Miracles In A Firestorm!
In October California was engulfed in an inferno of fire. During the dry season, California is accustomed to it’s share of fires, but this year we
saw some of the most devastating fires in history. Almost everyone in Southern California was affected by the smoke and ash.
The beginning of this year, David and Joan Betts and their three small children
had moved into a brand new home. For many years they had sacrificially given their time and support to the ministry of Angels for Christ. Previously, we had agreed with them in prayer for the house they
wanted.
Now, we had to agree with them for protection as the fires were coming closer and closer. In Exodus we read that the death angel passed over the children of Israel when they applied the blood to the doorpost. We immediately went into intercessory prayer for them and called upon the Lord claiming His protection for the Betts home and family. Psalm 41 says, “Blessed is he who considers the poor, for in his day of trouble the Lord will deliver him.”
As we watched the news reports of the fire approaching their area, we remained steadfast that God would protect them. The next day Joan called to tell us what had happened.
They had to evacuate the home, but David remained behind, as he stood at the street watching a forty foot wall of fire and smoke totally envelop their home, there seemed to be no hope. He saw the house next to his completely destroyed by fire, but as the smoke and fire cleared their home was still standing, untouched. It seemed impossible when fire enveloped the home on every side, yet there it was without a blemish from the firestorm. Praise God! “Who are being guarded by God‘s power through faith…” 1 Peter 1:5 Amp.
Hallowed…Not, Halloween-
Last year there was a beautiful move of God at our Halloween outreach.
In a gang infested area, about 60 men, women and children came forward to meet Christ on a night more notorious for evil than for good. This year we felt led to go out a week before Halloween. We set up for the outreach in a very bad area of town known for crime. One of our young workers was approached by a strange man, who told him, “there will be a murder here tonight” (the next day there was a shooting). The enemy always tries to intimidate, but we know in Whom we believe, “greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world.”
Our message was Hallowed be Thy Name, not Halloween.
We shared the message of life not death. As the message of the Cross, and the power of the Holy Spirit went forth, it was truly amazing to see wide eyed children and teenagers, enthralled by the gospel message. It was so evident they were thirsty.
Afterwards we blessed the children with gifts and then raffled six new bikes.
It is important for these children to see God’s provision in their desolate lives. The heart of this ministry is dedicated to making children’s lives better by: feeding them, loving them, and bringing them to Jesus…for Life!
Can I Come Over The Bridge Too?
At every outreach, we give the children the opportunity to make a commitment to Christ by walking over our little bridge. This symbolizes crossing from the old
life to a new life in Christ. A women who was a Jehovah Witness, asked earnestly if she could come over the bridge too. Of course we said yes.
Earlier in the week we had talked to this women and her two year old son when we were passing out flyers for the outreach. She invited us in and asked if we could help get a jacket and some clothes for her child. When we returned with the clothes she was so grateful. Now three days later she was asking to put her name in the Lamb’s book of life! On our follow-up she told us she was indeed born again. Now she had found the real Jesus!
Demonstration Of God’s Power -
On a recent flight to the United Kingdom, I was looking forward to a peaceful journey and just relax for the next fifteen hours. Suddenly, the plane began to
jolt violently as it was tossed about in the turbulence. Several of us grabbed the stewardess trolley as it was about to be toppled.
The plane lost altitude and rocked from side to side. This went on for about ten minutes. Not being a good flyer at the best of times, I felt an incredible fear come over me. Just then the words of Psalm 23 came to mind, “…His rod and staff they comfort me.” All fear was cast out as His perfect love came upon me. It was a Holy moment… and tremendous faith arose.
I asked the young business man (Nino) sitting next to me if he minded if I prayed. I spoke in that heavenly language and commanded Satan to let the plane go, level out, gain height and go safely to our
destination.
No sooner had I finished praying when…the plane stopped shaking and leveled out. The young man looked at me and said, “that worked.” Yes, I said, there is power in the Name of Jesus. For the next few minutes I was then able to witness to the reality of Jesus Christ. I paused briefly and asked him, “would you like to hear more?” No answer came. I had to respect his silence. Maybe, God had other plans.
After about four minutes a voice said, “yes.” I replied, “yes what?” “Don’t you remember what you asked me?” I was then able to resume telling him the whole plan of salvation.
As I was leaving the plane, I recommended a good church near where he lived. I reminded him that today he had seen a demonstration of the power of the gospel. He nodded his head with tears in his eyes, and assured me that he had, indeed, heard and believed the message today. (Ephesians 1:15-19)
An Eternal Pursuit:
We appreciate those of you who remember this ministry in prayer each day.
Also, please remember our servicemen and women in Iraq who are giving their lives for freedom, and Christian workers around the world who are suffering persecution and death for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thank God for all those who truly love Jesus and this marvelous gospel. The world would be a sad place without these men and women. John Knox once said to God, “give me England, or I will die.”
A Christian life without inspiration of eternity and eternal values is an empty pursuit. How much do we value a soul? According to God that value was equal to the life of His own Son. If we have any other standard, we are as lost as the world. Our prayer is that we never lose sight of this revelation.
Don & Carol Ann Waisanen
© 2004 Angels For Christ Ministries, Inc.