ISSUE 012
published by carmel: ministries international
DON’TMISSTHEBOAT! Choices that determine your destiny
carmel:
WELCOME >>
For a full list of carmel: events see our website www.carmelcentre.org
‘He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.’ Luke 9:2 What never ceases to excite Pastor Gerri and me is how all the different teachings and articles in each magazine flow together, confirming one another. It makes us acknowledge time and again our creative, awesome God. He is big enough to have created the universe and caring enough to reveal the truth of His Word to us. carmel: has had a very busy few months. A highlight for me was our first women’s conference (see c:view) which I know will become a regular feature. We were especially blessed by visits from Dr Jerry Savelle (see page 6), Henry Olonga (see c:view) and Dr Chris Lodewyk (see c:view) who each spoke into our lives from hearts centred on God. Pastor Gerri and I are now truly settled in our lovely new house and enjoy relaxing in the garden when we can. As you read this issue, determine you won’t miss God’s opportunities to hear what He’s saying to you but choose to implement His counsel. As Pastor Gerri says, ‘Don’t Miss the Boat.’
Michelle Di Somma
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c:view latest news
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PRE-WASH INTERVIEW 14-15
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carmel: twentyfour 7 is published by carmel: ministries international. Reproduction of this publication in part or whole is prohibited.
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carmel:twentyfour7>>
don’t miss the boat 6-7
4-5
EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN
PRAYER WORKS
the cycle of faith
Editor:
Michelle Di Somma
Associate Editors:
Lyn Birdsall Julian Clarke
accent: Copywriters: Transcribers/Proofreaders: accent: Design/Art Direction:
cre8ION and Rosie Isbell
Photography:
cre8ION and Rosie Isbell
Printers:
Yeomans Press
Bible quotations are from the New King James Version unless stated otherwise.
contents
forthcomingevents DATE
churchservices
EVENT
TIME
JULY Mon 3 – Thurs 6
abtc: exams
Fri 7
abtc:/aila: closes for summer break
Sat 8
abtc: graduation
Sun 16
New partners
Mon 17 – Thurs 20
carmel:school activity week
Wed 19
carmel:school awards ceremony
Fri 21
carmel:school closes for summer break
Wed 26 – Sun 30
Love Bristol
Mon 31
Anointed marriage
Saturday night Sunday morning Sunday morning
6.30pm 8.30am 10.30am
churchoffice
817a Bath Road, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5NL
contactus Tel: Fax: Web:
(0117) 977 5533 (0117) 977 5678 www.carmelcentre.org
6.15 – 10.00pm
AUGUST
howtofindus
Fri 4
Anointed Marriage
6.15 – 10.00pm
Tue 1 – Fri 4, Mon 7 – Fri 11 Fri 11
Get sported Get sported closing ceremony
6.00pm
Mon 7 & Fri 11, Mon 14 & Fri 18
Anointed marriage
6.15 – 10.00pm
Mon 14 – Fri 18
Wash away (youth camp)
Sat 19
Anointed marriage ceremony
Sun 20
New partners
Mon 28
Bank holiday – offices closed
2.00pm
SEPTEMBER Mon 4 & 11
Anointed marriage follow up
7.00 – 8.00pm
Sat 2
Empowered women’s breakfast
8.30am
Tue 5
Guest speaker Dr Jessie Duplantis
7.00pm
Sun 17
New partners
Mon 18
carmel: bible college:* registration day
Tues 19 – Fri 22
carmel: bible college:* orientation week
*From September 2006 anchor bible training college (abtc:) will be known as carmel: bible college (cbc:)
becomingapartner A partner is a sharer, an associate, one who engages with another in business, one who plays on the same side as another. Partnership is important – It releases power to get the job done. We can accomplish the Great Commission together in unity. Partnership in prayer – We believe it is vital for every partner to develop a strong personal prayer life, and to pray for the leadership for godly wisdom and direction from the Lord. Partnership in caring – We are instructed to watch over and take care of the partners in our charge (Acts 20:28). Partnership in sharing – The whole ministry of sharing is to give oneself in the areas of love, time, talents and finances.
Account Details United Kingdom Allied Irish Carmel Christian Centre Sort Code: Account No: 23-85-85 00709260 Should you wish to donate by Gift Aid please contact the church office.
South Africa Anchor Ministries International First National Bank, Cresta Branch Sort Code: Account No: 25-49-05 51440080590
carmel: ministries international is a registered charity (Charity No. 1094052) with Luke 9:2 as its mission statement. All finances sown go into the work of establishing God’s Kingdom through evangelism and preparing labourers for the harvest.
Directions from Bath: Follow A4 Bath Road towards Bristol, past Keynsham to the Park and Ride on the left hand side. At the traffic lights go straight ahead past McDonald’s on your right and turn right into the forecourt of HSBC bank. We’re just behind. Directions from the M4: Take Junction 19 into Bristol on the M32. Take Junction 1, the A4174 [signposted Ring Road and (Bath A4)]. Go straight on at traffic lights at Frenchay Hospital. At the tenth roundabout [Hicks Gate] take the third exit onto the A4 [signposted Bristol]. Continue up the rise towards the Brislington Park & Ride, continuing through the crossroads towards Bristol on the A4. Within 200 yards you will see a Honda car salesroom on the left, and an HSBC bank on the right. Turn into the road leading to the HSBC and carmel:centre is located behind the bank. Directions from Bristol City Centre: Follow Temple Way towards Temple Meads Railway Station passing it on the left. Follow the A4 Bath Road passing a Kwik Fit garage on the left. At traffic lights with HTV Studios on the right and Burger King on the left, follow the road round to the right uphill and continue down the other side. You should see a petrol station at the bottom then shops on the left. Continue up the hill under a bridge. You will come to a retail complex (JJB Sports) on your right hand side and a Jaguar garage on the left. Keep going past this and turn left into HSBC bank forecourt and we’re just behind it. 3
Learning from the past
EXCEPTIONAL 2006
Dr Chris Lodewyk has been part of carmel: extended family for many years. It was a delight to welcome him back as a guest speaker.
carmel: empowered women’s conference
Pastor Chris exuded warmth and compassion, bringing the message home with clarity and conviction. His teaching, ‘Trade with Your History’, led us through Jesus’ geneology. He revealed how many ‘shady characters’ God used to bring about His purpose. No matter who our ancestors were and what our past may have been, the present is what matters.
‘Trade with Your History’
The Holy Spirit birthed ‘Empowered Women’ in Michelle Di Somma’s heart to impact the lives of women in carmel:, the City of Bristol and beyond, to see them fulfil their potential and destiny, walking in God’s will for their lives. Empowered Women meet bi-monthly for breakfast, ministry and fellowship. Weekly mentoring groups disciple the women of carmel:, enabling them to grow strong in faith and wisdom as they apply the Word of God to daily living. A deep desire to reach women from other churches and the wider Bristol community inspired Michelle to launch women’s conferences, to encourage all women ‘…to consider one another in order to stir up love and good works…’ Hebrews 10:24.
Pastor Chris said that God still uses ordinary people today, and that because ‘each one of us is a living pen, writing with our own lives’ we must live for God’s glory, using the talents He has given us. What we do today will affect our family for generations to come.
This first conference focused on building a strong relationship with God and abiding in His Word, thus building His kingdom and becoming transformed, becoming exceptional.
His gems of wisdom helped cement his godly counsel and should be reviewed as daily reminders:
Inspired, anointed, gifted women ministered the Word of God, often drawing from their own life-changing experiences.
‘Our history must never be the chains that hold us but the platform from which we walk forward in victory.’ ‘A victor is someone whose dreams are bigger than their memories’ and to close his message, ‘If God can bring the greatest Man that ever lived through that lineage (of shady characters) then there is nothing that He cannot do for you.’
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jerry springer – the flopera
What was remarkable in the protest was the huge presence of young people>>
‘The Opera’, a blasphemous, anti Christian, obscene show, came to the Bristol Hippodrome in May. We renamed it ‘The Flopera’ after our successful campaign against it.
Annie Walker, head of carmel: Speaking Out Responsibly, began protesting in December. Youth Leader John Pearce later appealled to Bristol City Council leaders to intervene. Councillor Shirley Marshall spoke out against the show.
Over one hundred carmel: members prayed near the Hippodrome for righteousness in Bristol and the nation. An advertising trailer 4
The Holy Spirit touched and changed lives, bringing laughter, tears, repentance, joy and hope as women realised they were indeed truly exceptional.
was towed through Bristol bearing posters warning about the show. The week of the show we held further protests. Many members of the public were supportive and were challenged as they heard the Gospel message. Interviews with Annie Walker and John Pearce by BBC Radio Bristol’s DJ Trevor Fry and others were broadcast several times. A patron said that at one point there were fewer in the audience than those involved
latest news c:view highlights some of the major events in carmel: ministries international since our previous issue of twentyfour7. For more information contact carmel: on 0117 977 5533 or email info@carmel-uk.org
Henry Olonga bowls carmel: over Pastor Gerri interviewed test cricketer Henry Olonga on stage. They had never met before but they struck up an immediate rapport. This resulted in a touching interview which veered from extremely sensitive moments to episodes of witty banter and humour easily comparable with that of Morecambe and Wise. Henry started Test Cricket at 18, the youngest ever to play for Zimbabwe, and the only Zambian born Test Cricketer. He is also the fastest bowler at 92 mph. He is well known for wearing black armbands in protest against the atrocities being committed by the Zimbabwean government. In such a political climate, it was a daring and dangerous act forcing his sudden departure while playing in the World Cup in S.A. Now in political exile in the U.K., he travels teaching youngsters how to play cricket. That’s not his only gift – Henry is a talented songwriter and musician who spreads the Gospel through his songs. Many in the congregation reminisced as he sang ‘Our Zimbabwe’ and tears flowed at the words of ‘Someone for Me’, which spoke of the suffering in the life of a child orphaned through HIV. By the end of the weekend Henry seemed like part of the family and will undoubtedly be returning. The interview concept was such a success that it will feature regularly as part of the Saturday evening service. We’ve already bought the armchairs!
‘A touching interview which veered from extremely sensitive moments to episodes of witty banter.’
FIND HEAVEN
in the show, despite the theatre giving free tickets. carmel: recorded the attendance figures in Bristol and details of the venue that followed. Only 27.06% of seating was taken in Bristol and 16.96% in Bradford. Protest against unrighteousness! Publicly proclaim Jesus! Undergird action by prayer and see God change things.
If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, we invite you to take a step of faith to change your life!
Steps to salvation: >>01 Acknowledge: that you’re a sinner and need Jesus
What the Bible says: God made you in His image Genesis 1:27 The sin of unbelief separated you from God Isaiah 59:2 God provided the way back through giving His Son Jesus Christ John 3:16 The way back is through the cross 1 Peter 2:24 You receive Jesus by faith as a free gift, not earned or deserved Romans 6:23
>>02 Repent: ask God for His forgiveness >>03 Believe: that Jesus paid the price for your sins >>04 Receive: invite Jesus to come into your heart and life >>05 Confess: that Jesus is your Lord and Saviour >>06 Thank Him!
Simply pray the following prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I confess that I am a sinner and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and was sent to die and be raised again so I could be forgiven and have eternal life. I ask you into my heart and life. I thank you this is the beginning of a new life with you and I confess you as my Lord and Saviour. If you prayed this for the first time, contact us and let us know. We would love to help you with your new life! Contact us using the details on the inside cover (page 3). 5
The full version of this abridged teaching by Dr Jerry Savelle is available to order on audio cassette, CD and DVD.
carmel: welcomed Dr Jerry Savelle who taught us how to fly in our faith journey This is the year of great breakthroughs in the body of Christ. The late Kenneth Hagin prophesied that the beginning of 2006 would be glorious and the remaining part would be like heaven on earth.
Brother Kenneth Copeland prophesied that 2006 would be the year for total fulfilment. The Spirit of God said to me that it would be a year for God’s best. So don’t settle for anything less than God’s best. Many of you have been standing on the Word of God believing Him for the fulfilment of certain things in your life for a very long time. God is saying that it’s time for things to be manifested. Don’t give up Not all our prayers are answered instantly as you know. If there is one thing I have learnt to do, it is to stand ‘… and having done all, to stand.’ Ephesians 6:13. And the great thing is that everything I have stood for has eventually come to pass. The Apostle Paul said that we are to wage a good warfare with the prophetic words that have been spoken over us. 1Timothy 1:18. Make this declaration of faith every day: ‘The beginning of 2006 will be glorious. The remainder will be like heaven on earth. It’s my year for total fulfilment. It’s my year to experience God’s best. God has said it, I believe it and it will come to pass.’ Making a decision and a commitment not to quit is going to require some discipline on your part and we charismatics don’t always like discipline! A dear friend of mine once came to my home and put me on a fitness training programme. I had all the necessary equipment and was greatly inspired by his instruction, but I did not keep it up. In fact, as soon as he had left I was back at the local restaurants looking at the menus. What happened? I got inspired, but I wasn’t disciplined. A lot of people get inspired by messages from the Word, but they don’t take it to the next level with commitment and then discipline. Inspiration is only the beginning.
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Stick at it until you get your breakthrough, because God wants you to experience the promised fulfilment. While I am waiting for the manifestation, it’s not my job to try to figure out how God is going to do it, but to believe that He can and believe that He will. Faith is a law that should work every time If you say, ‘I’ve tried it and it doesn’t work,’ your faith is a theory. Let me illustrate how God taught me to get my faith from theory to law. I received a prophetic word about flying aeroplanes at the end of 1969. Much happened in the meantime and in January 1973 I launched out full time into my own ministry. I had more invitations than I could accept and God said it was time for that prophecy about aeroplanes to come to pass. I did not advertise my need for an aeroplane or try to raise the finances. A year went by and God challenged me that I was not acting like somebody who believed that he was about to receive an aeroplane. So I rented a hangar by a miracle of God and I just kept trusting Him. I was out on a preaching engagement in the middle of nowhere in West Texas when a man entered the meeting and told me that God had instructed him to help me purchase a plane. He poured money on me up to my knees. When he left we all just stood there with our mouths wide open. faith has a cycle To wash clothes you have to allow a washing machine to go through its full cycle. Similarly, in order to have the manifestation of what you’re believing for you have to let faith go through its full cycle. When you understand this about the nature of faith, it becomes law to you and works every time.
TEACHING The cycle of faith:
>>01 Faith hears Romans 10:17 states that ‘…faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.’ Before you can have faith you must first hear what God says. >>02 Faith sees ‘…we do not look at the things that are seen, but at the things which are not seen…’ 2 Corinthians 4:18. After you have heard God, you must see with the spirit the things you cannot yet see in the natural. >>03 Faith speaks Paul said, ‘I believed and therefore I spoke …’ 2 Corinthians 4:13. Once you have heard and seen you must speak God’s Word. >>04 Faith acts Once faith has spoken it requires corresponding actions, otherwise it shows unbelief – it is dead and will achieve nothing. James 2:17.
>>05 Faith stands If the faith cycle is to be completed, faith must then stand – Ephesians 6:13. Hebrews 10:35 says, ‘Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.’ (KJV). Stand, staying confident of God’s reward to you. >>06 Faith rejoices While standing on the Word, faith rejoices. Paul tells us to ‘Rejoice always… In everything give thanks…’ 1 Thessalonians 5:16,18. Whatever your circumstances and trials, you are to rejoice because your faith knows the outcome. >>07 Faith receives Finally, to return to my analogy, now you can pull the clothes out of the washer because the cycle has been completed. In other words, now you are ready to receive the answer to your prayer.
>>If you say, ‘I’ve tried it and it doesn’t work,’ your faith is a theory. Faith is a law that works every time<<
When you follow the cycle of faith no demon from hell can stop you from having what God says belongs to you. Locate where you are in the faith cycle and then do whatever you have to do to allow that cycle to be completed. Choose to believe God’s promises to you and that no matter how long they may take, they will come to pass. Stir yourself up, stand and keep standing. Rejoice and prepare to receive God’s promises to you. 7
This is an abridged version of teaching by Gerri Di Somma from his series LESSONS FROM NOAH’S LIFE. Audio cassettes, CDs and DVDs are available to order.
DON’TMISSTHEBOAT
The story of Noah, the sinful condition of mankind and the outcome of MAN’s disobedience provides an illustration and a very serious warning of what could happen again. The ark is about salvation, security, prosperity, success and rest, not just for you as an individual but for your family and friends. The shed blood of Jesus has already made provision for personal salvation now as well as for when Jesus returns, but it’s up to you that you don’t miss the boat. In Noah’s day, those who disbelieved warnings of the pending flood rejected the safety of the ark and were destroyed. Matthew 24:37 warns, ‘… as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.’ Jesus’ return will also catch unaware those who disbelieve, are unprepared or whose lives are not in order. The deterioration of moral values today already mirrors society in Noah’s day and should warn us to be prepared because judgement will come. It is exciting that Jesus is returning but there is a sense of urgency for those who already know the truth of the Gospel message to share it with as many as possible. Albert Einstein said, ‘Out of clutter find simplicity, from discord find harmony and in the middle of difficulty find opportunity.’ Opportunity comes for everybody – but not everybody takes it. God was speaking to the whole generation of Noah’s day – but only Noah heard and did something about it. What you do with the opportunities that God provides for you is critical. Let us examine some of God’s eternal truths 8
which you need to know and act on so that you don’t miss godly opportunity – and miss the boat. 01 There are only two types of people on the earth – the godly or obedient and the ungodly or disobedient
To illustrate this, Genesis 6:1-2 and Ephesians 2:2 talk about ‘…sons of God…’ and ‘…daughters of men…’ and ‘…sons of obedience…’ and ‘…sons of disobedience…’ This refers to Seth’s line who were godly, obedient and living by God’s truths, and to the offspring of Cain who were ungodly and disobedient, rebelling against and rejecting God.
>> You are either godly or ungodly, obedient or disobedient Godliness is not determined by gender, colour, culture, class or religion but by being in Christ through salvation and living righteously through obedience. Colossians 3:11, Galatians 3:28 and Ephesians 2:1-3.
TEACHING
The ungodly in Noah’s day remained in the comfort of what they knew and understood. They did not hear or respond to the opportunity to get on the boat and were destroyed.
Noah was godly – he obeyed God’s instructions to build something that had never existed before, to prepare for something that had never happened before – and he and his whole family were saved from destruction.
Godly opportunities to receive from God come throughout life. Questioning Him results in missed opportunities to be blessed. That’s why I say there are the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ in the body of Christ. The ‘haves’ are those who hear and take the opportunity to get on the boat and take a risk with God. The ‘have nots’ are those who prefer instead to camp in the place of perceived safety, which is in fact a place of deception.
02 You are only given one life to make the right choices and to do the right thingS
Genesis 6:3 reveals that God will not strive with man forever – we can leave it too late.
>> You will never get back the opportunities you ignored or turned down Hebrews 9:27 warns, ‘… it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement...’ You may make heaven but you will be judged on what you did with the the opportunities God gave you. Each opportunity God gives you is precious – don’t miss the boat. >> Worldly opportunities gratify the flesh and are temporal You miss godly opportunities because you operate in the flesh and not the spirit. Genesis 6:5. Don’t allow worldly thoughts and deeds to rule you. Human achievement or making money may satisfy the flesh but is nothing but wood, hay and stubble which has no lasting significance or value.
The tragic destruction of the twin towers made me realise how fragile the natural world is and the importance of trusting in eternal things that cannot be shaken.
>> Godly opportunities gratify the spirit and are eternal When God speaks to you, don’t ignore Him. Sometimes your biggest struggle is actually a God-given opportunity to mature spiritually. In the face of criticism, ridicule and opposition, Noah remained obedient. Fill yourself with the things of God and you too will recognise godly opportunities.
03 Without God, man sets no limits to his passions and makes wrong choices
Uncontrolled passion led Cain to murder. Perverted sexual passion degraded even previously godly men to bestiality. Romans 1:20-25. Despite knowing God and His commands, man continued making wrong choices until, driven by uncontrolled passion, he became full of wickedness and ‘…his heart was only evil continually.’ Genesis 6:4-5.
Today, just one of the devastating results of perverted sexual passion is HIV.
God has always made it clear there is a price to pay for going our own way. Genesis 2:16-17. Despite this all the great empires that have fallen are the result of removing God from their centre. This is why we must stand up for righteousness in our nation, so it does not go the way of Sodom.
When Christians lose their intimacy with God, they allow ungodly standards to creep in. What we all need to recognise is:
• God will never control you because He wants you to control yourself. • God just sets the limits to what is acceptable in relation to Him.
Don’t lose sight of these key truths, because:
04 Wrong choices equal failed opportunities and drowned destinies
Even when we know God and attend church regularly, unless we stay close to the standard of His truth, we can still make ungodly choices which will have ungodly results. It is man’s own desires that tempt and draw him away from God.
Throughout His Word God warns about not mixing with or marrying the ungodly. 2 Corinthians 6:14-15. Man understood this from the start, yet temptation drew godly men into sin. James 1:13-16.
The very men referred to as ‘sons of God’, ‘mighty men’ and ‘men of renown’ in Genesis 6:4, who knew and obeyed God, ‘became futile in their thoughts’ and disobeyed God by choosing ungodly wives who corrupted their husbands. Romans 1:21, Genesis 6:2 and 1 Corinthians 15:33. This can also apply to women who choose ungodly men.
• Anyone, even the godly, who tolerates evil, becomes open to corruption. • You are drawn to whom you associate with and that which you permit. • You are tempted and drawn away from God by your own desires. 9
TEACHING It was these wrong choices, these failed opportunities, that led mankind further and further into corruption until finally he brought destruction upon himself. Every human and animal except for those safe in the ark were destroyed by the flood.
05 Everything that man does he does to himself
When we read in Genesis that God destroyed the earth, we might imagine a terrible God who does not give man a second chance. What we need to grasp is that the Old Testament was written in what we call ‘the permissible will of God’, in other words, when it says God brings judgement, it really means that He simply took His hands off.
This is because:
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Every choice has a predetermined outcome. Judgment is just a formality. Remember, God warned Adam and Eve that disobedience would have consequences. Genesis 2:17. God has already judged.
>> What happened to Noah’s generation they did to themselves. They knew the right way but made the wrong choices. Deuteronomy 30:19. The wages of sin – disobedience – is death, the end of something good. >> You are the sum total of all your decisions, both right and wrong. Wrong choices equal missed opportunities.
Choose to make godly decisions because:
06 God rewards the righteous with great opportunities for success
God continually looks for and leads to safety those who obey and follow him. Psalm 23:1. Because Noah was in relationship with God, he first heard instructions to build the ark, Genesis 6:14,22 and then to get aboard. ‘Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation.’ Genesis 7:1.
Today’s greatest success story is the opportunity taken for salvation, which equals safety, prosperity, blessings, health and wholeness. The ark was an example of that same opportunity.
Life and death, blessing and cursing, were the choices then and still are today. Deuteronomy 30:19. In His grace God warns and prepares. In His love He urges, ‘…choose life…’ because:
07 God’s safety is in opportunities taken
Noah, in the face of crisis took a faith risk with God, took the opportunity to make the right choice and saved himself, his family and nature from destruction. That opportunity came for everyone but only Noah took it.
We are all given the same opportunities and if we are in relationship with God we will recognise and heed them. If we obey and make the right choices we and our families will be placed in safety and success both now and when Jesus returns.
DON’T MISS THE BOAT.
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>>... there are the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ in the body of Christ. The ‘haves’ are those who hear and take the opportunity to get on the boat and take a risk with God. The ‘have nots’ are those who prefer instead to camp in the place of perceived safety, which is in fact a place of deception<<
PRAYER WORKS
But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
After a wonderful home group meeting I went home to bed but found it hard to sleep. I eventually fell asleep but woke up again, my heart beating really fast. I got up and called out to Jesus to have mercy on me. I went back to bed, but it felt worse and the enemy said I would not see my son Raphael marry nor see the morning again. I continued to pray. Raphael returned and I called out to him. He came upstairs and rang for an ambulance. We prayed in the spirit and Raphael also telephoned the prayer team. The paramedics arrived, gave me oxygen then carried me to the ambulance where they connected me to an ECG machine. It showed that my heart had skipped a couple of beats. On the way to the hospital it happened again. But I knew the prayer team was on my case.
For several months I had been crying out to God to reveal His love to me. Since my parents split up I have seen less and less of my dad. One day he wrote me a letter telling me that he didn’t want to see me again. I was devastated. How could I believe in a God who was supposed to love unconditionally when I didn’t get this love from my own father? Then came the carmel: Valiant Men’s Advance. On the final day we were to go through a ‘rites of passage’ ceremony. In Jewish culture this signifies the coming of age of a boy. Father and son participate together, but I didn’t have my real dad there.
At the hospital, they re-set the ECG machine and I had tubes everywhere for more tests. There were no further signs of a missed beat. The doctor said there was no point in keeping me in hospital and that I could go home. I praise God that prayer works!
My step-dad Terry, who has taken care of me for years, stood instead with Pastor Gerri. They both spoke over me the words, ‘This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.’ Immediately afterwards I hugged Terry and I could feel the love within him for me. At the same time I could feel God’s love wash over me. God answered my prayer in a wonderful and glorious way, far greater than anything I could ever have imagined. Prayer definitely works!
Dorothy Burke
Simon Cowling 11
This is an abridged version of teaching by Michelle Di Somma from carmel: Empowered Women’s Conference 2006
EXCEPTIONALWOMEN know where they have come from and where they’re going to
When I was preparing this article God said, ‘When my creation, my daughters, are walking in the fullness of what I have provided for them they become exceptional to me.’ The goal for every woman should be to become exceptional to God, to experience the fullness of the potential He has already made available. Why then do so many women not move on in the things of God?
The light reveals four key truths to the Exceptional Woman: >>01 Who she is She discovers she is ‘…fearfully and wonderfully made...’ and she becomes secure in her identity, as a person in Christ. Psalm 139:14. She knows who the source of her life is and that God has a purpose and a plan for her. Jeremiah 29:11. >>02 Where she has come from
God revealed that the key lies first in remembering what we have been delivered from and second where we are going to. Before making any journey, we plan from a starting point. Remembering what Christ did for us at Calvary is the starting point of a journey of continual spiritual growth in our lives.
She knows that her origin is in God. You see, if you don’t know the manufacturer, the goods can never be repaired. When you know God created you, you can have all the repairs from Him that you need. That’s why evolution is such a lie. It removes the Creator and man becomes his own repairer – and he’s not doing a great job.
Let us therefore start by looking at what God has done for us. Colossians 1:13-14 says, ‘He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption…’
>>03 Where she is
Literal and spiritual darkness causes chaos. It’s like walking with a blindfold on – people in darkness don’t know: 1 Who they are 2 Where they have come from 3 Where they are now 4 Where they are going ‘Redemption’ means deliverance, the forgiveness of sins through Christ’s blood. The awesome thing is that we, the Lord’s Exceptional Women, have been delivered from the place of darkness and chaos. ‘… you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.’ Ephesians 5:8. If you don’t know Christ as personal Lord and Saviour you have not started the journey and you are still in darkness. You may think you know where you’re going and what your life is all about, but you are still blindfolded. Change comes only when you follow Christ. ‘....He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’ John 8:12. The light reveals the truth. Without Christ, the light, you won’t know the truth, because not only is Christ the light, He is also the truth. John 14:6. To walk in truth you need to know the truth. John 8:32. Immediately you remove the blindfold, you’ll see the light. You’ll know you have been delivered from darkness and chaos and be able to establish the truth of where to go. 12
The Exceptional Woman has located herself, she realises that her purpose is in God and recognises what He is doing in her life. She is not fearful of the enemy or her circumstances. She understands that God’s desire is to ‘... perfect, establish, strengthen and settle...’ her. 1 Peter 5:10 so that in all circumstances and struggles she will experience victory. On her journey, she learns how to obey God, putting to death any desires which are contrary to His Word. Knowing where she is, she is ready to move forward. >>04 Where she is going She knows where she is going and that she is an eternal being who lives in the light of God’s presence. She is confident that the Lord will direct her steps and keep her from stumbling. Jude 1:24. As the light and truth of Christ reveals things she needs to change, she works on them so she will not go back to being blindfolded. To continue the journey You have received the light and the truth and now you must apply scriptural principles from the Word of God so your life becomes truly exceptional. 2 Peter 1:5-7 exhorts, ‘…add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.’ There is a wonderful progression in this scripture. If you want to grow, add these things to your life and you will overflow and be filled with more and more. These ‘additions’ are ‘God’s arithmetic’ and they add up to your success.
TEACHING
>>01 Never be satisfied with – • Your life as it is. • Your present spiritual growth. • Just knowing ABOUT Jesus. >>02 Never limit yourself • Tell yourself, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ Philippians 4:13. Determine to remain an Exceptional Woman 2 Peter continues with a warning that failing to give attention to these areas is shortsighted and can lead back to darkness. It is also a sign that you have forgotten the starting point of your journey, where you have come from and what you have been delivered from. Be determined to stay in the light and remain an Exceptional Woman. Start your journey from darkness into light, from chaos to order. Remember where you have come from and where you are going to. Walk in the revealed knowledge and truth of who Jesus Christ is. Put into practice the truths He reveals to you on your life’s journey. Become and remain an Exceptional Woman, walking in all the fullness of everything that God has provided for you, His daughter.
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APERFECTSOL CHILDREN’S CHURCH leaders DAVID AND HELEN OWENS TRAIN UP CHILDREN IN THE WAY THAT THEY SHOULD GO – ONE ON ONE WITH JESUS
24-7 You came to carmel: in 2003 and you didn’t take long to be part of what was going on, did you?
18 months to 3 years olds
3 to 5 years
H
At first I didn’t want to be involved in children’s work. There were other things on my mind. But then God spoke… It was during a service and the visiting speaker started to talk about getting involved…and it was as if he was looking straight at me.
That and other things soon made it clear that I must stand up and be counted. I started to help out with the children’s work and really enjoyed it.
D
I was doing the ‘Living in the Word’ course here at carmel: when the Lord spoke to me. I thought I knew where I would serve, but the Lord had other things in mind – He told me to join Helen. Another leader also asked me to join Helen in the children’s church.
It’s now called Pre-wash to link it through to the young adults in The Wash.
24-7 So the Lord had his way. Then what happened?
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H
I had no real experience of a children’s church, and as for taking responsibility for one… well that was another matter. But that’s what we were asked to do less than a year after we arrived at carmel:.
At first we were unsure but we soon realised it was a ‘God thing’ for us and it’s been a wonderful experience ever since.
D
One of the reasons we moved out of London was so that I could make a career change and train to be a teacher. From a practical point of view this has helped, and still does. However, leading the Pre-Wash is in many ways quite different.
We inherited a good situation. A number of important things were in place. There was a high expectation that the children would behave appropriately and we have a great team working with us.
INTERVIEW
LUTION 24-7 You have quite a task on your hands. not only two Sunday morning services to cover, but there is a Saturday evening service, isn’t there? D
Yes, there’s a lot to do, but God is our help. On Sundays we follow a specific programme called Super Church. It’s American, so we modify it to some degree, and we allow for the Holy Spirit to move among us.
H
On Saturdays we don’t follow a curriculum so we have to be more creative and make our own plans. There may be a short teaching followed by art work and other creative activities. Sometimes we show a video.
More than anything, we want the children to have a personal encounter with God. On Saturday evenings we arrange for them to join in with everyone else in the main church for praise and worship. This has been great because, when it comes to Sunday, the children are ready to join in. And now they have their own band leading them in worship. It’s phenomenal. It’s God ‘raising generations.’
D
Our Sunday meetings run parallel with the main church. They go on as long as the main meetings do. Our vision is carmel:’s vision. We’re not a separate ministry and there’s no age limit with the Holy Spirit. Moving out of children’s church is just a transition of age, not of experience. This means we are contributing to the unity of the church family as a whole.
H
We find the parents are excited when they can see their children growing in God. I just love it, because we are raising up kids who long to serve.
24-7 You’re a family yourselves, and you’re a professional musician, Helen. How do these things fit into your work here? H
some teaching and occasional performing. But my musical ability is channelled into the work here with the children. The band and worship team are closely linked with the main church in that Loulita Di Somma, who leads the main worship team and musicians, releases her team musicians to help us. Though I have had a lot of classical experience, their assistance has been crucial.
24-7 Let’s look ahead for a moment. What’s in mind for the future? H
We are working with children from three to eleven years. I would like to see the older ones participate more in the teaching we do. They are already involved in the object lessons, but having them share some of the teaching would be good.
D
We would like to see a wider range of ages coming to serve. We believe that ‘Raising Generations’ also means ‘Serving Generations.’ The children tend to look up to those who are a little older than them. The life God gives is so much more than the world offers, and though we see the Holy Spirit moving among us, we want much more of His tangible presence. We have children who step out in the prophetic, and there is still more that God has for them.
H
A real blessing is that sometimes during our meetings the Holy Spirit leads us in a certain direction and we find out afterwards that a similar thing has happened in the main meeting. The prophetic word seems to move through the whole house. Though we are very creative in our approach to the children, our primary purpose is to lead them into the presence of God. Pre-wash is church with children in the forefront. It’s such a joy to serve here. 6 to 11 years
pre-wash band
Our son, Joseph, is involved and loves it. It’s part of our life together. It’s an awesome privilege as well as a responsibility. As for being a singer… I still do 15
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