SO WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW?

At the most recent conference for house church leaders (held in a secret location in the Middle East), I finally sat down with some of our Healing Prayer trainees and asked them to record what is happening in Iran through their ministry.  The stories were, frankly, overwhelming.  I cried more than once as I heard the translations.

I am working on having someone translate each of these - doing a "voice-over" the original farsi.  Here's a taste, though.  Be blessed!

From N. in Iran – one of our prayer team

Since I met Baba Mike and he prayed with me, I have been healed from the wounds of my heart – the bad feelings of rejection and worthlessness.  I didn’t know the root of where these bad feelings came from.  I didn’t know why they existed in me.  Baba Mike helped me learn how to deal with these feelings.

When I’m in Iran, all the church members are wounded and hurt from many things.  Many are demonized.  God helps me to understand them and the problems they are struggling with.  God wants them to be healed and I am able to pray over them with the gift of healing prayer.  I thank God that He uses me for His glory and I hope that I can do more.

One day in church one of the ladies was so sad.  I went to her and started to talk to her.  That lady started to talk about her husband who had a big problem.  They have been fighting for awhile.  I asked her if she wanted me to pray.  She accepted.

God started working in her heart.  She saw the pride and selfishness and anger in her own life.  These caused problems in her life and especially with her husband.  God worked in her life and she was healed.  At first she didn’t believe that something really happened to her and that she was really healed.  But after a little while, when I saw her again, she told me that the relationship between her and her husband had been healed.  She said that whenever she and her husband start to fight, she chooses Isa and she can resist those feelings of anger.

PRAYER FOR PROTECTION - Psalm 18 made personal

Here is a portion of Psalm 18 personalized and put in the first person to pray for protection.  We'll be praying this together at my upcoming Spiritual Warfare seminar on Oct. 11.  Call or write me for more info.  May this powerful prayer from God's Word bless and empower you!

1 I love you, Lord;
      you are my strength.

2 You are my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
      you are my rock, and I find protection in you.
   You are my shield, the power that saves me,
      and my place of safety.

3 I call on you, Lord, worthy of praise,
      save me from my enemies. 

6 In my distress I cry out to you, Lord;
      I pray to you for help.
   You hear me from your sanctuary;
      I know my cry will reach your ears.

16 You reach down from heaven and rescue me; you draw me out of deep waters.

17 You rescue me from my powerful enemies,
      from those who hate me and are too strong for me.

18 They attack me at moments when I am in distress,
      but you, Lord, support me.

19 Lead me to a place of safety;
      I believe your truth that you rescue me because you delight in me. 

27 You rescue the humble,
      but you humiliate the proud.

28 You light a lamp for me
      Light up my darkness

29 In your strength I can crush an army;
      with you I can scale any wall.

30 Your way is perfect.
      All your promises prove true.
      You are a shield for all who look to you for protection.

31 There is no God but you, Lord!
      You are our only solid rock

32 You arm me with strength,
      and make my way perfect

33 Make me as surefooted as a deer,
      so I can stand on mountain heights.

34 Train my hands for battle;
      strengthen my arms

35 You have given me your shield of victory.
      Your right hand supports me;
      your help has made me great.

36 You have made a wide path for my feet
      to keep them from slipping.

37 Help me chase my enemies and catch them;
      I will not stop until they are conquered!

38 With your power, Lord, I will strike them down so they can not get up;
      they will fall beneath my feet.

39 You have armed me with strength for the battle;
      you have subdued my enemies under my feet.

40 You placed my foot on their necks.
      I will destroy all who hate me.

42 Even now, I grind them as fine as dust in the wind.
      I sweep them into the gutter like dirt.

43 You give me victory over my accusers

45 They all lose their courage
      and come trembling from their strongholds.

46 The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock!
      May the God of my salvation be exalted!

47 You are the God who pays back those who harm me

 48 and rescues me from my enemies.
   You hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies;
      you save me from violent opponents.

49 For this, O Lord, I will praise you;
      I will sing praises to your name.

50 You give great victories to your child; and show unfailing love to your anointed

FASCINATING INTERVIEW

Here is an excerpt from an interview I read recently about Iran.  It reveals the hunger of the people for something more - and many are finding it in Jesus!  Please continue to pray for these precious people!

ROSENBERG : Are the Iranian people supporting Ahmadinejad and the Ayatollah Khamenei? 

DOYLE: Not at all. The people believe that the Islamic Revolution has destroyed their country. The people live in constant fear daily because of the government's fanatical obsession with upholding Sharia Law that was imposed on them in 1979. Iranians also believe that the government cannot be trusted and that corruption is rampant. In the last "election" in Iran I am told by insiders that only about 10% of the entire country voted. Another tell-tale sign is that an estimated 70% of Iranians claim to be atheists now. The majority of the people want nothing to do with Islam and their leaders. 

ROSENBERG: What's happening spiritually in Iran -- and why? 

DOYLE: In 1979 when the Islamic Revolution began there were probably about 500 believers in Iran . The country was going to become "an Islamic model" for other Muslim nations to follow. But those plans failed miserably. Because today we know that there are 1-2 million believers [in Jesus Christ] in Iran . The Church in Iran took off once the Islamic Revolution took place. Joel, the people of Iran are so open to Jesus. We had many people walk up and ask us to tell them about Jesus. The believers meet in secrecy, they share Bibles written in Farsi, and they worship passionately. In Iran if you are a believer your life is obviously at risk. Some key leaders have been martyred for their faith. 

ROSENBERG: How many house churches are you hearing will be planted in Iran in the next 12 to 18 months or so? 

DOYLE: The estimate is about 10,000. 

INNER HEALING

I know, it's been a long time. Guess this will be more of a periodic posting place for now. What follows is an article I've been asked to write for the upcoming newsletter sent out by Paraclete to all of those who support an Associate. It will be the lead, front-page article. Please pray that all who read it will be blessed and understand a ministry that's seems impossible to summarize in only 800 words! Blessings on all!

************************************************

“The panic attacks just keep getting worse! The meds the doctor gave me aren’t working and my therapist isn’t sure what to do next. What do I do?”

“Well, let’s spend some time in prayer and ask Jesus what He wants to show us. (Pause) ‘Lord Jesus, teach us how to pray for Linda.’”

This is a fairly typical beginning of what has come to be called “Inner Healing” or “Healing Prayer.” When we intercede for another, it usually involves a dialogue – I take someone’s requests and present them directly to the Father. Healing Prayer is more of a “trialogue” – a 3-way conversation between God, the pray-er and the pray-ee. A lot of time is spent listening for the Holy Spirit to direct us. He uses pictures, words, our spiritual gifts and other means to delve deep to the roots of a person’s issues.

“I see a picture of myself as a little kid, running away from someone in panic. I think it’s my cousin. I was always afraid of him – but now I feel terrified. What is happening?”

“Lord Jesus, fill your daughter with peace and love right now. Come to this frightened child inside and surround her with your grace and protection. Begin bringing healing to this memory.”

And that is precisely what our Lord does. We so often talk about the love of the Lord, the peace and freedom He brings, abundant life, His healing power – yet so few believers actually experience these wonderful gifts. After 17 years in this ministry, I have seen miracle after miracle of freedom and healing, life and joy – and it lasts!

A simple working definition: “Healing prayer is a method of prayer by which Jesus is invited to address the hurts of the past and heal us of their negative results.”

Sometimes I’m asked: “Where is this type of ministry in Scripture?” And I always find my mind going back to one of the most remarkable healings in Jesus’ ministry. In Mark 5, while on an errand to heal the daughter of the most honorable man in town, Jesus stops to talk to the town’s most dishonorable woman. That in itself is a HUGE statement by our Lord that ALL are worthy of His time and love.

But Jesus goes further. He has already (unknowingly) healed her physical issues. But it isn’t enough. So He stops - disregarding the confusion and embarrassment of His disciples – and waits. And this woman (who, according to the social and religious rules of the day, has no right to even be here) pours out her story – the “whole truth.” It takes time – maybe hours. Twelve years of suffering inside and outside isn’t summarized in a few statements.

It takes so long, in fact, that the daughter of the #1 VIP in town dies as she pours out her heart. And then this very unorthodox rabbi brings it all to a close with a remarkable claim (:34): “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Her healing is first “peace” and then freedom from suffering. Is that why He stopped so long?

And is this why He first pronounces forgiveness for the paralytic lowered through the roof when everyone there could certainly see that his problem was his legs – or was it? Or why He spoke as He did to the Samaritan woman at the well? Or why He touched (touched?!) lepers?

Jesus brought healing to people on both the outside and inside in a variety of ways. And it’s no different today. Personally, I’ve received His healing power through the Word, the counsel of a good friend or therapist, and just spending time alone with Him in prayer. Healing Prayer – God’s ministry of inner healing from emotional damage, childhood trauma and the consequences of human sin – is one of His ways to set His children free at the deepest levels.

“I see Jesus! He is telling me that it’s ok now. My cousin can never hurt me again. And He’s asking me to give Him all my fear and pain. I give it to you gladly, Lord. I don’t want it anymore. Oh, He’s taking it. I don’t have to carry it any longer. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you!”

And now we have the honor of sharing this powerful ministry throughout the world. In Iran, e.g., many who have received deep freedom and healing are now praying with others and training them in Healing Prayer. And the testimonies we receive are amazing. Please continue to pray for these precious fellow believers in the Middle East!

A Touching Note

From a church leader formerly in Iran (who had to flee because of persecution)

“You are like our Baba. Merci. Everyone I talk to (in Iran) loves you so much. You are blessing the churches and people of God so much. I appreciate it. You know, after (some of the churches split), I prayed so much for the churches that were hurting – that the Lord would take care of them during this time. They were all babies in the Lord. And when I talked to them again a few months ago, there was so much healing. The Lord heard my prayer and brought you to them. They seemed so healthy and free and grown. And I will pray for you, that the Lord will continue to use you in this area. Because I know that the Lord will use this church and the churches in Iran to bring millions to him in the Middle East. It is a promise that He made to us a few years ago. Thank you again.”

Where Have I Been?

So, just what does a missionary that stays at home actually do? Glad you asked!

The past few months have been quite a ride! I actually thought life would slow down a bit when I left the pastoral ministry. Fat chance!

Most of my days are spent in praying, counseling, training and mentoring on the internet. I now am teaching 2 classes in Iran on Skype, with about 30-40 joining me each week. These leaders are taking these lessons and teaching them wherever they travel. Pray for them, please!

I’m also helping several Christian leaders here and in Mexico. These have been intense times for intense problems. So keep praying! And thanks!

And Some More Testimonies

It's so amazing! The stories I've begun to hear from Iran are so deep and powerful - so quickly!

One thing we did different this year was to focus on shame instead of guilt. As Carolyn and I flew over there, I read a book entitled "Honor & Shame." It's about how different cultures are defined by different basic needs. All of this is based on the 3 major emotions felt by man during the fall in the garden.
:7 - guilt
:8 - shame
:10 - fear

Cultures that are haunted by fear see spiritual beings in every occasion and circumstance. They seek power to ward off evil spirits. Our culture is more guilt and innocence based. We look for right and wrong in situations. Even our movies are basically hero defeating villian. Right triumphs over wrong. But the Middle Eastern cultures are more honor and shame based. It is about preserving honor and avoiding shame.

The author of the book challenged the church and missionaries to learn and use paradigms that related more to honor and shame rather than our typical guilt and forgiveness theology and stories. And the Bible is full of these models and stories. For example, the son who runs away from the family, taking his inheritance with him. This would be an intense experience of shame for his family. And yet his father welcomes back this son of shame immediately. And the first gift he gives this prodigal son? A robe! To cover his shame! It's all there in Scripture, page after page.

So this time our prayers and teaching focused more on shame and recovering honor. I thought the Lord moved fast and deeply before. That was just the beginning compared to this trip. Hear some of the stories of what God continues to do in Iran. Again, thanks for your support!

______________________

(When I asked a leader how his timothies were doing, here is his brief answer)

"They are doing great, especailly Na. She is so different. She had a lot of issues. We are so amazed in how she has changed. She has real joy. Your ministry is awesome - very powerful. You did awesome – and your team. Thank you for doing this!!!!"

______________________


Here is another one from a leader whose Timothy is already putting into practice what we taught)

Na love you so much and she was blessed so much. She went to new level - I see it!! It’s amazing!! During this 2 days (since being back) God use Na to help healing 2 people, baba. And also she start to training 2 people for healing prayerrrrrrrrr. Na sees pictures also when she pray for people and Na is wonderful!!

I believe Na and T are so great in this inner kids ministry and other people start. But Na and T are more powerful because started before other!! I am so happy.

N

________________________

(And here's another one from one of my best students in Iran)

Tuesday I went to Ar's home and met her, A and A. I taught them a little about what I learned and then we started to pray. I started to pray for them and use the anointing oil that you gave us. For one of them I sanctify her eyes and hands (she felt guilty because she saw bad pictures and did some bad things with her hands) after praying she felt so good. THANKS FOR OIL. (we gave all of them gifts of anointing oil)

Again, thank you! This is the church working at its best! Blessings!!!

Baba Mike

Here Are Some Testimonies

Well, I promised you some testimonies. I asked my Iranian friends to send me a few and received several so far. I have only edited them to make them understandable, but left the language and grammar the same. It's awesome what is happening! Already the training we did is starting to bless others and spread! One leader is even training 2 people herself - only 3 days after returning home! Keep praying for them, please!
_______________________________

Hiiiiiiiiii baba

Khobi (are you well)? I had a wonderful week. I'll write my testimony and u send them :)
Before i come to conference, i could hardly laugh because of my past in church that i had so many problems specially with believers.

It was so hard to keep my peace. I was crying most of the nights, and i was thinking that this is my life i have to deal with it. But God always work in such a ways that no man can predict.
God changed so many things in me, and now i don't know what exactly happened to me. But i laugh freely, i have hope. I think the secret was in that every one must know how to pray. Every work has its own way and this kind of prayer (healing prayer) is something that is new for iranians and we need to learn more and more.

This conference was a blessing for me. The teachings about the things that we've never heard before, and learning how to use them in prayer was great. It can help so many people and bring freedom to people's life.

Special thanks to baba mike and to everyone that helped us to be in this conference. You helped so many people in Iran. God bless u all.

Blessings,
M
____________________________

Hi dear Pastor Mike,

Here's my testimony of the teachings that you gave us:

That was the most incredible experience that I have ever had. I have never tried using healing prayer this way and right now I'm using those experiences in iran. And it has a great effect on people. People here in church gets healed more quickly and more effectively, thanks to those teachings. And praise the Lord for the opportunity that he gave me to be part of this because it really help. The first week back I used the teaching on 2 people and the get freed from different parts (meaning deep wounds inside). I think that Iran's church need these teachings.
Praise the lord.

Dar mohabateh masih (In Christ's love),

In Him, F
_______________________________

I will send more later. Thanks again for all your help! You have made - are still making - a difference!

In His Grip, Baba Mike

An Overview of Our Trip

We have returned home after an amazing, God-filled week. You were probably wondering what happened to us. Well, we are here and everyone is ok.

First of all, thank you sooo much for all your support and prayers. I wish you could see the faces of these leaders as i shared with them of all those in America who gave wonderful gifts and were praying for all of them. They were so thankful and full of love. This trip more than any of the others I have been on has the promise to radically begin changing the church of Iran. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of that!

Second, why didn't you get any emails from us this week? Good question - happy I asked it. I tried several times in the early part of the week to log on to Google Groups, but never could get through to the website. I just figured it was down for awhile. Eventually, through some tricky computer maneuvering, I did get to the site - and found a big, nasty message from the Turkish government - "This site has been officially banned by Turkish Superior Court, law...". Amazing! Google banned by Turkey! Made me once again thank God for our freedoms here! So I'll try to make it up for you this week with some summary type emails.

Let's see...where to begin. Well, an overview would probably help. With your help, we raised enough money to bring 6 Timothies (house church leaders) out of Iran for an entire week. In addition, 7 Pauls (leaders of leaders) were able to stay over an extra 5 days (they were there the first week for a previous conference). Our team of 5 (Marcia, Robert, Carolyn, Kamran and me) joined them each day from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for training in Healing Prayer. These 13 were the ones we identified as the most promising and gifted in this ministry. Meanwhile, another conference with about 20 Timothies was occuring in the next meeting room. We would all join together for worship and meals.

Our time was intense - and so blessed. They are sooo hungry for learning how to help the people of their nation find healing and freedom. All my lesson plans went out the window the first day as we began engaging in dialogue about this ministry and their specific needs. It was a mixture of teaching, discussion, wrestling with how to apply this in Iran, praying for one another, praying for the Timothies in the other group, and more.

The first day (Monday - a special 2-hour welcome/intro) we all felt awful - headaches, confusion, body aches, etc. I could barely concentrate. Tuesday morning when we began again the same feelings hit us. I had just talked about God's heart for unity in the church and that this ministry MUST contribute to that and never detract from it. So, in unity we encircled the room and began praying for God's protection. Robert led this time. Then we paired off and began praying for one another. We waited for the Spirit to tell us what to pray. There were many amazing stories from this time alone! When we finished we all marvelled at how prayers offered in unity had a powerful effect. And that was just the first morning! It just kept getting better.

I am going to ask them to write me testimonies of what God did this week in their lives. I'll include them as they arrive. For now, know that this is only the beginning of many more great things to occur with this ministry. God is moving in this country. And we all are privileged to be a part of it. Thank you again!!!!

In His Grip, Mike

Oh, Wow, It's Been a Longgggg Time!

I can't believe it's been this long since my last post. For all of you still with me, I will post some of the great news from our recent trip to the Middle East. Blessings on all who have stuck with me and my lack of posts!

Here was my first message to our supporters for this specific trip - posted one week before leaving.

So your first message will come a week before we begin. Thanks for all your support and your prayers! They have all been much needed. It is amazing how God is working through all of you. We originally hoped to be there as a team to pray with anyone needing it. It has now evolved into something rather remarkable.

For 1+ years, I have been working with many in Iran - counseling, healing prayer, deliverance. Some have begun taking what they've been learning and receiving personally and using this iwth others. I get almost weekly reports about how churches and leaders are receving this prayer and being set free. But this trip is the fulfillment of one of the dreams God put on my heart.

With your help, we have raised enough money to bring 14 total people to our special training on healing prayer! When this began a few months ago, I was praying for 5 or 6. This is an awesome example of "God can do abundantly more than we can ask or imagine." Three whole days of intense training with these wonderful people!

Please pray for:
* Their own personal healing and freedom
* Identification of gifts that will help them to know how to apply this teaching in their country
* No rivalry - e.g., what happens if one of the newest leaders is the best at this prayer method? Pray that the leaders of leaders will be open to receiving help from their own followers.
* A room where we can meet without interruption - that it be spiritually cleansed and free from all interference
* My training - there are so many people and I have so much more time than I expected - how do I adapt to that? What needs to be done now vs. online later?
* For our team - they are varied in their own understanding and experience in healing prayer. Pray that God brings to their minds and hearts everything they need for the person or group they are meeting with.

Ok, enough for now. Blessings to you all! I look forward to reporting the exciting miracles I know we will see!!! Thanks again!!!

"Baba" (Daddy) Mike

HE STILL SPEAKS TODAY!

Well, life is moving right along. So much has happened. But let me tell you about a personal experience. November and December - my first two months with Paraclete - were intense. But nothing prepared me for January (and this far into February). It has been an incredible month and a half of ministry and training and counseling. You have read some of these events in my update (let me know if you didn't get one).

Well, last weekend I had the privilege of attending a 22 hour guided prayer retreat with Russ Ikeda. It was a powerful time. We had 3 separate times of teaching and then going out alone to pray. Each time God spoke to me in a different way.

First, I just laid down and started hearing His voice in my head. He talked to me about many things in my life and ministry. Every time I tried to talk back - even to ask a question or agree with Him (silly, now that I think about it) - I heard a gentle "Hush. It's my turn to talk now." So I'd hush and listen some more. During that time I received again a confirmation for my new direction in ministry, some challenges to grow in certain areas and some promises. But the most amazing part of this time (did it last 30 minutes or 2 hours?) was when I felt Him talking to and healing 2 very sad, young parts of me. When I was driving up to the retreat center, a song on a CD deeply moved me - and I felt intense sadness. I didn't know why. On the way down - after God spoke and healed - I heard that same song come around again. And I couldn't find the sadness anymore! It just wasn't there! Praise the Master Healer!

The second time God spoke to me was through His Word. I have been meaning to begin studying Isaiah. I've felt a strong tug toward this book for awhile. Well, on Saturday morning I began. And 2 hours and only 9 verses later, I'd received so much guidance and truth and wisdom that I just kept filling page after page of my journal. The biggest point was to allow God time to work. Do you realize that the 4 kings mentioned in Isaiah 1:1 ruled for a cumulative 100+ years? So, even though Isaiah is a long book, it took, what, 60 or 70 years to receive it all? So patience, Mike, patience!

The final time we met alone with God was in the afternoon. I waited for His voice - nothing. I looked at the Word - nothing. Hmmm...Finally I sensed I was supposed to take a walk. I saw a trail and it seemed to beckon, so I headed down it. I didn't know how far to walk, but I felt an assurance inside that I would know what I was supposed to see when I got there. Well, I had to climb over tree roots, walk through mud, push away young saplings threatening to slap my face, and so on. Oh, yeah, there were some nice spots as well. But through it all there was a natural beauty. When I got near the end of the trail, I looked down over the edge and saw my goal, my prize - a rusted out old post! Big whoop! So I asked what in the world that was all about. Here is what I heard:

• Your journeys in life don't always end the way you expect them to. Be open and obedient to wherever God leads you.
• Most of the beauty is along the way, not necessarily at the end.
• Life is a lot of different and varied experiences - learn to persevere and be thankful whatever you encounter.

I really needed to hear these words. I returned to the beginning of the trail and sat for the next 30 minutes pondering them. Boy, I really do have to learn to be more thankful and trusting in this journey I'm on. Especially for the finances. Good lessons, Lord!

Hey, taking the time to listen for God really works! Blessings on you all!

WHAT ARE MY PRIORITIES?

A short while back, I asked a veteran missionary to come by so I could pick his brain. What are the key things I should know and do as I enter this new adventure in ministry? He shared many profound insights, but one really stuck in my mind. He asked "What are your priorities?" And then he told me about two approaches that people like me take with this ministry.

Approach #1 - Focus on numbers and events.
Approach #2 - Focus on people.

I guess it's really no different than the approaches we take in the rest of our lives and careers. But this wise missionary drove home his point with this story. He said:

"In the country I served in for years, it got to the point that we could attend a seminar by a visiting speaker almost every weekend. And they were all very informative and helpful. But I never really saw much of a change in the local believers in the weeks and months after the seminar. The speakers, though, had some terrific stories to tell and could reassure their supporters that, indeed, their money was being put to good use for God's kingdom. Forty people came to their seminar! They made a great impact on this trip!"

But did they? Are the numbers sitting in the chairs any indication of the lasting, kingdom impact that was made? That was the question this gentleman was challenging me to think about.

And then he went on. "The greatest impact I have seen in my many years in ministry - both in America and abroad - happens when you invest your time in just a few people. You care for them, train them, spend time with them - in short, you disciple them! Now, the problem with this is that you will have a more difficult time describing your ministry to your supporters. It is easy to write 'I taught 75 people at a seminar for a week and God really moved!' It is much more difficult to send them an email or letter saying 'I have been spending most of my time investing in 5 key leaders in Iran (for example).'"

Then he peered into my eyes and asked me again "What are your priorities?" And I've thought about that alot. And I'm going for #2! It's what God has burdened and gifted me for - it is what makes my heart beat with joy and excitement and passion. To be His agent of transformation in the lives of His children will take time and training and, well, discipleship.

So I ask for your patience and prayers as I seek to find ways to continue to keep you informed and involved with this awesome ministry. I may have the greatest stories to share - but because they are very personal and confidential, I may not be able to talk about them with you. Yet I've already found that concentrating on key leaders bears great fruit.

For example, one of my best students in Iran has already begun taking what she has learned during our group and individual prayer times and using it to help her church members. She has told me of many people being set free already.

Or in Mexico, our investment (on Skype and during our 5 days there) focuses on a very special couple. They are receiving great healing - and are now starting to use the healing prayer lessons they have learned to help others. Their stories are amazing! I will share some of these later as I get permission.

Right now, ministry is about counseling/praying/training on skype - 1 class (soon to be 2) and about 10-12 individual appontments each week. It's about training the telephone counselors for the Iranian TV ministry. It's about talking to church leaders about ministry opportunities they never dreamed of. Each of these are investments in dozens, even 100's of other leaders. Pray that God will continue to guide me to the leaders He wants me to come alongside. Sometimes they are not the obvious ones (to our human eyes).

Kingdom impact - for eternity! May God help me to keep this as my priority!

UPDATE FROM MEXICO

Here's our update from our first ministry trip!

“I’m going to be honest with you. In the beginning, I was thinking ‘Why should I go?’ I really didn’t feel like coming. But then something told me that I should. And I think that you showed me a lot of things that are wrong with me or that I’m doing wrong. You made me remember things from my past that I guess I was blocking out. And I realized that I need help because I never felt like that. So I really want to thank you!”

At the end of our time in Mexico, we received thank you notes from the teachers and staff. This one, from C., really hit me. A hard man, obviously resistant, and yet God just kept working and working in his heart.

The teachers of the Elementary/Jr. High School received an intense dose of God’s grace during our 2-day retreat. We talked, prayed, discussed. Our focus – “The Kids Inside.” Some of you have heard me teach about this. For those of you who haven’t, it is essentially a path toward deep inner healing and freedom. We ask God to release those parts of us that were deeply wounded long ago – and still affect our lives. Here’s what one very anxious and fearful woman wrote about her experience:

“It was wonderful to have you with us and I feel like the Lord spoke to my heart. I have inner children that have been thinking they protect me. The Lord has sent you to guide me through this new journey in healing. I am at peace and look forward to using the method you have taught us.”

We also met with the staff of Rancho Santa Marta – a home for children (we often call these “orphanages” – but the truth is that many of these kids have parents – it’s just that they come from such horrible situations that the government has removed them from their families and put them in these homes). We began training them in the basics of “Healing Prayer.” So many of the kids – and staff – have experienced abuse, rejection, abandonment, etc. Pray that the lessons taught sink deep and help many there find God’s freedom!

And, finally, we had the privilege of intensive prayer sessions with a very precious couple at the Ranch. They are two of the key leaders there – and have a powerful ministry. I have been praying and counseling them off and on for years now. But this last week was the most powerful of all. Here are a few of the wife’s words:

“You both mean so much to me. You have been a huge answer to prayer to (my husband) and myself. As I look back at how I used to be I am amazed – was that really me? I am so glad you came to share with our people. Remember that we would love to have you back.”

And that, now, is our prayer. Where do we go from here with this wonderful ministry? The doors are wide open to continue to serve there. We quickly realized that going one time to a location can bear great fruit. But it is only a start. For example, at this home for children, the needs are so great and the wounds so deep that the leaders there need more intense training in Healing Prayer Ministry. As we left, we heard again and again, “When are you coming back?”

This was our first ministry trip with Paraclete. As we anticipated, we learned a lot. But we also left with a host of questions. Foremost among these is how much to commit to any one ministry? My life has been intertwined with Rancho Santa Marta for 22 years now – and we will be going back. But what about other ministries, other trips? Do we focus? Do we only start a few at a time?

So please keep us in your prayers. For ongoing wisdom, to learn the lessons God is teaching us, to know how best to help these wonderful servants in Mexico – and when to return.

Thanks for your ongoing prayers and support! More updates to come!

SNEAK PREVIEW

I was asked to provide a short article for the upcoming "Paraclete Perspectives" - the quarterly magazine of our mission. Here it is. Pray that this will help all who read it to be moved to prayer and action!


“Please pray for us! We have nothing like this in our country! We need to be free!” Such heartrending pleas came my way after my first teaching/prayer time with 40 house church leaders from the Middle East. They had been learning all day about forgiveness. And now, at the end of the day, I was given 20 minutes to introduce our prayer team and why we were there.

“Let me take you through a prayer exercise to actually forgive those who have hurt and betrayed you.” And we prayed. When I looked up, the tears were streaming – tears of sorrow for the pain, but also tears of joy for the freedom they felt. And then they came – almost all of them surrounding our team, pleading for help.

For 4 years now, a ministry based in the U.S. been leading hundreds of thousands of Moslems to Christ through satellite TV. But what to do next? How to develop leaders and gather house churches when the slightest slip means arrest, torture and possibly death? The internet is a start. But the real leadership development occurs during secret, semi-annual conferences in the Middle East.

The training is powerful. But how do these leaders, deeply wounded by a harsh culture and religion, put it into practice when they get home? As we prayed for them, the Holy Spirit moved with a power and immediacy I have never seen – relationships healed, deep fears overcome, sins confessed, spiritual deliverance, and more. And their freedom has continued.

Pray for these heroes of the faith in the Middle East. And pray for those who are taking this same healing prayer ministry to their brothers and sisters. It is changing their lives – and their world.