touched along with many of us older folk.

The next day we took time to visit a friend who has been through some devastating trials in the recent past.  Shara ministered to her in what was for me one of the very most detailed and accurate prophetic words that brought such incredible healing and focus for the future.  I would not have even hoped for such a wonderful, amazing flow of Jesus' love into her live.

Shara also ministered to us personally and along with the blessing and affirmation came some spiritual surgery that left me weak and broken.  I knew it was coming, and I was crying out for it in my spirit.  It was perfect, but it sure did leave me in the recovery room.

At the same time we had car problems and Tim and I got home about 4:30 am on Sunday morning, after a midnight finish on Saturday night.  We had to leave the car at a gas station and pick it up the next day.  With just a little sleep we got up and prepared for Sunday's activities.  Today we had the car in for extensive repairs and it runs OK again.

Meanwhile, other attacks have come from the enemy and we request your prayers for wisdom and direction.  Some of our friends were able to get together on Monday night with us and we shared a few things about the vision God is giving us.  They also gave wonderful input and a desire to take prophetic evangelism to the streets and college campuses.

We are getting more and more connected to leaders in the Chicago area that want to see a move of God and unity among the Christians here.  At the same time we are feeling the call again to visit other locations in the near future and carry some of the revival fire that God blessed us with in Africa to them as well.

UNDERSTANDING NEW ORLEANS AND GOD'S PLAN FOR REVIVAL
On Thursday, I was meditating on what we had seen on the news and what prophets have been saying about the meaning of the terrible events on the Gulf Coast.  Thinking about the flooding in New Orleans, I heard the Lord say, "THE WATER BROKE".  

I began to understand that what has been happening in the past decade or two has been like a pregnancy of revival.  Seeds were sown for national revival with Promise Keepers and other movements.  Then the Healing Rooms and Houses of Prayer began to spring up.  Intense intercession and hysterical joy came on the scene simultaneously.  The Call and The Cause and other gatherings have been keeping the baby growing in the womb.

Great transition has come to our world since 9-11 2001 and we in the west have been in a very uncomfortable position, like a very pregnant woman.  A pregnancy must end with a birth, but before the birth comes the water must break and then the hard labor happens, and no one knows how long that will last.  

New Orleans being flooded was the membrane being broken that held the water in.  The levies couldn't hold the water back and it flowed out into the city.

Today, we are in some hard labor spiritually.  Revival will most certainly burst forth.  We see it in the youth everywhere like you wouldn't believe.  Adults are also desperate for a move of God and forsaking religion and its traditions.  But we must all learn to "BREATHE AND PUSH".  Let the baby be birthed into this world.  

We feel the intensity in our own lives.  Perhaps you do also.  Many have reported feeling the heaviness of intercession upon them.  But let's not forget that the Joy of the Lord Is Our Strength.  It's also time for extravegant joy and worship.  They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

PRAISE GATHERING IN CRYSTAL LAKE SEPTEMBER 30
Gary Sullivan asked us to pass on the announcement for those who want to gather with many other Christians for a night of praise and worship for everyone who loves Jesus.  Location is Christian Fellowship Church at 3419 Walkup Road in Crystal Lake.   If you want more information write him at lynn@owc.net.  

May God bless and prosper you in His Kingdom work!

Ben and Brenda, Tim and Nathan