Growth, Change, Direction

Hi Everybody! You're expecting me to tell you what a great past two weeks it's been here at Bethel, so I won't tell you it's been great. Instead, I'll be more honest and say that it's been absolutely out-of-this-world, beyond-belief, life-changing. (that was a lot of hyphens!)

These two weeks have honestly been likely the most significant in forming my identity and destiny. Some things have happened in my life that are so wonderful they cannot be explained through text on a blog, and others are still being processed, so I won't go into incredible detail. I mentioned a little bit about the work God was doing in me personally on my last post, and now I realize that that period was a launching pad into a much deeper work that God was doing in me. I am still in the midst of that movement, and until it resolves I don't want to jump to conclusions on everything God is telling me to do and be. I am just excited about all of it! This culture lends itself to prophetic words, and words of encouragement. I have been getting lots, and lots of them are the exact same thing! God is so good. It was a wonderful way to celebrate my birthday, and I believe it was God bringing up my identity on purpose because of this birthday season! The picture is of the cake that some other students bought for me. They're great around here.

This period of Bethel life is busy. We just got through our first conference, the Open Heavens conference, which was quite an experience. Che Ahn, Bill Johnson, and Kris Vallotton spoke. There was an emphasis on apostolic teaching and impartation at this conference, and we saw many healings and miracles. Before that, there was 'The Call' in Las Vegas. The Call is a cool ministry that organizes large prayer gatherings in different locations across the States. These prayer gatherings are just times of intercession over the city it is hosted in, as well as intercession for the nation. No guests or worship artists are announced, as people simply come to pray. Bill Johnson went down with some 2nd year students to minister healing in a special tent at The Call, and they saw a woman with late-stage-MS become completely healed and get up out of her wheelchair in the first hour of the healing tent being opened!
Next is the Advance, which is a leadership training conference for invited guests here at Bethel. We can't attend these meetings, but we're allowed to volunteer as servants at the luncheons and different events that are connected with this event.

On the last day of the conference, I decided to go with a missions team down to San Francisco and minister the gospel of the Kingdom to the homeless on the streets. It was quite the adventure! There were 15 of us from Bethel on this team, and we drove down in three vehicles eagerly expecting the unknown.
We arrived in front of SF city hall at about 8PM, and immediately there is a mild culture shock that hits you as you realize the extent and scope of a city like SF. On our way, we were blocked by thousands of cyclists who were protesting something-or-other through blocking traffic with their procession, dressed in funny-looking attire. Some weren't dressed at all!
The ministry sets itself up in the plaza in front of city hall, and we had a time of open-air worship and quick preaching. The mini-service lasts for about 20 minutes. Any homeless who are gathered may hear the message, get saved, then receive a hot meal afterwards. We divided our bethel team into two different teams, and there were probably another 40 individuals who had come to this outreach from other churches and events. Our smaller team was assigned to Polk St., which is one of the worst for prostitution in the city of SF. We were given food and roses, and we were asked to feed the hungry, and bless prostitutes on the streets with a rose to tell them that God thinks that they're beautiful.
Now, this is quite the experience when you realize that 9/10 of the prostitutes in SF are male transvestites. In fact, you feel uncomfortable not only by their demeanor, but also by the fact that you are trying to minister to them with honor, and that includes respecting their own understanding that they are female! They have had many encounters where the love of Christ, through the presentation of these flowers, results in immediate deliverance from deception, and the gender-confusion immediately ceases. We were prepped in advance for any possible dangers, so that brought us some confidence.

Many people on my team had incredible divine appointments. My leader, Andreas, met a man in a small convenience store and struck up a conversation. He asked the man, "Would you like to feel the power of God?" and the man said "Yes!". Andreas took the man by the hand and prayed with wisdom that the man would feel incredible peace in his heart. After the prayer, the man said, "I asked God today for peace! You guys must be angels!" They found out that his man was addicted to drugs on the streets of SF, but had the ambition and dream to one day go to culinary school and become a chef. They prayed against his addictions and spoke encouragement to him.

My personal experience was definitely more about God changing my perspective. I met a man named Jeffery, who was an addict that asked for some food and for the rose I intended to give to one of the prostitutes down the street. I told him he could have the rose, but I asked him what it was for. He told me that he intended to "give it to his love", and that he would soon see her. I asked her who she was.
He began to tell me his story, about how he fell in love with a woman named Tracy who worked downtown in a used bookstore. He showed me her business card, and he explained that when they started dating, he kept up in steady employment, and began the process of getting off the drugs he was on at the time. Two years ago, Tracy died. Since then, his life has spiraled out of control, and he is now living on the streets, doing any drugs he can find and drinking non-stop. He explained his depression and recognized his depravity, telling us that he has considered suicide and will probably not survive this winter. Although clearly intoxicated by many chemicals in his body, Jeffery was still very cognizant and intelligent in his conversational skills. He was honest and open about his pain.
So here i am, standing on one of the worst streets in San Francisco, with a man named Jeffery who is almost at the verge of tears as he pulls out his wallet and shows me his picture of Tracy. She is sitting, and he is standing behind her smiling. As I look at the picture, he pulls another travel bottle of vodka out of his pocket and guzzles it, saying that it's his seventh for the night. I was overcome by this man's need, and by the terrible pain that exists on those streets. I felt this overwhelming need for the love of Jesus to tangibly impact people like Jeffery. Suddenly all church squabbles and christian opinions didn't seem to important. Suddenly, the most important thing in the world to me was trying to express the love of Jesus to Jeffery's heart.
He wouldn't let us pray with him, as he felt that if God took away his pain, he would forget Tracy's memory. We didn't push him, as we were emotionally grieving with him through this time. We just continued to listen as he poured out his heart. Eventually he needed to go, and the only words we could impart to him was the encouragement that he was a good man, and that we believed he would make it through this winter and recover his life.
I believe that God will change Jeffery, but I am certain that my encounter with him has changed me.

testimonies


This story is from a Bethel student alumni, so it still counts! We have seen many miracles and there is not the time for me to recount every one, but just an occasional story of encouragement that will bless you.
This former Bethel student travelled to the Philippines to work in the orphanages in that nation. After returning to the US, he still felt a burden to go back to the country, so sometime later that year he went back on his own, without any direction or plan. In one part of the city he arrived in, he met a man who was almost completely blind and asked if he could pray for that man. The man agreed, and as they prayed, 50-75% of his eyesight returned! The student asked if he could continue to pray for the man, and the man agreed. After the second prayer, his eyesight completely returned to full function!
This miracle astounded the former blind man, so he asked if the student would be willing to pray with the man's blind friend. The student agreed, and so they went off on a journey through the city to find this man's blind friend. When they found her, the former blind man explained things and they entered into prayer.
When the student laid his hands on the woman's closed eyes, he realized something that literally vacuumed out all of his faith for that moment: she had no eyeballs in her eye-sockets! After he prayed, she opened her eyes and he verified that that was the case. Although he had just seen a miracle, he recounted that his faith was completely gone in this circumstance. Even still, they pressed into prayer again.
As he laid hands on her eyes, and only prayed for a moment, he could feel eyes beginning to form in her empty sockets! Eventually when he could sense that the eyes were fully formed, he asked her to open her eyes. They were completely white, lacking an iris/pupil! Now his faith was back in order, so instead of praying, he simply said, "God, complete the work."
At that instant, with her eyes opened, he states that he watched the hand of God literally paint her iris and pupil onto her eyes. Although he could not see the hand of God, or the brush with which he did this, the student recounted that there was a physical "colouring-in" of the eye. She had her full vision! Isn't that crazy?!?


Blessings,
Connor

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

Week 2-3

Hello everyone! Time has gone by, and I miss you all like crazy. The culture I am in continues to be surprising and fulfilling. I am blessed to be a part of something so monumental, and there is a great humility amongst everyone involved. We know that this generation is on the verge of a great revival, for no other generation has been empowered in the way that we have. We believe that a second great Reformation is underway; one that will see the church defined by the very presence of the living God, as evidenced through the workings of the supernatural realm! This is the only way forward, and it is a lifestyle freely given to everyone through the power of the Cross. Redding is pioneering something that will become easier to any culture that chooses to tread the same path towards revival, as they model the love, honor, joy and power that should accompany every revival culture!

I gotta say, it's sometimes a little bit... weird here. I have set a firm resolve inside my heart not to be offended or distracted by anything I don't understand. I also choose to embrace anything that seems scary or uncomfortable, throwing myself head-first into what could be my next big breakthrough. I still test the Spirits, obviously, but you would be surprised how God's voice is much more clear and direct about those things when you stop judging the move of God before participating in it! (That's a good word right there!)

Two things will always accompany a genuine move of God: Demonic counterfeits and manifestations of the flesh. It is not that either of these things are welcomed or accepted, but they seem to show up as alternatives wherever the Spirit of God decides to fall. This does not mean that the movement is not of God, but quite the opposite! It means that what God is doing, the devil is trying to imitate. That being said, only through intimacy can we grow in hearing what is of God, and what is not. It is impossible to grow in that kind of intimacy without making mistakes. Please hear me, I am not saying that we must follow many deceptions in order to find the truth. But I am saying that a tenacious pursuit of the things of God will include mistakes, and that that is okay! This is no excuse to become timid before the Lord, or wait for Him to move us. Eventually the urge will become more subtle, and what used to be passion now becomes religion, and spiritual growth stops. This could be in the area of worship, spiritual discipline, discipleship, the gifts of the Spirit, or even the manifestations of the supernatural.

I am taking the time to say all of this because I cannot go further in my account of what I am experiencing without making sure you understand my heart, as well as the biblical basis for some of the things that are taking place. I can't keep track of who reads this blog, and so, I am sorry if anything offends you. Please email me if you have questions, comments or concerns, they are always welcome. I am on that path, of pursuing the things of God at the risk of discomfort.

The first new thing I have experienced is "Drinking in the Spirit" (Eph. 5.18, Acts 2.13-16). This is when an encounter with the Spirit begins to carry the physical manifestations of actually drinking alcohol. While this is not the first time I have experienced the Spirit in this way, I have never seen it happen so frequently or on such a widespread basis. It seems like everybody "loves to get drunk"! There are bursts of laughter running through the congregation constantly, and many people have a hard time even standing. There is an increase in the expressions of love in the room, as those who have "been drinking" are often seen hugging and encouraging one another! Oftentimes, this includes other manifestations of the Spirit's presence. Services will often take a totally different direction as the majority of those involved become "under the influence"!

There would be red flags from this type of event if it didn't lead to fruit, and in other cases, it may not. In that circumstance, this would be considered a work of the flesh. In this church, however, people are all too willing to give away what they receive, and through these times, great miracles take place. I encourage anyone who is uncomfortable with these concepts to read Wes Campbell's book, "Welcoming a Visitation of the Holy Spirit", to find further biblical basis for such manifestations.

I have personally been truly enjoying these times. Never before has such pure joy flooded into my soul, and it is something I can share with everyone else present. In these times, I wonder why others have settled for an image of God who is much less fun, and much less involved in the lives of His people. Drinking in the Spirit definitely increases your appetite for the supernatural, whether or not there are manifestations to accompany it!

testimonies

-Chad Stauffer, my close friend and roommate, prayed for a man in service who had a sharp pain in his wrist. After praying, the man told Chad that 80% of the pain had left! Chad, feeling that that wasn't enough, led the man in another prayer. The man rejoiced as all the pain left his wrist and he gave glory to God for his healing!

-Four Bethel leaders decided to have a "guys night out" and go visit a hospital. They got into the hospital through visiting a member of the church, but they soon asked one of the nurses if they could visit rooms who were looking for company and pray for the sick. The hospital staff welcomed them! After praying for some folks, eventually they found themselves welcome in the emergency room.
My revival leader, Joaquin, was there (he's a MIGHTY man of God) and he stood up in the ER and said, "I just wanted to let you know that, if you're here to see a doctor, we'll be able to help you right away!" People were a little startled by his statement, but eventually they were able to give some specific prophetic words of knowledge over one girl who was waiting with her mom. Her mom had stepped out of the room, but the girl asked if they would pray for her mom when she got back. They did, and received a word of knowledge over her as well! Furthermore, she was healed of her affliction (I believe it was noticeable scoliosis but I might be mixing my stories; I hear so many!)

-Finally, the most amazing miracle this week was from a meeting held near Redding that included two second-year Bethel students and one of Bethel's pastors, Kevin Dedmon. During the meeting, a man came up for prayer who had cut off his thumb several months prior on a table saw. He had lost the full digit of his thumb to below the thumb's first knuckle. As they prayed, they decided not to cover his hand as they asked for a creative miracle. Within minutes, they watched as a new thumb and joint grew out of the stub of the old one, including a brand new thumbnail! This was a creative miracle that they saw unfolding with their own eyes! Praise God for His ability to make anything out of nothing at all!

Blessings,

Connor