“The only way you will be able to tackle the giants in your life, in society and in the world, is through the anointing of the Holy Spirit.” Nicky Gumble
This Week’s Highlights:
*Alex released from severe anxiety – see below
*Jen healed of #10 back pain – see Pastor Chris
*Many prayer needs met on Main Street – see Diana
*Team visits friend in hospital – see Pastor Lorraine
There were 18 team members on the street this Thursday evening. Some went to Main St., some to a hospital, others to Central Park, and Portage Place. I was with Pastor Chris and Jeremiah.
Alex, a regular, well known to us, was waiting for us near the back entrance of Portage Place. He was in need of prayer. He was struggling with a ‘knot’ in his stomach, and what he called very high anxiety. Because of his condition, he hadn’t been able to sleep and hadn’t eaten in four days. He said he felt driven to walk and walk, and he was so tired. We prayed for him several times and each time his condition improved. The second time the ‘knot’ in his stomach left, and then little by little, he was released from the grip of anxiety. After a while, he was smiling, and his countenance had greatly improved, he said he finally had peace. (Jeremiah’s observation -The difference on his face before and after prayer was amazing. He walks in looking like a grump and he leaves with a smile on his face). I asked him if he thought he could now eat, and he thought he could, so I bought him a chicken dinner, and he was able to eat it all. (Also see Pastor Chris’ comments below on Alex.)
It is not unusual for people, in need of prayer, to wait for us or come looking for us at Portage Place. I guess the ‘moccasin telegraph’ is at work. Sometimes strangers will walk up to us and ask, “Are you those praying Christians, can you pray for me”?
Pastor Chris’ Report:
Al, Jeremiah, and I headed out to Portage Place. We met Alex who was struggling with anxiety so bad he could not eat. We prayed a few times. First time there was no change. By the third time he said he felt much better. Al suggested, “are you ready to try eating?” He replied “Yup!” so off we went, and Al got him a nice hot meal. I checked after he was done….he said he felt great, and his stomach was fine. I blessed him and off he went. The second person I talked with was Jen, a young mom with her friend. As I passed by I saw she was holding her back and wincing (total prayer set up). I said, “Are you okay, you look like you’ve got bad back pain.” She confirmed. I said, “I go around helping people with their pain and it only takes a few seconds…I could help you if you want?” She seemed hesitant, and asked how…”will you pray for me?” And I said, “Yeah, that’s how we’ll do that.” She agreed, we prayed and watched the pain dissipate from a 10 to a one. She said she could barely feel it at all and had to try to find it. I encouraged her about her estranged relationship with her daughter and encouraged Jen to thank God on the way to her car. I felt to say, “by then the pain should be totally gone.” She said “OK” and I heard her thanking God as she walked through the doors to her car. YAY GOD!
One thing that stood out for me was Al’s constant love for the people of Portage Place. They know him, love him, and trust him. He is being Jesus there!…and it’s awesome to see. Jeremiah as well had a great word for Alex, about how giving thanks to God creates room to receive more from Him. Love that kid growing and walking this stuff out! SO GOOD!
Diana’s Report:
Gerry, Warren, Ed and I started out on Main Street handing out pizza and water. We had several encounters with people. Some wanted prayer for relationship problems, addictions, housing, emotional pain. We were able to speak hope and encouragement into people’s lives and could feel the difference the Spirit of God made when they opened up themselves for prayer. One man just wanted a hug from our team members. We were also able to pray a prayer of blessing on a couple that is getting married in Sept. and are wanting their marriage to go well.
Pastor Lorraine’s Report:
Michelle and I went to see a man named Bruce in the hospital. He has been in and out of the hospital for a while now and I asked him how he was doing. He’s discouraged and disheartened that again he is back in the hospital. We spent about 20 minutes praying for Bruce, asking Papa God to make Himself very real to Bruce and commanding/speaking healing into Bruce’s body. Please continue to pray for Bruce. We saw a bit of a response in his body, but we want full healing!
Later, Michelle and I went to Central Park to see how things were there and we spoke with a few people. It was almost 9 p.m. and Michelle was able to get a ride back to Zion Church with someone else so we parted and I headed to Portage Place to meet with a few other of our teams. It was a quieter night, although the weather became wild outside just before 9. Spent some time in the mall speaking to a few of our ‘regulars’ and prayed for one person. All in all, other than the thunder, wind and heavy rain, it was a quiet night.