Merry Christmas!

Cristina and I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas! This is our favorite time of year. It is a time for giving, loving and spending time with those who are dearest to our hearts. But most of all it is a celebration of our Lord Jesus and His birth. We are so thankful to God for sending His Son to earth to be our Lord and Savior. Jesus truly is the greatest gift on earth.

During this season we are reminded of how much we love our natural family as well as our spiritual family. Many times we feel closer to our brothers and sisters in the Lord than even our natural family. We are all connected by the precious blood of Jesus. Our bond and covenant is stronger than any natural relationship could ever be.

Please know that we are praying for you and your family. I believe that the upcoming year will be filled with great and wonderful things.

Please continue to pray for my family and the ministry as we enter into this next year. We need your love and support in order to fulfill all that God has set before us.

Heb 13:15-16 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. NKJV

The Last Shall Be First

In Luke 14:15-24 we read the parable of the great supper. This scripture ultimately speaks of eternity, but I believe that it also has prophetic implications for today. The master of the house speaks of our Master, Jesus. He has prepared many great and wonderful things for those who love Him. It is His pleasure to give these gifts to His people. However, in this story we see 3 types of people who were invited, but due to selfishness, refused the invitation and missed all that was prepared for them.

The first invited was too busy looking at a piece of land that he purchased. This speaks of materialism. Some are so busy pursuing materialistic things, that they miss their true purpose, sometimes even loosing their salvation.

The second man wanted to prove the new oxen that he purchased. This represents the type of person who is too busy working to allow anytime for spiritual matters.

The third man was too busy because he just got married. Within days of his marriage, he had already allowed the line to be crossed and God was pushed out. Too often we allow legitimate family problems to develop into illegitimate excuses to miss the things of God.

The master was angry because those who he chose and invited wanted nothing to do with his banquet. They were his first choice and he became their second. He quickly bypassed them and sent invitations to the desperate. Before long, the house was full, and hungry people were filled.

I believe that we are living in a day where many people God has chosen have become filled with selfishness, pride, and greed. Yet there is a desperate, hungry people who will ever appreciate the gifts and callings of God. The hungry are taking their place at the table, while the others are simply being bypassed and forgotten. Their is a great shift that will take place in 2008. God will bring down the arrogant, proud, and greedy, and elevate the humble, pure, and the broken. Those who have been first will be last. Those who are last will be first. It is time to take our place at the table. All is ready!

Growth and Multiplication

This is an exciting season for New Beginnings Healing Center. We are experiencing growth in every way. Ministries are being formed that will meet the specific needs of the variety of people attending our church, as well as reaching ouy to those outside the church.

Our children's ministry,"Praizin Generation", is up and running, and proving to be a unique, dynamic, and powerful tool in shaping the lives of our children. Our college age adults group,"The Dragnet", is now meeting on a weekly basis.

We are continuing to see great results from our nursing home, jail, and and hospital visitation ministries. Many in prison are receiving Christ on a weekly basis. Many elderly people are getting saved and encouraged through our nursing home services. People in hospitals are being touched and healed.

We are know in the process of organizing men's and women's ministries. Also, we are preparing to start our street evangelism team. People will be out witnessing on a weekly basis and I believe we will see many saved as a result.

God truly has given us people with a heart for ministry. As we continue to be an outreach, God will increase our church in every way. Their is a great harvest before us.

We have been in a season of growth. But I believe now more than ever that we are entering a season of multiplication.

Gen 35:11 Also God said to him:"I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body. NKJV

On TV!

Today our TV program will be airing on Orlando TV 45 for the first time! The show will be on at 7am and 11pm every Friday. We will continue this once a week schedule through January. After that we will be looking at a more frequent airing schedule, possibly 5 times a week.

We have waited for the opportunity to have a program on air since the first day we moved here. God provided our ministry with $150,000 of TV equipment before we even arrived in Orlando. It became obvious that the Lord had plans to do something great with our ministry through the means of Christian television. We wanted to get started immediately. But, many complication and delays have occurred throughout this past year, making this dream seem unobtainable. But God's timing is perfect. Now, this dream has become a reality. I know that many will be touched as they watch these anointed programs. I know that many will receive Christ as a result. This is a great evangelistic outreach tool that will abound in much fruit.

Joel 2:21 Don't be afraid, my people! Be glad now and rejoice because the LORD has done great things

Sanford Outreach

This past Saturday, our church went to the Sanford Housing Authority to distribute food to 300 families in need. God has given us extreme favor with the Sanford Housing authority, which allowed us the opportunity to conduct a full blown service before the distribution of food. Hundreds gathered on the neighborhood basketball court for the service. We ran out of seats, so many had to stand throughout the service. There was a great spiritual hunger in the hearts of these precious people.

I preached a message called, "You Are Not Forgotten". It was evident that this message brought hope and encouragement to many who felt forgotten and inaignificant. As the sermon concluded, I began ministering on the cross and the blood of Jesus. There was a powerful anointing present. The Spirit of the Lord began moving on the hearts of the people. 87 people responded to the call for salvation! They asked forgiveness of their sins, and received the Lord Jesus as their savior.

After the service, many that were sick in body, came forward for prayer. Our ministry workers met them and began to pray over their needs. Healing took place and many testified of the touch of God's hand upon their life.

Of course, at the end of the day, we distributed food to the families. It was a great ending to a great day. You could see the joy and thanksgiving on their faces. Not only did they receive spiritual relief, but also relief in the natural.

I believe that this is what the Body of Christ is all about. God has blessed us that we may be a blessing to others. We are an extension of God's hand upon this earth. It sure felt good, being a part of this great commission.

Mark 16:15
And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere.NLT

The Blood

2 weeks ago I began a series on the the Passover from the book of Exodus. We have been focusing on how the story of the Passover relates to the New Testament sacrifice or our Lord Jesus Christ. He is our Passover Lamb!

In Exodus, we find Moses before Pharaoh, performing many different signs. Many of these signs were copied by the Egyptian magicians. But the one thing they could not copy was the blood! The enemy today has a counterfeit for power, healing, freedom, happiness, and peace. Their are many counterfeit gods and spiritual beliefs. However, the enemy has no substitute for the Blood. There is no power like the power of the blood. There is healing in the blood. True freedom and deliverance can only be found through the blood of Jesus. Of no other god can it be said that their blood was spilled for the salivation of those who serve them.

In America today, we have many preachers preaching many different things. Some preach a message of prosperity. Some a message of self-help through the method of positive thinking. Others preach a message of "blab it, grab" which can often times play into people's greed and selfishness. These messages are out of order and a danger to the Body of Christ. There is only one message that we are to preach. It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This gospel is the message of the cross and His suffering. It is a message that reveals the power of his blood and life we now have will have forevermore as result of the work of the cross.

It is time in America, that we as preachers come back to the same gospel the early apostles preached that revolutionized the world. It worked then, and it is the only message that will work now. Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

1 Cor 2:3-5 For I decided to concentrate only on Jesus Christ and his death on the cross. 3 I came to you in weakness — timid and trembling. 4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. I did not use wise and persuasive speeches, but the Holy Spirit was powerful among you. 5 I did this so that you might trust the power of God rather than human wisdom. NLT

Get to the Root!

We have just completed our 3 week series, "Healed to Minister". It has truly been a powerful, life changing series. God has begun a great work of inner healing and deliverance in the lives of our people. As we continue in this process, people will be loosed into their destiny and purpose.

This past Sunday, I preached a message called, "Get to the Root". Many people do things that are self-destructive, selfish, and and flat out wrong. But I believe that is important not just to identify what they do, but to identify why they do it. Often we busy ourselves addressing and dealing with the fruit of our actions, instead of uncovering the root that feeds these actions. There is a cause for every effect. In order to put an end to these actions and areas of dysfunctions, we must get to the root.

Our text scripture was Mark 10:46-52. We discover a man named Bartimaeus, who was a blind beggar. He spent his days begging for money that he may buy food in order to survive. This was an ongoing cycle. The alms that he collected lasted only for a moment, then he was back into the same position, asking again for relief. As Bartimaeus, we often find ourselves seeking temporary relief instead of a permanent solution. His problem was not the lack of money. His problem was that he was blind. This condition kept him form working like a normal person, who would have the ability to earn wages and provide for themselves. So in looking at this story, we discover that the root was not the lack of money, but the condition of blindness.

When Jesus comes onto the scene, He asks Bartimaeus a question. "What do you want me to do for you?" Instead of asking for money or temporary relief, he asks for the ultimate solution. He asked the Lord to restore his sight. He asked for the root of his problems to be healed. Without hesitation, Jesus responded and brought the healing that this man so desperately needed.

We need to ask the Lord for the right thing. Instead of seeking relief in the form of success, more friends, and better paying jobs, we need to seek to be filled with His love and security. Only Jesus can truly satisfy and fill the void that is deep within. As we ask of Him and seek Him, He will respond and meet the need!

1 Year Anniversary!

This past Sunday, New Beginnings celebrated our 1 year anniversary of being in Orlando! Looking back over the past year, I stand amazed at all that God has done. I remember how it felt moving here all the way from a little town in Ohio. We had no guarantees. Would we have any people show up at our first service? Would we have a place to meet? Would we survive financially?

It was obvious God was sending us by faith. We came with no guarantees, just the promise of His faithful word. That was more than enough! After stepping out into unfamiliar water, we have seen God's faithfulness demonstrated in everything that we have done. We have had a people, a place to meet, and our needs have been met. The Lord never fails to provide where He guides.

Over this past year, we have seen a gathering of hundreds of people who now call New Beginnings their home church. The majority of these are now active in various ministries of the church. I believe this is a sign of a healthy church. People are being activated and mobilized to advance the Kingdom by tapping into their potential and using the gifts that God has uniquely placed in them. As a pastor, I could have no greater joy, than to see people propelled into their destiny and purpose!

Cristina and I are so thankful that the Lord called us to Orlando. As I have said before, it was the biggest and most difficult decision of our lives, but we have never looked back. Our destiny and purpose was waiting for us here. And now we too are enjoying the blessing of fulfilling God's ultimate purpose for our lives.

We are ever thankful to all who have prayed, supported, and connected with New Beginnings. We have the best group of people on the planet. They are faithful, committed, and have a mind to work. With this kind of army, there can be no limit to what we can accomplish for the Kingdom of God!

1 Cor 2:9 But as it is written:
"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." NKJV

Irritating Your Infirmity

In John 9:6, we read of a blind man who went to Jesus for healing. Jesus responded by spitting on the sand, making a paste out of it, and then applying it to this man's eyes. Besides this method sounding unpractical, it can be assumed that this method must have been painful. Having sand in your eyes could not be a comfortable or pleasant experience. Why would Jesus do this? What possible reason would He have had to irritate this man's infirmity?

I believe that He did this to show us a powerful truth and revelation. Sometimes the things in life that hurt us the most, are the very things that lead us to our healing and deliverance. The irritation of impossible circumstance, can be the motivation for true and divine freedom. Fiery trials are not comfortable, however, they have a way of bringing stuff to the surface that we may not even know is in us. It is not in the midst of comfort that God begins to heal and deliver, it is in moments of pain and great irritation. It is in the fire of affliction.

As we look at Dan. 3, we see the story of three Hebrew men who would not obey the king's order to worship the golden image. They would only worship the true and only God. The king, in his anger, ordered them to be bound hand and foot, and then tossed into a fiery furnace. After they were thrown in, the king looked down to observe them. Much to his surprise, he saw 4 men walking around in the midst of the fire. We know through the scripture, that the 4th man was the Son of God! But what I find interesting, is the state that Nebuchadnezzar found them in while they were in the fire. He saw them walking loosed! They were thrown in bound, but got free in the fire. I believe that if we can get free IN the fire, that God will set us free FROM the fire. This freedom only comes through a revelation of Christ.

Season of Miracles!

2 weeks ago on a Sunday night, the Lord spoke prophetically to our congregation that a season of miracles was upon us. I was preaching from the text in John 2:11 where the miracle of turning the water into wine was recorded as the "beginning of miracles" that Jesus performed. 2,000 years later, that season which began that day continues to pour out on all who call on His name. It just takes one major breakthrough to start the overwhelming perpetual flood of God's sovereignty.

Last night during our evening service we continued on in this theme. I was teaching about the virtue that flowed from Christ in Mark 5:30 and Luke 6:17-18. The word virtue is synonymous with the Greek word dunamis, which means; power, force, miracle power, God's ability and life. The woman with the issue of blood literally received a download of Christ's ability, power, and life. No wonder she was instantly healed! The same is true for the many that touched Him in Luke 6. As they touched Him, they plugged into the download.

The word touch in this text means to "attach oneself to". But it comes from the Greek word hapto, which means; to set on fire, kindle or light. This explains why so many people who have received prayer for healing, feel extreme heat all over their body, as God manifests His healing power. It is just confirmation that they have made the connection for the download! We see throughout the scripture that God's Glory is usually accompanied by the presence of fire.

Last night as this word was being preached, people's faith was quickened to get connected and receive the download. Starting last week and continuing on through last night, it is clear that God truly has released us into a season of miracles. Over the last 2 weeks we have seen incredible miracles take place. For instance, a mother carrying twins was told by her doctor that one of the children had not formed valves in their heart. He also said that the baby had no heart beat. After receiving prayer the mother went back to the doctor. The baby's heart is now beating perfectly, even though the valves have not formed! What a miracle working God!

I anticipate even more miraculous things to happen as we continue on in this season. I pray that all reading this become partakers of this precious and powerful anointing that is being released upon the body of New Beginnings!

A Mind to Work

As we approach our 1st year anniversary of being in Orlando, it is clear that God has assembled a people with a mind to work. I am amazed by the enthusiasm and involvement of the members of New Beginnings. People are getting involved in various aspects of ministry to see the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

We have close to 70 people who went through four weeks of training to participate in the visitation ministries. From hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons, New Beginnings has representatives bringing hope and encouragement everywhere. We truly are taking the church outside the four walls.

Before the end of this year, we will doing community food outreaches, street ministry, and getting into local schools. Nearly every member of our church will be involved in these different outreaches. In all these things, the message of Jesus Christ will be shared. I am looking forward to a great harvest of souls through these various means of evangelistic outreaches.

We also have a group of 7 interns coming from Bethany World Prayer Center in Baton Rouge. They will be arriving October 14th. This group is comprised of hard working soul winners. Their addition to our ministry will be an incredible blessing. I know they will play a vital role in the direction and purpose of New Beginnings.

God is beginning to lay out a strategic plan for multiplication and growth. He has also assembled the right people to work and put these plans into action. I believe that we are going to impact our community and make a positive difference in central Florida.

I am thankful for the body of believers that God has entrusted us to lead. Together we will build up the desolate places and see the Kingdom of God established everywhere we go.

Neh 4:6

So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. NKJV

Scare in the Air!

This weekend my wife and I were out of town. We were scheduled to fly back to Orlando early Sunday morning in order to make the morning service. After a slight delay, we began our departure. Within moments, Cristina and I began to smell a weird smelling smoke. The alarms began ringing. The flight attendant came on the intercom and informed us that there was a fire on board and to remain calm while she checked it out.

Things then got worse. The pilot announced that we were to prepare for an emergency landing. The flight crew was not even sure if we could make it back to the airport in time. The flight attendant came to me and asked if I was prepared to remove the exit row doors, as I was seated there. I told her that I was ready to assist and prepared to do whatever I could to help evacuate the other passengers. The reality of this moment began to set in. It looked as if we were going down.

The good news is that both engines were still intact. As we began to prepare for the landing, all assumed the brace position. While some were crying, others panicking, Cristina and I held hands and prayed in the Spirit. Moments later, we were on the ground being escorted off the plane by fireman and emergency workers. We were safe!

In light of this situation, I am ever grateful for the covenant that we have with God our Father. We had peace through this frightening moment, because the covenant of the Lord, will always protect His people. God has spoken many words of destiny and promise over our lives. Nothing can by any means harm us, because the Word of the Lord must come to pass! Not one day of our lives can be cut short, until the precious work of God through our lives is completed.

I want to encourage you in this for your lives today. You have a covenant with God. He will protect you and sustain you til your all days have been fulfilled! The Word of God will preserve you always!

Ps 91:9-11
9 If you make the LORD your refuge,if you make the Most High your shelter, 10 no evil will conquer you;no plague will come near your dwelling. 11 For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go. NLT

Crazy!

Only one word can describe what happened last night in our evening miracle service, "CRAZY!"

In the beginning of the service, there was such an awesome and heavy presence of God's Glory. It was the kind of experience where all you could do is stand still with tears falling from your face. God's presence was so tangible and real. As we ended our worship service, I stood speechless. I did not know what to say or which direction to go. So, I remained silent before the Lord, not daring to move on before Him or without Him.

Then, it happened. A crazy, ear-piercing, radical praise began to break out in the congregation. It was as like a bomb went off spontaneously in each individual . People began dancing, shouting, and spinning violently. This went on for over an hour! You could sense that miracles were taking place throughout the congregation. Liberty showed up and nothing could stop it!

As I reflect on what happened last night and how it happened, I am reminded that waiting on the Lord is one of the most essential keys in effective ministry. We cannot move on without Him. Last night, it was clear that God wanted to do something that did not involve me or need my assistance. All He needed from me was to keep my mouth shut and get out of the way. He desired to touch and move upon His people. I am glad that I did not insist on making something happen on my own, or we would not have seen this mighty demonstration. God is God all by Himself. He is looking for yielded vessels that are willing to loose control and just "let go".

2 Cor 3:17- Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. NKJV

Like a Child

Matt 18:3-4, Then he said, "I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. NLT

There is no greater dependence than that of a child. They are dependant on their parents for everything concerning food, clothing, and shelter. Young babies never worry about if they will eat; they know it's a matter of when. Their mind has not developed to the point where they are capable of worrying if bills are paid, if food will be on the table, or if everything in their life will work out OK. They are too young and innocent to even have these thoughts and feelings.

When we turn from our sins and repent, this is the supernatural work of salvation. We literally become "born again". This process has many meanings, but specifically today, I want to look at how it relates to becoming like new born children.

When we are born again, we begin a brand new life, just like when we were born into this natural word. Yet, this process is spiritual. Like the attributes of a natural baby, so are the attributes of the "new man" we become in Christ through salvation. We become dependant solely on Him. He is our heavenly Father. We depend on Him to supply for all our needs - the big ones and the small ones.

Natural babies are oblivious to reality. It doesn't matter what is going on around them, they act the same. Their surroundings do not alter their behavior. They are just as noisy and playful in private as they are in public. They will cry privately or publicly. As God's children, we cannot allow the things going on around us to change who we are and the way we act.

Children have such an innocence. They have not yet been exposed to failure and disappointment. They are not aware that people are imperfect. As we all grow up, we are faced with many disappointments that take away from that innocent child like faith. When we become born again, that innocence is to be restored. We start seeing the best in every person and in every situation.

Humble yourself as a little child. Depend on your Father for all things. Stay playful and joyous even though things around you may be falling apart. Keep your innocent child like optimism and faith. Remember that God is your Father. He will take care of you!

No Fear!

Over the past 3 weeks, I have been teaching on the issue of fear. It is impossible to lead a life of faith without being confronted with the opportunity to fear. I believe it's time to confront fear with uncompromising faith.

Fear keeps us from inheriting the promises that we find in the Word of God. So many times we fall short of obtaining the things that God has reserved for us, because fear has gained a foothold in our mind. We see this with the children of Israel who were brought out of Egypt. After their deliverance the Lord brought them to the wilderness to test their faith. Time and time again He gave them an opportunity to trust Him and believe in His Word. Time and time again they failed in both areas. Because of their unbelief, that generation was not permitted to enter into the intended place of promise, Canaan (Hebrews 3:17-19).

We see in the story of David and Goliath (1Samuel 17) that fear brought confusion to the Israelites when confronted by the intimidating giant. Fear keeps us from seeing clear direction. It makes intimidating circumstances seem even more intimidating.

In verse 28, we read that Eliab was angry. Fear is usually the fuel for anger. Most of the time when someone is angry, fear is the root of that anger. Eliab also accused David of being full of pride, a statement that was obviously far from the truth. Fear can cause us to have false perceptions that can lead us to false judgements of others. Eliab insisted that David go back and tend to the sheep. Fearful people are controlling people.

Thank God David did not let these words of fear keep him from conquering the giant, Goliath. Oh, that we would respond like David and run towards our problem instead of away from it! It is time that we confront fear in the Name of the Lord. If God is for us, who can be against us!

2 Tim 1:77 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.NLT

Night of Deliverance!

I have been preaching for 10 years. I have seen and experienced many incredible moments in the presence of the Lord. But none compare to what I witnessed last night. I preached a word about family iniquity and generational curses. My text was from Judges 20 when Israel had to fight against their brother, Benjamin. Benjamin was of the family of Israel but fell into gross sin. They sinned against Israel by taking an Israelite women, raping her and leaving her for dead. We all have something in our family line that is perverse and sinful. These sins try to attach themselves to us, as they are past down from generation to generation. Time will not permit me to explain the message any further. If you want to hear the message in it's entirety, you need to call our ministry and request the CD. I promise you will see how to overcome these iniquities and see their power come to an end once and for all!

By the end of the service, the Power of God was stronger than I have ever felt or ever seen. People began running onto the platform in desperation for deliverance. Others began crying out for freedom. In the matter of moments, people were set free from curses that have plagued their families for many generations. You had to be there and see it for yourself. For these who were set free, this moment will forever be ingrained into their mind. You never forget moments like these.

My "moment" came when I was a 7yr. old child. I suffered from extreme embarrassment. I could not talk to people, praise God publicly, or stand it when people looked at me. My parents had many conversations with me about this, but I never got better. Then one night, my father called me out in the middle of a service. My legs shook and my back began to tighten. He called me again, and even though I was afraid, I dared not disobey. The power of God met me there as I was slain in the spirit for the very first time. When I got up of the floor, my embarrassment was gone! I have never had even the slightest struggle with it since that day. So life changing was this "moment" that I can remember the clothes and shoes that I was wearing. Like I said before, you never forget moments like this.

I spoke with my dear friend Pastor Joel this morning. I could not believe what he shared with me. God showed up in the same kind of way at Bethany on Sunday morning. This is total confirmation that God is bringing His church back to the days of old fashion Holy Ghost deliverance. You can read more about what happened at Bethany by going to www.joelstockstill.com.

I pray that you have a "moment" like this in your life. I pray that moment will take place even today as you read this! Cristina and I are praying for you to know the fullness of His freedom.

Mark 5:6-8
6 When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him. He ran to meet Jesus and fell down before him. 7 He gave a terrible scream, shrieking, "Why are you bothering me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? For God's sake, don't torture me!" 8 For Jesus had already said to the spirit, "Come out of the man, you evil spirit." NLT

A Word from the Lord!

Wednesday, Cristina and I had the privilege of hearing Bishop Jakes preach at Bethany. He definitely came with a word from the Lord in his mouth. He preached from John 21 as his text on the subject "The Last Night on the Boat".

Peter and the rest of the disciples were reeling from the tragedy of Jesus' death. Peter said, "I go fishing", symbolizing a return to the familiar. His boat was a security blanket. How often in the midst of tragedy, do we return to the comfortable and familiar. Remember, it was on this fishing boat that Jesus called Peter to be a disciple and become a fisher of men(Mt. 4:19). A long process of completion had begun with this call. Peter had many up and downs, but now the completed work was to be established.

In John 21, Jesus appears to Peter. This would be his last night on the boat. The last night in the comfort zone. The last night of holding on to the security blanket. As Jesus spoke with Peter on the shore, he asked, "Do you love me?" Peter answered with a yes! Jesus responded with the command,"Feed my sheep." These words became the launching point for Peter's ministry. He was done fishing for fish, and was ready to fish for men. There is no record of Peter ever returning to the boat. He had become completed. No need to return back to his past. He was stepping out into the destiny of the Lord for his life.

Hearing this message, I was reminded of the decision my family made to leave Ohio and move to Orlando. Ohio was my comfort zone of familiarity and security. Even though I knew I could not fulfill the destiny over my life in that place, there was a certain sense of security being there in my "fishing boat". I am so thankful that the master called to us and we responded. As Peter, we let go of our nets, and began swimming towards the shore. Orlando was that shore, and Jesus had many souls prepared, awaiting our arrival! This truly is a new beginning for our family and ministry. Destiny and purpose lay before us. I cannot wait to see what God will do through our act of obedience. The best is yet to come!

Phil 3:13
No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,

An Exciting Week!

This week we are coming out of our Women's Encounter! The testimonies keep pouring in. Relationships between mothers and daughters have been restored. The pain of past memories has been erased. The oppressive weight of sin, guilt, shame, and unforgiveness has been lifted. Praise the Lord!

Also this week, we are approaching the closing of our purchase on the new church property. It has been a long battle, with many ups and downs. However, this battle has been small in comparison to the other battles in our lives. So, it has been easy to remain at peace, knowing that God is in control.

Cristina and I are filled with great vision for NBHC and the city of Orlando. We want to get in our new building as soon as possible, so we can begin fulfilling that vision. Our hearts burn to see souls saved, the hungry fed, the poor clothed, and disciples established. God is providing us with a facility that will enable us to do all this and much more. Please continue to pray for an expeditious closing. I also want you to beleive with us that the building will be completely debt free within the first year of the day we take possession!

Wednesday, Cristina and I will be in Baton Rouge, LA to hear Bishop Jakes minister at Bethany. WOW! It will be a night to remember. Bishop Jakes always has a powerful word from the Lord and we can't wait to hear it. I will let you know all about it when we get back!

Don't Look Back

Thank God for the wonderful work of salvation through His Son Jesus on the cross! Most of you who are are reading this today, have experienced this marvelous work of grace, called Salvation. As the children of Israel were brought out from the land of Egypt, we have been brought out of a life of sin, sickness, and bondage. However, many believers are not experiencing the fullness of joy in their salvation. Like the children of Israel, many get caught up "looking back" and drifting towards the life of bondage from which they have been delivered.

Israel was supernaturally delivered from Egypt, but when circumstances became difficult, they longed to return there. Why would anyone long for this? It was a life of cruel bondage. Why would they want to journey back into that lifestyle?

What I am about to share is a sad truth. Many people are more comfortable with the familiar life of bondage than the unfamiliar life of freedom. Bondage was all Israel had ever known. There was a certain comfort in their familiarity. As they began to walk through the wilderness of transition, they had to learn to depend on God and Him alone.

Many believers find themselves falling back into the old habits of a sinful lifestyle. This usually occurs when adverse circumstances come(The Wilderness Season). This is a time where God will test our hearts.

In Genesis 19:26, we see the results of looking back. By His mercy and grace, God chose to spare Lot and his wife from a well deserved judgement. But as Lot's wife was making her journey towards deliverance, she longed for that which was all too familiar and comfortable. This scripture clearly tells us, that you can never go forward when you get caught "looking back."

The only thing we are to look back to, is the cross of Jesus. It is the only thing in the past that is worth re-visiting.

Num 21:8
8 Then the LORD told him, "Make a replica of a poisonous snake and attach it to the top of a pole. Those who are bitten will live if they simply look at it!"NLT

The pole represents the cross. The poisonous snake is sin. Remember, that it was a serpent that spoke to Eve in the garden and persuaded her to sin.

When we look to the cross, we see that the power of sin was defeated there. If you can see that your old life of bondage was crucified on the cross, you will live. A true revelation of the cross will bring freedom and deliverance. When you look back to the cross, you will never again look back to the old life in which you have been delivered.

More Than Expected!

This past Sunday night's miracle service was nothing short of INCREDIBLE! God truly went beyond our expectations. In the matter of seconds, the aisles were filled with people who knew without a doubt that they were healed. As people began to testify of their miraculous healing, the power of God continued to increase. Near the end of the service the joy of the Lord began to flow as an unstoppable force. I watched in utter amazement as people were overcome by this marvelous outpouring. Not only were people supernaturally healed of incurable afflictions, they were also refreshed and renewed. What a wonderful God we serve!

Coming out of this powerful weekend, we begin setting our sights on the Women's Encounter, that will be taking place August 24th-25th. Over 70 women from our church will be attending! We have been praying, fasting, and expecting. I know that God is going to reveal himself, the suffering of His son, and the freedom that is found at the cross. This will be a weekend of great deliverance.

This Friday(August 24), I will be on Orlando TV 45 for a special program on Healing and Miracles. I will be a guest on the "Today's Family" broadcast which will air at 7:30 am, 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 8:00 pm. I am expecting God to use this program to bring healing to those who are watching. Please agree with me that many will be touched.

Eph 3:20
20 Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. NLT

Special Night of Miracles!

Last month at our Miracle Service hundreds of people gathered to experience the presence and power of God. Countless miracles happened that night. A women who was scheduled for a liver transplant now has doctor verification that her liver is in perfect order and there is no need for the transplant! We also saw a man who suffered from a stroke regain mobility and restoration to his speech. Above all, over 20 people gave their life to the Lord in the prayer of salvation!

August 19th at 6 pm, we will be holding another Miracle Service. I am expecting nothing less from the Lord than what we saw this past month. In my spirit, I feel we stand on the verge of a mighty outpouring from heaven. We truly are living in the greatest time. There is a fresh anointing of deliverance and freedom being released from heaven. I believe that New Beginnings has been called to be a part of this sweet release. God has called us for such a time as this! It's time we lift our voice and make the declaration of freedom to the captives.

Est 4:1414 If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. What's more, who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for just such a time as this?" NLT