January

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MONDAY 18th SYDNEY.
On a whim and on a day off during our trip to the USA last October, we visited BART PIERCE'S church in BALTIMORE which had been in revival for 20 months. As we walked in, there were two ladies present who recognized me from when I had preached at TORONTO AIRPORT CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP several years ago. They were now living in Baltimore and were the local pray-ers for TOMMY TENNY, the evangelist who has been ministering for the length of this revival. They introduced me to Tommy, who is the youngest of three generations of ministers and has been preaching since he was 14 years old. Now in his early forties, his ministry was radically changed about two and a half years ago when the presence of God came so powerfully to a service in TEXAS, that it split the Perspex pulpit of the church right down the center. He has never fully recovered from this 'burning bush' experience and has abandoned everything to be a 'GOD CHASER', which is the title of his latest book.

We met for supper after the meeting and discussed his plans for two visits to AUSTRALIA between December and January. He had been invited to ADELAIDE for a minister's meeting and to come back for a conference where CLAUDIO FRIEDZON was also speaking. On both occasions he was due to pass through Sydney so I suggested that he visit us. First off he preached for TERRY APPEL who pastors our Mona Vale church here in Sydney. I arranged for Tommy to meet FRANK HOUSTON and myself for lunch. We had only just sat down to eat in the restaurant when Frank began to speak 'prophetically' over Tommy saying that God would use him to spark off the next great move of God in Australia. Over the many years that I have worked with Frank, I have learnt to listen carefully when he gets in this 'prophetic' mode - on these profound occasions I know it is God speaking through him. Tommy believes the Lord wants him to go to the 'gate-keepers' of cities - he met one in Frank Houston.

I suggested to Frank that Tommy could speak in our church upon his return to SYDNEY on his way to Adelaide, and so he was with us this for our two morning services two weeks ago on the 3rd of January. This coincided with the first of three Sunday night meetings that I began that day at SYDNEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE. Tommy's wife JEANNIE was with him and she played a keyboard and sang with a great anointing. This opened the door for God's presence to come while Tommy shared his recent experiences with 'God chasing'. He talked about people who stop going to church because 'there's no bread in the house'. Sometimes this can be the fault of the church when it has promised great miracles and signs, but fails to deliver
the goods and people become disillusioned. NAOMI'S family left BETHLEHEM ('house of bread') and went to MOAB because there was a famine in the land of JUDAH, a decision that would ultimately cost the life of her husband and two sons. Moab is a type of the world, which can be a cruel place for a disillusioned Christian and sometimes will even steal the life of loved ones. Tommy said we need to seek the Lord's face more than His hands; seek intimacy with Him before we seek His blessing. There was no usual break between the two morning services as people instinctively remained in the thick presence of God that permeated the whole building. Half from the first service remained for the second one and that just took
us higher into His presence.

The anointing was still lingering that night as I began the first in a series of three prophetic/evangelistic messages that God had given me for the start of 1999. "ARE YOU READY TO MEET YOUR MAKER" was based on the life of the prophet AMOS whose message was A 'CRY FOR JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS.' He revealed the spiritual corruption under the religious formalism and material prosperity of his day. In the tradition of the embattled prophet, Amos challenged the hypocrisy of the religious leaders who condoned a vicious system of exploitation and privilege because it was financially profitable. He called for repentance but was ignored and so there was no alternative but judgment. THE DAY OF THE LORD would be a demonstration of God's perfect moral character to those who have rejected Him. But if ISRAEL repents, then there is the promise of restoration.

Amos does not cry for justice and righteousness on the basis of imperfect human nature, but on God's unfailing perfect nature. There are many systems of philosophy and politics which try to base law and all human relationships on human nature. All of these systems, whether COMMUNISM, HUMANISM or SOCIALISM, are doomed to fail because of one fatal flaw: they do not recognize the sinful, self-centered nature of humanity. They ignore God and deify man. Amos clearly saw 2700 years ago what some people have been unable to see today.

I then challenged the people with 5 questions:
1) ARE YOU APPEASING MAN - OR BOLDLY OBEYING GOD?
2) WHO IS YOUR GOD?
3) SO WHAT IS GOD SAYING?
4) ARE YOU PREPARED?
5) ARE YOU READY?

On SUNDAY 10 JANUARY, my message was "GLOBAL ECONOMIC UPDATE 2" which followed on from part one which I brought in my series of meetings at S.C.L.C. last August. There had been a tremendous response for salvation at that time from that message, but people wanted to know more so we brought them up to date especially in light of two current developments; the Euro and Y2K.

THE EURO is the new single currency for 11 nations in Europe with wide reaching implications.

"Economists regard it [the Euro] as the biggest economic event since the Bretton Woods agreement in 1944 which set the framework for the international monetary system.... Some analysts believe that the battle of the 20th century for military supremacy between the US and the Soviet Union will have its 21st century sequel in a battle between the US and Europe for economic supremacy." (Sydney Morning Herald 26 Dec. '99).

We have been saying for years that EUROPE would rise again to dominate the world's economy.

As far as Y2K is concerned, this quote from RICK JOYNER sums up how I feel; "DO NOT BE SHAKEN - The Lord is not sitting in heaven wringing His hands worrying about Y2K, and neither should anyone abiding in Him. This is not going to be the end of the world, but there will be some problems caused by panic and not the actual problems themselves. The Lord wants His people neither to be controlled by this fear, nor to contribute to it."

Yesterday, my final message was "BREAKING THE BIBLE CODE". One of the world' s most recent best selling books was 'THE BIBLE CODE'. It says basically the same things about the future that God's prophets have been saying for centuries, but without the aid of computers! Amos 3:7 the LORD says that He never does anything concerning humanity unless He first reveals it through his prophets. THE PROPHETS ARE THE CODE-BREAKERS.

Today there are many messages coming from His 'mouth-pieces' living in different nations. But there is a consistency to the various voices. A few examples are:

- CHURCH STRUCTURE IS ABOUT TO CHANGE.
- GOD IS RESTORING THE FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY
- THE BODY OF CHRIST IS GOING TO BE INTER-SUBMITTED.

SUNDAY 31 JANUARY '99 - MAITLAND, NSW, AUSTRALIA.
Heather and I, and three of our team, visited this prosperous country city two hours north east of Sydney, to be with Maitland Christian Life Centre for two meetings today. Often not a lot can be achieved in just one day. I prefer to do a whole series of meetings so that things can build over a number of days. However, things have been building in the Spirit here for quite a while now.

Four years ago, Pastor Bob Cotton, then an elder, had inherited a church which had experienced several splits and a lot of turmoil in its early years. With the sudden departure of the previous pastor, he found himself appointed as 'caretaker' until another pastor could be found. After many months and much unfruitful searching, a retired senior leader, John Wilkinson spent 18 months here in the interim bringing back stability but then they came to the conclusion that their new pastor was right there under their noses all along, and Bob was asked to be senior pastor.

This proved to be a 'God appointment' as Bob has brought a security that was absent before. He is a third generation 'Maitland-ite' which carries a lot of weight in Australian country towns. Even if I lived here all my life I would not be considered a 'local' unless I was at least second or third generation. He is committed to stay with this church "for the rest of my life - I ain't going nowhere!" He is not just passing through nor does he see this pastorate as a stepping stone and so the people have responded to this and the congregation is growing rapidly.

Bob is a 'God Chaser'! At our last 'Catch the Fire Down Under' Conference, He and his team of about thirty leaders, by far stood out as the hungriest group present. Consequently they probably received more than anyone else. They certainly returned to Maitland from the conference totally fired-up. In recent months, their ardent pursuit of God has seen many documented healings take place.

Bob reports on our time together:
"This Sunday could have only been described as explosive. For some time we have been experiencing a wonderful and intensified presence of Jesus in our meetings but we knew that this Sunday, in particular, was going to be significant & powerful.

Pastor Jeff brought with him an anointing from God which stimulated an up-draught of faith amongst the people. Worship continued for well over an hour and was electric to say the least. Pastor Jeff and Heather spoke powerfully & prophetically bringing an overwhelming response from the people who were met by an incredible outpouring of the Spirit of God.

There is no doubt that we broke through another ceiling and into a higher realm of the presence & power of Jesus - revival is one more step closer! We are looking forward to having the Firepower team coming back to us soon."

One of my staff Amy Cruickshanks reports:
"What an awesome weekend we had up in Maitland! The hospitality and friendliness of the people in this church was so inspiring to see - they welcomed us in like we were one of the family, and indeed, we felt like we were. It was obvious that God was doing something to the hearts of all the people as they freely expressed their passion and hunger for His presence and for their desire to see their city saved.

The young people of the church displayed an awesome servant-heart attitude, with most of them helping out in the church in one way or another. Both the services seemed to impact them greatly with many testifying that God had spoken straight into their lives. At the end of the evening service the majority of them went up to the alter to "give it all" for Jesus and the Holy Spirit moved upon them powerfully.

It is always wonderful to see the Lord touching and transforming peoples lives, and I know that the people of Maitland will be different because of it."

Philip Calodoukas joined our team for the first time. Here are some of his impressions: "The whole experience was totally new to me as I have never been on part of a visiting ministry to another church but they treated all of our team with great respect and served us with enthusiasm which was a special experience for me.

The first meeting was getting to know the church and them to know us, especially Jeff and Heather. Jeff's message was strong and gave the church a world-wide perspective of what God is doing at present. Many came to the alter for prayer and some for salvation.

I was a fulltime catcher for pretty much the first time ever. We had to move very fast and catch many people - many more than once, because they kept getting up again for more prayer. It was hard work, like carrying my furniture when I last moved house, except catching is at high speed! It was also great fun and good to be up at the front witnessing all that was happening.

The second meeting was even stronger. The worship was wonderful and many cried out in repentance, making the paths to their hearts straight for the Lord to come. Jeff spoke again and truly washed us in the word convicting many of us to be in a closer relationship with the Lord. Finally, at the altar several made commitments or rededications to the Lord. Then a powerful anointing came which left most of the church on the floor laughing or moaning or just silently communing with their God. Many were mightily touched and I believe changed forever.

There were two things that stood out the most for me: The first was when I went back to the house of some of the younger men over lunch. These brothers encouraged us to sing hymns to the Lord with them. Not The latest Hillsong tunes or rock 'n' roll songs, but hymns!.....and not just for 20 minutes but for 3 hours! [unfortunately, I was so tired I had to have a sleep half way through]. What young men do this sort of thing? I have certainly never seen this sort of commitment and zeal before, especially among young men.

The second thing that stood out the most for me was seeing Pastor Bob Cotton in tears of joy after the second service as he saw 3/4 of the church prostrate on the carpet being touched by God. It was so obvious that his heart is sold out to see his sheep growing in the things of the Lord and being touched by their Creator. The meeting was a success in his eyes, I believe, and it was a great privilege to be part of the team to bless the whole church and their Pastor.

After the service, I was so "pumped" that the 2.5 hour drive back to Sydney at 10pm was a breeze. I am really looking forward to when God orchestrates another opportunity for me to go on another adventure with Jeff and his team.

Thanks again for the opportunity and may God bless you mightily. Philip Calodoukas"
We hope to return to Maitland in the future to build on what was laid down last weekend.
 

February

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MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA - 'Fair Dinkum, Dinky Die And True Blue'

THURSDAY 11 FEBRUARY '99
PASTOR FRANK CLANCY is one of the most genuine and down to earth people I've ever met. He is the pastor of the GATEHOUSE AG church in the outer MELBOURNE suburb of CRANBOURNE. His church reflects his nature - what you see is what you get and this is about as 'Aussie' as it gets. It is 'fair dinkum, dinky die and true blue' - which is local parlance for being real with no pretensions. That's the way 'AUSSIES' like it. You always know where you stand,

Frank is building this church with the people in this low socio-economic area whom society has often given up on. Most of his flock are new Christians and he and his staff have their hands full helping these precious people find a new life often out of the most horrendous backgrounds that you could ever imagine. This is 'coal-face' Christianity but Frank Clancy has the necessary bigness of heart for the job.

Although this is certainly not the biggest church I have visited, it would have to rank as one of the best. Their care and hospitality for me while I was with them was outstanding. I went there to bless them but fell like I have been blessed much more. Their hunger and openness to new things from God was wonderfully refreshing, and their financial support for us was way beyond what we would normally receive from a church many times their size.

By God's grace we were able to have an impact here that we believe will bear much fruit in the years to come.

Pastor Frank reports: "All of us here at Gatehouse are so grateful for your ministry to us, almost everyone has been impacted in one way or another by the Holy Ghost through your hand. There has been 70 new decisions and re-dedications and we are all excited about what's going to happen in the future. We had a prophesy that our church will double in six months and we will have 10% of the city as well, and I believe that it has all started by your coming. What we received from this last week of your ministry was far more than we expected in every area. You have set a bomb off in our church and touched so many lives in the name of Jesus. I know that history will show all around Australia of what you have started here in Cranbourne."


SUNDAY 14th
#1) FIREPOWER MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL AND THE BEACHAMS MOVE TO NEW JERSEY! With great excitement but also sadness, we are announcing that in early April we are moving the base of operations of Firepower Ministries International (FMI) to Toms River, New Jersey USA.

This has not been a sudden decision but rather God's timing for something He had put in my spirit ten years ago when I felt the first stirrings that our ministry would one day be based in America.

Three and a half years ago I discussed this growing burden with Pastor Frank Houston, Senior Pastor of Sydney Christian Life Centre (SCLC)and member of the Firepower Ministries Board. He felt that the timing then was not right so I shelved it
and tried to forget about it. However, this vision would not go away. Finally last May, the Lord spoke to me clearly saying, "Would you please make up your mind whether you will go - or not". I then understood that it was a question of obedience, so I approached Pastor Houston again. This time he felt it could be God's will but also raised several valid concerns. These included the affect that such a move would have on our 5 children (Sam 16, David 14, Rebekah 11, Jacob 9, Isaac 7), the fact that our ministry is relatively unknown in the States and also the prospect of separation between us after almost 16 years of working together.

A mutual passion for revival and, we believe, the plans of God, had led us to a church in Toms River, New Jersey where we ministered on three occasions last year. God began to knit our hearts to this church in a special way. After many months of
extensive discussions with the leaders of the Church of Grace and Peace (GAP), our board members and other trusted leaders, we came to the conclusion that we should be based at GAP. Last week we received the correct visas but have held back from making our intentions public until they were confirmed. We will be maintaining close ties with SCLC and will be sent out as missionary evangelists to the world based in America.

Heather and I have spent countless hours seeking God and trying to foresee the wide reaching implications that such a move would have on ourselves and our children and even perhaps our grandchildren. The board of FMI and the elders and people
of SCLC share the same bitter/sweet feelings that we have about this move. In many ways it would be a lot easier for us to stay in Australia where we are well established and closer to family and friends, but the call of God can not be ignored. The risks are great but even if we fail at least we would have tried - and that's better than' burying the talent' and always wondering how things might have been.

We want to invite you all, especially those churches we have had the privilege of ministering in over the years, to support us in prayer as we take this leap of faith. We would be happy to provide more detailed information to anyone who would be
interested in walking with us through this process. We would also like to bless you and encourage you to take God at His word concerning your own life and ministry.

#2) FRANK HOUSTON PASSES THE BATON ON.
Today was the end of one era and the beginning of another. Frank Houston announced to his church (Sydney Christian Life Centre) that he is passing on the leadership to his son Brian. This will take place in the next few weeks.

Frank founded SCLC 22 years ago after arriving in Australia from New Zealand at the age of 55. He had been the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God in New Zealand for 14 years and had a thriving church in Wellington. He left everything behind in obedience to vision he had received from God based in Isaiah 54.

SCLC has since planted in excess of 70 other churches around the world, the most prominent being Hills Christian Life Centre, pastored by Brian Houston and the home of the world wide praise and worship phenomenon Hillsong.

Brian Houston is also the National Superintendent of the Assemblies of God in Australia, which has the reputation of being one of the most progressive movements in the world. Brian has an enormous capacity, a definite asset for someone who will
be pastoring two large churches and steering a whole movement into the next millennium.

Frank will be remaining on the pastoral team of SCLC but will move around apostolically primarily among the other CLC churches. Recent prophecies from prominent ministries have declared that some of Frank's best years of ministry lay ahead of him.

The news of our change was also released to the church today.

DEAR ALL, A SPECIAL THANK YOU to all those who have written to us in response to our last report with encouraging words concerning the coming relocation of our ministry to NEW JERSEY USA. As you may be able to appreciate, it is the biggest decision of our lives and we
are very grateful for all your support.

MONDAY 22 FEBRUARY '99 JAKARTA, INDONESIA.
I arrived here last Friday for my fourth visit to this wonderful but troubled land. Its problems are three fold: natural, economic and spiritual. About two years ago, the so called 'EL NINO' effect caused wide spread drought leading to massive forest fires all over the nation which in turn produced smoke pollution over most of SOUTH EAST ASIA. INDONESIA'S economy, along with others in ASIA, has suffered at the hands of global
economic interests, which has resulted in an unprecedented rise in
bankruptcies, unemployment, poverty and uncountable human misery to
the 260,000,000 people that live here. Indonesia is the world's fourth most populous nation, with 4.4 percent Christian scattered throughout 13,500 islands.

These natural and economic problems have compounded the spiritual battle going on over this whole nation. Persecution against the ethnic (locally born) CHINESE and CHRISTIAN minorities has seen Chinese businesses looted and burnt, over five hundred Christian churches destroyed and hundreds raped and murdered as marauding mobs rioted in the streets of the main cities. If there is a front-line to every war, then INDONESIA is right up there in this spiritual conflict. The CHURCH in the West is probably way back behind the lines in relatively safety compared to what it happening here, or perhaps it is just more subtle there - but here, it is right up in your face! The age-old battle between ISLAM and CHRISTIANITY, which used to be fought on MIDDLE EASTERN battlegrounds, has now
shifted southeast.

Travelling with me as my interpreter on this 16 day ministry tour is JONATHON PATTIASINA, a well known speaker in his own right all over Indonesia. He was trained in our SYDNEY bible college and graduated in 1990. The next time I saw him was when I was preaching at JOHN ARNOTT'S church in TORONTO in 1995. I was surprised to see him in the audience, but that visit changed his life. He organized this present itinerary for me and we are visiting churches in JAKARTA, SAMARINDA,
BALIKPAPAN, and DENPASAR.

JEFFREY RACHMAT is a young preacher who, in less than two years, has raised up an independent 'fellowship' of over 600 young people called JAKARTA PRAISE CENTER. The average age is about 23, and includes a high level incredibly talented musicians. JPC's emphasis is on praise and worship and has one of the most popular selling Christian CDs in INDONESIA, but it is not considered to be a church in the eyes of the authorities as it is not attached to any denomination. The government does not allow INDEPENDENT CHURCHES here, but his 'church' was my first port of call.

The auditorium was packed to the walls as I arrived at the meeting and the praise was like a wall of sound made up of over six hundred highly enthusiastic voices and two large banks of speakers pulsing with sound from the excellent band. I prophesied, prayed and preached my heart out and there was a full altar call in response.

On Saturday night I began meetings at ABBALOVE MINISTRIES, which has 6000 members and was formally known as the SPEED PLAZA CHURCH. They have an unusual leadership structure. SAMITON PANGELLAH, EDDIE LEO AND SOFIAN SUTEDJA have a unique relationship with the three sharing the senior pastor's role. Ordinarily this would not work in most churches, but the fact that it is working well here is a tribute to the love and unity that these three men share with each other and their commitment to plurality of leadership. I first visited this church 18 months ago and we immediately struck up a close relationship. It was a thrill to be back with them again.

The Saturday meeting was absolutely packed. On Sunday I preached in three of the many different locations that this church meets in all over this city of 9 million. All the services were full to the brim with mainly young people (Are there any older people in Indonesia? If there are you don't see many in the churches I visit anyway), and the power of God was there to change hearts and set them on fire. Over the whole weekend about 250 Responded to all the altar calls either for salvation or recommitment. Finally, on Sunday night, I was interviewed for thirty minutes for a radio program produced by ABBALOVE MINISTRIES - Sunday was a BIG day!

THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY '99 - SAMARINDA.
Last Monday we drove two hours to SAMARINDA after a two hour flight to BALIKPAPAN from JAKARTA. As we crossed the large bridge over the river that this city is built on, I was reminded of a scene out of the old HUMPHREY BOGARD movie "THE RIVER QUEEN", indeed this place has changed little since the forties.

Samarinda is a city of 200,000 situated on the East Coast of KALAMANTAN, which used to be called BORNEO. Pastor AGUS ENDARSA'S church meets in the best hotel in town, which is where I am also staying. When I walked into the foyer for the first time, the whole 'Bogard - time warp' feeling was reinforced. It was like a scene straight out of "CASA BLANCA". Immaculately restored 1940's cars and motor bikes are on permanent exhibit in the foyer and the décor lends itself to a motif of exotic eastern romanticism.

The first meeting yesterday morning was a seminar and saw many pastors and leaders present with many questions asked about certain local theological controversies. Last night the meeting was jammed packed with about 150 responding for salvation or recommitment including a young MUSLIM man.

Several demons cried out with loud screams every time I encouraged people to respond to the altar call. They were obviously trying to cause a distraction so I commanded them in the name of JESUS to be quiet and they immediately obeyed.

After this morning's session I called for a meeting over lunch for all the local pastors. About fifty turned up and I was told that this was quite extraordinary. There has never been a meeting like it before in this city. There has been suspicion and a failure to recognize the need for unity on the part of pastors. I encouraged them from Matt.18: 19 where Jesus said anything could be accomplished if we can just 'agree' together. They committed themselves to begin building relationships with each other by meeting once a week to pray. It is worth it coming all this way just to see this. We saw about 300 respond to the Lord in Samarinda.

Tomorrow we move on to BALIKPAPAN. Part two of this Indonesia report will come in a little over a week.
 

March

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WEDNESDAY 3rd, BALIKPAPAN INDONESIA
This city of 1,200,000 is situated on the east coast of KALAMANTAN (BORNEO). It has the reputation of being the cleanest city in Indonesia. The AUSTRALIANS have gold and coal mines just inland from here and the FRENCH and the AMERICANS have oilrigs off shore visible from my hotel window. This city prides itself in the tastiness of its barbecued fish caught right here fresh from the ocean and I would not dispute this. The sea is like a sheet of glass, the sand is golden and there is a tranquility that permeates this whole area that belies the upheaval going on in many other parts of Indonesia.

We arrived here last Friday from Samarinda to begin meetings with the BALIKPAPAN BETHEL CHURCH pastored by JAMES MANEKING. Friday night was the first meeting in their new church building with a 'BULE' minister (pronounced 'bullay': a local idiom for white people).The atmosphere was electric as we walked in and the building was absolutely jammed packed. The praise of the people was ear piercing and the music was blasting at high volume from two huge banks of speakers on either side of the auditorium. This is the way Indonesians like it - all encompassing loud.

The building is more open style with no air conditioning so the heavy heat (Indonesia is right on the Equator) made preaching all the more draining and we left completely drenched in sweat. But the response from the people to our ministry was overwhelming. They needed little encouragement to get excited about the Lord. This was a refreshing change from a lot of places I minister at where you have to stir people up from their spiritual sluggishness for the first couple of meetings before you can light any fires. These people were right there from the start. About 160 responded to the altar call for salvation or recommitment and another 100 responded on Saturday night.

On Sunday morning GOD came to church! This may seem like an ironic statement, but you would be surprised how many churches go through the motions every Sunday, often with programs that are man-based rather than God ordained. You don't have to be a spiritual giant to know the difference. When God comes to church - everybody knows it! Once you've experienced this, you are never completely satisfied with anything less again.

There was an enormous response to my message from most of the church that morning. There was a demonstration of repentance and hunger that brought a tangible presence of GOD'S SPIRIT which rendered all speech-less for 20 minutes. I
always pray that in times like these, nobody will feel that they have to fill in this 'gap' by praying or prophesying. There is a time for this but this is not it. When God walks in the room, out of awe for His presence, you can't and shouldn't say anything. He will speak to each heart as He wills - if there are ears to hear. About 250 responded to the altar calls throughout Sunday.

We were due to finish our meetings here on Sunday night but we all felt good about extending them for another two days. This proved to be a great decision because on Monday and Tuesday nights about another 200responded to the altar calls. During
the ministry time many reported seeing visions when they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Some were on the floor for hours and had to be left where they were and picked up later. One man in his fifties reported that he was completely healed from
Asthma, having suffered from it all his life.

Today I move on to the final leg of this trip which is in Denpasar on the Island of Bali.

SUNDAY 7 MARCH '98, DENPASAR, BALI.
The DENPASAR 'BETHANY' CHURCH has built one of the most magnificent buildings I have ever seen. Set in the 'LEMBAH PUGIAN' (Valley of Praise) which is about 45 minutes drive from the airport, it has its own private road and consists of the church surrounded by many large homes, all owned by church members. There is a 24-hour security post at the entrance to the valley, something that is very relevant to these uncertain times in INDONESIA. The building resembles a cross between a huge ASIAN palace and a strong fortress with two massive ramparts on each front corner. Inside, the huge auditorium is made mainly from marble and the stage is adorned with a huge gold embossed 'gate'.

PASTOR TIMOTHIUS ARIFIN and his wife FIFI have raised up this wonderful church from nothing 10 years ago - now there are over 2000 members. I was here for several days last November and that was a very powerful time with the Lord. We have had a fantastic time here over the last weekend too. Since Thursday night I have preached in 7 meetings, including 3 today, the first being at 6am (not good for a night owl like me), then 9am and finally at 6pm.

We saw at least 200 people respond to the altar calls over this last weekend. This was the icing on the cake for this whole tour and it has been the most excellent time in God. Just before I left to come here from Australia 17 days ago, I felt an overwhelming assurance in my spirit that this trip would be my most successful to Indonesia to date and I was not disappointed. Altogether we have seen about 1000 souls come into the Kingdom. That's worth celebrating about - praise God!

Straight after tonight's meeting, Pastor Arifin, his wife, some of the key leaders and myself rushed to have a final meal together before I to catch the night flight back to Australia. These times of fellowship are crucial to building good relationships in the Body of Christ. I will be back home on Monday morning and Heather and my two smaller boys, Jacob (9) and Isaac (7) will be there to pick me up at the airport. After being away from them for 17 days I am looking forward to seeing them.

Once I am home, it will be only a month until we make our BIG MOVE to the UNITED STATES on the 7th of April. Please pray that this will go smoothly and that the uprooting and replanting process will not be too painful. We are sincerely sure that we are obeying God's will in making this move. If we are wrong, then we will have to throw ourselves on God's mercy and believe that we will receive at least as much of that as we believe our hearts are sincere.
 

April

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WEDNESDAY 28th, TOMS RIVER, NEW JERSEY, USA
(This is the first report from our new base in AMERICA)

It is now three weeks since we made our 'life-changing' move to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, however it took us ten years of struggling, soul-searching and waiting for GOD'S timing to get here. We were overwhelmed by love as we left AUSTRALIA and we have been overwhelmed by love since we arrived

In the few weeks prior to our departure there were four different farewells. An ocean of tears was shed on each occasion. First, the MAORI people (natives of NEW ZEALAND and the same POLYNESIANS as the HAWAIIANS) who live in SYDNEY had a special night for us where they prepared a traditional meal cooked in the ground called a 'HANGI' (pronounced 'haangee'). I had been active in their community as a minister for many years and we were very touched by their traditional dances of farewell and reminders of how they had appreciated our input into their lives. Then there was a special night where about 150 of our closet friends, including many whom we had discipled, testified of their changed lives. That night was very difficult as everyone realized that separation was no longer a relatively comfortable distance off, but a heart wrenching and imminent reality. It finally hit home that we were leaving SYDNEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE (S.C.L.C.) after 15 years of being on staff. FRANK HOUSTON told me that he felt like our hearts were being torn apart. A few days later there was the staff farewell, which was as much an emotional fountain as the other occasions. Finally, about 100 friends came to see us off at the airport. This was the most difficult time of them all. There was such an open display of emotion that a small crowd gathered to watch the crowd that were fare welling us. On the trip over, all of us had bouts of tears.

When we finally arrived in NEWARK AIRPORT twenty hours later, GARY AND CINDY PANEPINTO, elders from our new base, THE CHURCH OF GRACE AND PEACE, TOMS RIVER NJ, were their to meet us. The church van was packed to the roof with all of us and 25 pieces of luggage. Three hours later, after a meal in a local diner, we went to see our new home which is being provided for us rent free by folk in the church. Our youngest kids wasted no time climbing up into the tree house out the back even if they had not slept in twenty-four hours and it was much colder than they had ever experienced in their lives. We have been up most nights until 2am working on the house. A small army of church folk had spent weeks getting this place ready for us and at one stage they had taken away eight truck loads of rubbish as they painted inside and cleaned up outside. These wonderful people from the church provided furniture, two refrigerators, a drier, and even the use of a car for three months. They had embraced us in such a way as to make a potentially difficult transition smooth. We already feel so at home and are in awe of the way God has gone before us.

Heather was invited to attend a Women's breakfast a few days after we arrived only to find that it was actually a surprise "SHOWER" for her where she literally received a truck-load of gifts including everything that was needed for the house.

Our children have had many dreams come true already. Each was given a substantial gift of money before we left Australia. Sam (16) was able to buy his own stereo. David (14) bought an excellent electric guitar for a fraction of the price he would pay in Australia. Rebekah (11) has made friends with people who take her horse riding. Jacob (9) has bought a Super Nintendo to replace the one he gave away before leaving Australia. Isaac (7) has played drums (his dream), ridden motorbikes, played with ABBY (the Panepinto's dog) and sat on the shoulders of BIG JOHN HAILEY JN, from the church who is seven feet tall and who Isaac calls one of his two 'best friends' (the other one being Gary Panepinto). God is taking care of the details even down to answering Heather's prayers for certain types of beautiful trees that are on our property and predominantly purple flowers in the garden!

A little over a week ago, the Church of Grace and Peace (GAP) had scheduled a series of meetings with Texas minister BRAD FLOOK. He moves powerfully in the GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, especially PROPHESY. We were unable to attend his Tuesday night meeting due to the fact that our container arrived from Australia and so we spent all day and night unpacking. That night he prophesied about us in our absence saying that God had brought us to New Jersey to release us into an apostolic anointing and that He would use us to promote greater unity amongst leaders and pastors in this state. When we heard about this the following day, we felt that even though the prophecy was about us, it was actually not for us but for the
church. The previous Sunday there was also a referral to us in prophesy as "...the foreigners from a far off land", and that God had heard ourheart and prayers concerning our presence in this nation. God has publicly made it quite clear that we are here in His plans, to fulfill His purposes.

Last Friday we head our first "Aussie" visitors, JONATHAN WILSON, a pastor and elder from S.C.L.C. and his assistant, ALEX GRANCHA (both close friends) were with us for one night on their way through to visit our affiliate church in Boston. It was a thrill to have them in our home so soon after moving here. Pastor Healy and his wife MAUREEN came over to meet them and after a late night catching up we went to a diner for breakfast, so that our friends could have a New Jersey dining experience! It was difficult for us to see them go, and we heard later that it was difficult for them to leave, but through this whole relocation experience we have never once lost God's peace.

Despite all this busyness, I have been able to minister for Pastor JOSEPH CATANESE, Pastor AL PANDOLA and Pastor DAVID DAWSON, whose churches all fall within an hour and a half's drive from Toms River. This suits me for this time of transition, as I need to be around to help the family settle.
 

May

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WEDNESDAY 19th, NEW JERSEY, USA
As a kid, growing up in NEW ZEALAND, there was one aspect of life that I learnt to appreciate. After long, hot dry spells in SUMMER, every now and then your nostrils detected that distinctive aroma of rain - sometimes up to thirty minutes before it arrived. There was always a heavy expectation that accompanied that smell as the atmosphere was charged with the tension of two colliding weather systems - one hot and dry; the other wet and humid. PAUL spoke about the natural preceding the spiritual (1Cor. 15:46) and the former and later rains, spoken about in other scriptures, are connected to renewal and harvest in both these realms.

I have been told that for years the North East has lived under the stigma of being referred to as the 'PREACHER'S GRAVEYARD'. Although this may be an unkind observation, and even though there are some notable exceptions, by and large I am informed that this is a fairly accurate generalization. Unlike the 'BIBLE-BELT' further south in places like TULSA, OKLAHOMA, a city almost completely enveloped in a Christian culture, the 'METROPLEX' (70 million people living between BOSTON, NEW YORK and WASHINGTON DC) is considered to be one of driest spiritual climates in AMERICA. However, the barometer of the world economy is here with 'WALL STREET' (If they sneeze there the rest of the world still catches a cold). The center of the global media system and political power is anchored in New York and Washington DC respectively. If God's Spirit begins to move here, then it could send spiritual ripples down the line to eventually touch a large portion of the western world. The potential is enormous!

There is a rising tide of unusual unity between church leaders in this highly competitive and fiercely independent environment. Many denominations and churches are being drawn together, sensing that GOD is up to something very big. Certainly, not all are responding to this, but there are enough for God to see the work started. History records that revival is not foreign to this area. WHITFIELD, FINNEY, D.L. MOODY and JONATHAN EDWARDS (I recently located the grave of Edwards in PRINCETON NJ. When TOMMY TENNY was with me in Australia earlier this year I told him about this and he remarked that when a man dies he leaves his anointing behind, perhaps for another to claim. But according to Tommy, nobody claimed the anointing that was on the life of Edwards) were all used by God to establish wells of awakening that, despite years of neglect, could easily gush forth anew. All it would take is the right formula of unity, hunger and expectation, combined with our sharp and courageous response to God's impeccable timing. And somewhere along the way, this much we do know; that God has a part for us to play in this enormous drama - that's why we're here.

We have now been resident in NEW JERSEY for six weeks but already I am sensing that familiar anticipation spurred on by the smell of approaching spiritual rains.

There are many major events with a revival focus planned for the northeast area over the next few months. One is "GOOD NEWS NEW YORK" (MADISON SQUARE GARDENS, JULY 7 - AUGUST 14) with RODNEY HOWARD-BROWNE. His team is expecting 150,000 salvations over this period. This will have the potential to touch the whole city. The other is the "AWAKE AMERICA" Crusade with the leadership team from the PENSACOLA FLORIDA REVIVAL. There have been 3.5 million visitors from all over the world to the BROWNSVILLE AG church in PENSACOLA FLORIDA over the last 4 years with 150,000 salvations recorded. Hundreds of local NJ and NY pastors have thrown their weight behind hosting the 'Awake America' team for two days of meetings at the "MEADOWLANDS" CONTINENTAL ARENA, 28 - 29 JUNE. PASTOR WALTER HEALY, senior pastor of THE CHURCH OF GRACE AND PEACE, TOMS RIVER NJ, is chairing the steering committee for this event. Our ministry (FIREPOWER MINISTRIES INT.) is serving on this committee.

We are expecting up to 17,000 to fill the Continental Arena nightly and many more thousands to attend the daytime SCHOOL OF REVIVAL. This will have input from Brownsville Revival leaders PASTOR JOHN KILPATRICK, EVANGELIST STEVE HILL, WORSHIP LEADER LINDEL COOLEY, BROWNSVILLE SCHOOL OF MINISTRY PRESIDENT DR MICHAEL BROWN (well known for his ministry in the northeast) and many others.

These two events promise to split open any 'heavens of brass' that may be over this area and we believe that they will initiate a 'domino affect' to release a FLOOD OF REVIVAL to turn this 'head' around!
 

June

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WEDNESDAY 2nd, THE JERSEY SHORE
AMERICA, AMERICA, NEW JERSEY, NEW JOISEY - our beloved new country, where voice mail rules (you can make calls all day and not ever speak to a 'live' human voice) and 'PHONE TAG' is the game that big boys play. You drive on the PARKWAY and park on the DRIVEWAY and can someone please tell me - what is a TURNPIKE? (Just kidding). We have the best 24-hour DINERS and PIZZA in America, but there's melted cheese on just about everything.

Traffic is heavy in this summer season with millions migrating south from NEW YORK to the JERSEY SHORE. The population doubles this time of year AND YOU HAVE TO PAY TO GO TO THE BEACH!!! - ANATHEMA FOR AN 'AUSSIE' where the whole east coast of AUSTRALIA is one long golden beach stretching for nearly 3000 miles and FREE. But It's not the extra traffic noise that's noticeable - it's the endless parade of passing SUB-WOOFERS in cars pumping out 'home boy' melodies that rattle our house in such a way that it makes this NEW ZEALAND bred, earthquake - friendly boy feel right at home. (NZ is known as the 'shaky isles' because of its prolific earth- tremors).

We were pleased to escape SYDNEY'S giant cockroaches and HUNTSMAN SPIDERS as big as your hand, only to find that we have to continually be watching out for NEW JERSEY ticks that can give you lime's disease, which I am told is a bit like glandular fever. But the squirrels and chipmunks, considered a bit of a nuisance by locals, are still cute to us as they run back and forth across our yard all day.

What is the attraction of TOMS RIVER New Jersey? Could it be the fact that STEVEN SPIELBERG'S first blockbuster movie "JAWS" was filmed near here, or that the HINDENBERG DISASTER took place about 10 miles close by, or maybe that the "AMYTIVILLE HORROR" was filmed here using a local house as the set for the movie?

Everyone seems to be trying to get out of here. As soon as shop attendants or waitresses here our accents they want to know what we are doing here. When we tell them we have just recently moved here, lock, stock and barrel from Australia, without fail we get the same puzzled look from them all, followed by an identical proclamation: "You must be crazy - we're all trying to get out of here!!!" Even several preachers have chorused - " I CAN UNDERSTAND YOU WANTING TO COME
TO AMERICA - BUT NEW JERSEY? THAT'S GOT TO BE GOD!" Everyone here must have a case of 'THE GRASS IS GREENER' syndrome because to us this is HEAVEN, if by heaven you mean being in the center of GOD'S will for your life. This center, often an allusive place, once found, offers an optimum of peace for the spirit, where ten times more is achieved with only one tenth the effort. Although it is a refuge, it does not mean that if we are called to walk through the fire we will not get burnt, but a life built on the ROCK cannot be lost.

We are now passed the 'MINISTRY TOUR' or 'HOLIDAY MODE' period and it is beginning to sink in - WE LIVE HERE! When I have ministered here in the past, once I got to the three or four-week point of the tour, I knew it was time to go back home to Australia. But this is it! We are here for the duration.

Rebuilding our ministry is proving to be a challenge, which was not un-anticipated by any means, but walking it is another dimension. We desperately need more staff and office space. Each day ends about 1am or 2am the next morning but progress is being made even if it is slow. I'm afraid when they handed out 'LONG SUFFERING' I must have been at the end of the line.

I was encouraged the other day though. In our back yard there are three very tall PINE TREES. Not so long ago as I was gazing up at these towering pillars through a window, I received this revelation. In the physical world there is one great force that eventually overcomes each individual life - is the FORCE OF GRAVITY. In a sense all physical life is a rebellion against this force, whether it is a tree, a man or a rocket, thrusting continually upward until finally strength diminishes. Hopefully THE NEXT GENERATION will pick up where the older one has left off and take it further, handing on the baton to those following after them.

Spiritually, dark forces always endeavor to pull the soul downward, but CHRIST, who has banished spiritual gravity, continually draws us onward and upward. If physical gravity is inevitable, then ETERNAL LIFE is also inevitable to those who have surrendered to Him, the author of everything. The BOOK OF PSALMS puts it this way: "As for man, his days are as grass: his beautiful growth is like the flower of the field. The wind goes over it and it is gone; and its place sees it no longer. But the mercy of the Lord is eternal for his worshippers, and their children's children will see his righteousness; If they keep his agreement, and have his laws in mind to do them". (Psalms 103: 15-18)

But as far as this world is concerned - never say die! Even if you're fifty, balding with an expanding ministry around the waistline, go ahead, move half way around the world and start all over again. It's scary and risky but that's what makes it exciting. Make the most of the life you have and leave a mark. Even if you fail, it's better to have tried and failed rather than never doing anything.
 

July

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FMI REPORT, JULY '99, NEW JERSEY USA - "HAPLESS AND HELPLESS, BUT SAVED BY UNLIKELY ANGELS".

"SO AAAHHH...WHAT'S GOIN' ON HERE?" - These were the first words of a tough looking NEW YORK cop, stepping out of his squad car, lights flashing, speaking in an accent that sounded like something straight out of a 'GODFATHER' movie script. His question was quite valid because there I was desperately trying to 'pick' the lock on a borrowed 'JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE'. How did I come to be in this position? Let me explain.

I had stayed over Saturday night at the house of PASTOR CHARLES MILLER of the ECC church in upstate NEW JERSEY. I was due to speak at his church the following morning. He left for the church about 45 minutes before me on Sunday morning, which is situated only a few minutes from his house and I was going to drive myself to the service, arriving just before it started at 10.30am. At 10.20am I left in what I thought was the right direction, but soon found that I was in unfamiliar territory. Turning a corner and pulling up to the curb, I got out to open the trunk to get some directions that were in my briefcase. The trunk was locked so I went back to the driver's door and pressed the central locking button to unlock all the doors. I shut the driver's door and went to open the trunk again only to discover that it was still locked. Then a horrible realization came upon me!!

Out of habit, I had pressed the button the way I had been used to in AUSTRALIA, but along with a lot of things here, the door is locked by pressing the opposite way. I had locked myself out of a high-tech, 'state of the art' vehicle, the engine was still running, my keys, phone, bible, message notes and directions were all inside, and here I was, due to step up into the pulpit in a few minutes time. In an instant, one small lapse of judgment had left mecompletely helpless. I didn't know where I was, there were no phones around and I could not have called anyway because I didn't remember the name of the church. At this point a said; "God, you have to help me?"

I found a small piece of wire on the ground so I quickly tried to get it in the window but it wouldn't go, so I then tried to pick the lock - fat chance!!! That must have caused some 'good citizen', observing close by, to alert the police that someone was trying to steal a car, and that's when my first visit from the Law arrived. I say 'first' because there would be others.

When I tried to explain what had happened to this street hardened upholder of the law, he looked at me with the same unbelieving look I remember seeing as a kid on a neighbor's face the day I was caught stealing an apple off his tree. I tried to explain that by saying that the branch had fallen over our side of the fence - I was guilty then, but I was innocent now! My policeman friend's skepticism seemed to reach a new height when I went on to explain that I was a minister due to be speaking at a church at that very moment. I was sure he was going to 'cuff' me when he asked me what church and where it was, and I said I didn't know.

But I think my 'Aussie' accent earned me a little grace and, giving me the benefit of the doubt, he called up his base and asked for another patrolman to bring down an unlocking tool. A few moments later another police car arrived, lights flashing and screeching to a halt. Out comes a cop who could have doubled as ERIC ESTRADA from the old TV cop show "CHIPS". There's not a lot too subtle or quiet
about New York cops - this second one was louder than the first. Both were now trying to get my car unlocked when another patrol car screeches to a halt (this made three) and out comes another towering, burley hulk that you would never fail to say "yes sir" to - ever!! He looks exactly like "Eric Estrada s' partner from the TV show. With a coat hanger in his hand, he joins in the increasingly momentous task of breaking into "FORT KNOX" on wheels.

'Eric' says the car is impregnable and the only way to get in is to smash the window. Knowing this would set me back at least $500, I 'exhorted' them to keep trying to unlock a door. By then, the assistant pastor from the church, who had been dispatched to locate an overdue guest speaker, arrived on the scene after scouring a good part of the neighborhood. It was now11am, and time was running down but he was able to validate my story.

For another 10 minutes my three law-upholding friends continued to try and get into my car, interspersing their efforts with the usual "PAUL HOGAN', ' THROW ANOTHER SHRIMP ON THE 'BARBIE' and 'CROCODILE MAN' jokes. Finally, after much twisting and sweat, the coat hanger got down to one of the power-window switches and voila! We were in!!. I profusely thanked the 'Godfather', Eric and his partner and asked them if there was anything I could do for them to which they surprisingly
answered..."PRAY FOR US!!" Assuring them that I would always, we rushed off to the meeting. As I followed the assistant pastor's car, I saw the three police cars following me in the rear vision mirror. I was thinking they were giving us an escort, only to discover that they had left their unlocking tool on top of my car. I saw the 'Godfather' retrieving this from my roof as I rushed into the church to preach.

Was this an attack of the devil? Probably not - more like my own stupidity, although I'm sure my stupidity has assisted him from time to time. What I did learn is just how easy it is, through one little assimilation complication, to go from complete control to complete helplessness in an instant. Or maybe it was God with a little reminder that I am totally dependent on Him.

Do you believe in angels? I do - even if they come in the unlikely form of three tough New York cops who got 'me to the church on time', God bless them.
 

August

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'GOOD NEWS NEW YORK' AND Y2K FIX.

Dear All,

Last Friday night we went to the 'GOOD NEWS NEW YORK' Crusade at MADISON SQUARE GARDEN in NEW YORK CITY. It was a fantastic night of 'soulwinning' with 138 responding to the altar call. Earlier in the meeting, Rodney Howard-Browne announced that 35,586 had made decisions for Christ since the crusade began five weeks ago.

"We are pumped by what the Lord is doing in this city! Praise God for the harvest of souls!" Rodney exclaimed the Tuesday night before.

"When we came here, we got hit by a double whammy: first, opposition by churches that didn't like the joy, and second, believers who didn't want to come to a soul-winning meeting, just get blessed. We thank God for the volunteers who have come from all over the world to reap the harvest in New York." Brother Rodney named 14 nations that have sent people touched by renewal to evangelize the streets. More converts have been won there than in the evening meetings at Madison Square Garden.

"You have to go out into the highways and the byways to find the lost sheep," Brother Rodney encouraged, alluding to CHRIST, THE GOOD SHEPHERD, who left the 99 sheep in the wilderness to seek and save the one that strayed. "The lost aren't generally found within the churches."

Just as NYPD police cars read "To Protect And Serve, "Our motto should be 'to seek and to save,'" Brother Rodney declared. "That's what Jesus came for! The heart of the Shepherd is so concerned for the one that is lost that He leaves the 99 and doesn't stop until He finds it.

"I see the Shepherd as He walks the streets of New York tonight. He goes into bars, night clubs, places where the worst sin you can imagine goes on, seeking His lost sheep. That's why we've come to this city. We've come after the lost sheep!"

"Its time for New York Christians to stop fighting each other, come together, and spend the days and nights looking for lost sheep. The time is short! Jesus is coming soon!"

Just as the PHARISEES criticized Jesus as a glutton and winebibber because He loved sinners, criticism comes with the territory, Brother Rodney said. "Religion has done more to chase people away from Jesus and send them to hell than anything else on earth. But religion is not Jesus! Jesus didn't come to condemn sinners, but to save them. Jesus says, 'your sins are forgiven!' God will never use you beyond the level of criticism you're willing to endure."

"Jesus comes with eyes of love. He comes to you in your sinful condition. He's looking for His lost sheep! It doesn't matter what you've done. He loves you, New York, He loves you!"

"Tonight, you can surrender to His forgiveness and say, 'that's it! You've got me!' You're so valuable and precious. If you were the only one, He would have died on the cross just for you! You can come tonight and know the joy that Jesus brings. Come to Him! Come now!"

"All Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents," Brother Rodney said. "I'm going to have Heaven shouting all the way home!"

On Saturday night (7 Aug.) CARMAN performed one of his high energy evangelistic concerts as part of 'GNNY' that saw 1200 answer the altar call including 500 first-time commitments.

This Thursday night, Bishop T D JAKES and CC WYNANS are due to minister and a full house is expected. The crusade finishes on Saturday by which time it is anticipated that 50,000 would have made decisions for Christ. This would be approximately the same amount as responded at the BILLY GRAHAM crusade in "THE GARDEN' back in the fifties.

I have met very few with the amount of courage, faith and obedience to GOD as RODNEY HOWARD-BROWNE. He is a tremendous example of what will be needed if we are to reach this area and beyond with the GOSPEL.

After last Friday's meeting, we caught up with Rodney and several of our AUSTRALIAN friends who have been playing a key role on this event. Among them were ROB AND CHRISTIE BUCKINGHAM, who are pastors from MELBOURNE, and also manage Rodney's Australian office, ROBERT GRIEVES, a successful business man from PERTH who has been assisting with the oversight of GNNY, and EVANGELIST TIM HALL, a good friend for many years.

(We are grateful to RICHARD AND KATHRYN RISS of the AWAKENING LIST for providing a lot of the information in the above report; awakening@listserver.com )
 

September

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MONDAY, 12, 1999, NEW JERSEY USA.
Not long after we arrived here in the USA from AUSTRALIA, we received a prophecy that God would not release us from this area for a certain season. That has proved to be the case because in the last five months, I have gone from getting onto jumbo jets leaving for global destinations, to driving up and down the NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE and the GARDEN STATE PARKWAY. These are the two main highways that dissect New Jersey north to south.

Being in one place for so long and ministering in mainly one-off meetings in churches from SOUTH JERSEY to NEW YORK CITY is out of the ordinary for me, but I have appreciated the opportunity to build relationships with many key local leaders. My ministry, over the last ten years, has taken me away to another state or country every week or two, however, although it has been good and necessary to be around with the family during this time of transition, the 'travel bug' is hard to keep quiet for too long.

In the last week, I had the opportunity to visit two other states; BALTIMORE IN MARYLAND and CHARLOTTE IN NORTH CAROLINA. On Both occasions I was ministered to, rather than being the one doing all the ministering, which was very refreshing and encouraging.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA.
MARK DUPONT, who has a well known and highly respected international prophetic ministry, which for many years was based at TORONTO AIRPORT CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP (TACF), invited me to join him for a prophetic conference at MAHESH AND BONNIE CHAVDA'S church in CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA over last weekend. Mark was one of the main speakers as was JIM GOLL, another respected prophetic ministry.

Mark Dupont had prophesied in early 1993 that a world shaking revival would break out in Toronto, about 8 months prior to what has become known as the TORONTO BLESSING, which has touched millions of people world-wide and is said to be the longest local church based revival in history.

TACF's assistant worship leader, ROB CRITCHLEY was leading the worship at this conference in Charlotte and was mightily anointed for the task. He was joined with some very talented local musicians which included an excellent latin percussionist and a very enthusiastic, gyrating American-Indian bass player. Rob had also led worship in many of the meetings the last time I ministered in a week of Evangelism at TACF in 1998, and I greatly appreciated his anointing then and I believe God will use him mightily in the future.

During one of the meetings, Mark, Bonnie Shavda (a dynamite woman) and Jim Goll's wife Ann all prayed for and prophesied over me at the same time. This was like a spiritual downpour into my soul which if it could be measured, would be something like a whole year's 'rain' in one day. Being up to 2am most mornings for the last five months rebuilding our ministry here in America and preaching my heart out wherever I go, has left me a little dry at times, so this three-sided hit was just what I needed. The prophecies were very accurate and encouraging - I would go into detail but because they were quite personal I hope you will understand if I keep them private.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.
A week ago, I spent a couple of days with TOMMY TENNEY both here in New Jersey and down in BALTIMORE. Tommy's book, "THE GOD CHASERS" is becoming one of the most widely read books in America. This third generation Pentecostal preacher has dedicated himself to totally pursuing the presence of God with a passion that few other men I have met possess. Tommy and BART PIERCE, the senior pastor of ROCK CITY CHURCH IN BALTIMORE, where there has been an ongoing move of the Spirit for the last 2 1/2 years, are pursuing the next dimension in revival: breaking out of the church and changing a city. There has never been a revival that was not started or maintained by prayer and unity. These two components are the major keys to revival.

If you are serious about touching your community with the power of God, then you need to be a part of this conference. I highly recommend it to you. Please also pass on this information to your lists.

Some of you may have already received this information

Title of Conference: UNITY AND PRAYER, A KEY TO CITY-CHANGING

"In order to recreate the 1st century revival we have to recreate the 1st century prayer meeting"

Dates: September 27-29, 1999 (Monday - Wednesday)

Times: 10:30 AM Session each day
7:00 PM Session each day

Location: Rock City Church, Baltimore, MD
1607 Cromwell Bridge Rd.
Baltimore, MD 21234

Hosts: Bart and Coralee Pierce

Keynote Speakers: Tommy Tenney, Dutch Sheets, Jim Goll

Other Speakers:
Joe Mattera from Brooklyn, NY
Neil Lozano from Philadelphia
Ron Johnson from Hampton, VA
Dennis Pisani from Washington, DC
Dennis Bambino and Tom Carey from Long Island
 

October

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FMI REPORT: "PRAYER AND UNITY, THE KEY TO CITY CHANGING" CONFERENCE - BALTIMORE USA. AND ENCOURAGEMENT REPORT.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1999 NEW JERSEY, USA.

Dear ALL,
Last Sunday we made the 2 ½ hour drive from NEW JERSEY to BALTIMORE, MARYLAND for the "PRAYER AND UNITY, THE KEY TO CITY CHANGING" CONFERENCE, hosted by BART AND CORALEE PIERCE, senior pastors of ROCK CITY CHURCH. The speakers were TOMMY TENNEY, JIM GOLL, DUTCH SHEETS joined by many key leaders from WASHINGTON DC to NEW YORK CITY and LONG ISLAND including JOE MATTERA, DENNIS BAMBINO, NEAL LOZANO, DENNIS PISANI, TOM CAREY and RON JOHNSON.

Heather and I joined with WALT AND MAUREEN HEALY and GARY AND CINDY PANEPINTO (senior pastors and administrative pastors respectively from our base church, THE CHURCH OF GRACE AND PEACE, TOMS RIVER, NJ) and many of our church's intercessors for this conference.

There are certain aspects of AUSTRALIAN CULTURE that have provided an easy unity amongst various PENTECOSTAL and CHARASMATIC steams in that nation, which recently birthed a move to bring many of these under one banner called 'AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN CHURCHES'. Australian society's relatively minor emphasis on protocol and class makes it easy to say; "We're mates - let's do it together!"

The cultural icon of 'MATESHIP' (as in 'Gidday, mate') originated in WORLD WAR ONE, where Australian soldiers spend months on end in the trenches and were totally dependent on the guy next to them for survival. Daily life and death situations demanded a strong unity so they had to become 'mates'. This unity has since permeated Australian culture and the church, but has been taken for granted by many Australian Christians because it's not always that way in other nations. AMERICA'S greatest strength has been its independence, but that has not helped THE CHURCH in this nation where there is a large proportion of independent works and movements, often with a reluctance to do things together.

PRAYER AND UNITY have always been the pre-cursors and sustainers of revival and so this conference was 'in season' for this nation at this time. Many key leaders here in the northeast are sensing the importance of overcoming differences and responding to a new hunger, prompted by a God-inspired common vision to see this 'hard, dry' part of the nation set ablaze with the fires of revival. These leaders tell me that they are amazed at the growing unity among various groups in this area. There is no doubt that God is doing something here that has great relative significance.

Many of you will be aware that this is why we relocated our ministry to the Northeast - staking everything on the vision God has shown us that He will visit this place with another 'GREAT AWAKENING'.

TOMMY TENNEY opened the first conference session saying in essence; "IN ORDER TO RECREATE THE FIRST CENTURY REVIVAL, WE HAVE TO RECREATE THE FIRST CENTURY PRAYER MEETING. Nearly all the great revivals of history have not been started by strong preaching meetings but by strong PRAYER MEETINGS". He pointed out the difference between program based unity and purpose based unity. When a program is over, unity dissipates, but as long as purpose is out there, unity continues. We know what happens when God visits a church, but we haven't seen Him yet visit a city!

JIM GOLL, (who knows only how to be completely himself, on the platform and off, and does not appear to be intimidated by anyone or anything) paved the way for what is to come with sharp prophetic insights foreseeing a flood of God's glory over this nation, but also with increasing signs of judgement. "I am going to release your understanding of identification and intercession, whereby the legal rights of the principalities and powers of the air to remain present, shall be removed" said Jim, who went on to minister greater understanding and unity in relationships between the 'gate-keepers' (pastors and leaders) and the 'watchmen' (intercessors).

DUTCH SHEETS delivered a powerful message on 'CITY-TAKING'. God is requiring greater faith from key churches in cities, whereby the living church becomes like leaven and permeates the whole city. A new aggressiveness will be needed to combat the encroaching forces of darkness. This message saw enormous response from the people, most of who were pastors and leaders. The altar was full and a might roar of praise and victory went up to heaven for nearly 20 minutes.

One of the best kept secrets of Rock City Church Baltimore is the outstanding musicianship and direction of DON MARK, the churches resident music director.
Don comes from a long professional career and plays his saxophone with an outstanding combination of skill and anointing that I have not witnessed elsewhere.
He directs his musicians with unusual sensitivity to the Spirit. Among theses musicians is another 'best kept secret' in a singer / song writer only known to me as ASHLEY.
This wonderful combination attracts the presence of God every time. This church has been having revival meetings focused around the presence of God for the last 2 ½ years. This anointed worship and Tommy Tenney's 'GOD-CHASING' passion have been the major components of its longevity.

It was good to be among a company of leaders who have a similar God inspired passion to see our cities changed by the POWER OF GOD!

ENCOURAGEMENT REPORT
As for our own ministry activities, we have not written much about them for some time.
We have been having some wonderful meetings in various places around the NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY area but I have been mainly focusing on building relationships with leaders. God has connected us with many key people in a relatively short time, and we are very grateful to Him for this, however there is one encouraging report I would like to give you from a church where we recently ministered. It shows that we are on the right track.

When I recently visited CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA with MARK DUPONT, he had brought an extensive prophetic word to me. Part of this said that pastors of churches where I would minister would be contacting me soon after my visit and saying that something had happened to their church which was not obvious at first, but there would come a dramatic change in the people shortly after. Pastors would be insisting on us returning as soon as possible.

Recently we had a very powerful Sunday at a New Jersey church and following are some excerpts from a couple of emails I received from the pastor a few days after our visit, which shows the first fulfillment of Mark's prophecy.

"Dear Jeff:

Would you be able to come back for meetings [in] November….? The people so enjoyed your ministry they can't wait for you to return. You have no idea the impact that was made on many people under your ministry……

…..Jeff, you need to know that we are extremely excited about having you back. The people here just love you. You have no idea how powerfully the church was impacted by your ministry. When I tell them you are coming back there is going to be a great shout in this place."

Even though this is encouragement to us in a calling that does not always show immediate fruit, we will not be satisfied until we see a mighty increase in salvations, healings and miracles by God through us.

Please join with us in great anticipation of what God will do next!!!
 

November

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FMI REPORT, NOVEMBER 2 1999 - SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - "There's gold in them there
hills.........Miracle Church service"

Dear All,

Several months before we moved our family and ministry to the UNITED STATES last April, JOHN ARNOTT contacted me to see about coming to SYDNEY as part of an Australian ministry tour he would be doing in October this year. Our ministry had hosted John and Carol Arnott to Australia several times since we met them on our first trip to Toronto in 1994. Knowing that we would not be in Australia for this one I asked SYDNEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE (our Australian base) if they would like to
have the Arnotts return, to which they agreed.

Below is a report of that recent meeting sent by Philip Calodoukas, a young man from Sydney who has been associated with our ministry in Australia. I hope you enjoy Philip's excellent first hand account of this amazing meeting and we can only wish we were there to be a part of it.

"There's gold in them there hills..... Miracle Church Service"

"Actually the gold & silver was found in the cavity's and dentures in peoples mouths last night [31 Oct] at Sydney CLC when John and Carol Arnott ministered. details below....

The church was packed to the max. Well over one thousand people. Everyone wanted to be part of this service when the Arnott's visited Sydney. The Arnott's Pastor the church in Toronto where a mighty outpouring of the Spirit of God has been happening for more than 6 years. They are still holding nightly meetings [expect Mondays] to this day. This is one of the greatest moves of God in all history. Millions of lives have been touched -people from practically every country - and it is still happening even now.

John Arnott, a very humble and gentle man with an incredibly powerful anointing ministered on the Greatest Commandment - To love the Lord with all your heart all your soul and all your might. He had a fantastic example to illustrate his point. He said we had to stay in love with the Lord not just have a one off experience with him. Much like when John Arnott first fell in love with his wife Carol. He said that he has never stopped being in love with her and as a result their relationship is a pleasure and not a burden. They have never needed to consult books on marriage or needed counseling, they have had a smooth relationship. Each day when he kisses his wife and tells her he loves her it is with the same passion as the first time 20 years ago, when he was a young man and his lips were quivering and his knees were knocking from nervousness. If he was not in love with her then he would be working in his marriage day in and day out and it would become a burden to him. It is the same with the Lord. If we have a one time experience with him and don't stay in love with him daily, then when we do things for him they become works and our Christian walk becomes a burden.

God wants us to do things out of love for him. We become much more fruitful in this way. John believes that Mary would have been twice as fruitful as Martha if Mary continued to want to spend time with Jesus versus Martha wanting to work to do things for Jesus.

We often skip past the first commandment and focus on loving our neighbor which can often lead to a "works" mentality, but we must focus on loving God first. This is the most important of all the commandments. If we are struggling to love him then we can ask him to help us. Spend time thinking about his goodness and meditate on his word and the things he has done for us etc This will help us to fall in love with him.

The scriptures say "continue to be filled with the Spirit," which means we have to have constant relationship with the Lord. The biggest danger for us as Christians is if we fall out of love and into works. Then we become dry and worn out. Life becomes a drag.

Just as an aside he talked about letting God fill the gaps in our heart also. God must be allowed to fill every area of our life. He must be valued the most. He gave the example of Christian leader who knows the scriptures but still falls into immorality even when he knows it is wrong. This is because he has a wrong value system and he seeks to fill his need though fleshly ways instead of being satisfied by God in every area of his life. God can satisfy in all areas of our life.

The Lord redeeming his people [miracles of silver and gold].

Then John told us about strange things happening all over the world, especially in South America where people are getting gold fillings in their mouths etc. He couldn't believe it at first until the Lord replaced one of his own. This phenomena then began to occur in Toronto also. They have been praying for people with all kinds of fillings to turn into gold, for holes in teeth to be filled, for teeth to be straightened, dentures to be tightened, teeth to be replaced etc. All this has been happening.

At church last night around 50 people raised their hands to say that God had done something in their mouths. Nobody had hands laid on them at this point. There were just shouts and screams coming up from all corners of the auditorium. Nobody really needed to raise their hands tell of their miracle as there were crowds of people looking into their mouths. I personally ran around looking into peoples mouths and saw for myself, one lady with the most beautiful gold nugget in her mouth. Like the most perfectly shaped crown it matched her gold and black top and gold earrings except for the fact that the gold in her mouth was a much more beautiful and radiant gold. It looked like excellent quality gold and workmanship. I saw another lady who had had many dark fillings in her mouth in many of her teeth and who was now flashing shining silver when she opened her mouth. Almost like a mirror - it was so shiny. Another lady who was a missionary and had a hole in her tooth form last year but couldn't afford to have it filled in, testified that the hole had been smoothed over [I cant remember if it was with silver or gold or just plain tooth enamel!] And yet another lady pulled out her denture which had completely turned to silver. Where these occurrences have happened overseas, no less than the finest 24 carat gold was
discovered.

God is showing that he can do anything he wants. If he can fix a tooth he can fix an arm or a knee or a hip etc. Which is just what he did. One woman had been in a car accident and damaged her hip and had the pain leave her. Another who had knee troubles and couldn't bend down was bunny hopping like a jack rabbit on stage to show her healing. Another who could raise her left arm before the night started showing how her left arm was now more flexible than her right arm. And all this happened to people just in the crowd. Most of whom had nobody lay hands on them at all.

Another man shared how he followed the Arnott's to Queensland and the Arnott's preached on the power of forgiveness. He forgave his rebellious son who had back-slidden from the lord years ago and gone into drugs etc. When the man returned home his son told him how he had recommitted his life to the Lord while his father was away - something was broken in the spiritual realms which released his son to come back to the Lord.

The skeptics have said if God has so many miracles to spare then why doesn't he heal people who are in wheel-chairs etc. Why would he "waste" miracles turning fillings to gold. But John Arnott said that Jesus' first miracle was when he changed the water into wine and the scripture declares that he did this to show his glory and also so that his disciples would believe in him.

In fact Jesus did other miracles which didn't seem to have any humanitarian value, for example, walking on water, commanding the storm to calm down [and bringing the boat immediately to shore] etc

Well, it is the same now. God is blessing his disciples and showing his glory and his power to do wonderful miracles. This in turn helps us to believe that God is among us and he can do the impossible.

Some have said, "why silver?" Well, John said that silver represents redemption and God wants to redeem the land and in particular he has shown over the last few nights that he wants to redeem Australia. He is putting his glory in our mouths. Hopefully we will remember when we look into the mirror and see our new shiny teeth that our mouths are to be used for the glory of God.

On the Mount of Olives - The second service.

John asked everyone to be seated [on the floor, as all the chairs were packed away] while he spoke again from the platform. It was like sitting at the feet of Jesus as he spoke on the Mount of Olives. The presence of God was sweet in the place and faith levels were high - even the unsaved were amazed at the power of God to do miracles.

John spoke on the "Kingdom of God is at hand". It is not far off but is within reach for all of us The Kingdom of heaven comes upon us when the Holy Spirit comes upon us like when he came upon Jesus at the time of his baptism. This all powerful Kingdom which is out of our sight at present has at times in history invaded our planet. Now the Holy Spirit is here among us and he lives within us. Jesus gave us who believe in him all authority over the devil, who he defeated, and Jesus made a public spectacle of him. God has given us power and he proved it to us on the night when we prayed for ourselves for our fillings and teeth and hips and knees etc. We laid our own hands on ourselves and the Lord healed us.

He talked about the devil and said that he does not glorify the devil. He does not say that the devil attacks him. What we have faith for will happen. If we believe that when we do a great work for God that the devil will attack us then he will attack us. But John said that he doesn't even give the devil one bit of glory, but instead glorifies God alone. In fact the devil has seemed to have left him alone. He one day asked himself, "Oh Yeah, what about the devil, what happened to him, we haven't been bothered by him for ages?" The move of God around the earth is so great that there aren't enough demons to stop it! When the light is switched on the darkness flees and that is what happens when the Kingdom of God invades our lives.

John and Carol proceeded to pray for and lay hands on everyone in the auditorium. It was at least 10:30 PM by this stage [4 ? hours after the service began] and there were still hundreds of people anxiously anticipating what God would do next. As the Arnotts moved around the room along with other leaders of the church, many people fell under the power of God. Some even shook violently before hitting the floor. The power in that auditorium was awesome. The music began and it just seemed to be perfect - as if we were sitting up in the clouds listening to heavenly music, while in fact we were flat on our backs on the church carpet. The Lord had taken us to a new level and given us a glimpse of where we could be with him and what we could expect from him.

John and Carol finally left and the service ended, but John did say that many people would have their healing during the night and to check their mouths for more silver and gold in the morning. Imagine waking up in the morning and checking in the mirror and seeing a gold tooth where there was once a crown. That would wake you up in a hurry! I hope you all get something out of what happened last night at Sydney CLC - It is pretty obvious I sure did."


FMI REPORT - NOVEMBER 30 '99 - NEW JERSEY/AUSTRALIA, TESTIMONIES FROM CRUSADES AND MORE DIVINE DENTAL WORK PLUS ANDREW EVANS VISITS TOMS RIVER NJ.

Dear All,

November has been our best month for ministry since we arrived in the UNITED STATES nearly eight months ago. Following are some wonderful testimonies from our last report and our crusades and meetings.

MORE DIVINE DENTAL WORK

Below is an amazing testimony from a friend of what happened after he received our last FMI REPORT (NOVEMBER 2 1999 - SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - "THERE'S GOLD IN THEM THERE HILLS...MIRACLE CHURCH SERVICE". For those who are new to the list and would like to see a copy of this report, look under 'November' in the 'REVIVAL JOURNAL' at our website: www.firepowerint.com ).

"Hi Jeff,
Just a quick mail to thank you for your letters.
I wanted to encourage you regarding what happened after we received the last letter about "Silver Teeth" We have had nothing happen at [our church] in terms of these miracles. When we received your mail [the senior pastor's assistant] read it and received silver caps, his wife touched his arm and also received them. That week we had about 12 College students receive them. The Youth also received them on Saturday night and probably about 30 people in Church on Sunday. We just read out the mail and told people what God is doing and God did it!!... One teen-ager had his fillings replaced with white enamel. This is unbelievable but very very exciting. Thanks for being a link in the chain for us!! Love to your family and all the best for the your Ministry.

Tony S."

Following are some excerpts from a follow-up sent by PHILIP CALODOUKAS, who sent us the original report of the ARNOTT'S Sydney visit:

"Dear Jeff,
I just had to tell you of something that happened at church,[NORTH SHORE CHRISTIAN CENTRE, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA] last Sunday night, which was brought about by my Senior Pastor, John Iuliano reading the bulletin that you sent him.

You see...my Pastor had me testify about what I saw at the ARNOTT'S meeting at SYDNEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE. When he originally asked me…if I would be interested, he also asked me if I believed that God could use me to do the same miracles...

This was my first time preaching...I delivered the message in about 20 minutes...Then we prayed that the Lord would perform some miracles in our mouths... Immediately, one young lady, whom I know personally, was yelling out that her mother had a gold tooth in her mouth. It turns out that her mother once had a crown on her back tooth with a filling - probably mercury in substance. This back tooth now appeared to be a beautifully crafted peace of gold, like a nugget - rich in colour and very bright. It looked so shiny - like a brand new expensive gold ring. My friend's mother was overwhelmed and I of course brought a torch [spot light] along by faith knowing that we would need it to see the miracle

Later the next day, one of the other pastors at church rang me to tell me that the Lord had given another man a gold filling where there was once just a normal filling. Also, another young lady testified that her teeth had been straightened. Who knows what else happened. I guess we will find out next Sunday. JOHN ARNOTT, in the original service one month ago, did say to us that many people would receive their miracles after church when we went home.

I am so happy that the Lord confirmed his Word and encouraged our congregation which will have long lasting effects in some individual's lives. There are so many positive consequences of seeing and experiencing miracles from the Lord. For starters, they help in leading unbelievers to the greatest miracle of all * Salvation. One might say "what's the big deal, it is only a small tooth that has turned to gold?", but in fact it is just as impossible for a tooth to suddenly turn into gold as it is for my computer, with which I am writing this message, to turn to gold.

I thank my Pastor for giving me the opportunity to bring a word of faith to our congregation…
Praise the Wonderful Name of JESUS!

All the best to you and your family Jeff
Love
Philip Calodoukas"


ARC CRUSADE - NOVEMBER 7-9 '99

Earlier this month I had the privilege of ministering in a crusade for the ARC (APOSTOLIC REVIVAL CHURCH) group of churches here in Central Jersey.

This group is comprised of:
PASTOR EDWARD FERNANDEZ, River of Life Christian Center Parlin, NJ,
Father JOSEPH ROMANOSKI, Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, South Amboy,
Pastor VICTOR FRANCO, Trinity United Methodist Church, Sayreville,
Pastor WILLIAM GUERARD, St. George's Episcopal Church, Helmetta,
Pastor BRIAN CROAK, First Presbyterian Church, South Amboy,
Pastor DONALD KNAUER, First Baptist Church, South Amboy,
Pastor JOHN ODEDELE, Christ Gospel Apostolic Church, South Amboy

These men meet every Tuesday to pray that God will pour Himself out in their community. They are just one of many other similar, diverse groups and networks that God seems to be raising up in the Northeast at this time. The existence of these groups confirms that we have been entering a time of post-denominationalism where God seems to be emphasizing 'relationship' as a new church structure.

Father JOE ROMANOSKI is an 'on fire' spirit filled priest who is in charge of a very large Catholic Church in SOUTH AMBOY, NJ. Following is his testimony from our recent crusade with ARC.

"Whenever I am involved in the Lord's work I know I'm doing well if one soul gets right with God. This was confirmed to me by several of my congregation who told me that they felt the move of God's [Spirit] in their life. One of the brothers told me, "I know that I was moving away from the Lord, but the Crusade brought me back." Another young soul said, "[after these meetings] I really knew for certain that I was right with God." I personal know that the anointing of God was upon my sermons this weekend, with a heart cry for souls. Not to lose a single soul.

Thank you God for giving us Brother Jeff to bring us your message of salvation!

Father Joe Roamanoski
Pastor, Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church"

Just recently, Father Joe told me that his youth group had doubled in size since the crusade due to his young people who attended our meetings being 'set on fire' and also because of our "SOULSEARCH" preparation program.

DOVER NJ CRUSADE - NOVEMBER 14-17 '99

WORD OF LIFE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY is a church of several hundred in DOVER, northwest New Jersey. Senior Pastor SAL BELLINI pastors a multicultural congregation of hungry saints who are full of enthusiasm - right up my alley!!! Here is a report from Sal;

"Brother Jeff,
Many said these were the best meetings they attended at 'Word of Life'. The turnout at the weekday meetings was great (anticipation built with each meeting) and the people were excited and encouraged. The fact that you would pick up and leave your home [Australia], family and friends to be obedient to God tells me that God is concerned about this county and that He wants to do something great in the United States.

Bill and Teresa came with a lot of questions about end time events and the book of Revelation, all of which were answered for them. They were excited. Sharon said you gave her a lot of hope about the church in this country and around the world and gave a renewed excitement.

Jeff, there are others who were blown away by your message on the Agony and the Ecstasy; you heard they're shouts. Bless you Sal Bellini"

GLAD TIDINGS AG CRUSADE - NOVEMBER 19-21 '99

BILL BRENDEL, senior pastor of GLAD TIDINGS AG church in MT. EPHRAIM, southwest New Jersey, is a man who has totally committed himself and his church to seeking revival, souls and a greater dimension in God. We ministered at his church a couple of months ago and the response was so good that he insisted that we come back as soon as possible. Bill reports:

"Dear Jeff:
In a word they were indeed some of the most powerful revival meetings we have ever had. Many lives were touched by the preaching of the Word and many others were changed during the prayer time around the altar.

A specific testimony of the fruit of your ministry that weekend was the changed life of a young lady who was invited by someone in the church. When the invitation to receive Christ was given she responded without hesitation. For the first time her depression lifted which was surrounded with many problems in her life. She went home with peace and joy for the first time in years. Her mother looked in her face and said "you look completely different, as though a weight has been lifted off your shoulders". The next morning her mother again commented on how different her daughter looked as a result of attending the revival meetings. When she returned for a second night the Lord spoke very powerfully to her about things she was holding in her heart. She was amazed at how the message preached touched on many areas of her life in very specific ways. Now this young lady continues to experience power when reading the Scriptures. She feels as though the Lord is still crying out to her. She has never experienced anything like this before.

During the last meeting my own life was powerfully touched when you prayed for me. I fell down laughing in the Spirit. This is something I have never done. The laughter brought me to a new level of release. I felt connected to a powerful dimension of the Spirit. Then I saw others around me obviously touched the same way. By the time you finished praying for everyone the whole church was laughing in the Spirit like I have never seen them laugh before. It was awesome to see so many people being released and healed by the Holy Ghost.

We appreciate your ministry and look forward to your returning for more meetings.
Blessings, Bill Brendel"

ANDREW EVANS VISITS TOMS RIVER, NJ - NOVEMBER 21-22 '99

ANDREW EVANS and I have been close friends for many years. He recently retired after 20 years as GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT of the ASSEMBLIES OF GOD IN AUSTRALIA, where his leadership saw the movement grow from a few thousand to approximately 200,000, being the fastest growing denomination in Australian religious history. He is also the senior pastor of one of Australia's largest churches, aptly named PARADISE AG.

Andrew spoke at the morning and evening service at our US base, THE CHURCH OF GRACE AND PEACE. On Monday afternoon, he spoke to 69 local pastors and leaders at a leader's equipping meeting. Known as a pastor's pastor, Andrew brought with him a deep and rich level of experience, and major keys for church growth and leadership dynamics.

CALVARY TABERNACLE, ELIZABETH, NJ

"On November 28th we at Calvary Tabernacle were blessed to have Pastor Jeff
Beacham minister at our morning and evening services.

His timely message challenged and encouraged us, but more than that there was a strong sense that this was just the beginning. The personal ministry at the altar took on a very clear direction as God ministered to broken hearts and empty lives through Pastor Jeff. Children and single parents were broken as the love of the Father brought healing and purpose back to their lives.
As Jeff spoke about passion, once could sense the flames of revival burning deep within and the work of the Holy Spirit embedding a new hunger for God and His Glory in our hearts.

Thanks to Jeff's obedience to the Lord, we received all that God had for us and are now left with no other alternative but to put into action all that God has spoken.

Clem Salerno
Senior Pastor"
 

December

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