ChurchWatch

444 Years: The Masacre of the Huguenot Christians in America

Craig von Buseck — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:29:50 GMT

A couple years ago I took an afternoon to visit to the Spanish fortress at St. Augustine, Florida. I'm somewhat of a history fan, so I like to stop at sites that make your typical teenager groan. But this day I left my teens at the condo in Orlando and made the trek to the Atlantic coast. On the way I saw a sign for Fort Matanzas National Monument and decided to check it out.

Being a student of American history I had heard of the massacre of the French Huguenot settlers in Florida, but I had not visited the sites where it took place. As I joined the tour at Fort Matanzas (meaning "slaughters" in Spanish), I learned the details of this North American extension of the religious, political, and military struggle that resulted from the Reformation.

In 1564 a group of French Protestants known as Huguenots settled in Spanish-claimed territory near present-day Jacksonville. They built Fort Caroline on the St. John's River in Florida, in present-day Jacksonville. On June 30, 1564, they set a day of Thanksgiving and offered the first Protestant prayer in North America:

"We sang a psalm of Thanksgiving unto God, beseeching Him that it would please Him to continue His accustomed goodness towards us."

According to Bill Federer's American Minute, in 1989, Rep. Bennett recited the history. "Three small ships carrying 300 Frenchmen led by Rene de Laudonniere anchored in the river known today as the St. Johns. . . On June 30, 1564, construction of a triangular-shaped fort . . . was begun with the help of a local tribe of Timucuan Indians . . . (Fort Caroline was) home for this hardy group of Huguenots . . . their strong religious motivations inspired them."

When the king of Spain discovered this encroachment on what he considered his property, he dispatched an army under Don Pedro Menéndez to drive out the French and to establish a Spanish colony in La Florida. This was the beginning of St. Augustine.

The National Park Service provides these details of the conflict:

Spanish treasure fleets sailed along the Florida coast on their way to Spain and Fort Caroline provided a perfect base for French attacks. Worst of all to the devoutly Catholic Philip, the settlers were Huguenots (French Protestants). Despite Philip's protests, Jean Ribault sailed from France in May 1565 with more than 600 soldiers and settlers to resupply Fort Caroline.

General Pedro Menéndez de Aviles, charged with removing the French, also sailed in May, arriving at the Saint Johns River in August with some 800 people, shortly after Ribault. The Spanish came ashore on September 8 and established and named their new village "St. Augustine" because land had first been sighted on the Feast Day of St. Augustine, August 28.

Jean Ribault sailed on September 10 to attack and wipe out the Spanish at St. Augustine, but a hurricane carried his ships far to the south, wrecking them on the Florida coast.

At the same time, Menéndez led a force to attack Fort Caroline. Since most of the soldiers were absent, Menéndez was easily able to capture the French settlement, killing most of the men in the battle. He then learned from Timucuan Indians that a group of white men were on the beach a few miles south of St. Augustine. He marched with 70 soldiers to where an inlet had blocked 127 of the shipwrecked Frenchmen trying to get back to Fort Caroline.

With a captured Frenchman as translator, Menéndez described how Fort Caroline had been captured and urged the French to surrender. Rumors to the contrary, he made no promises as to sparing them. Having lost most of their food and weapons in the shipwreck, they did surrender. However, when Menéndez then demanded that they give up their Protestant faith and accept Catholicism, they refused. 111 Frenchmen were killed. Only sixteen were spared - a few who professed being Catholic, some impressed Breton sailors, and four artisans needed at St. Augustine.

Two weeks later the sequence of events was repeated. More French survivors appeared at the inlet, including Jean Ribault. On October 12 Ribault and his men surrendered and met their fate, again refusing to give up their faith. This time 134 were killed. From that time, the inlet was called Matanzas -- meaning "slaughters" in Spanish.

The Capitol Hill Prayer newsletter recently featured a story on the anniversary of the French Huguenot massacre.

"Although they died as martyrs 444 years ago, the sacrifice of the French Huguenots in Florida still stands in eternity, and the price has been paid in the heavens for our freedom on this land, here on earth. Praise God. . . . they loved not their lives unto death." (Rev. 12:11)

The newsletter explains that a mural in the United States Capitol reveals this part of Florida's history and provides a map depicting the three oldest cities in our nation:

"An often overlooked site of interest in the U.S. Capitol is a historical map that is shown in the ceiling of the Cox Corridor in the House wing of the Capitol Building. Titled 'Fort St. Augustine,' this mural is in the ceiling of the corridor, and shows the dates of the founding of the first three cities in our land: St. Augustine (1565), Jamestown (1607), and Plymouth (1620)."

"The Spanish conquistadors founded St. Augustine, Florida on September 8, 1565 while they carried out the command of King Philip II of Spain, to 'do away with' the 'French problem' on land that Spain had claimed."

"Later, the Spanish built the Castillo de San Marcos -- a fearsome-looking fortress, designed to serve as a signal to all others that this land belonged to Spain! The Castillo de San Marcos, which took 30 years to build, is also shown on this map."

"St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest city in America today, having been founded by Europeans who have resided there ever since."

These are significant and beautiful historic sites and, in combination with Fort Caroline in Jacksonville, and Fort Matanzas, just south of St. Augustine on the Atlantic Coast, are worth a visit.

Next time, I'm taking my teenagers with me. They'll thank me later!

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Apostolic Leaders Commission Lakeland Revival Leader Todd Bentley

Craig von Buseck — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:49:06 GMT

Calling the event "truly historic and a true sign of unity," Todd Bentley, leader of the “Lakeland Outpouring,” commented on his commissioning as an evangelist by leading apostolic ministers earlier this week. The event took place during a special ceremony that was broadcast by God TV.

Charisma Magazine reports that pastors Ché Ahn, Bill Johnson, John Arnott, and Rick Joyner laid hands on the 32-year-old Bentley while Peter Wagner, leader of the International Coalition of Apostles, read a statement about the need for apostolic alignment. Other prominent leaders from the apostolic and prophetic movements stood on the platform to show their support for Bentley and to endorse the revival, which began in early April.

The ceremony was organized after some charismatic leaders raised questions about Bentley’s claims, methods and theology. They asked Wagner to oversee a dialogue, and he responded by organizing Monday evening’s event, with a goal of Bentley having more accountability.

Praying over Bentley from the platform, Wagner declared: “This commissioning represents a powerful spiritual transaction taking place in the invisible world. With this in mind, I take the apostolic authority that God has given me and I decree to Todd Bentley, your power will increase, your authority will increase, your favor will increase, your influence will increase, your revelation will increase."

“I also decree that a new supernatural strength will flow through this ministry. A new life force will penetrate this move of God. Government will be established to set things in their proper order. God will pour out a higher level of discernment to distinguish truth from error. New relationships will surface to open the gates to the future.”

In a newsletter released earlier this week, Bentley said Wagner was the one who suggested having an official ceremony in which Bentley could be commissioned.

“I am no church historian, but I do not know of any other time in history, since the book of Acts, have so many different apostles and so many different prophets and movements and leaders [been represented],” Bentley said of the capacity crowd. “This is so much bigger than [anything else] ever before. The devil is shaking in his boots because the apostles are gathering and the prophets are gathering.”

Critics have complained that Bentley has used extra-biblical methods, including reported “third heaven” experiences, a claim he has met the apostle Paul, and encounters with angels named “Winds of Change” and “Emma.” There have also been allegations that Bentley has exaggerated claims of healings and resurrections.

Charisma's Paul Steven Ghiringhelli reports that Bentley has recently responded to critics in an open letter posted on his Web site called “Lifting Jesus High: Bringing biblical light to your questions about the Lakeland Outpouring and Todd Bentley”.

In the letter Bentley explains that his supernatural experiences have always brought him closer to Jesus. He denied believing in female angels, stating that he didn’t understand why God chose an angel named Emma, other than that the angel had “mother-like nurturing qualities.”

Regarding his encounter with an angel called “Winds of Change,” Bentley said it shouldn’t come as a surprise to Christians that an angel with such a name could usher in a new move of God.

To counter accusations that accounts of healing are embellished, Bentley declared last night that his team of interns is working 80 hours a week collecting medical records and other proof of healings so that the Lakeland Outpouring becomes “one of the most well-documented revivals in history.”

Charisma reports that nightly meetings will continue in Lakeland indefinitely. Bentley also plans to travel to other U.S. cities for one- or two-night events. “I feel that what’s going to be released tonight is a city-taking, nation-taking anointing,” Bentley declared on Monday. “We’re going to the cities, then the nations. My dream has never been for a mega-ministry, it has been for a movement. I want to be part of a movement.”

"Lifting Jesus High" letter from Todd Bentley

CBN Exclusive Interview with Todd Bentley

CBN Exclusive Interview with Patricia King

CBN Exclusive Interview with Pastor Stephen Strader

The Florida Outpouring is being broadcast live each night at 7pm on God TV (DirecTV Channel 365) or watch live via the Internet at: http://www.freshfire.ca./

Lakeland Revival Miracle Healings Continue

Miracle Healings in 'The Florida Outpouring'

Lakeland Revival Going Strong - and Global

Related ChurcWatch Blogs: Miracles Continue at Florida Internet & Satellite Revival

Florida Outpouring Exclusive Update

Healing Revival Reported in Florida

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Gay Marriage Battle in California & Anglican Church

Craig von Buseck — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:35:03 GMT

California is due to become the second state, following Massachusetts, to allow homosexuals to marry. Across the state, county officials are preparing for an expected flood of weddings over the next several weeks.

Barring any further legal action, gay couples will be able to start marrying at 5:01 p.m. Monday, when a California Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriages goes into effect. Some counties plan to open their clerk's offices after-hours that day to accommodate couples wanting to be among the first to marry, but most across the state will wait until Tuesday.

But not every county clerk is elated over the ruling handed down by the California Supreme Court allowing for homosexual marriage.

"There's a lot of discomfort among about a dozen out of the 58 county clerks that I've talked to," said Campaign for Children's Randy Thomasson. "They don't want to go outside of the Constitution. They don't want to go outside of the statutes. They know that doing it by the book means that marriage is still between a man and a woman. And they don't really believe in homosexual marriage because most county clerks reflect the values of most Californians, he continued"

Californians will get another chance to vote in November on an amendment to the state's constitution that would ban gay marriage.

The Associated Press reports that attorneys general from several states who worried about possible legal chaos asked California to postpone the start of same-sex marriage until after the November 4 voting on the state ballot measure that could ban such unions. The request was denied.

CBN News reports that even though the state supreme court has rejected all appeals of its ruling, Matt Staver, the founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, is making his appeal directly to the state appeals court on behalf of the Campaign for California Families. The appeals court is responsible for the task of making sure the high court ruling is followed.

"It should clearly be stayed because the people are going to vote in November with regards to the California marriage protection amendment," Staver told OneNewsNow. "That's a matter that, in fact, we addressed before the California Supreme Court, which they denied. However, the California Court of Appeals has a separate, independent obligation to consider this matter as well," he said.

Staver's group has asked the court to stay the issuing of marriage licenses to same-sex couples until the California legislature has the time to examine other state statutes, which the Liberty Counsel says comes into conflict with the state supreme court's ruling.

Staver explained, "The California Supreme Court only addressed two of the many statutes regarding marriage. You can't simply address two statutes when there's literally hundreds of others, all of which reference 'men' and 'women,' 'male' and 'female,' 'husband' and 'wife,' all of which have to be addressed."

Anglican Gay Marriage Controversy

The Associate Press is also reporting that a spokesman for the Anglican church announced over the weekend that a wedding-like ceremony between two male priests broke the Church of England's rules.

The two clergymen exchanged rings and vows last month at a ceremony in St. Bartholomew the Great in London, according to The Sunday Telegraph, a preview of which was made available Saturday. The paper said the ceremony included traditional marriage liturgy, hymns and a Eucharist.

Church of England spokesman Lou Henderson said the service described by the paper violated church guidelines "in just about every respect."

Although civil partnerships between homosexual couples are officially recognized in Britain, the Church of England maintains that marriage should be between a man and a woman and its guidelines ask clergy not to bless such partnerships.

The issue of how to deal with homosexuality — both same-sex partnerships and the ordaining of gay priests — threatens to divide the 80 million-member Anglican Communion, including the U.S. Episcopal Church.

The debate came to a head when the Episcopal Church consecrated its first openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, in 2003.

News of the London ceremony — which Henderson said was the first he was aware of — is likely to further irritate the communion's conservatives.

The newspaper quoted the Rt. Rev. Michael Scott-Joynt, the bishop of Winchester, as saying the service was a wedding "in all but name," noting the ceremony was modeled closely on the Church's marriage service and thus "flouts Church guidelines." The Most Rev. Henry Orombi, the archbishop of Uganda, called the incident "blasphemous," according to the paper.

"The leadership tried to deny that this would happen, but now the truth is out. Our respect for the Church of England will erode unless we see a return to traditional teaching," Orombi was quoted as saying.

The issue of homosexuality is likely to overshadow the once-a-decade world Anglican summit due to be held this summer. Leaders from five Anglican provinces have already said they would boycott the meeting because of Robinson's ordination.

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Lakeland Miracles Spreading Across America

Craig von Buseck — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:10:04 GMT

Editor's Note: The revival fires that were ignited in Lakeland, Florida, are beginning to spread across America. Reports are coming in from various locations of miracles happening in churches where the pastors have attended the "Florida Outpouring" and brought back an impartation to give to their people. Here is the miracle story of Chuck Brady -- someone who experienced the power of God, not in Lakeland, Florida, but as a result of a local pastor who attended the revival and brought the blessing home.

During October of last year, I woke up one morning to the most intense pain I ever had. This pain was felt from my lower back, all the way down my leg to my right foot. The pain was so severe I could do nothing but cry like a baby and stay in bed. I couldn’t even get up and go to the bathroom.

After several days of aspirin, painkillers, ice, heating pads, and whatever else I could think of to alleviate the pain, I was finally able to get to my doctor. I was prescribed anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce swelling and inflammation, and Oxycodone for pain, which is a heavy narcotic.

After several days of almost being comatose, x-rays were taken and revealed that my L4/L5 Lumbar discs had ruptured, (herniated), and were now pressing against my sciatic nerve. This was causing the severe pain running down my body from my lower back to my right foot, with no feeling in the bottom of my right foot. I was told to have a MRI and then schedule surgery for a back operation.

But I knew Jesus was going to heal me, so I went for physical therapy instead.

After several months of therapy there was slight improvement. My Chiropractor, Dr. Donald Bresnahan, said this was one of the worst ruptured discs he had seen in 20 years of practice. I had problems sitting without cushions, and couldn’t bend over. I had a slight limp because my foot was still without feeling on one side.

For the last 3 weeks I have been watching the Healing Revival in Lakeland, and I continued praying. Several times I tried to arrange a trip, but schedules didn’t coincide. When Todd Bentley prays for healing, he also tells people watching God TV to touch their TV or computer screen. It is amazing. As I prayed with him, I felt the presence of our sweet Lord Jesus as I was holding on to my computer terminal.

This revival is spreading across the world in record time, thanks to today’s technology -- praise God.

Then I learned that Pastors Ken & Nancy Gerry of New Life Christian Center, in Norfolk, Virginia, went to Lakeland the week before, received the impartation and brought it back to give it away to all who would have it.

I went that first day, was prayed for and was blasted in the Holy Ghost, with my face down on the carpet for what seemed like several hours. The presence of God was so strong. I have been in Toronto many times on their ministry team, so I knew this was something new the Lord is doing at this appointed time and hour.

On Tuesday night they prayed for my healing and fire went through my lower back. Pastor Ken had me sit down and put my legs together, prayed again, and my right leg, which was a little shorter, grew about an inch right before our very own eyes. At the same time it felt like a hand was manipulating my lower back, which then popped it back into place. All the pain was immediately gone.

Then, I was asked to do something I couldn’t do without pain. I bent over fully from my waist, and if I didn’t have my gut, I could have touched my toes. Praise God!

I now have feeling in my entire right foot. The area that was numb since last October is now completely restored. Thank you Daddy!

I am planning to go to Lakeland to share my testimony.

Jesus said in: John 14:12-14, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."

As the church questions this move of God, as in every move of God, I am reminded of Luke, chapter 7, verses 19-23 in the King James Version:

19And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? 20When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? 21And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.

22Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. 23And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

Thank you Lord Jesus.

Blessings,

Chuck Brady
Catch The Fire Ministries Resource Team
Virginia Beach

CBN Exclusive Interview with Todd Bentley

CBN Exclusive Interview with Patricia King

CBN Exclusive Interview with Pastor Stephen Strader

The Florida Outpouring is being broadcast live each night at 7pm on God TV (DirecTV Channel 365) or watch live via the Internet at: http://www.freshfire.ca./

Lakeland Revival Miracle Healings Continue

Miracle Healings in 'The Florida Outpouring'

Lakeland Revival Going Strong - and Global

Related ChurcWatch Blogs: Miracles Continue at Florida Internet & Satellite Revival

Florida Outpouring Exclusive Update

Healing Revival Reported in Florida

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Send Your Condolences to the Family of Steven Curtis Chapman

Craig von Buseck — Thu, 22 May 2008 21:47:59 GMT

The Christian world is mourning the tragic death of singer Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter, Maria Sue. The following statement has come from Chapman’s manager, Jim Houser:

“Maria Sue Chapman, adopted and youngest daughter to Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman, was killed in a tragic accident in the family driveway on Wednesday evening. She was LifeFlighted to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital but for only reasons God can explain she went home to Him ... not to Franklin as we all so desperately wanted.

"Your prayers are needed for all in the Chapman family. This is a family who has so generously loved and given to so many. Just hours before this close knit family was celebrating the engagement of the oldest daughter Emily Chapman, and were just hours away from a graduation party marking Caleb Chapman's completion of high school. Now, they are preparing to bury a child who blew out 5 candles on a birthday cake less than 10 days ago. These words are unthinkable to type. And yet we trust in a God who was not surprised by this and because of Jesus I am certain through faith in Him we will see Maria again.”

Steven Curtis Chapman’s Web site has posted a special video diary in memory of Maria that you can access by going to:

http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/inmemoryofmaria/

The Chapman family have requested in lieu of flowers donations be made to Shaohannah’s Hope Ministry.

Donations can be made to the below P.O. Box and at:

http://www.showhope.org/maria

or at:

Shaohannah’s Hope
P.O. Box 647
Nashville, TN 37065

Condolences can be made online at this special Steven Curtis Chapman Web page:

http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/inmemoryofmaria/2008/05/maria-sue-chapm.html#comments

or they can be sent to:

P.O. Box 150156
Nashville, TN 37215

You can share your prayer requests for the Chapman family at this page.

Funeral arrangements for Maria Sue Chapman have been made for Friday, May 23rd, Visitation 5-8 p.m.; and then a Memorial Service on Saturday, May 24th at 11 a.m. at Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN.

CBN News Story: Daughter of Christian Music Star Killed by Car

CBN News: The Chapman's Share Their Heart for Adoption

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Help Discover the Next Great Christian Filmmaker

Craig von Buseck — Wed, 21 May 2008 21:34:39 GMT

The time to select the Grand Prize Winner for the ReelDreams Film Competition at Regent University is coming soon. The Top 10 films were announced May 5 and will compete at the live Webcast final event and at http://www.reeldreamsfilmfest.com/.

More than 50 films competed in the ReelDreams Film Competition for a chance to win a full-tuition scholarship to Regent University’s School of Communication & the Arts. Each entrant was the sole producer/director/writer of a short film portraying a character facing a moral dilemma that leads to good or bad consequences affecting the individual and those around them.

Votes may be cast at www.godtube.com/reeldreams.

"Our mission is to encourage the next generation of leaders in redemptive film-making," says Michael Patrick, dean of Regent's School of Communication & the Arts. "This competition helps us to connect with them as a film school and helps them to fulfill their calling."

Starting May 31 at 7:00 p.m. the public will view and vote for their favorite films during the Webcast final event, live from the Regent University Communication & Performing Arts Center. These votes will help to decide the Grand Prize Winner.

The Grand Prize Winner will be selected by industry judges and will receive a full-tuition scholarship for one degree from Regent's School of Communication & the Arts.

The Grand Prize Winner will be announced at the conclusion of the program on May 31.

The live Webcast final event is open to the public. In order to participate, one must create a user account with Godtube.com prior to the event and login to the live Webcast at 7:00 p.m. EDT on May 31. Here you can vote for the film that will receive the Audience Favorite Award.

For tickets and information to attend the Live Event in Virginia Beach visit http://www.regent.edu/theatre/ or call 757.226.4245.

Go to www.godtube.com/reeldreams today to help Regent University discover the next great redemptive filmmaker! The Competition is powered by Godtube.com and Big Jump Media, Inc.

Regent University’s School of Communication & the Arts has won over 170 film awards and offers B.A., M.A., MFA and Ph.D. degrees in Cinema/Television, Journalism, Animation, Digital Media, Theatre and Communication.

Learn more about Regent University’s School of Communication & the Arts at http://www.regent.edu/acad/schcom/.

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Miracles Continue at Florida Internet & Satellite Revival

Craig von Buseck — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:42:08 GMT

From guest ChurchWatch blogger, Julie Gillies, at The Florida Outpouring:

God continues to astonish hundreds of thousands with miraculous healings and His manifest presence, as The Florida Outpouring marked its 43rd day, gaining momentum and stoking the fires of healing revival worldwide.

Noting the vast TV and Internet coverage of the event, Todd Bentley declared, “This thing is about to become the biggest thing that I believe we’ve ever seen. It’s historic. Many other television networks are now carrying the God TV feed, and we are about to go into the entire nation of Canada via the Miracle Channel.” The crowd of 6,000 cheered in response.

Todd’s voice bellowed through the arena, “I just got the confirmation that tomorrow night, (Thursday, May 15th) this revival, for the first time in history, will be on nationwide Arab TV to 350 million homes via The Spirit channel in the Middle East!” His hand waving in the air, he proclaimed, “This is a media revival, so it will literally cover the entire globe - live, every night - every nation of the world! We’re battling principalities by the airwaves!”

Remarking on the diversity of the crowds appearing night after night, Todd stated, “We don’t care any more if we’re black or white. I’ve met people here from the Church of England, Catholic priests, French monks, and every other denomination you can imagine. They have already come to receive the fire of God! I feel like a man with a whole lot of Holy Ghost gasoline and my job is to just pour out a little more!”

After a glorious hour-and-a half of worship, the first altar call was given – for anyone from the nation of Germany and then for those from Cape Town, South Africa.

Following that time of prayer, Todd announced he would pray for all those with reproductive organ problems such as cysts, tumors, miscarriages, infertility and STD’s. Hundreds came forward and stood at the altar as he prayed for the crowd.

Soon Todd began calling out the names of various diseases and conditions that God was going to touch and heal. Dozens of people immediately lined both sides of the altar to give testimonies that the power of God had indeed already healed them.

A woman named Robin, who said she had a golf ball-sized tumor in her thyroid, was among the first to appear on the platform. “I felt something moving in this area.” She said, touching her throat. “What did you feel come over your body?” Todd asked her. “I started feeling ‘raining down electricity’” she told him. The tumor was gone!

After that, a man named Eric came forward with his wheelchair and a cane, wearing a back brace. “This man had M.S.” (Multiple sclerosis) the altar worker announced.

“Did you feel something go through your body?” Todd asked him.

“Yes, I felt electricity go through me so I stood up and came up here.” Eric said.

Todd then told Eric, “Take off that back brace.” So he did.

“How long have you been in that wheelchair?”

“Three years.” Eric answered.

“How do you feel now?” Todd asked.

“I feel excellent! I feel better than I’ve felt in the last 20 years!”

“You just decided to get up out of the wheelchair?” Todd said, spinning toward the crowd in amazement. “Now that’s faith!”

A woman wearing a brown leather jacket came forward next. The altar worker explained, “She had multiple cysts and the power of God hit her – she’s fixed!”

Todd looked her in the eyes. “You had multiple cysts?”

“Yes.” She answered.

“Where?”

“All through this arm,” she told him, holding out her left arm.

“You can’t feel any now?” Todd asked her.

“None.” She declared.

“Check again.” Todd told her. “You don’t feel the pain? You can’t feel the lumps?”

The woman shook her head. “No. Before you couldn’t touch it, it was all up and down my arm and in here.” (Indicating armpit area).

“How many cysts did you have?” Todd asked her.

“The doctor said multiple cysts, all underneath here.”

“Jesus!” Todd said, gently touching the woman’s forehead. The woman collapsed onto the floor.

Next an altar worker approached Todd declaring, “This is one for the record books! This man had a stroke and was just released from the hospital last night.” Todd was then handed several sheets of paper and told it was the doctor’s report. “And this,” the altar worker said, indicating a satchel filled with medications, “Is the medication he used to take.”

“Oh my…look at this, we have a case of medicine here!” Todd said. “You took all this medicine?”

A man wearing a red T-shirt nodded his head and said, “I took 38 pills a day.”

Handing the medical report back to the man, Todd asked, “What is this?”

“I had a stroke – and I couldn’t remember even my own sister. And I also needed a heart transplant.”

“What happened to you right now?” Todd asked.

The man shook his head, “I don’t know.”

“Which wheelchair were you in?”

Pointing down toward the floor, the man indicated his electric wheelchair, “Right there.”

In amazement Todd said, “You got out of that wheelchair – you just got out of the hospital from a stroke yesterday, couldn’t remember your sister’s name, a bag of drugs, you took 38 pills daily... He doesn’t even know how he got healed but he steps out of the wheelchair and is standing up on the platform! Bam! Jesus!” Todd touched the man and his friend on the chest – both collapsed.

Todd then announced, “Some of my First Nation friends (Native American) from California and British Columbia are here tonight. Some chiefs have come with their wives to receive this anointing. I’m telling you, it’s going to break out in a mighty way amongst the reservations.”

A Native American woman stood before Todd’s wife, Shonna, and told her, “I receive you as my sister from the Carrier nation. I’m the former tribal grand-chief of the carrier in British Columbia, Canada. And I call forth the impartation of the First Nation (Native America) blood from within you. I call for the Ancient of Days through those ancient gates, those everlasting doors, to release His ancient anointing to deal with ancients strongholds in this hour.”

Bob Jones declared that as the First Nations people have blessed us, now we must bless them.

The Florida Outpouring is being broadcast live each night at 7pm on God TV (DirecTV Channel 365) or watch live via the Internet at: http://www.freshfire.ca./

Related story by Julie Gillies: Miracle Healings in 'The Florida Outpouring'

Related ChurcWatch Blogs: Healing Revival Reported in Florida

Florida Outpouring Exclusive Update

Visit Julie Gillie’s blog at www.wordchicks.blogspot.com

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Michael W. Smith Film Studio's New Release; Notes from the Bulletin

Craig von Buseck — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:14:41 GMT

Michael W. Smith, Seabourne Pictures and Randall House have joined forces to produce an innovative new small group study series on DVD called C2: Giving Movies a Second Look. C2 is designed to help individuals develop critical thinking skills when watching movies. The first two titles are With Love At First Sight [Volume One] and Relapse [Volume Two].

Each C2 DVD contains a twenty-minute original short film along with bonus features, which include a personal introduction from Michael W. Smith, behind-the-scenes movie features, out-takes, director’s comments and deleted movie scenes. The leader of a small group will have access to helpful tools, including study guides for three separate lessons relating directly to the movie and promoting critical thinking.

Seabourne Pictures was founded in 2005 by Michael W. Smith, along with his son, Ryan Smith, and partner Mark Cowart, with the objective of creating thought-provoking and engaging feature films. Over the past three years, Seabourne has produced various music videos and short films, while developing several feature film projects, one of which is now in pre-production. (http://www.seabournepictures.com/htdocs/index.html)

“Seabourne Pictures and Randall House have created a groundbreaking product,” says Michael W. Smith. “Nearly everyone goes to the movies, but how often do we stop to evaluate and filter what we just watched? C2 really raises the bar by providing quality short films supplemented with small group curriculum to guide discussion.”

View the video clip “What is C2” from Michael W. Smith.

“C2 is unique because it captures the movie experience,” adds Ryan Smith, Seabourne Pictures co-founder. “Movies can be so influential in our life experience. That’s why I think it’s important that we develop the necessary critical thinking skills in order to evaluate what we are watching.”

C2: Love At First Sight [Volume One] is a romantic comedy dealing with themes of romantic love, true love, judging others and accepting differing opinions. Watch the comical “Zomleah” clip from Love At First Sight.

Watch the C2: Love At First Site trailer.

C2: Relapse [Volume Two] is a drama dealing with themes of addiction, grief and bioethics.

Watch the C2: Relapse trailer.

ChurchWatch Notes from the Bulletin

Mormons and Evangelicals Cross Religious Barriers

More than 500 Mormons and Evangelicals met last month at the Tempe Institute of Religion at Arizona State University to participate in an interfaith dialogue hosted by Greater Phoenix Latter-day Saints Interfaith Council and the Arizona Ecumenical Council. "A Conversation Between a Mormon and an Evangelical" was led by the Reverend Gregory Johnson, founding pastor of Ogden Valley Baptist Church in Utah, and Robert Millet, dean emeritus of religious education at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. The two have been leading similar "conversations" since 2001. Last November they published the book "Bridging the Divide: The Continuing Conversation Between a Mormon and an Evangelical" which contains excerpts of the public dialogues.

My sources tell me that there has been dialogue like this between Mormon and Evangelical theologians on many leading Christian college campuses. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would lead these discussions and that God's truth would become clear to all involved.

Isaiah Scroll on Display Again

Biblical Archaeology Review (BAR) reports that in honor of the 60th anniversary of Israel's independence, the Israel Museum is displaying the Isaiah Scroll for a limited time. Because of its fragile condition, the scroll has not been on public view for 40 years. To learn about this important scroll and about the Dead Sea Scrolls in general, visit The Dead Sea Scrolls and Why They Matter on the BAR Web site.

You can also download a free e-book by BAR editor Hershel Shanks, "The Dead Sea Scrolls--What They Really Say."

Relate CBN News/Christian World News Story: The Miracle Called Israel

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Dream of a Great End Time Revival; Dottie Rambo Tributes

Craig von Buseck — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:54:15 GMT

Note from Craig von Buseck: This dream from Isabel Allum was sent to me by a friend who works with John and Carol Arnott at Catch the Fire Ministries. Isabel, and her husband, Ivan, are close friends of the Arnott's. I believe this is a significant prophetic dream that should be prayerfully considered.

On Wednesday April 2nd, the night that the healing revival broke out in Florida I had an amazing dream about that wave breaking out and another one to come.

In my dream I was with a little girl around 5-6 years old, who was my daughter. We were in a hotel that was huge and had many floors and many rooms. The hotel was in a beach and all the rooms had an ocean view. We were in the room and there were some people I know there and others I do not, but they were family. We were watching the ocean through the balcony door, and told my little girl to come out with me to the beach to see the ocean closely.

As we came out I looked up and saw the most amazing wave I had ever seen. It was as high as the building and was standing like a wall in front of the building waiting to fall. It was pure, clean water and looked amazing. It stood there for a little while and then crashed down, and because it was so huge it splashed water everywhere. We got soaked and the water was very, very refreshing.

When it was over, I turned to keep walking to the beach and to my surprise, there was a much bigger wave standing in front of the building again. This next wave came unexpectedly and very fast. It followed the one that had just fallen, but it was way, way bigger than the other one.

I looked at it and thought, "Oh my goodness what is going to happen now? How are we going to manage this wave? It is massive. What will happen when it crashes down?" Again, it was very clear and clean water like the first one, but it was a much more powerful wave and it was 'alive.' That is the only way I can describe it. It had a life of its own and power.

I also noticed that the ocean had moved all the way into the beach. There was no beach, and the wave was standing right in front of the building. It was standing there for a while, not too long though, and then crashed down. Because it was so big and high over the building, it completely engulfed it. It had a huge crest that splashed and ran everywhere, further beyond what anyone expected.

After getting soaked even more with this next wave, I felt an urge to go back inside. When we got back to our room there were more people there and we gathered to look out through the balcony doors, when suddenly outside everything turned black, and then in the distance there were huge flames of fire, which ended soon. But then the sky turned red on the horizon, and the black and red were very scary to look at. There was a sense of terror outside, and it definitely was not safe out there. People were getting very afraid, but we were safe because we were together inside the building.

Then suddenly it all disappeared, and the day was clear again, the waters were calm, blue and clear, the sky was completely blue and clear, and everything was incredibly peaceful. The sense of peace was overwhelming and we knew everything was fine. We were really shocked to see how quickly it changed because we thought that the blackness was going to last much longer, but it was intense and short. This was the end of the dream.

Of course, we are seeing and experiencing the splashing of this huge wave that has broken in Florida. Its waters are going everywhere and we love it. Yet, as great as this is, there is another one coming after, that is going to surpass this one, and will cover way more territory and will have much more power.

I know it is hard to imagine, but it will be. The next one will have a different 'life' and power in it, but it will be the last one. And after that, the time of terror will come to the world as the prophecies of old predict.

There is an urgency in heaven for intercessors to arise and cry for the mercy of God for the world; for their eyes to see and their ears to hear so they can respond and be saved; for evangelism and a passion for the lost to increase; and for all Christian churches and ministries to prepare for the collection of this harvest so not one seed will fall through the cracks.

These two last waves of revival are different than what we have seen and heard before, because after them, the end will come. Time is shorter than we think.

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Cross Erected on Bush Ranch for Wedding; John Michael Talbot Injured in Fire

Craig von Buseck — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:20:51 GMT

The Dallas Morning News reports that President Bush has erected a large limestone cross in preparation for the wedding of his daughter, Jenna.

"We put a giant cross made out of Texas limestone that will serve as the altar, but also serve as a landmark on our place for years to come," President Bush told ABC's Good Morning America. "That's where she's going to get married, right in front of this Texas limestone altar with a cross on it -- by our lake."

The wedding is set for this Saturday. The Associated Press reports that Jenna will say "I do" near a lake at the ranch, in front of the giant cross made of Texas limestone that will serve as an altar. The cross will be a landmark at the ranch for years to come. The president said that was his contribution to the wedding that the Bushes are trying to keep a low-key affair.

"I'm so excited and thrilled for Jenna and Henry," First Lady Laura Bush told ABC. "They're very, very excited. ...I know the wildflowers are blooming and it's very green. We've gotten some good spring rains, and so I think it will be really, really beautiful. It's going to be a wonderful celebration with her closest friends and family."

Dove-Award Winner, John Michael Talbot, Injured in Fire

Christian Newswire reports that the home of The Brothers and Sisters of Charity founded by Dove Award-winning musician John Michael Talbot was recently severely damaged by fire. There was no loss of life, although members of the community, including Talbot, suffered from the effects of smoke inhalation.

The fire began in the chapel and spread to the community's Common Center which housed the kitchen, offices, library, classrooms and dining space. All are a total loss. It is unknown how the fire started, but has been declared "no fault" by the fire inspector, says Talbot. Various awards melted in the heat or were burned along with the community archives, inventory and tour equipment. Living areas, studio and instruments were unharmed.

Talbot says that the fire department aggressively battled the fire, but could not save the building. The wood construction contributed to the speed of the fire which burned the chapel to the ground in an hour.

At the wish of the community, Talbot's Canadian Tour will continue as planned. Tour dates and information may be found at his Web site, http://www.johnmichaeltalbot.com/.

While the damage is covered by insurance, donations are helping bridge the financial gap as the community awaits, reorganizes and prepares to rebuild, "this time in stone," says Talbot. Little Portion Hermitage is located in Berryville, in the Ozark Mountains in Northwest Arkansas. For more information about the community, see www.littleportion.org.

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