SKYPE SCHOOL BEGINS

We finally got a bit of a break around Christmas. But right after, counseling and training kicked into high gear! Here's a breakdown:

* I'm training 2 church leaders in healing prayer (and doing a lot of praying for them - the freedom God is bringing them is so amazing!)

* Every Sunday night @ 9:30 to midnight, I am now praying for and training some Timothies (house church leaders). Last night was our first time together - 10 showed up. And it lasted until 1:00 in the morning. Good thing I could sleep in! Each week we will cover another aspect of healing prayer. Their questions are so intense - it is what they deal with daily. Here are a couple just from yesterday:
> How do I stop the intense headaches and nausea I get every time I command Satan to leave?
> How do I help my friend find freedom from drug addiction?

* This training time has led to setting up some individual appointments (via Skype) with some of these leaders. I begin New Year's night @ 9:30 pm - please pray! I have appointments with 5 people in Iran over the next 2 weeks. And the Paul (leader of leaders) is working on setting me up with another 3 people in the near future.

* I'm also continuing my work with the local Iranian church to train their telephone follow-up counselors (who call in during their satellite TV show broadcast in farsi all over the world). I'll be helping to train them to handle some of the tough issues they face daily.

And it's only beginning! I've put in the column to your right some of the prayer points you can focus on. So keep us in your prayers!

ANOTHER FIRST!

When believers in persecuted countries gather together, it is at great risk. When they are together longer than a few hours, it is at tremendous risk. But a group did just that recently - for the first in-country Christian conference in Iran! I have just received a summary of that conference. The two topics? Leadership and Inner Healing. What follows is one of the leaders own words (I've tried to leave the English as she wrote it, though I've put in parentheses some clarifying remarks). Read and be blessed!!!

Salaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaam Baba (Daddy) Mike - how are you ? Baba Mike, the conference was miracle of God . Let me tell you from the first: me and S had 4.35 hours to teach I had 3 hours and the rest was for S. I started with explanation of healing prayer and explained the difference between healing prayer and spiritual warfare because our Timothy just knew about spiritual warfare and they think healing prayer is same. After that I started to explain about how somebody can be wounded but cannot remember (this was the first session). After that I asked all of them to start praying about their wounds. Oh Baba Mike suddenly Holy Spirit came and touched all of us - you should be there! How God healed so many of us. They cried, they talked to Jesus, they prayed some of them loudly, some very quiet, some just keep quiet and look and think deeply. Oh Baba Mike it was so wonderful. It took about 2 hours. One old man about 70 came to me and cried and talked about when he was the age of 8 and God healed him immediately. I cannot explain that night - it was very holy.

For second session I talked about kids inside (this is at the heart of my recent teaching) - they really love this topic. They had hundreds of questions. Oh lord, Baba Mike, it wasn't me talking to them. You know, after finish I listen to my session. I talked about so many things that I didn't know before. Baba Mike, I told them that Pastor MG teach all of these lessons to me and they know you as Baba Mike now. After second session I told if you want go for a break and then we will have a prayer session. They said no, we don't want break. Just add the time of break to our prayer session.

For second prayer session I talked about the names and stones (this is a prayer time where you allow God to remove all of the negative, old names and labels you have received and replace them with His name for you. When God reveals this new name, the person writes it down on a white rock to keep – see Revelation 2:17). How wonderful it would be if you could be there. So many of them got the new name. When we were praying, God showed me that there is one person there that many people called him or her “orphan” while he/she was baby. Suddenly one old lady about 70 came to me and cried and said “It’s me because I lost my mom and dad when I was a baby. All of my relatives called me orphan and I grow up with this name.” So we prayed for her and she got a beautiful name from God.

For third session S talked about 6 steps for kids (this is a prayer process to help people find inner healing and freedom – it is at the heart of what I’ve been doing recently). And it was good. We realized that S is very amazing in individual healing prayer and during those nights she and me had so many healing prayer times individually with people. During those healing prayer times we realized that S is wonderful with personal healing prayer and I was good in teaching and mass (group) prayer.

So Baba Mike I want to thank you so much. I miss you alot. This was very good experience for all of us. God bleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeess you my dear Baba (the Iranians extend words for emphasis).

E

DICKENS OR LUKE?

This Christmas season, I've been reading a book of devotionals about Christmas. Here's one that struck me. It begins with a quote:

"Without poverty of spirit, there can be no abundance of God."

We love Christmas because, as we say, Christmas brings out the best in us. Everyone gives on Christmas, even the stingiest among us, even the Ebenezer Scrooges. Charles Dickens' story of Scrooge's transformation has probably done more to form our notions of Christmas than St. Luke's story of the manger. Whereas Luke tells us of God's gift to us, Dickens tells us how we can give to others. A Christmas Carol is more congenial to our favorite images of ourselves. Dickens suggests that deep down, even the worst of us can become generous, giving people.

Yet I suggest we are better givers than getters, not because we are generous people because we are proud, arrogant people. The Christmas story - the one according to Luke not Dickens - is not about how blessed it is to be givers but how essential it is to see ourselves as receivers.

We prefer to think of ourselves as givers - powerful, competent, self-sufficient, capable people whose goodness motivates us to employ some of our power, competence and gifts to benefit the less fortunate. Which is a direct contradiction of the biblical account of the first Christmas. There we are portrayed not as the givers we wish we were but as the receivers we are. Luke and Matthew go to great lenghs to demonstrate that we - with our power, generosity, competence and capabilities - had little to do with God's work in Jesus. God wanted to do something for us so strange, so utterly beyond the bounds of human imagination, so foreign to human projection, that God had to resort to angels, pregnant virgins, and stars in the sky to get it done. We didn't think of it, understand it or approve it. All we could do, at Bethlehem, was to receive it. A gift from a God we hardly even knew.

The strange story of a virgin birth to a peasant couple in Judea demonstrates that the solution for what ails us has very little to do with us. One rabbi writes that, as a Jew, he is impressed reading Matthew's account of the Nativity by how utterly passive the actors are. The first word of the church is that we are receivers before we are givers. Discipleship teaches us of the art of seeing our lives as gifts. That's tough, because I would rather see myself as a giver. I want power - to stand on my own, take charge, set things to rights, perhaps to help those who have nothing. I don't like picturing myself as dependent, needy, empty-handed.

It's tough to be on the receiving end of love, God's or anybody else's. It requires that we see our lives not as our possessions, but as gifts. "Nothing is more repugnant to capable, reasonable people than grace," wrote John Wesley a long time ago.

So God comes to us, blesses us with a gift, and calls us to see ourselves as we are - empty-handed recipients of the gracious God who, rather than leave us to our own devices, gave us a baby.

-- William Willimon --

A FIRST!

Just talked with the pastor of the Iranian church. He told me they recently had their very first in-country conference for Christian leaders. This was a great risk - and a great success! What made it especially exciting for me is that one of the two main topics of the event was Healing Prayer (what I've been teaching them for the past year).

Two of my best students led the teaching and healing times and many were set free. I've yet to get the full scoop on this, and I'll write more when I do. But I'm just awed and thankful that the lessons God has taught me over the years are now blessing and empowering these special brothers and sisters. Please keep praying with me for them!

A TESTIMONY FROM IRAN

I received these powerful and encouraging words from one of the house church leaders in Iran. She was reflecting on a trip she and some others took to a distant city to encourage and train some new believers. Most of my ministry with her has been online - but, as you can see, it is still life-changing. God works powerfully in this country - and quick!

I've shortened the names for safety - and added in parentheses some comments for clarification. For those of you praying for me and supporting me financially, thank you!!! Your prayers and support are helping to set people free - 1/2 way around the world.

Baba (Daddy), I don’t know how should I say thanks to you any time that I need help you helped me. Just I'm crying here and if I was there just can hug you and say thank you to you. Keshish (Pastor) Mike, in my last trip to Sh, with N, P and Na, in the last day, when I saw the faces of my sisters in the Christ there and how they changed and when they told me about their freedom during that week, I liked to flight (I wanted to fly). And it was because you learnt me; you learnt me what to do and how to help people; how to go deeper and deeper with them. Helping us first for healing ourselves and then teaching us about this. How to destroy their walls (meaning, how to help them let down their walls). And how to help me. When I was in Sh, especially in the last day my heart rejoice because of their changing and it was because of you. You listened to the voice of God and came to Turkey for us, with a difficult situation and first helped us and then teached us. Really merci (thank you), Keshish Mike.

THE FIRST 10 DAYS

Well, it's been 10 days since this journey began. What's it like being out there in missionary land? Well, for me it's been:

• Several appreciation events at South Hills. It is so awesome to hear how God has used my gifts and ministry over the last 5+ years to help so many at such deep levels. It continues to embolden me to take risks and get out to the hurting and broken international leaders as soon as possible!
• A few days of travel to visit old friends and their churches. I thought our time there would be about making conncections for potential future support. Silly me. There have been opportunities for ministry already. One of my dreams has been that, when I am in the U.S., I will be able to come alongside leaders here as I will be doing in other countries. This past week was a beginning of that.
• Meeting with many wonderful people who have been so encouraging and supportive. Again, stories of God changing them through a prayer we shared, or a sermon, or a class. And the generosity! Kheili mamnunam (thank you very much)!
• Teaching and counseling online with some of my Iranian family. One group just returned from a ministry trip and briefly shared with me that they were using some of the healing prayer methods I taught them. I'm still waiting for details, but a number of people received healing and freedom. And one of the group (who had received but never practiced healing prayer) began to shine as a powerful servant in this ministry! Please pray for N. and God's strengthening of her gift.
• Finally, lots and lots and lots of calls, mailings, thank you notes - all the administrative things that one must do as we raise support. Thank you again to all who have committed to pray and/or to donate! We're on our way!

So that's a peek into our first 10 days. I'll let you know more as it comes.

A POINT OF CLARIFICATION

Some have told me that it is a bit hard to get their minds around what I will be doing. Well, that's quite alright. This is a journey that hasn't been fully defined yet - I'm still wondering at times all that God is calling me to do.

But what I can do is clarify what I do know as of this posting:

• I will be working primarily with leaders and missionaries in other countries. This doesn't mean I'll be travelling 365 days a year. We will be based here in Silicon Valley (at least for now) and travelling as opportunities arise.
• I won't be starting my own ministries overseas, but instead I will be coming alongside of already established ministries/missionaries/church leaders. This could mean being with them a week or a month or longer. Ministry could happen as a time of training or a seminar or being available to pray and/or counsel with leaders and their families. I might be called in to help with reconciliation for a ministry or team.
• How will I find these opportunities to serve overseas? Well, God has partnered me with a few ministries already - Iranian house church leaders and training pastors/churches in Baja are the most established relationships. Beyond that, I've found that the world of international ministries/missions is really a very small world. Leaders and missionaries network and work with one another. As one finds a great resource, they tell others about it. This has already begun for me. I have had several approaches by ministry leaders (one in India, another with a worldwide ministry) who have heard about what I offer. I suspect that contacts will come in a variety of ways - and God will direct which ones I must work alongside.
• What will I do when I'm here in the U.S.? Well, first of all I have to raise my support. That is a full-time job in itself - talking with individuals, groups, churches, pastors, foundations, etc. I also have an ongoing ministry through Skype (a secure internet chat program) with house church leaders in Iran. That will continue and increase. I will be available to preach in churches, teach seminars, speak at retreats, etc. One dream I have is to help bring reconciliation for churches going through conflict. I will be putting together the seminars and lessons I will teach here and overseas. I will be contacting international ministries to set up future travel. So, you can see, it won't be boring! (Oh, yeah, one more - Carolyn and I are committed to learning Farsi.)
• Finally, how available am I for ministry/counseling with individuals here in Silicon Valley? Frankly, I'm not sure about this one yet. There are many dear people at South Hills and elsewhere that have asked about one-on-one counseling and prayer. Initially, I will be taking some time away from this. But who knows where God will lead in the future?

Hope this helps! Please send an email or post a comment on this blog if you have any questions. I'd love to hear from you. Doostet daram (I love you), Mike

ALL IS FORGIVEN

Here is a story that speaks of Grace and our longing for a father’s love and forgiveness. May it bless you!

Grace teaches us that God loves us because of who God is, not because of who we are. Grace appeals to us; it beckons us…calls to us…pleads for us…

Ernest Hemingway tells a story about a Spanish father whose relationship with his son Paco had become strained & eventually shattered. When his rebellious son ran away, his father began a long and difficult search to find him. As a last resort the exhausted father placed an ad in the Madrid newspaper, hoping that his son would see it and respond. The ad read, "Dear Paco, Please meet me in front of the Hotel Montana Noon Tuesday. All is forgiven. Papa.” Paco is a common name in Spain, and when the father goes to the square he finds 800 young men named Paco waiting for their father.

I believe that everyone is a “Paco”. They don’t know how but they long to experience the grace of God. We all have a longing, a need for a true home, where we can be accepted & cherished. We have this longing because God’s Spirit whispers to us to come home. Whatever you have done can be forgiven through Jesus’ death for you. No matter what you have become, you can be made new through the grace & power of God.

DEEPLY ROOTED

Our small group last night was studying about forgiveness. I found a nugget in the book I want to share with you.

Psalm 92:13 - Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God."

When a fruit tree is put in the ground it has to face rainstorms, hot sun, and wind. If a young tree could talk, it might say, "Please get me out of here! Put me in a place where there is no sweltering heat or windy storms!"

If the gardener listened to the tree, he would actually harm it. Trees endure the hot sun and rainstorms by sending their roots down deeper. The adversity they face is eventually the source of great stability. The harshness of the elements surrounding them causes them to seek another source of life. They will one day come to the place where even the greatest of windstorms cannot affect their ability to produce fruit.

One of the hardest things to do in this life is stay where you are planted. I like to run, to withdraw, to fight back when adversity or accusation or attack comes my way. I have prayed a LOT of "Please get me out of here!" type prayers. But all I'm doing is resisting the very thing God has sent to grow me, to mature me.

The last few months for me have been a back and forth tug-of-war with God, trying to stay planted in quite a bit of adversity - spiritual, relational, you name it. But through it all, God has been guiding us and strengthening us for what is about to come. Hard lessons learned; God's severe mercy. But necessary.

So in 1 week God will move this big old tree to a new garden in the "house of the Lord," a new place of ministry. My prayer is that the roots will begin deepening again, able to withstand a new type of challenge, of adversity. Thank you for joining me in this journey.

WHERE DO THE LEADERS GO FOR HELP?

Have you ever asked that question? Where do Christian leaders go for help?

• When their family is struggling?
• When they have doubts about their calling, their faith or their God?
• When they are struggling with a secret sin?
• When they are so tired and dry that they can't imagine preaching one more sermon, talking to one more person, hearing one more problem?

Where do they go? It's tough being someone that everyone comes to for help and feeling like you have nowhere to turn yourself. You're expected to have answers, creative solutions, godly counsel - what will your flock think if they find out you need these as much as (or more than) they do?

These are the issues that haunt so many leaders. But with nowhere to go, they often just live with the discouragement or fears or doubts or emptiness or loneliness or etc. And that is a most certain path to defeat.

Being one of these leaders for over 25 years now, I know firsthand these feelings and defeats. But God has a different way, a healing and cleansing way. And that is what burns in my heart to do for and with these chosen, precious children of God - to help them personally find the same freedom they bring to so many others! And if such help is needed here, with all our resources, imagine what it is like on the international field - where so many leaders have so little support and help. Please help me with your prayers and your gifts!

And think about the Christian leaders in your life. Have you encouraged them lately? Have you prayed for them? Given them a little gift - even if it's a simple email or note? In 1 Timothy 5:17, Paul commands the early Christians:

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.

How often have you given your leader even a single honor? Pray about it this week! And then step out and do something about it! Find a way to honor your leaders. You may be their one positive encounter all week. So don't delay! We need you!

BUSY, BUSY

I forgot the time and energy it takes to get a house ready to sell! Carolyn is bearing the brunt of the load right now as my schedule at church is still very full. She is re-landscaping the front of the house. Lookin' good! There are also contractors in here fixing up some of those annoying little things you just get used to - like leaky showers, peeling linoleum, etc. We should be done by the end of the week.

My ministry overseas continues as well. Counseling, teaching, encouraging - even helping one young man learn English. We just covered nouns and contractions.

Exciting experience at church on Sunday. One of our members asked me how I was going to network with people around the world to offer my ministry. Just as I was about to answer, another member (who lives 6 months here, 6 months in India) came up to me and asked: "So, when are you coming to India? We need you there to help our leaders. I have a room for you and will take care of your needs once you get there." I turned to the other fellow and answered him: "I guess this is how the networking begins!"

So please keep praying! God only knows where all this is leading. So we're in great hands!

THE ANNOUNCEMENT

Well, today was the announcement at church. We have had a number of staff leaving over the last couple of months, so I wondered how it would be received. God gave me the grace and words. Many people came forward to express sadness for our leaving, but an excitement for what God was doing in our lives.

Those who know me pretty much saw this coming. Some had heard words from the Lord about our leaving. Some could just tell from my constant excitement about my ministry with the Iranians. Some said they knew it from the first time I came back from the Middle East - they could see a huge change in me and knew where it would lead.

It was tough looking at all those faces I've come to know so well and love so much. There is a wonderful group of people at this church. It kinda helped that the spotlight was so bright in my eyes that I couldn't see the congregation very well. But it was both an exciting and a sad moment. Please keep praying for this wonderful church - South Hills.

So now begins a new chapter. One month to finish well, to transition my ministry, to begin asking for pray-ers and donors, to decide when to sell our home, to find a place to live during the transition. There's more, but my fingers are tired. Suffice it to say there is a lot of work and praying to do!

God is so good! He is revealing Himself to us in so many ways. The first person who came forward is a lady I've only met once. She strongly encouraged me and then said she wanted to be the first to donate to our new ministry. Talk about confirmation! Others came forward with tears in their eyes to hug and bless us and tell us about our impact in their lives. It was a sweet time. Such a gift from God!

Ok, enough for tonight. Thanks for caring - and praying!

IT'S TIME!

It's time to move on! I met with the elders of our church last Thursday to share about my journey and new call. On Tuesday I met with the Senior Pastor and heard the good news - my last day at South Hills will be October 31st. And, as an added blessing, they will bless us with 2 more months of salary to help us get started on raising support. Thank you South Hills!

The church will hear the news on September 30th. Please pray! The last time I left a church we had been deeply involved with it was rather difficult for everyone.

And pray for our family. The attacks have continued to come - but often in strange ways. Our son-in-law's car was stolen recently. None of us can figure why anyone would want to take this rather old and deteriorating car. So old, in fact, he had no comprehensive insurance to cover the theft.

On the other hand, Carolyn and I are doing awesome! We just returned from a fantastic Couples' Retreat. I am still in awe of God's amazing gift of love in giving me such a supportive and caring wife. We are totally in sync with this move. Sure makes all the bumps in the road seem insignificant.

Well, enough for tonight! Have a blessed week! Mike

MY JOURNEY

My Journey From a Church Pastorate to International Ministry

I have been asked a number of times recently how the Lord led me into a completely new stage of ministry. Here is a brief explanation of the sequence of events.

It actually began about 3-1/2 years ago. Carolyn and I had been gathering with a dedicated group of prayer warriors who committed themselves to pray over us on a regular basis. At one particular prayer meeting, the Lord revealed to me in a vision an exciting future ministry. I was surprised that, as we ended our prayer, one of the women spoke up and said that she had received a vision regarding my future ministry as well.

She said that she had seen me driving a car. That represented my previous ministry. At the present time, however, she saw me driving a bus with a lot of people inside. Finally she saw me as the engineer of a train - pulling numerous cars filled with passengers. She took the vision to mean that God was soon going to expand the scope of my ministry.

I then shared with the group what the Lord had shown me that night. As we prayed, I saw myself standing in a field, holding hands with a person on either side of me. I heard the Lord tell me to look to my right and to my left. There I could see people stretching farther than my sight would carry. I heard the Lord's voice tell me: "These are the people whom you have helped." Then he instructed me to turn around. And there, behind me, were multitudes of people, far more than anyone could count. I then heard the words that I've never forgotten: "These are the people that you will help for me."

Over the last 3-1/2 years, Carolyn and I have waited for God to fulfill these promises. The clear direction that we have sought has finally been revealed.

Eleven months ago, I was privileged to lead a prayer team to the Middle East. Our mission was to be available to pray with about 40 house church leaders from Iran at a one-week leadership conference. On the morning of the first day of the conference, I slipped outside for a time of prayer and preparation. I felt so empty, and I told the Lord that he made a grave mistake in sending me. What happened next was a total surprise. I heard him clearly say: "Then I will fill your emptiness with a Father's love for my children in Iran." And for the next half hour he poured a daddy's love into my heart for the people I was soon to be meeting and praying with.

Later that afternoon, it was my turn to speak to the group. As I stood, I heard a simple whisper in my mind: "Lead with your heart." And that is what I did. I spoke to them of the burdens of being a leader. I asked them questions like: "Everyone comes to you for help. But who can you turn to for encouragement and hope?" The tears began to flow. Since the teaching that day had been primarily about forgiveness, I asked them to join me in a corporate prayer to let go of all of the grudges and hurts they had stockpiled deep in their hearts. As the prayer concluded, I looked up to see almost every face streaked with tears. I headed back to my seat, but I never made it. Over half of the group surrounded our team and pleaded with us to pray with them. And that's what we did! The entire week, during every available moment, we prayed – and watched miracle after miracle unfold.

Returning home, I realized that something had dramatically changed. My love for the Iranians continued to deepen. I began to interact with many of these leaders on a secure Internet chat program - counseling, teaching, encouraging. Our Missions Pastor began saying cryptic things like "I believe I just saw the beginning of your international ministry, Mike." I met with the leaders of the ministry who had sponsored the conference. They told me that what we had done had changed completely their concept of what these church leaders needed. They had seen so much healing and growth during just one week - and it was continuing long after the conference. They asked if we would commit to come back again and again, not only to continue this healing ministry, but also to teach the Iranians how to take it back into their country.

Since that meeting, I have spent as many of my free hours as possible continuing my ministry on the Internet, appearing twice on the satellite TV show beamed into Iran, taught several seminars at the local Iranian Christian Church, and attended a second conference earlier this year - this time for two weeks.

In the midst of this growing ministry, Carolyn read an article about a mission organization called Paraclete. When she came to their mission statement, she looked at me and said "Mike, this sounds exactly like what you want to do." As I read the article, I began to sense in my heart and excitement and an immediate urge to call the president, Don Parrott. It was clear even during our first conversation that God was doing something extraordinary.

Paraclete's vision is to partner seasoned Christian leaders with harvest workers throughout the world. "Paraclete" literally means "to come alongside." The Paraclete Associate’s goal is not to establish new ministries, but to come alongside of existing international ministries and Christian leaders and offer our gifts and experience; to serve them however we can.

Over the last number of months, as I continued to serve the Iranians both here and in Iran, Don and I have been slowly going through an intense interview process. In late August, I received a call from Don stating that, as far as Paraclete was concerned, I have a green light to join them. Carolyn and I strongly believe that this is God's new direction for our lives - the fulfillment of the promises he gave us 3-1/2 years ago.

Working as a Paraclete Associate, I can either focus on one section of the world or be available anywhere in the world the Lord leads. One exciting development, occurring early in our consideration process, was when I received a call from a Christian leader in Mexico who asked me to come back and train the pastors and Christian leaders of Ensenada in healing prayer. I was involved in ministry in Mexico during the 90’s. Perhaps the Lord will be opening more doors into this country as well.

There is so much more to share about this journey. There have been so many amazing confirmations and God has made it clear that our time to begin is here.

Please pray for us - for protection (for we have been severely attacked in recent months) and specific direction. Thank you for being a special part of our lives!

“It is for freedom that Christ has set you free!”