Trip to Orlando

Greetings! I (Chris) just returned from Orlando, Florida - my first time to the Sunshine State. It was beautiful. We ministered at a Healing School put on by Randy Clark and Global Awakening. Also speaking was our Bethel Senior Pastor Bill Johnson, and Bishop Mark Chirona.

Team of 9
I was with an awesome ministry team of Bethel students who provided support to the leaders. These students were from Germany, England, New Zealand, Canada and the U.S. They are incredible revivalists - so happy to minister the Lord's love to whoever He highlights to them.

God shows up!
We all were commissioned to minister hands-on healing to those that needed it at the conference. We also prophesied over many, and gave words of knowledge that God was giving us as He showed His precious ones that He wanted to heal them. We had many healed of decades-old pain from injuries; missing cartilage restored; migraines gone; old injuries healed; cancerous lumps gone; and even metal in limbs that had kept joints stiff, now being bendable and without pain. I'm sure there were many more healings that people won't know about until they see their doctors.

Bunny story
One day, I had a word of knowledge for a person named "Bonnie." A word of knowledge is something God shows you, or a pain or sensation in your body He gives you, that He wants you to know about someone else. We say things like - does anyone have a pain in their right shoulder? (Because God has just given you a pain in your shoulder as a "word of knowledge.")

I had several words of knowledge. The only one I was able to give publicly to the crowd was for an injury to the chin - as I had felt a kind of nudge on my chin. I felt like it was an injury from a hit or accident and had caused some facial and jaw damage. No one came forward. I was kind of sad because I was the only student whose word of knowledge no one immediately responded to. But after the meeting, a tall man came up to me and said "I was the one your word of knowledge was for. I fell off my bike and on my chin when I was 8, and still have problems." I asked him why he didn't raise his hand and he said he'd already raised his hand for other words of knowledge and he felt shy about it. So, I prayed for his chin and his injury. The next day at the conference he came up to me and said it was better. And the next day, he said it was much better. Yay, God!!!

Now, back to "Bonnie." I didn't get to give this word of knowledge to the crowd. But I really felt I was supposed to give it. I saw a man whose name tag said "Bunnie." I thought, maybe that was for him. I couldn't find him for a couple of days, except to glimpse him here and there at inopportune times. During lunch break on Friday, I was looking and couldn't find him. I said to God - "If you want me to pray for him, you are going to have to bring him to me because I can't find him." I went through the doors to the sanctuary and there he was! I asked him if he had pain in the left side of his neck. He said "no." So I told him I felt like God wanted me to pray with him and asked if he needed prayer. He said "yes, I have an invention and would like some prayer about that." It "just so happens" Bethel has an inventors group, so I went to get information for him about it. When I returned, his friend told me Bunnie had something to tell me. (These are two older men - in their late sixties I think.) Bunnie told me he didn't have pain in the left side of his neck, but the right side of his neck; that he had been in two serious accidents, and the last one his wife had died in. So - I prayed for his trauma, for healing for his neck and body, and for blessings and favor on this invention - that it would provide jobs, prosper him so he could give into the kingdom of God, etc. He was so touched and amazed that God would have me seek him out like that. God is so good!

The power of blessing
There are more testimonies, too. I was able to speak over several pastors, giving them words and pictures I thought God was asking me to give them. When they told me their stories, it was amazing how relevant and encouraging the words were for these people. Life in God is such an adventure and so much fun!

Starbucks chat
Our team of 9 got to have coffee at Starbucks with Bill Johnson. I think that was such a highlight for me. He answered some of my questions on writing, and other students' questions. We chatted and it was like being with an old friend. I told him that, after listening to his messages and reading his books for so many years, I feel like he's a best friend and a father. All the students agreed with that. He is a very nice, humble, and wise man. He's very much the same over coffee as he is when he speaks to thousands. I don't know how he keeps up the travel schedule he does. He is under a lot of grace for it.

It was also a thrill to be so close to Randy Clark and Mark Chirona - the other teachers at the healing school - such mighty men of God and purveyors of truth. I just finished reading 1 & 2 Timothy - and I feel these wonderful leaders are much like Paul - with such a mandate on their life that they are willing to give all to see everyone come into the Kingdom and understand that God is good. What a privilege to work alongside them.

Tecate bound
Next week, we are with Bill's son, Eric Johnson, in Tecate, Mexico. Eric is the leader of our 2nd year school of ministry. He is a lot like his dad, and we are excited to get to know him. We will be serving at a ministry conference and orphanage and staying in dorms there.

Rick in Colorado
Rick will be at the healing school in Castle Rock with Bill J., Randy Clarke and Leif Hetlund April 5 - 9. He will be with an amazing team of other students, too. I'm excited for him and wish I could be with him there, too. For our Colorado friends, if you want to attend or need more info on this awesome Healing School conference open to all who want to learn more about healing ministry - and / or want to just come and get healing - go to http://www.globalawakening.com/Articles/1000098194/Global_Awakening/Global/Events/School_of_Healing.aspx

We still do not know what or where God is sending us to after school, but both Rick and I know there is something taking shape. We are not worried, but eager with anticipation.

We are so excited about all that God is doing in us and for others. He is so good - and kind - and powerful - and wants us all to partner with Him in advancing His Kingdom on Earth.

Blessings to you all. Thank you for your prayers, your financial support, and your love.

Grace and peace to you and yours!