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!

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“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!