Into the Swing of Things

Wow! It has been another amazing amount of time here in Redding! God has done so many things, I can barely keep up. I am learning and growing, but I am also finding it so enjoyable just to watch the change all around me. There is something progressive about this culture; a rhythm that leads to new heights and depths in the things of God.

First off, I am sorry it takes me so long to blog, for all of you who keep asking for more posts! I try to keep myself free enough to add new posts, but the hardest part is how busy God keeps me! As soon as I go to write something worth sharing, another thing happens. I suppose I'll just have to distribute my posts well enough to give you a fair dose every time!

I can now officially say that I am into the routines and demands of this school and church culture. I am a member of the school's worship team, as a keyboardist, and I take leadership in different assignments given to our revival group in the area of church service (chair setup, etc). I have found it relatively easy to keep up with my reading and work assignments, as the priority of this school is to practically apply everything you learn through experience. In that way, the course load then isn't too difficult.

We are given so much teaching that it would be impossible to chronicle everything we hear. We are reading through the entire bible this year, as well as twelve spiritual self-help books, and we hear 3 full messages a day from tuesday to friday. We're asked to attend one morning and evening service per week, as well as two small group sessions, and one revival group meeting (a smaller meeting with 30 people and our assigned pastor). This keeps the input going constantly. We do many theological lessons that bring us through many foundational principles within the Kingdom, we hear teaching specifically directed at the scripture we're reading, and we listen to sermons based on what Holy Spirit is saying in that instance. Because of all this input, the school asks that we take the time to make sure we give what we recieve, so that we don't become spiritually fat off of what we are taught.

It's important to note that in the Kingdom of God, we only keep what we give away. The Word says, "Give and it shall be given unto you", meaning that only after you give do you truly receive back that which you are giving away! God asks us to be stewards of everything: our time, our money, our possessions, His truth, His love, His power, and His nature. is why it is more blessed to give than to receive! In this way, we spend our free time serving the community of Redding. They have at least three outreaches per week, and so we usually attend at least one extra (beyond the one we do during class time) to make sure we are giving away what we are getting from the Lord.

This week God has done an amazing transformative work in my life, beyond what I could expect or imagine. At this point it is a personal thing, as the Lord continues to speak to me and change things within me. At the same time, I know that my personal testimony is expanding, and I will be ready to share the things God has done at a later time (and possibly a different venue).

Beyond His personal touch, the Holy Spirit has continued to fan these flames of revival. A few days ago, we had a speaker named Georgian Banov, a Bulgarian minister, come and share at our school. He is truly crazy and would consider me saying that to be a compliment! His one message comes from 1 Cor. 2.2, that he knows nothing except Jesus Christ! At the same time, as he simply shares from his heart, many rich teachings come out of his "ramblings". Many of the things the Lord showed me in my personal life came from the truths this man shared. Also, he knows how to butcher, season, and prepare lots of "sacred cows" so everyone can eat! He believes in "drinking in the Spirit", and there were many miraculous and paranormal events that were taking place during his time with us.

To the skeptics that may be reading this, I just want to add that I in no way want to change your perspective through what I write. I only write what I see and experience, and I refuse to be critical of what is very possibly (and in my mind, positively) God. I have captured one of the feathers that has fallen during the services, and it is a pretty neat specimen, and there have been other supernatural occurrences I will mention later. I just want to affirm the fact that I have no proof beyond what I see, and I have no theology prepared to discuss such matters. That said, God can help your unbelief!

Last night, I must mention, was an impartation service that was planned off the cuff by Bill Johnson through the Spirit's leading. He felt that he wanted to impart a fresh baptism in the Spirit to those who were willing, and so he laid hands on all 800 people in attendance! The Spirit moved powerfully, and many God encounters took place through this time. I have collected quite a bit of video of these services, although I can't share them on the blog. Perhaps at Christmas I will provide some time for viewing, if anyone is interested.

There are many events taking place in the near future, the biggest being the "Open Heavens" conference from Oct 25-27 at Bethel Church. They are setting up a tent outdoors for the students to participate, which will have the services broadcast within. I am looking forward to the big things God has planned for the next little while here at Bethel, in my life and the lives of those around me!

testimonies


-I have personally been involved in an incredible time of prophecy and healing over non-believers right on the streets, that resulted in God restoring a woman's back and three girls rededicating their lives to God!

-One individual in an evening service, after the laying on of hands, got out of her wheelchair and began to walk around! I am uncertain as to this woman's condition now, as it's hard for me to do follow-up on those sorts of things in such a big church, but it was an incredible testimony of God's power.

-I have also heard testimonies of different specific words of knowledge over strangers, God encounters resulting in the healing of broken ankles and other ailments, and open visions where people experience heaven from here on earth!

-Bill Johnson, in this impartation service, anointed people with oil that he received from a miraculous church in Puerto Rico (Watch video of the church here. It is TOTALLY worth the time). Now there were 800 people in attendance, and the bottle only held perhaps a few ounces. The bottle remained completely full for the entire service, despite the fact that such a distribution should have totally used up the oil! I have video of this event that I will at one point show you.

Blessings,

Connor