Tuesday, December 20, 2005

News Letter December 20th

OPEN HEART MINISTRIES
www.ohmint.org


Greetings Saints and a Very Blessed CHRISTmas!!!

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!  And He is up to so much more than we can imagine.  As the angels and prophets and intercessors anticipated His first coming, so they are anticipating His second coming.  We believe Heaven and Earth are interacting more than ever before and we look forward to what He is birthing in our day.

MEETINGS WITH MURRAY SMITH
We have had a very busy week since we wrote our last newsletter.  Murray Smith has returned to Canada, but while he was with us we were blessed to see God use him at an even higher level than previously.  

We had meetings in Genoa and Freeport, IL.  The Peru, IL, meeting was cancelled because of winter storms.  In Freeport we met in a coffee shop and ministered to many people we had never met.  We did a lot of team prophetic ministry with Murray and Brenda alternating, while I and a few others did the backup words.  People were very blessed and through it more new doors have opened to us.

SKOKIE AGLOW
On Saturday, Brenda and I ministered to the Skokie, IL, Aglow meeting.  It was another awesome time.  There was a very strong anointing there and some very special friendships were renewed.  Everyone got ministered to by either Brenda or myself as well as by others on the team.  

GRADUATION SERVICE IN KANSAS CITY
Sunday morning at about 4 am, we left for Kansas City to attend a graduation service for Rebekah Garcia, a friend from Farmington, NM.  She completed the six-month internship at the International House of Prayer and was powerfully transformed there.  We got to hear from some of IHOP's leaders.  Mike Bickle would have been there, but he was sick, so we didn't see him.  We also spent a couple of hours in the Prayer Room, and enjoyed the rich presence of God there.

LUNCH WITH WYLL STAFF
Tomorrow we meet for lunch with a group from a Christian Radio Station, WYLL, and we will be ministering to them during that time.  Pray for a freedom in the Holy Spirit to minister to some who have not been involved with prophetic ministry before.

ONETHING EVENT IN K.C.
After Christmas, we will be going to the Onething Conference at Kansas City from December 28 - January 1.  It should be a wonderful event and we hope to see many people we know there.

CONFERENCE AT PAL BOK WITH CHE AHN - January 5-8.
Brenda and I have been invited to speak at Pal Bok Presbyterian Church along with Che Ahn at a conference they are hosting in their facility in Vernon Hills.  We consider it a great honor and would love to see many of our Illinois friends there.  Che Ahn will be doing most of the speaking until Saturday morning and we will be doing everything from Saturday afternoon on, as he returns to California on Saturday afternoon.  That will include Saturday afternoon and evening and Sunday morning and evening.

JANUARY TOUR IN NEW YORK STATE
We are booked in Albany, NY, from January 13 - 16, with Dr. Bob Paeglow and his associate Peter Whitehouse.  We will be doing a prophetic conference and ministering to the staff of the clinic, house of prayer and healing rooms.

On Tuesday we will minister to a church in Oneonta, NY, and on Wednesday to a church in Herkimer, NY.

BACK IN ILLINOIS
On Sunday, January 22 we will minister for the first time in Dixon, IL, for the Sunday morning service at THE WORSHIP CENTER at 11 AM.

On Friday, January 27, we will be in a home meeting in Woodstock, IL.

THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE REMEMBERED US WITH PRAYER AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT THIS DECEMBER AND THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.  WE CAN CONTINUE ONLY BECAUSE YOU ARE LISTENING TO GOD AND HOLDING UP OUR HANDS IN THIS MINISTRY.  WE LOVE YOU ALL IN JESUS!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

BEN AND BRENDA AND FAMILY


Thursday, December 08, 2005

News Letter December 8, 2005

Greetings Saints,

Just a quick update and prayer request.  (And then I added a book offer.)

Brenda and I had to cancel our meetings tonight and tomorrow because of the flu symptoms that are still manifesting.  We thank all of you who have prayed for us, as we feel that God has given us a measure of relief.  Brenda's headache is getting weaker and my cough is getting less frequent, but we both continue to wrestle with the rest of the junk.  No details necessary.  We are getting ready for a lot of company, starting on Sunday, so we know God will have us back in service by then.

I'd like also to request prayer for our daughter, Barbie, and her husband, Caleb, whose second son, Joshua, is somewhat autistic.  He is just about six years old and becoming more aggressive with anger and hurtful behavior such as biting.  It hurts Barbie deeply, because other kids don't like being with him, not understanding his journey.  He is close enough to normal that people don't understand when he is "bad" and it has been really tough on him and Barbie.  

We are trying to pursue some options with her, but are asking God for a miracle.  Meanwhile Barbie has three other boys, including a seven-month old baby.  On top of that she broke her foot and can't put any weight on it.  This combination of attacks has gotter her down and really burdened us as well.  There are days when we really intercede for them and they have a better day, but we would really appreciate you all joining us in prayer at this time.

Also, for those who were concerned and praying for my Aunt Nettie, God took her home after a very short time of suffering.  Just before she passed into the arms of Jesus, she look around the room, gazing at each one momentarily and then closed her eyes for good.  We believe she was seeing something more than the people gathered around her.

I also wanted to let you know that we are getting more and more great testimonies from those who have read "With Me".  For those who would like to give one to someone who needs help understanding their journey, I'd like to make a special offer before it's too late for Christmas, as time is flying so quickly.  It might be too late for our friends in Canada, but we'll give it a try if you like.

If you order any two of our already discounted books (including WITH ME), on the website, we'll give you a regular "WITH ME" free.  If you order any four of our books, we'll send you our brand new hardback version of "WITH ME" for free.  I am doing this because I so want these books to impact people.  For many people a prophetic word will change their lives.  For me revelation in books have often changed my life and ministry.

Anyway, it's not about money or fame.  If it is may God convict me of that.  We do hope to break even and keep writing more books which cost money to produce in addition to the amount we pay for the books themselves.  The good thing is that we can order as many or few as we want to, so we don't have to order thousands at a time to get the discount.

God bless you all, and may none of you catch what we have.  You won't like it.

Loving you in Jesus,

Ben and Brenda and family

News Letter December 12, 2005

OPEN HEART MINISTRIES
www.ohmint.org
Ben and Brenda Peters

Dear Saints (and those who think they have to work at it),

You are beloved, chosen and set apart for Himself.  Rise up into your destiny.  There is no time to waste.  Harvest time is here.

We just did an all-day Prophetic Ministry and the Harvest seminar in Genoa on Saturday to an on-fire group.  The anointing was very strong on the ministry time and the response was very powerful.  One letter we received today encouraged us that the teaching had taken hold.  This newly-prophetic friend has prophesied to several people since Saturday and her friends who attended have a new understanding and love for the Lord and each other.

Since Saturday's event was sold out, we have rescheduled another one on the 25th of March.  We hope to have a larger facility so we won't have to turn anyone away.

PLEASE PRAY

Both Brenda and I have some kind of flu that is going around.  We want to be well for ministry this Thursday and Friday.  Thursday is an Aglow meeting in Morris at 6:30 in the evening and Friday is a home group in Woodstock.

NEXT WEEK

We will be blessed with company from Canada.  Many remember Murray Smith and his brother Harvey.  They will be coming via Kansas City for about six days.  We are scheduling several events for them to participate in.  

On Monday, Dec. 12 we will visit the Elgin House of Prayer on Chicago St in Elgin.  On Tuesday night we will have a get-together at Pastor Bill Myers place.  They can seat about fifty in their basement.  On Wednesday, we plan on visiting and participating in the revival going on in Peru, Illinois, at the Eagle Rock Christian Center.  Then on Friday, Dec. 16, we will be in Freeport, Illinois, ministering at a coffee shop there.

FUTURE EVENTS

On December 17th Brenda will minister to the Skokie Aglow and at the end of the month we will join ten thousand others at the One Thing in Kansas City.  

On January 5-8 at Christian Fellowship in Crystal Lake there will be a great evangelistic dramatic presentation, which our son, Tim, is a part of.  This is a production by Mark Oliver and Sharon Sherbondy and others, and should be a wonderful event to attend.  

Meanwhile, we will be ministering at Pal Bok Presbyterian (Korean) church in Vernon Hills on Saturday and Sunday, finishing up the conference they are having with Che Ahn.  We feel very honored to be  speakers with Che.

We anticipate a visit to Oneonta and Albany, New York in mid January.  Then we need to try to fit in several places in Arkansas and Oklahoma, before heading to Florida in late February.

Please pray for wisdom in our scheduling.  We are also beginning to connect with other leaders in the Chicagoland area.  We don't want to be gone too much.  We need to hear from God.  Please pray that we will.

This letter is already too long, but I am going to copy a message I just wrote tonight.  I won't be offended if you don't have time to read it.  I would, but I won't have any way of knowing, so feel free to do something else.  You might not agree with it anyway.

For those who are persistent, here it is:


PUSH, BREATHE, PUSH, OH LOOK – IT’S COMING

A CHRISTMAS PRESENT FROM THE FATHER?

     By Ben R. Peters – Open Heart Ministries – www.ohmint.org


THE WATER BROKE

Shortly after Hurricane Katrina I felt the Lord spoke to me, “The water broke.”  As most of us know, a protective membrane, known as the placenta, holds the amniotic fluid that cushions the unborn child, until the time for labor has come.  When the placenta breaks, we usually say “the water breaks”.  We know then that it’s time to push, breathe, push and breathe.  

New Orleans experienced the water breaking through the protective membrane that was built up around the lake, flooding the city.  I received this word as a sign that God was ready to birth something in America.  Taking into account prophetic words by men such as Kim Clement, I released a message to our own mailing list and two others that it was time for serious spiritual labor to birth the revival that God was preparing to send to America and beyond.  At the same time Cindy Jacobs, Chuck Pierce and others were calling for special days of fasting and prayer, further confirming my convictions that God was speaking clearly to me.

The past few months since Katrina have been very eventful.  Two Supreme Court Justice positions were vacated, creating a rare opportunity for President Bush to appoint judges that would allow America to change directions in such critical issues as abortion.  Lou Engle has had a team of young interns, interceding for these court appointments and other critical political decisions which must be made in Washington, D.C.  Truly, our prophetic leaders have been leading us in some serious intercession, which I would call birth pangs for revival.

SIGNIFICANT SIGNS OF REVIVAL

We have seen many significant signs that revival is on the way in the past few months, since coming back from a life-changing visit to Mozambique, where we saw first-hand the powerful revival that Rolland and Heidi Baker have witnessed for several years.  A sharp rise in spiritual hunger and passion for Jesus is being witnessed daily here in North America, as we move among various churches and ministries.  

At every conference or seminar where we minister in these days, we are seeing people respond and apply the teaching and prophetic words we release to them.  They are becoming catalysts in their own world for revival.  In addition, there is an increase in anointing to preach, teach and prophesy, and there is an increase in physical healings, conversions and answers to prayer for the return of wandering sheep.

The fire is burning brightest in the youth that we have recently encountered.  There is a strong witness in our spirit that they are being prepared for something incredibly powerful and awesome.  They are so ready to lay down their lives for something bigger than themselves and they are seeing a lot of supernatural answers to prayer.  They are not seeking recognition or pursuing careers or a position in church.  They only want to worship their King and give their lives to serve Him.  They battle their own flesh and pride with a rarely seen intensity.  Believe me, they are very sincere and they have been getting me very excited.

DELIVERY TIME IS HERE

In the last few weeks, I have seen the birth process progress to the point that I believe we are now in the presentation stage, where the head of the baby is visible and it’s just a matter of a few more pushes and the whole baby will be born.  God has given me a personal sign, which may not seem terribly significant at this point to many, but I believe that what is happening here in Illinois, is already being replicated in many parts of this nation, from where it will spread to others.  We are witnessing an unusual move of God that has come to a church where we have ministered twice in recent months.  I have not experienced anything this special in America in many years.  This church has given up their normal agenda to pursue revival and put Kingdom growth above their own church growth.  

The Eagle Rock Christian Center in Peru, Illinois, is experiencing a powerful revival.  A small congregation, surrounded by corn fields, was made even smaller recently, when they embraced renewal, which they had previously opposed.  But as they focused more and more on worship, God began to move in their midst.  God allowed us to be a witness and a catalyst of this revival, which really took off after our recent weekend with them.  

During week night meetings, people are showing up that had no plans to do so.  One was a young man who had left his wife months before.  She was in the church and they had been praying for him the whole time.  When someone saw an angel with a sword waiting for him to come forward, he was called forward and asked if he wanted to return to God.  When he said yes, it was like he was hit by lightning.  For over two hours he thrashed on the floor, wrestling with issues God was asking him to deal with.  An eleven-year-old girl and a two-year-old boy both had prophetic words for him to let go.  When he was finished the divine deliverance, a restoration with his wife took place, initiated by the angel with the sword.

Others are writing to the leaders or coming in person with prophetic words regarding revival being birthed there.  I believe their intense worship has opened the Heavens in a special way over this congregation and its leaders.  

If this was an isolated instance, I would not be that excited, but I hear the sound of rain from many locations.  Eagle Rock Christian Center is my personal sign from God and I believe it is a foretaste of what will happen in churches everywhere, especially those whose leaders are pursuing intimacy with Jesus and making whatever personal sacrifices are necessary to expand the Kingdom of God in every way that they can.

COULD THIS BE A CHRISTMAS PRESENT FROM THE FATHER

We know that December 25th is not the actual date of Jesus’ birth, but it is the date we set aside to remember and celebrate.  Some scholars believe His correct birth year is 4 A.D. making this year just one year past the 2000th anniversary of His birth.  If we were to remove the 0’s from the year 2005 we have the number 25, corresponding to the date we celebrate Christmas.  

My greatest Christmas present ever would be to see revival sweep America to the extent that Americans would once again take the lead in spreading the gospel throughout the world.  Today, more missionaries are sent from “third world nations” than from the western nations.  Where we once had twice as many Christians in the western world as the “third world”, there are now four times as many in the “third world” as there are in the west.  It’s time to catch up to the “third world”.  Only a major breakthrough will bring that about.  Could that breakthrough be a revival birthed in this special time of this year?

For those who are weary of the labor and travail, take courage.  Take a deep breath of the Spirit of life, the Spirit of Revival.  Then PUSH (Pray Until Something Happens) again.  Then read Isaiah 66:9.  The prophet declares that God will not bring the baby to the time of birth and then leave it in the birth canal.  This baby – Revival in America – will be born.  The head is showing.  Let’s push it out.  Let’s labor together.  He is giving us the strength for the final push.  Being able to see and hold the baby will make it all worth the effort.  If this is a Christmas gift from the Father, I receive it.  

Help us Jesus in the critical hour to birth this revival which you have conceived in your people in this nation.  Amen.