TwentyFour7 Issue 14 by Carmel City Church

published by carmel: ministries international

'And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.' LUKE 22:19-20

THE FOUNDATION OF THE GIFTs of the holy spirit

forthcomingevents

Valiant Men’s Breakfast EMPOWERED WOMEN’S BREAKFAST Anointed Marriage

8.30am 8.30AM 6.15pm – 10.00pm

Anointed Marriage

6.15pm – 10.00pm

Ma r c h Fri 2 Anointed Marriage 6.15PM Sat 3 Anointed Marriage Ceremony 2.00pm Sat 10 Promise of Purity 9.30am Promise of Purity Ceremony 6.30pm Fri 16 Empowered Women’s Conference * 1.30PM Open Service with Jesse DuPlantis 7.00pm Sat 17 Empowered Women’s Conference 9.30am Guest Speaker Cathy DuPlantis * see back cover for full details April Mon 9

– 4.30pm – 4.30pm – 4.30pm

Bank Holiday

Ma y Mon 7 Bank Holiday Sat 12 Joint Breakfast Thu 17, Fri 18 Positioned for Blessing Sat 19 Positioned for Blessing Mon 28 Bank Holiday J une Sat 9 Empowered Women’s Breakfast Fri 15 Youth Conference Sat 16 Youth Conference Sat 23 Promise of Purity Wed 27 Partners Meeting in Auditorium

PARTNERSHIP >>

– 10.00pm

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.

8.30am 6.15PM – 10.00pm 9.00am – 4.30pm

8.30am 7.30PM – 10.00pm 10.00am – 8.30pm 9.30am – 4.30pm 7.00pm from Bath Follow A4 towards Bristol, bypassing Keynsham, to the Park-and-Ride (on your left) on the outskirts of Bristol, just before traffic lights. At these lights proceed straight (in outside lane) for approx. 150 yards (McDonald’s on your right). HSBC Bank follows on your right. Immediately before the Bank, take the driveway along its right, between the buildings. carmel:centre is behind HSBC.

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

F eb r ua r y Sat 3 SAT 10 Mon 12 Fri 16, Mon 19, Fri 23, Mon 26

from M4 J19 Proceed towards Bristol along M32 to J3. Leave M32 at J3 heading left onto dual carriageway, following signs for A4 and Bath. Approach the next roundabout in left lane and continue to follow signs for A4 Bath, to traffic lights. Proceed straight on and over a high level bridge, descending to another roundabout. Proceed straight on, in right hand lane, to next roundabout. Leave this roundabout to the right with Sainsbury’s on your left. Keep in left hand lane and go straight on at next two sets of lights which come a short distance apart. * from Bristol Centre Follow signs for A4, passing Temple Meads Station. Follow A4 to traffic lights with Burger King on your left and HTV studios on your right Go straight on at these lights and the others which follow at a short distance. * *The A4 continues uphill, through a series of traffic lights and a short section of one-way road with a bus lane on the left. The road descends to a garage on your left at the bottom, then ascends to traffic lights. Keep in left hand lane and proceed straight on. Continue to next traffic lights, then go straight on. You are now approaching carmel:centre on your left which is not easily sighted. Look for HSBC bank on your left and turn left into the driveway along its right, between the buildings. carmel:centre is behind HSBC.

contents carmel: 24:7 is published by carmel: ministries international. Reproduction of this publication in part or whole is prohibited. All teachings are abridged. Original recordings are available on DVD, CD, video or audio cassette. The complete 10 year history is available on DVD. To order see CONTACT DETAILS below.

‘He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.’ Luke 9:2

The beginning of each new year is always exciting for us as a church. We measure against the God-given vision for last year what God did through us, and look forward to what He wants us to achieve during the year ahead. (see Vision 07 pages 4-5). In this issue we reflect on ten years history, (see pages 21-23) which we celebrated at our Conference, 10 Days of Glory. Thank you all for making carmel: so special. What a glorious conference it was. Our guest speakers flowed with us both in the Spirit and the natural, ministering powerfully and relating to us as family. Those 10 days had an immediate impact on many lives (see page 15) and God’s glory continues. Read the teachings and experience God’s glory anew. As 2006 ended and 2007 began, we were joined by Robin Roberts, Jon Neitzell, John Meaux, Thomas Lounge and Dennis Krey. Obeying God, they left their families at this special time to share their vision for Europe, praying with us and exploring ways we might work together to fulfil God’s plans.

c:view latest news

carmel: AGT 07 OVERVIEW

4-5

D TINERINO TEACHING

J PETER TEACHING 6

M DI SOMMA TEACHING

8-9

AGT 07 TESTIMONIES

G DI SOMMA TEACHING

10 -11

C LODEWYK TEACHING

B McLAUGHLIN TEACHING

12 -14

VALIANT MEN EVENTS

16 -17

T INGLIS TEACHING

10 YEARS HISTORY

20 - 21

21- 23

Finally – there is a new addition to our family – Phoebe, our puppy, who keeps us amused with her antics. For comments and suggestions for the next 24:7 please email US AT 24-7@carmelcentre.org

SERVICES Saturday night Sunday morniING Sunday morning

Gerri and Michelle Di Somma APPROX. 4 MILES TO BRISTOL CITY CENTRE

CONTACT DETAILS CARMEL:CENTRE 817a Bath Road, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5NL

6.30 pm 8.30 am 10.30 am

carmel:

MCDONALDS

BAT

OAD

NG RO

STOCKWOOD

HONDA

BAT

OAD

BRISLINGTON PARK & RIDE

TOWARDS BATH

T: (0117) 977 5533 F: (0117) 977 5678 W: www.carmelcentre.org Editor: Michelle Di Somma, Associate Editors: Lyn Birdsall, Julian Clarke, (cre8ION EDITORIAL), Copywriters: AMANDA SALOU, JENNY POOLE, Sanya Adewusi (cre8ION: EDITORIAL), Transcribers/Proofreaders: BERYL STANLEY, Margaret Stoltz (cre8ION: EDITORIAL) Design/Art Direction: Darrell Irwin, Loulita Di Somma, Nathan Logan, Rosie Isbell (cre8ION: PRINT), Photography: Tim Byrne, Darrell Irwin, Julian Clarke, (cre8ION: PHOTOGRAPHY) Printers: Yeomans Press Bible quotations are from the New King James Version unless stated otherwise.

VISION 2007 – MULTIPLY TO OCCUPY Each year, as we act in obedience to God’s specific instructions for the outworking of the vision originally given to carmel:, God faithfully leads us forward

Multiply to Occupy Strategy: • New organisational structure to release gifting to multiply and increase our influence. • New ministries to empower people to become more financially independent to do more for the Kingdom of God both in gifting and finances. • Educating believers to be better prepared to share their faith.

God’s Word for 2007: God spoke through Acts 6:7– 8, ‘Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.’ From this we received our mandate: Multiply to Occupy: Key principles outlined in scripture and confirmed to us through prophecy are: • Multiplication only comes when gifting is released to function. • Multiplication of disciples is for the purpose of occupying a city. • Their purpose is to influence the [priests] councillors of the city positively for the cause of Christ. • That faith may be demonstrated in authority and power and God glorified as they see your good works.

• A united purpose to go ‘Back to Faith in power to demonstrate.’ New Ministry format from March: • Saturdays will be led by the ‘Generations’ for multiplication. • Sunday 1st service will be led by ministers of carmel:, multiplying gifting. • Gerri Di Somma, Senior Minister, will continue to speak to the church at our main 2nd service. There will be a 3rd Sunday service introduced in the course of the year. • Evangelism will focus more on the south of the city, increasing outreaches.

carmel:

New Ministry: ‘The Way of the Master’ • A proven evangelistic tool enabling believers to share their faith effectively using the 10 Commandments. • This will be run by the Evangelism department and is for every believer.

What the Prophetic said:

New Ministry: ‘Carmel Business Solutions’

God will treble the number of salvations from last year and double the size of the congregation. We must prepare to move.

• Its purpose: financial freedom, independence and empowering believers.

We must allow the changes to take place – they are from God. They are essential so He can pour out His Glory and joy in and through this church. People and internal structures will change. It will be unsettling but we will know it is God doing this, taking charge. The Great Shepherd will effect change as He wants.

• Its aim: to mentor and train believers in financial management and investment. • To trouble shoot and assist businesses to become profitable. • To assist small businesses with limited gifting/resources; share common abilities. • To draw from others' knowledge and success. CARMEL: BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

latest news c:view highlights some of the major events in carmel: ministries international since our previous issue of 24-7. For more information contact carmel: on 0117 977 5533 or email info@carmelcentre.org

jesse & cathy duplantis New Ministry: ‘Crown Financial Ministries’ An interdependent ministry that works through the local church. • Its purpose is to better equip and teach God’s financial principles in order to know Christ more intimately and be free to serve Him. • Its goal is to educate 3 million believers financially by the year 2018. • carmel: will be the first church to officially begin these Crown courses in the UK. New Faith Project:

Crown Financial Ministries

Our current building is already too small. We want to occupy and operate from land first seen 10 years ago. Last year we instructed an architect to lay out a 'footprint' to present to the Council to begin to negotiate. This is a giant leap of faith. Our ongoing responsibility: Main services, Home Groups, Men’s and Women’s mentoring, Living in the Word, Healing School and all other meetings and courses will continue as scheduled during the year as we...

>> Multiply to Occupy<<

Dr Jesse Duplantis made carmel: his destination in his first inter-continental flight in his new jet last year. In 2007, carmel: will be his first stop as he starts his European tour. Empowered Women are hosting a conference in March, with Cathy Duplantis as guest speaker, teaching, encouraging and equipping women to become exceptional. Even the buffet promises to be exceptional this year, with bubbling chocolate fountains providing dessert. Don’t miss out on the spiritual or the natural! See back page for details.

find heaven findheaven

Foundheaven, featured in 24:7 last issue, has released ‘lost?’– a film by cre8ion digital – which points the lost in the right direction. The team have filmed a sequel on location in Venice, Italy. The sinking city was chosen for its symbolism of the non-Christian world. Watch this space www.foundheaven.com

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 separates 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

OVERVIEW

In October 2006 carmel: held a ten day conference – something that many thought could not succeed. Teaching on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and celebrating ten years of carmel: history, it was named 'TEn Days of Glory’ because without God’s glory carmel: would not be here. It’s a God thing. God’s glory is His presence and His ability. It is this that has equipped and enabled carmel: throughout ten years of glory

>> Ministry Wynne Lewis, renowned for his God-given leadership ability, planting and growing churches of thousands, opened the conference, commending carmel: but urging achievement of even greater things. He exhorted the church to reject imposed boundaries and the seemingly impossible; to build the greatest church Bristol has seen; to bless countless generations through faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Throughout the ten days, God’s glory was evident. The Holy Spirit ministered through gifted, anointed speakers, changing, equipping, empowering, releasing and healing people. Signs, wonders and miracles followed the Word, families were restored and lives committed to the Lord. Daily, testimonies of God’s glory were received. It was clear that the guest speakers are God’s gifts to the body of Christ, and were called to this conference. Their sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, their love for God, His Word and His Church was powerful. It was a privilege to experience God’s glory through such ministers of the Gospel. >> Celebrating ten years of glory One year of carmel: history was screened daily, portraying how God has built and equipped this local body. >> Leaders’ day Bible College graduates, leaders of carmel: and other churches were encouraged. Chris Lodewyk emphasised the necessity of vision, so leaders are not merely God’s ‘casual labourers.’ He outlined ways to identify how and where God is calling, and prophesied that carmel: is called to produce leaders. Joe Peter confirmed that God is preparing many anointed leaders, whose responsibility is to live and lead as Jesus did, totally dependent on God and the Holy Spirit and free of pride. 6

The icing on the cake was the birthday celebration, featuring the ten year overview. Ken Suckling addressed Gerri and Michelle Di Somma, thanking them for faith, dedication and love in pursuing the God-given vision for carmel:, and the cake was ceremonially cut. >> Laying on of hands Finally, carmel: leaders and guest speakers prayed for every individual, laying on hands to impart the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The auditorium was packed, and prayer went on late into the night. Few wanted to leave because God’s glory was so tangible. There is no doubt that Ten Days of Glory was a success.

TEACHING Joe Peter encourages, exhorts and serves the church internationally, and has had pastoral oversight of thousands. His passion to magnify and worship God, and to give Him the glory, is evident as he encourages others to experience God’s presence through –

The ministry of the Holy Spirit

No matter how old or young we are in the Lord, it is important that we gain an understanding of who the Holy Spirit is and how He ministers. 1 John 4:4 says that ‘… greater is HE that is you than he that is in the world.’ We must be aware of what He is waiting to do in us and through us. HIS G REATNESS If only we could see how great our God is. He is awesome, all-powerful, mighty God who chose to live in mere human beings such as you and me. As believers we have the awesome privilege of being temples of the Holy Spirit.

It is the Holy Spirit who imparts fruits through believers, seals men, gives access to God, reveals truth and fills believers. He glorifies God and confirms the Gospel. HIS UNITY There is no competition or division between God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They have the same nature of love, and they work as one in unity. Wherever you find Jesus you find the Word and wherever you find the Word you will find the Father. Wherever you find the Father you find the Son, the Holy Spirit and the Word. They cannot be separated.

HIS DIVINITY It is of the greatest importance that we believe in the divinity of the Holy Spirit. There is God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. They are three in one. The Holy Spirit is actually a person and not just a power that we can access and use. He is infinitely wise and seeks to use us to fulfil God’s purposes. As a person He can be resisted, tempted, grieved, lied to, blasphemed, quenched, vexed, quietened or fellowshipped with. He can be mistreated, obeyed or disobeyed. HIS W OR K S There are certain divine works ascribed to the Holy Spirit: He creates, heals, convicts of sin, redeems and resurrects. He is the author of the Word, and the inspirer of the scriptures. He gives gifts, directs Gvospel work, frees from sin, bears witness, searches the deep things of God, reminds, teaches and guides into all truth.

HIS HELP John 14:16 says: ‘I will pray the Father and He will give you another Helper and He will abide with you forever.’ In English we understand the ‘Helper’ to signify: comforter, counsellor, advocate and strengthener. That is what the Holy Spirit is, but the word ‘parakletos’ in the Greek, actually means ‘one sent to the side of another for help.’ Do you need help? Do you need guidance? Do you need strength? Do you need an intercessor? God has sent the Holy Spirit to come alongside the believer. Without Him you cannot operate fully in God’s plans and purposes. The church needs the Holy Spirit to teach and lead believers into the truth of God’s Word. We must thank God for the Holy Spirit and always acknowledge and welcome Him – wherever we are. 7

Dennis Tinerino, formerly Mr Universe, was beguiled by fame and success which resulted in a prison sentence and debt. Jesus changed his life, and the Holy Spirit gifted him with a prophetic/evangelistic calling to stir, equip and edify others TO live by goD’S –

Christians need to live by God’s promises. Begin by recognising the awesome power of God that lives within you. Some people just go to church but we need to realise that we are the church and that the glory and presence of God is inside of us. The Holy Spirit inside of you is like your GPS navigation system to a place of victory in your life.

GET PRIDE OUT ‘Pride goes before destruction…’ Proverbs 16:18. I really used to think that I was somebody until God showed me His power. I realised that I had to get rid of my own trinity ‘Me, Myself and I’ if I was to serve Him. I used to say ‘I’m 240lbs of muscle and steel; got a 21 charm I’m known for real. Coming on strong, talking loud, winning the posing, victory crowd!’ Then I met the person of the Holy Spirit, the third person of God’s Trinity, and got rid of my own trinity and my pride.

SAY ‘I CAN’ Paul said, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ Philippians 4:13. He didn’t say ‘I can’t’ or ‘You can’t.’ He said ‘I can.’ The devil will tell you ‘you can’t do that’ but we need to be part of an ‘I can’ generation, to stand up and declare: ‘I CAN lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. I CAN cast out devils. I CAN see blind eyes open and deaf ears hear. I CAN see the lame walk, leap and dance. I CAN do great exploits for God. I CAN take hold of God’s promises and not look to the left or the right but look towards the awesome I AM.’ God has a race for you to run, so run the race and put the devil to disgrace!

DON’T BE DOUBLE AGENTS Out of tests come testimony. The Bible says that we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Revelation 12:11. When we go through trials and tribulations we must remain people of conviction, not preference. When we understand that we are heavenly people, then we won’t be tempted to compromise but rather we will trust in the promises of God. We cannot afford to have one foot in the church and one foot in the world because the Word says that a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:8. We need to lay our lives down for God 100% and make Him Lord over every area of our lives.

BE IN ONE ACCORD The power of unity shakes the powers of the enemy and breaks religiosity and lukewarm Christianity. When the disciples came together in the upper room, they didn’t come together in a Honda Accord, they came together in one accord.

DON’T GRIEVE THE HOLY SPIRIT

GET FIRED UP

Many Christians do not live overcoming lives because there are areas in their lives where they grieve the Holy Spirit. If you want to be a person who is led by the Spirit of God then you have to relinquish everything that is not pleasing or is sinful in your life. God wants to purify the church.

God is raising up a generation of people like Jeremiah, with the fire of God burning in their hearts. We too need to stay in God’s presence, the awesome consuming fire, then we won’t be able to keep it in. We need to have a passion for God and love Him with all our heart and soul.

He wants us to come to a new level of commitment where we say, ‘Search my heart God. I want to see signs, wonders and miracles working in my life. I don’t want anything to hinder my walk with you.’ With that attitude you will see God move supernaturally in your life.

TEACHING

OVERCOME CIRCUMSTANCES God has determined the place where we will overcome and build a work for the Lord. There are supernatural blessings that come from God when we overcome. Revelation 2:7. We need to believe that if we are in God’s will then He will pick up the bill. If you know that God has called you to do a work then know that where He leads, He feeds. He chose you and set you here for such a time as this, and He knows the plans He has for you. Jeremiah 29:11.

STAND ON THE WORD If you are going to do anything for God then you will face some trials and hardships. Ten years ago I was diagnosed with cancer and after they removed the tumour, the doctors gave me two weeks to live. During that time my wife and I clung to the Word of God. ‘…I am the Lord who heals you.’ Exodus 15:26. We prayed in agreement with Matthew 8:17 ‘…He himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.’ God not only healed me but made supernatural provision to pay the huge hospital bill. I realised that I could cling to His promises for both healing and finances. Whatever your need, God says, ‘…My Word...goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me void...’ Isaiah 55:11.

TALK AND WALK FAITH To receive the promises of God in our lives then we must get rid of any animosity or bitterness in our hearts. We must ‘…overcome evil with good.’ Romans 12:21. If we are going to stand on and receive the promises of God then there will be some faith talking and walking that we will have to do. We cannot be moved by the circumstances that surround us.

Make whatever adjustments are necessary to live your life led by His Spirit and standing on His promises. There is a promise that matches your need. If God has promised you something then stand upon that Word believing that He will bring it to pass. 9

Prophecy, one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, is ‘breaking forth in lofty discourse or praise, illuminating a message or future message from the Holy Spirit, revealing the heart and will of God.’ It is forth telling of future events related to the Kingdom of God, not to personal life. Many Christians wrongly operate in ‘fortune telling’, misleading people into believing false personal messages The gifts are in and work through us We have God-given ability, grace, in accordance with our faith. Romans 12:6. We have each been given a measure of faith. Romans 12:3. So Paul is saying that the ability to prophesy resides within us. Our responsibility is to stir it up which entails desiring it. ‘Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.’ 1 Corinthians 14:1.

This illustrates how God desires us to develop in our relationship with Him. >>04 God-conciousness in the church body Immature Christians want to hear personal messages from God and are concerned what others will think of them if they begin to prophesy. Christians need to move from self-consciousness, the fear of man, rejection and insecurity, to God-consciousness. Mature Christians want to be used by God to benefit others, becoming aware of what the Holy Spirit wants to manifest through them. >>05 Prophecy flows from godly character and love Godly character gives the flow of the gifts credibility, taking you where your gifting alone cannot keep you.

The gift of prophecy cannot be taught, but there are principles to follow in order for prophecy to flow:

Without love, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are merely noise. 1 Corinthians 13:1. The Greek word used here for love is ‘agape’ – God’s love for mankind. There are two aspects of His love:

>>01 Intimacy with God

Intimate human relationships lead to knowing the other person, their likes and dislikes. The same applies to God. Don’t expect the gift of prophecy to flow without developing intimacy with Him.

ii Love that exhorts us to change. Corinthians 14:3. The Greek for ‘exhort’ means; ‘Beseech, invite, entreat, admonish, warn and call attention to.’

>>02 Maturity in conduct; purity in motive Christians need to press in to the Word of God and relationship with Him, maturing from spiritual babies. 1 Peter 2:2. Maturity demands purity, resulting in the gift flowing powerfully. Mature Christians constantly guard their heart attitude and never prophesy with arrogance or jokingly. >>03 Self-consciousness to God-conciousness Spiritual maturity moves us from self-consciousness to God-conciousness. Initial self-consciousness, wondering what others think about us and whether they notice our faults, then changes to feeling accepted for who we are. God-consciousness therefore leads to the success of human relationships.

Unconditional love, illustrated in God’s gift of Jesus for all humanity, despite our sin. John 3:16.

God wants us to rise always higher to victorious living. He challenges us through various means, including prophetic messages, tongues and interpretations, because He loves us, loves His church and wants her edified.‘…since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church…’ 1 Corinthians 14:12. When I was first Pastor Gerri’s wife, I conformed to an image of what I thought others expected of me. Prophecy challenged me to recognise that I had compromised my integrity. It was like a slap in the face and I cried for two weeks before facing the challenge to change and become the woman God created me to be. We should listen, take note, be ready to respond. God said that He is raising a generation with a new level of purity and holiness, which the young people should respond to by living a pure lifestyle.

Michelle Di Somma, co-founder of carmel:ministries international and bible college, founder and leader of Empowered Women’s Ministry, imparts godly wisdom 10 10

Ask yourself when flowing in the prophetic: >>01 Has God spoken – or is it my emotions? Some guidelines to follow: Discern the meeting. Prophecy should enhance, not cut across, the meeting. Be led by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:14. The Holy Spirit should lead, conduct, direct, bring forth from us what others need to hear. Have inner certainty that God is speaking. Step out in faith. Often the Holy Spirit only gives one word but as we step out in faith and speak, we begin to flow. >>02 Does it line up with the Word of God? God will not speak outside the framework of His Word, so we need to: Study and know the Word and refer to the Word to check. 2 Timothy 2:15. Keep silent if unsure. The following utterance illustrates these principles were not applied: ‘…great fear is about to manifest, and even I, says the Lord, am afraid.’ >>03 Is this God’s timing? God sometimes reveals things that are not for the church at that particular time.

‘breaking forth in lofty discourse or praise, illuminating a message or future message from the Holy Spirit, revealing the heart and will of God’

Maturity enables you to discern this and wait silently. Obey when you are certain of God’s timing. Be more concerned about obeying God than what people think. Confirmation often follows through other words during the meeting. >>04 Recognise that there is no methodology with God The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given as He wills, as and when they are needed. We can’t earn them, we don’t deserve them and we cannot command them. Though we may have a schedule to help us with the order of a service, we cannot determine when the Holy Spirit will speak. We must allow God to do it His way and not limit the Holy Spirit. Allow the gift of prophecy to flow as and when the Holy Spirit wills, out of relationship with God through His love, from a pure heart and character that has become spiritually mature. Then you will reveal God’s heart and will to His people, to edify and exhort the body of Christ. 11

Gerri Di Somma, founder of carmel: ministries international and bible college, Senior Pastor of carmel: church and founder of Valiant Men’s Ministry, points us to the foundation from which the gifts must operate

As we read the signs of the times we sense the urgency to fulfil God’s command to preach the Kingdom of God, to touch and save the world – not just a few. LUKE 9:2. This is God’s mandate for us, the body of Christ – to reach out and touch the lost, the confused, the hurting and the sick, to see people saved and enable them to change, to experience abundance, prosperity and power. We must nurture, bless and encourage them so that they become God’s sons and daughters here on earth and for eternity.

‘...let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.’ 1 Corinthians 11:28 12

TEACHING

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to the church to make it possible to fulfil God’s purpose, but the church in general is ignorant of the supernatural realm. This is nothing new – Paul confronted the church in Corinth to challenge them to move from the natural to the supernatural. In fact, he said he could not even speak to them as spiritual people, but had to speak to them in their carnal nature because that was all they understood. 1 Corinthians 3:1. We too need to recognise, understand and implement certain spiritual principles before we can operate in the gifts as God intends

>>01 The gifts of the Holy Spirit are God’s

supernatural ability and cannot operate in the natural 1 Corinthians 12:11

Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world...’ John 18:36. We live in a natural body but we belong to a supernatural kingdom which operates beyond man’s natural knowledge, understanding and ability.

>>02 The Holy Spirit starts God’s work carmel: was started with supernatural not natural ability. When God does a supernatural work He touches hearts, cities and nations. When churches are driven by the natural realm, people become full of bitterness and hurt, wandering from person to person, church to church, drifting like vagabonds.

>>03 The natural realm is limited and hindered

by natural boundaries but the supernaturaL is limitless

One example is that of Philip being transported in an instant from one town to another. Acts 8:39-40. If we adhere to the mistaken belief commonly held by Christians that God only gives us one gift, we limit ourselves to that particular gift.

>>04 God gives gifts as and when they

are required.

This means we may operate in any of the gifts of the Spirit at any time. When we tap into the supernatural realm God gives the wisdom, ability, power, direction and instruction for the need and situation.

The same principle applies regarding the five fold ministry – we must not limit the gifts by believing that we are a teacher or evangelist only, as God may want us to operate in different giftings at different times.

>>05 The gifts are freely given They are undeserved and they cannot be earned, worked for or achieved by study. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 24 and 28. However we must purify ourselves so that the gifts can operate unhindered.

>>06 The gifts operate under the mantle of

another’s ministry or anointing

I learned this valuable spiritual principle while I was working for a previous ministry. The power of the Holy Spirit flowed through me while I operated under that ministry, but when I tried to minister elsewhere, there was no power. You see, when we are faithful to that which belongs to another, God gives us spiritual gifts and spiritual food of the Kingdom. Luke 16:12.

>>07 The gifts are to draw people to God,

not to ourselves. 1 Corinthians 14:22-26

There is also a danger as we begin to operate in the supernatural of becoming self-sufficient, believing we do not need other members of the body and their giftings. Recognise that our dependency on God and our interdependency with other Christians draws people to God. 13

TEACHING There is a foundation from which the gifts must operate Scriptures commonly studied concerning the gifts of the Holy Spirit are 1 Corinthians 12,13 and 14 which reveal the manifestation, motivation and application of the gifts. Though we may earnestly study these scriptures and genuinely hunger for God’s gifts in accordance with 1 Corinthians 12:31;14:1,5 and 39, we must go back to 1 Corinthians 11 to understand there is a crucial starting point before the gifts of the Holy Spirit can effectively flow through us, and without which we will never tap in to them. We must discern the body and blood of Jesus and the work and sacrifice of Calvary. The gifts only come by way of the work of Jesus Christ upon Calvary’s cross and because He ascended to heaven and sent the Holy Spirit, our Helper. 1 Corinthians 11: 27-29; John 15:26. Jesus said, ‘I am the bread of life.’ John 6:48. In the Middle East, bread was used as we use knives and forks – as a utensil. When we don’t discern the body of Christ, we reject Jesus, the very utensil of life who is able to give us not only spiritual gifts but everything that we need from God pertaining to life - help, healing, wholeness and wisdom. We must feed daily from the Bread of Life. Just as God the Father gave manna to sustain His people daily in the wilderness, so He has again given us bread in the body of Jesus, the Bread of Life. Through Him the Holy Spirit sustains, establishes and helps us minister to others. Jesus taught us to pray for ‘…our daily bread…’ Matthew 6:11. He was not referring to natural food but to spiritual sustenance, God’s presence. Jesus then referred to our need for forgiveness and to forgive others. We need His presence daily in order to forgive others daily. Once we are forgiven we have the Spirit within to forgive others, which we cannot do from natural resources. We must walk in repentance and right relationship with God and others. So often we want the gifts but we don’t want to make our hearts right. Paul recognised this and challenged the church in Corinth. Each one of us must first fully recognise the significance of Jesus’ shed blood and body broken for us personally and repent of anything and everything which is fleshly, otherwise we remain in the flesh and ineffective – just like the Corinthians. Discerning the body of Christ helps us recognise that we are part of Christ’s body on earth, that God is ‘Our’ Father. Matthew 6:9. We must guard unity to honour Him and to receive blessings and power. 14

We must first examine ourselves. 1 Corinthians 11.28 Before we partake in the Bread of Life and drink from the cup, we must deny carnal inclinations to examine others – and look within ourselves. We must establish if anything is preventing the gifts from flowing through us. Failing to examine ourselves, to discern the body, hinders the working of the Holy Spirit through us. The gifts are for the benefit of others, but the people to whom we minister will not benefit if we carry resentment, bitterness or offence towards them because of our own unrepentance and wrong heart attitudes. Only after Paul had explained the significance of discerning the body and of recognising the importance of the Bread of Life in 1 Corinthians 11:23-34, was he able to move on to spiritual matters. Corinthians 12:1. Only after understanding and responding to these vital truths will we move into the supernatural realm of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Before carmel: started, I was ready and willing to serve God but I held hurt, resentment and bitterness in my heart. At a conference, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, I released it all. If I had not that Holy Spirit encounter, I doubt that I would be here today. He knows exactly what we need. Discerning the body means recognising that you ARE your brother’s keeper. Cane, a spiritual vagabond, asked God from a wrong heart attitude whether he was his brother’s keeper. God gives His gifts so that you can take care of your brother. The fruit is never for the benefit of the tree but for others who eat it. For example, the Holy Spirit can enable us to overcome impatience in order to help or to counsel someone. The gifts are to provide common purpose to the body of Christ, enabling us to work together, walk together, to bring about His desires. God considers unity as vitally important, so we must not allow anything to destroy it. Not discerning the Lord’s body affects earthly and eternal life. Not only does it block the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but Paul also warns: ‘…for this reason many are weak and sick among you and many asleep.’ 1 Corinthians 11:30. In other words, many have died prematurely. Many will also say that they have done things in His name, but Jesus will say, ‘I never knew you; depart from me.’ Matthew 7:23. All because they did not discern the Bread of Life, God’s provision for mankind. Discern the Bread of Life, deal with your heart attitudes, tap in to God’s limitless supernatural anointing and outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It will change your life and empower you to touch and change lives locally and nationwide, both on earth and for eternity.

TESTIMONIES

Throughout the conference, the anointed ministry of the Word and the Holy Spirit touched, changed, equipped and empowered lives. IT WAS...

SIMPLYGLORIOUS I experienced more of God’s anointing. I was impacted most by seeing mighty men of God humbled in God’s presence as they made themselves available to be used by God. I am now bolder in my witness as I know the power of God is within me. I’m more aware of how much God loves me. The anointing just keeps on flowing as I reach people, the only thing I can take to heaven. D Burke I was desperate for more of God – more strength, focus and direction. Through the conference, I drew closer to others in the body of Christ. What affected me most was a prophecy about God wanting His people back. I asked God to give me His heart for people and He has. I feel deeply for the homeless and the youth. I now have more hunger and more conviction in speaking out for what’s right and am more conscious of how close the Lord’s return is. R Evans After major surgery my bowel had not been working properly for two years. God told my husband during the conference that I was to believe for a brand new bowel. Pastor Joe was ministering on the work of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. The Holy Spirit said to me that if I wanted a new bowel I had to receive it by faith. As Pastor Joe said, ‘Come Holy Spirit, come.’, I felt the Holy Spirit anaesthetise me and I received a new bowel by faith – and later it started to function normally. If you can see it you can have it if it’s in line with God’s Word and His will. S Stockinger

As I was getting ready for the conference, I felt an urgency to pray in the spirit. I put my children in the car and was putting my bag and my Bible in the boot when I heard a woman behind me ask for the time. I immediately knew by the Spirit that she sought to harm me, that I should calmly get into the car and tell her the time. I obeyed the Spirit and as I said, ‘It’s 6:10’ we all saw she was holding a machete. She paused. I closed the car door and drove to church. Though it had been a serious incident, I had incredible peace. We praised God because we knew He had just saved us. I felt so glad to be in church and living in God’s presence. A Salaou The Holy Spirit ministered that God would give me ’quick wisdom’ - which was soon fulfilled. Due to major rebuilding in my house, my things had been repeatedly moved and I’d lost track of where even the basics were. When the builder shouted that he’d dropped plaster into his eye, I prayed immediately for ‘quick wisdom’ and found an eye bath straightaway. The Spirit directed me step by step, equipping me beyond my natural ability, to treat his eye. Despite concerns that I might be removing part of his eye, I obeyed the Spirit, cleaning out and keeping the eye moist. He was checked at the eye hospital and told that he didn’t need treatment – my actions had saved his cornea from being burnt and his sight from damage. L Birdsall 15

When I started my journey here the road could have taken me in any direction, but where did I want to go? My destination was carmel:centre, Brislington, Bristol. This did not remove other signs on the road but I knew the direction in which I had to drive.

Chris Lodewyk, founder of numerous churches both in the UK and internationally, has extensive experience as a minister, leader and speaker. HE imparts words of wisdom concerning GOD'S INTERVENTION 16

TEACHING In the same way, we need to go where God is directing us on the road to our destiny. God licenses us through the Holy Spirit to drive this journey. He does not block the other roads and give us a direct route from A-Z, but trusts us to make the right decisions as the Holy Spirit guides us. Thank God we can go around the roundabout a few times to make sure of the route - but we must not linger for too long. During our journey we have ‘God moments’ - miracles from God that produce testimony to His greatness; ‘divine appointments’ to link us with others who have a part to play in our journey. ‘Godly encounters’ are special moments on our journey when we are empowered, renewed, refreshed, redirected and reaffirmed by a touch from God. Most significant of all is ‘godly intervention’, a moment when the Holy Spirit arrests us in a dramatic way which we never forget. There are various purposes for a ‘godly intervention’:

>>01 If we are in a steep decline, as an individual,

family or church, God may arrest the situation before we end up where we should not be.

>>02 It could be the moment of impact when God decides this is the time to launch our ministry. He has allowed us to drive, but has seen us wander too long at roundabouts and now intervenes to save us for that which He has in mind for us to do.

>>03 At other times, a ‘godly intervention’ can come

as a totally new chapter in life. Everything we thought was lying ahead is gone, and we begin to write a new history in our life.

In all cases, God decides on the point of intervention. He chooses the moment and place, so it comes as a complete surprise to us. Godly intervention of historic significance God has chosen this point in time to intervene significantly in certain lives. You will recall this conference as the time when God turned things around for you; twenty years hence, reports will show what began here today. I thank God for moments when He intervened in my life and shudder to think what would have happened had He not. As a small boy living in Cape Town, I was uprooted by the system of racial segregation, ending up in a shack with my parents and five other children – called poor even by poor people. But in that shack I met Jesus, who intervened in my life when I had no future, changing the course of history for me. I grew and the years the locusts had eaten were restored to me. Later I could be seen in different

areas of the country pastoring, as the head of a major denomination, working for God across the nation and then the world, active in eighty-six countries, in parliaments and before presidents. Yet were it not for divine intervention, where would that young lad be today? Godly intervention separates the past from the future When God intervenes, there is a big difference between the past and the future. The intervention separates what has been from what will be. As a church, God is saying there have been ten years of great things but boot camp is over. He says you have enlisted, you have trained, you have established, you have written the exam and gained the pass mark. God is intervening at this moment to take this church on the further journey towards what He has in mind for you. You are a well looked-after church; He will now make you a well sought-after church.’ ‘They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord; and you will be called Sought after…’ Isaiah 62:12. (NIV) The New Living Translation says: ‘You will be a desirable place’. God’s intervention is for the purpose of saying ‘Don’t take it easy!’ He is taking you to be a sought after people. All of the teaching and gifts were for the purpose of producing fruit that must now be grown from here. Church is where batteries are charged but the light is needed where it is dark. Congregation members are the army, fired up and equipped in the church then going out to render works of service. We must not shine our lights in church then turn them off when we leave! Godly intervention has others in mind In Acts 9:1-6 Saul saw God’s intervention. God ‘hi-jacked’ him, and then used Saul’s zeal and all of the training from his past for the purpose He had in mind for him, especially in regard to reaching the Gentiles. In Genesis 45:4-5. Joseph told his brothers that he had been sent to Egypt to preserve their lives. When God intervenes there are great repercussions and consequences. This is why it is so important that we regard 2006 conference as God adding a new chapter to the history of carmel:. God needs individuals, families and the church to pursue all that He has in mind. We need to take out our well-charged lights, to ensure that the legacy we leave behind is a solid, good one. Boot camp is over. The time for war, for going forward and for taking more territory is now. 17

EVENTS

In that strategy there are four specific aims:

>>01 To raise up men to know their identity and destiny

in Christ, and to be the force which carries the church forward in relation to vision.

>>02 To create a network of relationships between men,

so they experience support and security in a way that enables them to function effectively as leaders.

>>03 To encourage men to develop in christlike

character so that they commend Christ in the community and empower women to be everything God has prepared for them.

>>04 To provide as many compelling men’s growth and

discipleship opportunities as possible so that it sustains and grows the body of men into a dynamic band of brothers.

This strategy also creates father and son relationships within the Body of Christ, instils morality in men, spiritually employs them and maximises the ministry of the Church. More than eighty are currently part of Valiant Men.

On the final weekend of ‘aGodthing’ conference last October, with a nearly full auditorium, twenty-three men of varying ages were commissioned as competent to mentor other men This followed their successful completion of the ‘Majoring in Men’ curriculum which originated with the ministry of Dr Edwin Cole Recognising the need of men in today’s society, God revealed the strategy we call ‘Valiant Men’ (VM) which is a mentoring programme based on the teachings of the late Dr Edwin Cole and designed to reach and equip men to be spiritual leaders for their families, church, work and community. 18

In the ceremony, Senior Pastor Gerri Di Somma explained how Jesus was commissioned to His ministry mandate at His baptism with the Holy Spirit and the Father’s blessing, ‘You are my beloved Son; in you I am well pleased’. Luke 3:22. And he also explained how this commissioning followed the same pattern. Before he commissioned them, Gerri Di Somma read ‘The Fellowship of the Unashamed’ as the mandate for the men, and then, with the men kneeling, he placed a Bible on the head of each individual and commissioned them with the words, ‘You are my beloved son whom I commission to mentor men.’ This done, each one was presented with a full-size sword, as a symbol of the Spirit in them, to commemorate the day and bring to remembrance the mandate they had committed to. As, with a shout of victory, the Valiant Men raised their swords, the audience gave them a standing ovation and, together, they all gave tumultuous praise to God for who He is and what He had done. This commissioning was the first at carmel:, but in the ranks of the Valiant Men there are many more preparing for their day of public commitment and celebration.

TEACHING

Bernie McLaughlin, international conference speaker, founder and pastor of Cornerstone Church, Ayreshire, is committed to discipling and equipping believers and leaders. Recognising the distractions that Christians face, HE exhorts: As we move into the plans and purposes that God has for us, we must not be distracted from the work He has called us to. Nehemiah faced many challenges in his God-given quest to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem yet he refused to lose focus and successfully completed the task. Nehemiah 6:1-16. God made him a great leader and by following his example we too can be used by God in ways we had not imagined.

>> Preparation When Nehemiah heard that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down, he wept and mourned for days, praying and fasting. We too need to get to the place where we weep and mourn for the state of our cities and believe that God will act upon our prayers. 1 John 5:14. Get back to God’s directive and effect change in our cities.

FOCUS BREAKERS >>01 COMPROMISE People may discourage you from being dedicated to God’s work or become envious when you begin to move forward. Nehemiah kept his mind on the task in hand, saying, ‘…I am doing a great work so that I cannot come down…’ Nehemiah 6:1-3.

>> Availability When we make ourselves available to God’s plans and purposes we may have to operate in areas where we have no previous training. Nehemiah had trained to be the King’s cupbearer. God saw his faithfulness and changed his destiny. The limits were taken off and he became a great leader. God will bring us to a place where we can fulfil our purpose. It might not be what we thought we were training for but God will cause us to walk in faith, beyond our natural abilities

>> Meditation All too often we miss what God is saying. We need to be still and meditate on His Word, which focuses us on His vision not ours.

>>03 FEAR Nehemiah, knowing that both the vision and the ability to fulfil the task were God-given, pressed on in faith, refusing to let fear break his focus. Follow his example and don’t be intimidated by obstacles. >>04 BETRAYAL We need to discern the people around us. Nehemiah was betrayed by someone close who appeared to be warning him. Nehemiah was not afraid and remained focussed. Nehemiah 6:10 and 11. As a result the enemies and surrounding nations recognised God’s hand upon the work and were disheartened. Nehemiah 6:16.

>>02 CHARACTER ASSASSINATION Your motives for serving God may come under attack. Nehemiah received ‘an open letter’ which represented a persistent, public attack questioning his character and aiming to distract his attention. Nehemiah Know who God is and what He has called you to do. Remain fixed 6:5. He was accused of rebuilding the wall for selfish ambition to and focussed, knowing that perseverance will outlast persecution, become king. Nehemiah 6:6. False accusations aim to discredit us and let God complete the work He has started. in our arena of influence and make us feel inferior.

RevolutionRevival Tom Inglis – gifted musician, singer and songwriter, founder of Psalmody International Music Academy and Pastor of Sydney Life Church, Australia, outlines radical steps that lead to revolution

wash the

Praise and worship is the atmosphere in which God is pleased to dwell, a powerful place to receive from God. Some will remember it as the time when God deposited in them His ability for ministry. For some it’s going to be a revolution. A revolution is ‘the forceful overthrow of a government or social order in favour of a new system.’ We are kicking out old religious systems and committing to something fresh, dynamic, glorious, powerful, something so godly that nothing can stop it. It means a radical change of thinking. Dare to believe it!

Revelation leads to revolution Every revolution starts with a revelation. In Matthew 16 Jesus asks His disciples, ‘… who do you say that I am?’ Peter replies, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Then Jesus says, ‘…on this rock I will build my church...’ Matthew 16:13-18. What did He mean? He meant that Peter received revelation from the Father concerning who Jesus was. In the same way, building the church is done by revelation from the Father. We see that it was this revelation which ignited the revolution that became the church of the New Testament. Kick away religion and open your heart to God’s revolution. Prepare to change the world around you. Rise up to a new level of faith and see it as a place of miracles, signs and wonders through God’s generation of revolutionaries.

REVOLUTION REVIVAL A taxman got the revelation

The power is in the relationship

Zaccheus was such a person. Luke 19. He was prepared to do whatever it would take to see Jesus. He wasn’t going to let the opportunity go by. He was the chief tax collector in the region for the Roman occupying force. That meant he was rich, well known, but not liked.

Where have you been? Who have you been spending time with? The greatest cost to humanity is a powerless church. It’s not AIDS, it’s not drugs, it’s not disease … it’s not even sin, because Jesus took care of that. It’s a church without Holy Spirit power. Humanity is dying… not because there are no churches, but because of churches that lack the power of God. There’s no Holy Spirit, because people have not been in the right place spending time with the right people.

And he was short, so for him, hanging around in a crowd of Jews was not the best place to be. Yet he climbed a tree, became highly visible, but was so determined to see Jesus that he was prepared to take the consequences. Are you that determined to receive the revelation you need to do God’s will for your life? To Zaccheus’ surprise, Jesus looked straight at him as if He knew him. He said: ‘...Zaccheus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.’ Luke 19:5. Jesus was about to enter the very centre of his life. Are you ready to meet Jesus? The revelation of God became the greatest revolutionary Jesus was the revolutionary of revolutionaries. As God’s messenger He shook the entire religious system at its foundation. Everything that smacks of religion has to be thrown out. Jesus asks, ‘Do you want to know me?’ He opens up a relationship with God, not a religious system or religious rituals. Jesus also said, ‘If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.’ John 10:37-38. That’s a dynamic relationship. It’s as if He says to us, ‘If you see the gifts of the Holy Spirit, you will surely know that I am from God the Father – that’s who I’m in relationship with.’ This is what Peter said on the day the Holy Spirit was sent from the Father: ‘Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know…’ Acts 2:22. In other words, miracles, signs and wonders are the works of the Father.

Where have you been? Who have you been spending time with? Jesus said I came from the Father. Who are you associating with? Do you know the Father? Revolutionaries overcome giants When King David was a young man he looked after his father’s sheep in the hills, and in the solitude of his life he sang and talked with God. In one psalm he wrote, ‘Seven times a day I praise you, because of your righteous judgments.’ Psalm 119:164. And in the solitude of the hills among bleating sheep, David was radical enough to believe that he could have a life-changing two-way talk with God and worship Him with uninhibited boldness and reverence. When Israel needed to be saved from their enemy, the Philistines, there was not one soldier in Israel who could defeat the giant Goliath, the Philistine champion. But there was a shepherd boy, called David, who had spent time with God. Goliath saw him as ‘a dog’, but David was the true giant. With the skill he learned when alone with God, he defeated the Philistine. Today Jesus asks you, ‘Who do you say that I am?’ Have you got the revelation? Are you ready to be empowered by God to become a true revolutionary? Are you prepared to do whatever it takes to become what God wants you to be, and change your world? Now is the time to let Him into the very centre of your life.

The world can meet God through the evidence of His power among them through people like you and me. People want a living God to touch their dead lives. They don’t want religion.

There is no testimony without a test. The years have provided many challenges and the only way through has been total reliance on and obedience to god, his word and what he has required. see how god did it by reading – 22

>> How it all began In 1995 God called Gerri and Michelle Di Somma from South Africa with their four children, to Bristol south, the poorest side of the city, to start a church. They had never heard of Bristol, but, like Abraham, they obeyed, giving up everything. >> Birth of a church carmel:, meaning ‘place of fruitfulness and plenty’, began in October 1996 In a Community Centre with 11 – including 6 Di Sommas. carmel: christian centre was run from the outset on godly principles, implementing godly structures – the foundation for what was to come. Its mission statement remains today: ‘He sent them to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.’ LUKE 9:2 >> The vision AND ITS outworking To demonstrate God’s presence and power through evangelism, discipleship and pastoral care in centres to benefit the community. In March 1997 God gave a 20 year, 4 phase plan. In keeping with Habakkuk 2:2 and 3, this is written and referred to annually to check progress. As God unfolds His strategy to make the vision reality, new goals are set and God releases gifting to get the job done. >> Moving on and reaching out In 1998 we moved into new premises, housing church, Bible Training Centre, men’s, ladies and youth ministry. 1999 saw regular conferences start, Praise in the Park with other churches with carmel: leading worship. 2000 was the year ABC Pre-School began, carmel: became debt free – and its new home already became too small. 2001 is remembered for the first Worship Seminar organised by carmel: worship team, with guests David Reidy and team from Hillsong Church, Sydney; for starting 2 Sunday morning services and PETRA – Personal Evangelism To Reach All. 2002 highlights included another Worship Seminar and Celebrations in Bristol and Chippenham, all songs written and performed by carmel: worship team. 2003 brought a further move, 817a Bath Road; the release of ‘Beautiful Praise’, music and lyrics by carmel: Worship Team;

Family Transformations started Positioned For Blessing, (followed by The Anointed Marriage) and the church magazine 24:7 was created. Prison Ministry, Promise of Purity, Youth outreach and camp, plus Leadership Academy were introduced in 2004. Gerri and Michelle Di Somma had tea with the Queen and renamed the annual conference ‘aGodthing.’ >> ‘Believing God for the impossible and trusting Him to the maximum’ God’s Word and strategy for 2005 led us to raise the church’s profile, challenge sin and injustice. We won a case against the Council, acquiring ‘Change of use’ for 817a Bath Road so that carmel: officially became a place of worship in a commercial area. We initiated Healing Rooms, Little Eagles Pre-School and cre8ION, carmel:’s creative arm, and started an outreach centre in Stroud. A second CD was released, ‘aGodthing’– words and music by carmel: Worship Team; carmel: purchased 817a Bath Road. >> Raising generations 2006 saw us ‘Raising generations to respect God’s standard of truth, expect God’s standard of blessing’ – Reaching Every Soul Proclaiming Eternal Christ-centred Truths, teaching Christian principles and values and demonstrating God’s power. >> highlights 2006 We launched new websites – carmel: centre, bible college and school, Foundheaven, Promise of Purity, cre8ION; started meetings for ‘twenty somethings’ and sent ‘Word in Season’, recorded teachings, to many nations; ran First Aid and Etiquette courses; led 8.30am Communion services as well as 10.30am Sunday and 6.30pm Saturday services. Birthed new departments – totalling 61; birthed Empowered Women’s Conference, ‘Exceptional’; successfully protested against on-stage blasphemy; carmel: helped Love Bristol; hosted ‘aGodthing’ Conference ‘Ten Days of Glory’, celebrating carmel:’s 10th birthday.

10 YEAR HISTORY

>> growth in 2006 • Church attendance increased 28% •

30,756 attended services

• Salvations and rededications grew 180% •

143 salvations in prisons

• Children’s Church grew 16% • Tithes and offerings increased 28% • Home Groups attendance grew 60% •

carmel: Bible College grew 54% in 1st year class, the others remain constant

•

carmel: Christian School and Little Eagles grew 40%

• Youth night grew 180% • SUDS grew 60% and youth camp grew 33% When Gerri and Michelle Di Somma arrived in England, they knew only two families. Today this ministry is known around the globe and touches many lives locally and internationally carmel: is 10 years into God’s revealed 20 year, 4 phase plan. We’ve seen great things, prophecies fulfilled, lives changed. We thank God for all He’s done, all He’s doing – and all He is going to do in the years ahead.

>> ‘He sent them to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick’ LUKE 9:2<< 23

EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE CARMEL:CENTRE FRIDAY 16TH MARCH 2007 SATURDAY 17TH MARCH 2007 OTHER SPEAKERS TO BE ANNOUNCED CLOSER TO THE CONFERENCE. FOR DIRECTIONS, HOTELS AND REGISTRATION DETAILS WWW.CARMELCENTRE.ORG

TIMETABLE FOR EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 2007 Friday 16th March

1.30PM – 4.30pm Various Speakers 7.00pm service – open to all Guest speaker Dr Jesse DuPlantis

Saturday 17th March

9.30AM –12.30PM Guest speaker Cathy DuPlantis 12.30PM –1.30PM Buffet Lunch 1.30PM – 4.30PM Various Speakers 6.30PM service – open to all

Jesse

MICHELLE DI SOMMA

CATHY DUPLANTIS

FOR FULL INFORMATION CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE OR CALL US

Mr A Sample Sample Place Sample Town Sample City Sampleshire SA1 4MP

carmel:

CARMEL:CENTRE 817A BATH ROAD BRISLINGTON BRISTOL BS4 5NL

If undelivered please return to carmel: ministries international 817a bath road brislington bristol bs4 5nl

MARCH 16 2007 JESSE DUPLANTIS 7.00PM