Paraclete Journeys

A BOOK? REALLY?

2009-02-05T17:25:00.001-08:00

So it's been awhile! A longgggg while. Or, as one of my Iranian friends would say, it has been kheeeeeeiiiiiiillllllllliiiiiiii (veryyyyy) long. But lots has been happening in the last couple of months. One of the biggest changes is that I believe God is leading me to self-publish up to 4 books.

* "Healing Prayers" - a compendium of many of the prayers that I've prayed over this past 15 months with people struggling with some heavy issues. It will include prayers about:

> Rejection

> Depression/sadness

> Anger

> Struggles with spiritual oppression (confusion, terrible mental pictures, physical attacks, etc.)

> And many more

My goal has always been to teach people how to connect with the Lord themselves for healing and freedom. These prayers should be very helpful. And the book will serve as an accurate introduction to my healing prayer ministry.

* "Spiritual Warfare Prayers" - similar to the first book, but more intense prayers for more intense battles.

* "Reflections on Healing Prayer" and "Reflections on Spiritual Warfare" - each one with short teachings on many different topics. They are meant as a helpful guide for those searching for answers to issues that people today rarely talk about or seek help for in the church.

If you'd like to learn more about these, please drop me a line. I now have one person with skills in the publishing area who has offered to come alongside to help. Any others out there? Would love to talk and learn from your experiences and wisdom.

SO WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW?

2008-11-24T19:12:00.000-08:00

At the most recent conference for house church leaders (held in a secret location in the Middle East), I finally sat down with some of our Healing Prayer trainees and asked them to record what is happening in Iran through their ministry. The stories were, frankly, overwhelming. I cried more than once as I heard the translations.

I am working on having someone translate each of these - doing a "voice-over" the original farsi. Here's a taste, though. Be blessed!

From N. in Iran – one of our prayer team

Since I met Baba Mike and he prayed with me, I have been healed from the wounds of my heart – the bad feelings of rejection and worthlessness. I didn’t know the root of where these bad feelings came from. I didn’t know why they existed in me. Baba Mike helped me learn how to deal with these feelings.

When I’m in Iran, all the church members are wounded and hurt from many things. Many are demonized. God helps me to understand them and the problems they are struggling with. God wants them to be healed and I am able to pray over them with the gift of healing prayer. I thank God that He uses me for His glory and I hope that I can do more.

One day in church one of the ladies was so sad. I went to her and started to talk to her. That lady started to talk about her husband who had a big problem. They have been fighting for awhile. I asked her if she wanted me to pray. She accepted.

God started working in her heart. She saw the pride and selfishness and anger in her own life. These caused problems in her life and especially with her husband. God worked in her life and she was healed. At first she didn’t believe that something really happened to her and that she was really healed. But after a little while, when I saw her again, she told me that the relationship between her and her husband had been healed. She said that whenever she and her husband start to fight, she chooses Isa and she can resist those feelings of anger.

PRAYER FOR PROTECTION - Psalm 18 made personal

2008-10-02T16:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a portion of Psalm 18 personalized and put in the first person to pray for protection. We'll be praying this together at my upcoming Spiritual Warfare seminar on Oct. 11. Call or write me for more info. May this powerful prayer from God's Word bless and empower you!

1 I love you, Lord;
you are my strength.

2 You are my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
      you are my rock, and I find protection in you.
   You are my shield, the power that saves me,
      and my place of safety.

3 I call on you, Lord, worthy of praise,
save me from my enemies.

6 In my distress I cry out to you, Lord;
      I pray to you for help.
   You hear me from your sanctuary;
      I know my cry will reach your ears.

16 You reach down from heaven and rescue me; you draw me out of deep waters.

17 You rescue me from my powerful enemies,
from those who hate me and are too strong for me.

18 They attack me at moments when I am in distress,
but you, Lord, support me.

19 Lead me to a place of safety;
I believe your truth that you rescue me because you delight in me.

27 You rescue the humble,
but you humiliate the proud.

28 You light a lamp for me
Light up my darkness

29 In your strength I can crush an army;
with you I can scale any wall.

30 Your way is perfect.
All your promises prove true.
You are a shield for all who look to you for protection.

31 There is no God but you, Lord!
You are our only solid rock

32 You arm me with strength,
and make my way perfect

33 Make me as surefooted as a deer,
so I can stand on mountain heights.

34 Train my hands for battle;
strengthen my arms

35 You have given me your shield of victory.
Your right hand supports me;
your help has made me great.

36 You have made a wide path for my feet
to keep them from slipping.

37 Help me chase my enemies and catch them;
I will not stop until they are conquered!

38 With your power, Lord, I will strike them down so they can not get up;
they will fall beneath my feet.

39 You have armed me with strength for the battle;
you have subdued my enemies under my feet.

40 You placed my foot on their necks.
I will destroy all who hate me.

42 Even now, I grind them as fine as dust in the wind.
I sweep them into the gutter like dirt.

43 You give me victory over my accusers

45 They all lose their courage
and come trembling from their strongholds.

46 The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock!
May the God of my salvation be exalted!

47 You are the God who pays back those who harm me

48 and rescues me from my enemies.
You hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies;
you save me from violent opponents.

49 For this, O Lord, I will praise you;
I will sing praises to your name.

50 You give great victories to your child; and show unfailing love to your anointed

FASCINATING INTERVIEW

2008-08-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

Here is an excerpt from an interview I read recently about Iran. It reveals the hunger of the people for something more - and many are finding it in Jesus! Please continue to pray for these precious people!

ROSENBERG : Are the Iranian people supporting Ahmadinejad and the Ayatollah Khamenei?

DOYLE: Not at all. The people believe that the Islamic Revolution has destroyed their country. The people live in constant fear daily because of the government's fanatical obsession with upholding Sharia Law that was imposed on them in 1979. Iranians also believe that the government cannot be trusted and that corruption is rampant. In the last "election" in Iran I am told by insiders that only about 10% of the entire country voted. Another tell-tale sign is that an estimated 70% of Iranians claim to be atheists now. The majority of the people want nothing to do with Islam and their leaders.

ROSENBERG: What's happening spiritually in Iran -- and why?

DOYLE: In 1979 when the Islamic Revolution began there were probably about 500 believers in Iran . The country was going to become "an Islamic model" for other Muslim nations to follow. But those plans failed miserably. Because today we know that there are 1-2 million believers [in Jesus Christ] in Iran . The Church in Iran took off once the Islamic Revolution took place. Joel, the people of Iran are so open to Jesus. We had many people walk up and ask us to tell them about Jesus. The believers meet in secrecy, they share Bibles written in Farsi, and they worship passionately. In Iran if you are a believer your life is obviously at risk. Some key leaders have been martyred for their faith.

ROSENBERG: How many house churches are you hearing will be planted in Iran in the next 12 to 18 months or so?

DOYLE: The estimate is about 10,000.

INNER HEALING

2008-08-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

I know, it's been a long time. Guess this will be more of a periodic posting place for now. What follows is an article I've been asked to write for the upcoming newsletter sent out by Paraclete to all of those who support an Associate. It will be the lead, front-page article. Please pray that all who read it will be blessed and understand a ministry that's seems impossible to summarize in only 800 words! Blessings on all!

************************************************

“The panic attacks just keep getting worse! The meds the doctor gave me aren’t working and my therapist isn’t sure what to do next. What do I do?”

“Well, let’s spend some time in prayer and ask Jesus what He wants to show us. (Pause) ‘Lord Jesus, teach us how to pray for Linda.’”

This is a fairly typical beginning of what has come to be called “Inner Healing” or “Healing Prayer.” When we intercede for another, it usually involves a dialogue – I take someone’s requests and present them directly to the Father. Healing Prayer is more of a “trialogue” – a 3-way conversation between God, the pray-er and the pray-ee. A lot of time is spent listening for the Holy Spirit to direct us. He uses pictures, words, our spiritual gifts and other means to delve deep to the roots of a person’s issues.

“I see a picture of myself as a little kid, running away from someone in panic. I think it’s my cousin. I was always afraid of him – but now I feel terrified. What is happening?”

“Lord Jesus, fill your daughter with peace and love right now. Come to this frightened child inside and surround her with your grace and protection. Begin bringing healing to this memory.”

And that is precisely what our Lord does. We so often talk about the love of the Lord, the peace and freedom He brings, abundant life, His healing power – yet so few believers actually experience these wonderful gifts. After 17 years in this ministry, I have seen miracle after miracle of freedom and healing, life and joy – and it lasts!

A simple working definition: “Healing prayer is a method of prayer by which Jesus is invited to address the hurts of the past and heal us of their negative results.”

Sometimes I’m asked: “Where is this type of ministry in Scripture?” And I always find my mind going back to one of the most remarkable healings in Jesus’ ministry. In Mark 5, while on an errand to heal the daughter of the most honorable man in town, Jesus stops to talk to the town’s most dishonorable woman. That in itself is a HUGE statement by our Lord that ALL are worthy of His time and love.

But Jesus goes further. He has already (unknowingly) healed her physical issues. But it isn’t enough. So He stops - disregarding the confusion and embarrassment of His disciples – and waits. And this woman (who, according to the social and religious rules of the day, has no right to even be here) pours out her story – the “whole truth.” It takes time – maybe hours. Twelve years of suffering inside and outside isn’t summarized in a few statements.

It takes so long, in fact, that the daughter of the #1 VIP in town dies as she pours out her heart. And then this very unorthodox rabbi brings it all to a close with a remarkable claim (:34): “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Her healing is first “peace” and then freedom from suffering. Is that why He stopped so long?

And is this why He first pronounces forgiveness for the paralytic lowered through the roof when everyone there could certainly see that his problem was his legs – or was it? Or why He spoke as He did to the Samaritan woman at the well? Or why He touched (touched?!) lepers?

Jesus brought healing to people on both the outside and inside in a variety of ways. And it’s no different today. Personally, I’ve received His healing power through the Word, the counsel of a good friend or therapist, and just spending time alone with Him in prayer. Healing Prayer – God’s ministry of inner healing from emotional damage, childhood trauma and the consequences of human sin – is one of His ways to set His children free at the deepest levels.

“I see Jesus! He is telling me that it’s ok now. My cousin can never hurt me again. And He’s asking me to give Him all my fear and pain. I give it to you gladly, Lord. I don’t want it anymore. Oh, He’s taking it. I don’t have to carry it any longer. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you!”

And now we have the honor of sharing this powerful ministry throughout the world. In Iran, e.g., many who have received deep freedom and healing are now praying with others and training them in Healing Prayer. And the testimonies we receive are amazing. Please continue to pray for these precious fellow believers in the Middle East!

A Touching Note

2008-07-11T00:31:00.001-07:00

From a church leader formerly in Iran (who had to flee because of persecution)

“You are like our Baba. Merci. Everyone I talk to (in Iran) loves you so much. You are blessing the churches and people of God so much. I appreciate it. You know, after (some of the churches split), I prayed so much for the churches that were hurting – that the Lord would take care of them during this time. They were all babies in the Lord. And when I talked to them again a few months ago, there was so much healing. The Lord heard my prayer and brought you to them. They seemed so healthy and free and grown. And I will pray for you, that the Lord will continue to use you in this area. Because I know that the Lord will use this church and the churches in Iran to bring millions to him in the Middle East. It is a promise that He made to us a few years ago. Thank you again.”

Where Have I Been?

2008-07-10T22:55:00.000-07:00

So, just what does a missionary that stays at home actually do? Glad you asked!

The past few months have been quite a ride! I actually thought life would slow down a bit when I left the pastoral ministry. Fat chance!

Most of my days are spent in praying, counseling, training and mentoring on the internet. I now am teaching 2 classes in Iran on Skype, with about 30-40 joining me each week. These leaders are taking these lessons and teaching them wherever they travel. Pray for them, please!

I’m also helping several Christian leaders here and in Mexico. These have been intense times for intense problems. So keep praying! And thanks!

And Some More Testimonies

2008-05-09T18:25:00.000-07:00

It's so amazing! The stories I've begun to hear from Iran are so deep and powerful - so quickly!

One thing we did different this year was to focus on shame instead of guilt. As Carolyn and I flew over there, I read a book entitled "Honor & Shame." It's about how different cultures are defined by different basic needs. All of this is based on the 3 major emotions felt by man during the fall in the garden.
:7 - guilt
:8 - shame
:10 - fear

Cultures that are haunted by fear see spiritual beings in every occasion and circumstance. They seek power to ward off evil spirits. Our culture is more guilt and innocence based. We look for right and wrong in situations. Even our movies are basically hero defeating villian. Right triumphs over wrong. But the Middle Eastern cultures are more honor and shame based. It is about preserving honor and avoiding shame.

The author of the book challenged the church and missionaries to learn and use paradigms that related more to honor and shame rather than our typical guilt and forgiveness theology and stories. And the Bible is full of these models and stories. For example, the son who runs away from the family, taking his inheritance with him. This would be an intense experience of shame for his family. And yet his father welcomes back this son of shame immediately. And the first gift he gives this prodigal son? A robe! To cover his shame! It's all there in Scripture, page after page.

So this time our prayers and teaching focused more on shame and recovering honor. I thought the Lord moved fast and deeply before. That was just the beginning compared to this trip. Hear some of the stories of what God continues to do in Iran. Again, thanks for your support!

______________________

(When I asked a leader how his timothies were doing, here is his brief answer)

"They are doing great, especailly Na. She is so different. She had a lot of issues. We are so amazed in how she has changed. She has real joy. Your ministry is awesome - very powerful. You did awesome – and your team. Thank you for doing this!!!!"

______________________

Here is another one from a leader whose Timothy is already putting into practice what we taught)

Na love you so much and she was blessed so much. She went to new level - I see it!! It’s amazing!! During this 2 days (since being back) God use Na to help healing 2 people, baba. And also she start to training 2 people for healing prayerrrrrrrrr. Na sees pictures also when she pray for people and Na is wonderful!!

I believe Na and T are so great in this inner kids ministry and other people start. But Na and T are more powerful because started before other!! I am so happy.

N

________________________

(And here's another one from one of my best students in Iran)

Tuesday I went to Ar's home and met her, A and A. I taught them a little about what I learned and then we started to pray. I started to pray for them and use the anointing oil that you gave us. For one of them I sanctify her eyes and hands (she felt guilty because she saw bad pictures and did some bad things with her hands) after praying she felt so good. THANKS FOR OIL. (we gave all of them gifts of anointing oil)

Again, thank you! This is the church working at its best! Blessings!!!

Baba Mike

Here Are Some Testimonies

2008-05-09T18:18:00.000-07:00

Well, I promised you some testimonies. I asked my Iranian friends to send me a few and received several so far. I have only edited them to make them understandable, but left the language and grammar the same. It's awesome what is happening! Already the training we did is starting to bless others and spread! One leader is even training 2 people herself - only 3 days after returning home! Keep praying for them, please!
_______________________________

Hiiiiiiiiii baba

Khobi (are you well)? I had a wonderful week. I'll write my testimony and u send them :)
Before i come to conference, i could hardly laugh because of my past in church that i had so many problems specially with believers.

It was so hard to keep my peace. I was crying most of the nights, and i was thinking that this is my life i have to deal with it. But God always work in such a ways that no man can predict.
God changed so many things in me, and now i don't know what exactly happened to me. But i laugh freely, i have hope. I think the secret was in that every one must know how to pray. Every work has its own way and this kind of prayer (healing prayer) is something that is new for iranians and we need to learn more and more.

This conference was a blessing for me. The teachings about the things that we've never heard before, and learning how to use them in prayer was great. It can help so many people and bring freedom to people's life.

Special thanks to baba mike and to everyone that helped us to be in this conference. You helped so many people in Iran. God bless u all.

Blessings,
M
____________________________

Hi dear Pastor Mike,

Here's my testimony of the teachings that you gave us:

That was the most incredible experience that I have ever had. I have never tried using healing prayer this way and right now I'm using those experiences in iran. And it has a great effect on people. People here in church gets healed more quickly and more effectively, thanks to those teachings. And praise the Lord for the opportunity that he gave me to be part of this because it really help. The first week back I used the teaching on 2 people and the get freed from different parts (meaning deep wounds inside). I think that Iran's church need these teachings.
Praise the lord.

Dar mohabateh masih (In Christ's love),

In Him, F
_______________________________

I will send more later. Thanks again for all your help! You have made - are still making - a difference!

In His Grip, Baba Mike

An Overview of Our Trip

2008-05-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

We have returned home after an amazing, God-filled week. You were probably wondering what happened to us. Well, we are here and everyone is ok.

First of all, thank you sooo much for all your support and prayers. I wish you could see the faces of these leaders as i shared with them of all those in America who gave wonderful gifts and were praying for all of them. They were so thankful and full of love. This trip more than any of the others I have been on has the promise to radically begin changing the church of Iran. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of that!

Second, why didn't you get any emails from us this week? Good question - happy I asked it. I tried several times in the early part of the week to log on to Google Groups, but never could get through to the website. I just figured it was down for awhile. Eventually, through some tricky computer maneuvering, I did get to the site - and found a big, nasty message from the Turkish government - "This site has been officially banned by Turkish Superior Court, law...". Amazing! Google banned by Turkey! Made me once again thank God for our freedoms here! So I'll try to make it up for you this week with some summary type emails.

Let's see...where to begin. Well, an overview would probably help. With your help, we raised enough money to bring 6 Timothies (house church leaders) out of Iran for an entire week. In addition, 7 Pauls (leaders of leaders) were able to stay over an extra 5 days (they were there the first week for a previous conference). Our team of 5 (Marcia, Robert, Carolyn, Kamran and me) joined them each day from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for training in Healing Prayer. These 13 were the ones we identified as the most promising and gifted in this ministry. Meanwhile, another conference with about 20 Timothies was occuring in the next meeting room. We would all join together for worship and meals.

Our time was intense - and so blessed. They are sooo hungry for learning how to help the people of their nation find healing and freedom. All my lesson plans went out the window the first day as we began engaging in dialogue about this ministry and their specific needs. It was a mixture of teaching, discussion, wrestling with how to apply this in Iran, praying for one another, praying for the Timothies in the other group, and more.

The first day (Monday - a special 2-hour welcome/intro) we all felt awful - headaches, confusion, body aches, etc. I could barely concentrate. Tuesday morning when we began again the same feelings hit us. I had just talked about God's heart for unity in the church and that this ministry MUST contribute to that and never detract from it. So, in unity we encircled the room and began praying for God's protection. Robert led this time. Then we paired off and began praying for one another. We waited for the Spirit to tell us what to pray. There were many amazing stories from this time alone! When we finished we all marvelled at how prayers offered in unity had a powerful effect. And that was just the first morning! It just kept getting better.

I am going to ask them to write me testimonies of what God did this week in their lives. I'll include them as they arrive. For now, know that this is only the beginning of many more great things to occur with this ministry. God is moving in this country. And we all are privileged to be a part of it. Thank you again!!!!

In His Grip, Mike

Oh, Wow, It's Been a Longgggg Time!

2008-05-09T17:26:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been this long since my last post. For all of you still with me, I will post some of the great news from our recent trip to the Middle East. Blessings on all who have stuck with me and my lack of posts!

Here was my first message to our supporters for this specific trip - posted one week before leaving.

So your first message will come a week before we begin. Thanks for all your support and your prayers! They have all been much needed. It is amazing how God is working through all of you. We originally hoped to be there as a team to pray with anyone needing it. It has now evolved into something rather remarkable.

For 1+ years, I have been working with many in Iran - counseling, healing prayer, deliverance. Some have begun taking what they've been learning and receiving personally and using this iwth others. I get almost weekly reports about how churches and leaders are receving this prayer and being set free. But this trip is the fulfillment of one of the dreams God put on my heart.

With your help, we have raised enough money to bring 14 total people to our special training on healing prayer! When this began a few months ago, I was praying for 5 or 6. This is an awesome example of "God can do abundantly more than we can ask or imagine." Three whole days of intense training with these wonderful people!

Please pray for:
* Their own personal healing and freedom
* Identification of gifts that will help them to know how to apply this teaching in their country
* No rivalry - e.g., what happens if one of the newest leaders is the best at this prayer method? Pray that the leaders of leaders will be open to receiving help from their own followers.
* A room where we can meet without interruption - that it be spiritually cleansed and free from all interference
* My training - there are so many people and I have so much more time than I expected - how do I adapt to that? What needs to be done now vs. online later?
* For our team - they are varied in their own understanding and experience in healing prayer. Pray that God brings to their minds and hearts everything they need for the person or group they are meeting with.

Ok, enough for now. Blessings to you all! I look forward to reporting the exciting miracles I know we will see!!! Thanks again!!!

"Baba" (Daddy) Mike

HE STILL SPEAKS TODAY!

2008-02-18T21:31:00.000-08:00

Well, life is moving right along. So much has happened. But let me tell you about a personal experience. November and December - my first two months with Paraclete - were intense. But nothing prepared me for January (and this far into February). It has been an incredible month and a half of ministry and training and counseling. You have read some of these events in my update (let me know if you didn't get one).

Well, last weekend I had the privilege of attending a 22 hour guided prayer retreat with Russ Ikeda. It was a powerful time. We had 3 separate times of teaching and then going out alone to pray. Each time God spoke to me in a different way.

First, I just laid down and started hearing His voice in my head. He talked to me about many things in my life and ministry. Every time I tried to talk back - even to ask a question or agree with Him (silly, now that I think about it) - I heard a gentle "Hush. It's my turn to talk now." So I'd hush and listen some more. During that time I received again a confirmation for my new direction in ministry, some challenges to grow in certain areas and some promises. But the most amazing part of this time (did it last 30 minutes or 2 hours?) was when I felt Him talking to and healing 2 very sad, young parts of me. When I was driving up to the retreat center, a song on a CD deeply moved me - and I felt intense sadness. I didn't know why. On the way down - after God spoke and healed - I heard that same song come around again. And I couldn't find the sadness anymore! It just wasn't there! Praise the Master Healer!

The second time God spoke to me was through His Word. I have been meaning to begin studying Isaiah. I've felt a strong tug toward this book for awhile. Well, on Saturday morning I began. And 2 hours and only 9 verses later, I'd received so much guidance and truth and wisdom that I just kept filling page after page of my journal. The biggest point was to allow God time to work. Do you realize that the 4 kings mentioned in Isaiah 1:1 ruled for a cumulative 100+ years? So, even though Isaiah is a long book, it took, what, 60 or 70 years to receive it all? So patience, Mike, patience!

The final time we met alone with God was in the afternoon. I waited for His voice - nothing. I looked at the Word - nothing. Hmmm...Finally I sensed I was supposed to take a walk. I saw a trail and it seemed to beckon, so I headed down it. I didn't know how far to walk, but I felt an assurance inside that I would know what I was supposed to see when I got there. Well, I had to climb over tree roots, walk through mud, push away young saplings threatening to slap my face, and so on. Oh, yeah, there were some nice spots as well. But through it all there was a natural beauty. When I got near the end of the trail, I looked down over the edge and saw my goal, my prize - a rusted out old post! Big whoop! So I asked what in the world that was all about. Here is what I heard:

Your journeys in life don't always end the way you expect them to. Be open and obedient to wherever God leads you.
Most of the beauty is along the way, not necessarily at the end.
Life is a lot of different and varied experiences - learn to persevere and be thankful whatever you encounter.

I really needed to hear these words. I returned to the beginning of the trail and sat for the next 30 minutes pondering them. Boy, I really do have to learn to be more thankful and trusting in this journey I'm on. Especially for the finances. Good lessons, Lord!

Hey, taking the time to listen for God really works! Blessings on you all!

WHAT ARE MY PRIORITIES?

2008-01-26T14:50:00.000-08:00

A short while back, I asked a veteran missionary to come by so I could pick his brain. What are the key things I should know and do as I enter this new adventure in ministry? He shared many profound insights, but one really stuck in my mind. He asked "What are your priorities?" And then he told me about two approaches that people like me take with this ministry.

Approach #1 - Focus on numbers and events.
Approach #2 - Focus on people.

I guess it's really no different than the approaches we take in the rest of our lives and careers. But this wise missionary drove home his point with this story. He said:

"In the country I served in for years, it got to the point that we could attend a seminar by a visiting speaker almost every weekend. And they were all very informative and helpful. But I never really saw much of a change in the local believers in the weeks and months after the seminar. The speakers, though, had some terrific stories to tell and could reassure their supporters that, indeed, their money was being put to good use for God's kingdom. Forty people came to their seminar! They made a great impact on this trip!"

But did they? Are the numbers sitting in the chairs any indication of the lasting, kingdom impact that was made? That was the question this gentleman was challenging me to think about.

And then he went on. "The greatest impact I have seen in my many years in ministry - both in America and abroad - happens when you invest your time in just a few people. You care for them, train them, spend time with them - in short, you disciple them! Now, the problem with this is that you will have a more difficult time describing your ministry to your supporters. It is easy to write 'I taught 75 people at a seminar for a week and God really moved!' It is much more difficult to send them an email or letter saying 'I have been spending most of my time investing in 5 key leaders in Iran (for example).'"

Then he peered into my eyes and asked me again "What are your priorities?" And I've thought about that alot. And I'm going for #2! It's what God has burdened and gifted me for - it is what makes my heart beat with joy and excitement and passion. To be His agent of transformation in the lives of His children will take time and training and, well, discipleship.

So I ask for your patience and prayers as I seek to find ways to continue to keep you informed and involved with this awesome ministry. I may have the greatest stories to share - but because they are very personal and confidential, I may not be able to talk about them with you. Yet I've already found that concentrating on key leaders bears great fruit.

For example, one of my best students in Iran has already begun taking what she has learned during our group and individual prayer times and using it to help her church members. She has told me of many people being set free already.

Or in Mexico, our investment (on Skype and during our 5 days there) focuses on a very special couple. They are receiving great healing - and are now starting to use the healing prayer lessons they have learned to help others. Their stories are amazing! I will share some of these later as I get permission.

Right now, ministry is about counseling/praying/training on skype - 1 class (soon to be 2) and about 10-12 individual appontments each week. It's about training the telephone counselors for the Iranian TV ministry. It's about talking to church leaders about ministry opportunities they never dreamed of. Each of these are investments in dozens, even 100's of other leaders. Pray that God will continue to guide me to the leaders He wants me to come alongside. Sometimes they are not the obvious ones (to our human eyes).

Kingdom impact - for eternity! May God help me to keep this as my priority!

UPDATE FROM MEXICO

2008-01-13T15:48:00.000-08:00

Here's our update from our first ministry trip!

“I’m going to be honest with you. In the beginning, I was thinking ‘Why should I go?’ I really didn’t feel like coming. But then something told me that I should. And I think that you showed me a lot of things that are wrong with me or that I’m doing wrong. You made me remember things from my past that I guess I was blocking out. And I realized that I need help because I never felt like that. So I really want to thank you!”

At the end of our time in Mexico, we received thank you notes from the teachers and staff. This one, from C., really hit me. A hard man, obviously resistant, and yet God just kept working and working in his heart.

The teachers of the Elementary/Jr. High School received an intense dose of God’s grace during our 2-day retreat. We talked, prayed, discussed. Our focus – “The Kids Inside.” Some of you have heard me teach about this. For those of you who haven’t, it is essentially a path toward deep inner healing and freedom. We ask God to release those parts of us that were deeply wounded long ago – and still affect our lives. Here’s what one very anxious and fearful woman wrote about her experience:

“It was wonderful to have you with us and I feel like the Lord spoke to my heart. I have inner children that have been thinking they protect me. The Lord has sent you to guide me through this new journey in healing. I am at peace and look forward to using the method you have taught us.”

We also met with the staff of Rancho Santa Marta – a home for children (we often call these “orphanages” – but the truth is that many of these kids have parents – it’s just that they come from such horrible situations that the government has removed them from their families and put them in these homes). We began training them in the basics of “Healing Prayer.” So many of the kids – and staff – have experienced abuse, rejection, abandonment, etc. Pray that the lessons taught sink deep and help many there find God’s freedom!

And, finally, we had the privilege of intensive prayer sessions with a very precious couple at the Ranch. They are two of the key leaders there – and have a powerful ministry. I have been praying and counseling them off and on for years now. But this last week was the most powerful of all. Here are a few of the wife’s words:

“You both mean so much to me. You have been a huge answer to prayer to (my husband) and myself. As I look back at how I used to be I am amazed – was that really me? I am so glad you came to share with our people. Remember that we would love to have you back.”

And that, now, is our prayer. Where do we go from here with this wonderful ministry? The doors are wide open to continue to serve there. We quickly realized that going one time to a location can bear great fruit. But it is only a start. For example, at this home for children, the needs are so great and the wounds so deep that the leaders there need more intense training in Healing Prayer Ministry. As we left, we heard again and again, “When are you coming back?”

This was our first ministry trip with Paraclete. As we anticipated, we learned a lot. But we also left with a host of questions. Foremost among these is how much to commit to any one ministry? My life has been intertwined with Rancho Santa Marta for 22 years now – and we will be going back. But what about other ministries, other trips? Do we focus? Do we only start a few at a time?

So please keep us in your prayers. For ongoing wisdom, to learn the lessons God is teaching us, to know how best to help these wonderful servants in Mexico – and when to return.

Thanks for your ongoing prayers and support! More updates to come!

SNEAK PREVIEW

2008-01-12T19:54:00.000-08:00

I was asked to provide a short article for the upcoming "Paraclete Perspectives" - the quarterly magazine of our mission. Here it is. Pray that this will help all who read it to be moved to prayer and action!

“Please pray for us! We have nothing like this in our country! We need to be free!” Such heartrending pleas came my way after my first teaching/prayer time with 40 house church leaders from the Middle East. They had been learning all day about forgiveness. And now, at the end of the day, I was given 20 minutes to introduce our prayer team and why we were there.

“Let me take you through a prayer exercise to actually forgive those who have hurt and betrayed you.” And we prayed. When I looked up, the tears were streaming – tears of sorrow for the pain, but also tears of joy for the freedom they felt. And then they came – almost all of them surrounding our team, pleading for help.

For 4 years now, a ministry based in the U.S. been leading hundreds of thousands of Moslems to Christ through satellite TV. But what to do next? How to develop leaders and gather house churches when the slightest slip means arrest, torture and possibly death? The internet is a start. But the real leadership development occurs during secret, semi-annual conferences in the Middle East.

The training is powerful. But how do these leaders, deeply wounded by a harsh culture and religion, put it into practice when they get home? As we prayed for them, the Holy Spirit moved with a power and immediacy I have never seen – relationships healed, deep fears overcome, sins confessed, spiritual deliverance, and more. And their freedom has continued.

Pray for these heroes of the faith in the Middle East. And pray for those who are taking this same healing prayer ministry to their brothers and sisters. It is changing their lives – and their world.

SKYPE SCHOOL BEGINS

2007-12-31T16:46:00.000-08:00

We finally got a bit of a break around Christmas. But right after, counseling and training kicked into high gear! Here's a breakdown:

* I'm training 2 church leaders in healing prayer (and doing a lot of praying for them - the freedom God is bringing them is so amazing!)

* Every Sunday night @ 9:30 to midnight, I am now praying for and training some Timothies (house church leaders). Last night was our first time together - 10 showed up. And it lasted until 1:00 in the morning. Good thing I could sleep in! Each week we will cover another aspect of healing prayer. Their questions are so intense - it is what they deal with daily. Here are a couple just from yesterday:
> How do I stop the intense headaches and nausea I get every time I command Satan to leave?
> How do I help my friend find freedom from drug addiction?

* This training time has led to setting up some individual appointments (via Skype) with some of these leaders. I begin New Year's night @ 9:30 pm - please pray! I have appointments with 5 people in Iran over the next 2 weeks. And the Paul (leader of leaders) is working on setting me up with another 3 people in the near future.

* I'm also continuing my work with the local Iranian church to train their telephone follow-up counselors (who call in during their satellite TV show broadcast in farsi all over the world). I'll be helping to train them to handle some of the tough issues they face daily.

And it's only beginning! I've put in the column to your right some of the prayer points you can focus on. So keep us in your prayers!

ANOTHER FIRST!

2007-12-16T16:57:00.000-08:00

When believers in persecuted countries gather together, it is at great risk. When they are together longer than a few hours, it is at tremendous risk. But a group did just that recently - for the first in-country Christian conference in Iran! I have just received a summary of that conference. The two topics? Leadership and Inner Healing. What follows is one of the leaders own words (I've tried to leave the English as she wrote it, though I've put in parentheses some clarifying remarks). Read and be blessed!!!

Salaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaam Baba (Daddy) Mike - how are you ? Baba Mike, the conference was miracle of God . Let me tell you from the first: me and S had 4.35 hours to teach I had 3 hours and the rest was for S. I started with explanation of healing prayer and explained the difference between healing prayer and spiritual warfare because our Timothy just knew about spiritual warfare and they think healing prayer is same. After that I started to explain about how somebody can be wounded but cannot remember (this was the first session). After that I asked all of them to start praying about their wounds. Oh Baba Mike suddenly Holy Spirit came and touched all of us - you should be there! How God healed so many of us. They cried, they talked to Jesus, they prayed some of them loudly, some very quiet, some just keep quiet and look and think deeply. Oh Baba Mike it was so wonderful. It took about 2 hours. One old man about 70 came to me and cried and talked about when he was the age of 8 and God healed him immediately. I cannot explain that night - it was very holy.

For second session I talked about kids inside (this is at the heart of my recent teaching) - they really love this topic. They had hundreds of questions. Oh lord, Baba Mike, it wasn't me talking to them. You know, after finish I listen to my session. I talked about so many things that I didn't know before. Baba Mike, I told them that Pastor MG teach all of these lessons to me and they know you as Baba Mike now. After second session I told if you want go for a break and then we will have a prayer session. They said no, we don't want break. Just add the time of break to our prayer session.

For second prayer session I talked about the names and stones (this is a prayer time where you allow God to remove all of the negative, old names and labels you have received and replace them with His name for you. When God reveals this new name, the person writes it down on a white rock to keep – see Revelation 2:17). How wonderful it would be if you could be there. So many of them got the new name. When we were praying, God showed me that there is one person there that many people called him or her “orphan” while he/she was baby. Suddenly one old lady about 70 came to me and cried and said “It’s me because I lost my mom and dad when I was a baby. All of my relatives called me orphan and I grow up with this name.” So we prayed for her and she got a beautiful name from God.

For third session S talked about 6 steps for kids (this is a prayer process to help people find inner healing and freedom – it is at the heart of what I’ve been doing recently). And it was good. We realized that S is very amazing in individual healing prayer and during those nights she and me had so many healing prayer times individually with people. During those healing prayer times we realized that S is wonderful with personal healing prayer and I was good in teaching and mass (group) prayer.

So Baba Mike I want to thank you so much. I miss you alot. This was very good experience for all of us. God bleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeess you my dear Baba (the Iranians extend words for emphasis).

E

DICKENS OR LUKE?

2007-12-15T11:15:00.000-08:00

This Christmas season, I've been reading a book of devotionals about Christmas. Here's one that struck me. It begins with a quote:

"Without poverty of spirit, there can be no abundance of God."

We love Christmas because, as we say, Christmas brings out the best in us. Everyone gives on Christmas, even the stingiest among us, even the Ebenezer Scrooges. Charles Dickens' story of Scrooge's transformation has probably done more to form our notions of Christmas than St. Luke's story of the manger. Whereas Luke tells us of God's gift to us, Dickens tells us how we can give to others. A Christmas Carol is more congenial to our favorite images of ourselves. Dickens suggests that deep down, even the worst of us can become generous, giving people.

Yet I suggest we are better givers than getters, not because we are generous people because we are proud, arrogant people. The Christmas story - the one according to Luke not Dickens - is not about how blessed it is to be givers but how essential it is to see ourselves as receivers.

We prefer to think of ourselves as givers - powerful, competent, self-sufficient, capable people whose goodness motivates us to employ some of our power, competence and gifts to benefit the less fortunate. Which is a direct contradiction of the biblical account of the first Christmas. There we are portrayed not as the givers we wish we were but as the receivers we are. Luke and Matthew go to great lenghs to demonstrate that we - with our power, generosity, competence and capabilities - had little to do with God's work in Jesus. God wanted to do something for us so strange, so utterly beyond the bounds of human imagination, so foreign to human projection, that God had to resort to angels, pregnant virgins, and stars in the sky to get it done. We didn't think of it, understand it or approve it. All we could do, at Bethlehem, was to receive it. A gift from a God we hardly even knew.

The strange story of a virgin birth to a peasant couple in Judea demonstrates that the solution for what ails us has very little to do with us. One rabbi writes that, as a Jew, he is impressed reading Matthew's account of the Nativity by how utterly passive the actors are. The first word of the church is that we are receivers before we are givers. Discipleship teaches us of the art of seeing our lives as gifts. That's tough, because I would rather see myself as a giver. I want power - to stand on my own, take charge, set things to rights, perhaps to help those who have nothing. I don't like picturing myself as dependent, needy, empty-handed.

It's tough to be on the receiving end of love, God's or anybody else's. It requires that we see our lives not as our possessions, but as gifts. "Nothing is more repugnant to capable, reasonable people than grace," wrote John Wesley a long time ago.

So God comes to us, blesses us with a gift, and calls us to see ourselves as we are - empty-handed recipients of the gracious God who, rather than leave us to our own devices, gave us a baby.

-- William Willimon --

A FIRST!

2007-12-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

Just talked with the pastor of the Iranian church. He told me they recently had their very first in-country conference for Christian leaders. This was a great risk - and a great success! What made it especially exciting for me is that one of the two main topics of the event was Healing Prayer (what I've been teaching them for the past year).

Two of my best students led the teaching and healing times and many were set free. I've yet to get the full scoop on this, and I'll write more when I do. But I'm just awed and thankful that the lessons God has taught me over the years are now blessing and empowering these special brothers and sisters. Please keep praying with me for them!

A TESTIMONY FROM IRAN

2007-12-05T17:39:00.000-08:00

I received these powerful and encouraging words from one of the house church leaders in Iran. She was reflecting on a trip she and some others took to a distant city to encourage and train some new believers. Most of my ministry with her has been online - but, as you can see, it is still life-changing. God works powerfully in this country - and quick!

I've shortened the names for safety - and added in parentheses some comments for clarification. For those of you praying for me and supporting me financially, thank you!!! Your prayers and support are helping to set people free - 1/2 way around the world.

Baba (Daddy), I don’t know how should I say thanks to you any time that I need help you helped me. Just I'm crying here and if I was there just can hug you and say thank you to you. Keshish (Pastor) Mike, in my last trip to Sh, with N, P and Na, in the last day, when I saw the faces of my sisters in the Christ there and how they changed and when they told me about their freedom during that week, I liked to flight (I wanted to fly). And it was because you learnt me; you learnt me what to do and how to help people; how to go deeper and deeper with them. Helping us first for healing ourselves and then teaching us about this. How to destroy their walls (meaning, how to help them let down their walls). And how to help me. When I was in Sh, especially in the last day my heart rejoice because of their changing and it was because of you. You listened to the voice of God and came to Turkey for us, with a difficult situation and first helped us and then teached us. Really merci (thank you), Keshish Mike.

THE FIRST 10 DAYS

2007-11-11T08:52:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been 10 days since this journey began. What's it like being out there in missionary land? Well, for me it's been:

Several appreciation events at South Hills. It is so awesome to hear how God has used my gifts and ministry over the last 5+ years to help so many at such deep levels. It continues to embolden me to take risks and get out to the hurting and broken international leaders as soon as possible!
A few days of travel to visit old friends and their churches. I thought our time there would be about making conncections for potential future support. Silly me. There have been opportunities for ministry already. One of my dreams has been that, when I am in the U.S., I will be able to come alongside leaders here as I will be doing in other countries. This past week was a beginning of that.
Meeting with many wonderful people who have been so encouraging and supportive. Again, stories of God changing them through a prayer we shared, or a sermon, or a class. And the generosity! Kheili mamnunam (thank you very much)!
Teaching and counseling online with some of my Iranian family. One group just returned from a ministry trip and briefly shared with me that they were using some of the healing prayer methods I taught them. I'm still waiting for details, but a number of people received healing and freedom. And one of the group (who had received but never practiced healing prayer) began to shine as a powerful servant in this ministry! Please pray for N. and God's strengthening of her gift.
Finally, lots and lots and lots of calls, mailings, thank you notes - all the administrative things that one must do as we raise support. Thank you again to all who have committed to pray and/or to donate! We're on our way!

So that's a peek into our first 10 days. I'll let you know more as it comes.

A POINT OF CLARIFICATION

2007-10-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

Some have told me that it is a bit hard to get their minds around what I will be doing. Well, that's quite alright. This is a journey that hasn't been fully defined yet - I'm still wondering at times all that God is calling me to do.

But what I can do is clarify what I do know as of this posting:

I will be working primarily with leaders and missionaries in other countries. This doesn't mean I'll be travelling 365 days a year. We will be based here in Silicon Valley (at least for now) and travelling as opportunities arise.
I won't be starting my own ministries overseas, but instead I will be coming alongside of already established ministries/missionaries/church leaders. This could mean being with them a week or a month or longer. Ministry could happen as a time of training or a seminar or being available to pray and/or counsel with leaders and their families. I might be called in to help with reconciliation for a ministry or team.
How will I find these opportunities to serve overseas? Well, God has partnered me with a few ministries already - Iranian house church leaders and training pastors/churches in Baja are the most established relationships. Beyond that, I've found that the world of international ministries/missions is really a very small world. Leaders and missionaries network and work with one another. As one finds a great resource, they tell others about it. This has already begun for me. I have had several approaches by ministry leaders (one in India, another with a worldwide ministry) who have heard about what I offer. I suspect that contacts will come in a variety of ways - and God will direct which ones I must work alongside.
What will I do when I'm here in the U.S.? Well, first of all I have to raise my support. That is a full-time job in itself - talking with individuals, groups, churches, pastors, foundations, etc. I also have an ongoing ministry through Skype (a secure internet chat program) with house church leaders in Iran. That will continue and increase. I will be available to preach in churches, teach seminars, speak at retreats, etc. One dream I have is to help bring reconciliation for churches going through conflict. I will be putting together the seminars and lessons I will teach here and overseas. I will be contacting international ministries to set up future travel. So, you can see, it won't be boring! (Oh, yeah, one more - Carolyn and I are committed to learning Farsi.)
Finally, how available am I for ministry/counseling with individuals here in Silicon Valley? Frankly, I'm not sure about this one yet. There are many dear people at South Hills and elsewhere that have asked about one-on-one counseling and prayer. Initially, I will be taking some time away from this. But who knows where God will lead in the future?

Hope this helps! Please send an email or post a comment on this blog if you have any questions. I'd love to hear from you. Doostet daram (I love you), Mike

ALL IS FORGIVEN

2007-10-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

Here is a story that speaks of Grace and our longing for a father’s love and forgiveness. May it bless you!

Grace teaches us that God loves us because of who God is, not because of who we are. Grace appeals to us; it beckons us…calls to us…pleads for us…

Ernest Hemingway tells a story about a Spanish father whose relationship with his son Paco had become strained & eventually shattered. When his rebellious son ran away, his father began a long and difficult search to find him. As a last resort the exhausted father placed an ad in the Madrid newspaper, hoping that his son would see it and respond. The ad read, "Dear Paco, Please meet me in front of the Hotel Montana Noon Tuesday. All is forgiven. Papa.” Paco is a common name in Spain, and when the father goes to the square he finds 800 young men named Paco waiting for their father.

I believe that everyone is a “Paco”. They don’t know how but they long to experience the grace of God. We all have a longing, a need for a true home, where we can be accepted & cherished. We have this longing because God’s Spirit whispers to us to come home. Whatever you have done can be forgiven through Jesus’ death for you. No matter what you have become, you can be made new through the grace & power of God.

DEEPLY ROOTED

2007-10-24T07:12:00.000-07:00

Our small group last night was studying about forgiveness. I found a nugget in the book I want to share with you.

Psalm 92:13 - Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God."

When a fruit tree is put in the ground it has to face rainstorms, hot sun, and wind. If a young tree could talk, it might say, "Please get me out of here! Put me in a place where there is no sweltering heat or windy storms!"

If the gardener listened to the tree, he would actually harm it. Trees endure the hot sun and rainstorms by sending their roots down deeper. The adversity they face is eventually the source of great stability. The harshness of the elements surrounding them causes them to seek another source of life. They will one day come to the place where even the greatest of windstorms cannot affect their ability to produce fruit.

One of the hardest things to do in this life is stay where you are planted. I like to run, to withdraw, to fight back when adversity or accusation or attack comes my way. I have prayed a LOT of "Please get me out of here!" type prayers. But all I'm doing is resisting the very thing God has sent to grow me, to mature me.

The last few months for me have been a back and forth tug-of-war with God, trying to stay planted in quite a bit of adversity - spiritual, relational, you name it. But through it all, God has been guiding us and strengthening us for what is about to come. Hard lessons learned; God's severe mercy. But necessary.

So in 1 week God will move this big old tree to a new garden in the "house of the Lord," a new place of ministry. My prayer is that the roots will begin deepening again, able to withstand a new type of challenge, of adversity. Thank you for joining me in this journey.

WHERE DO THE LEADERS GO FOR HELP?

2007-10-17T16:38:00.000-07:00

Have you ever asked that question? Where do Christian leaders go for help?

When their family is struggling?
When they have doubts about their calling, their faith or their God?
When they are struggling with a secret sin?
When they are so tired and dry that they can't imagine preaching one more sermon, talking to one more person, hearing one more problem?

Where do they go? It's tough being someone that everyone comes to for help and feeling like you have nowhere to turn yourself. You're expected to have answers, creative solutions, godly counsel - what will your flock think if they find out you need these as much as (or more than) they do?

These are the issues that haunt so many leaders. But with nowhere to go, they often just live with the discouragement or fears or doubts or emptiness or loneliness or etc. And that is a most certain path to defeat.

Being one of these leaders for over 25 years now, I know firsthand these feelings and defeats. But God has a different way, a healing and cleansing way. And that is what burns in my heart to do for and with these chosen, precious children of God - to help them personally find the same freedom they bring to so many others! And if such help is needed here, with all our resources, imagine what it is like on the international field - where so many leaders have so little support and help. Please help me with your prayers and your gifts!

And think about the Christian leaders in your life. Have you encouraged them lately? Have you prayed for them? Given them a little gift - even if it's a simple email or note? In 1 Timothy 5:17, Paul commands the early Christians:

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.

How often have you given your leader even a single honor? Pray about it this week! And then step out and do something about it! Find a way to honor your leaders. You may be their one positive encounter all week. So don't delay! We need you!

BUSY, BUSY

2007-10-10T08:08:00.000-07:00

I forgot the time and energy it takes to get a house ready to sell! Carolyn is bearing the brunt of the load right now as my schedule at church is still very full. She is re-landscaping the front of the house. Lookin' good! There are also contractors in here fixing up some of those annoying little things you just get used to - like leaky showers, peeling linoleum, etc. We should be done by the end of the week.

My ministry overseas continues as well. Counseling, teaching, encouraging - even helping one young man learn English. We just covered nouns and contractions.

Exciting experience at church on Sunday. One of our members asked me how I was going to network with people around the world to offer my ministry. Just as I was about to answer, another member (who lives 6 months here, 6 months in India) came up to me and asked: "So, when are you coming to India? We need you there to help our leaders. I have a room for you and will take care of your needs once you get there." I turned to the other fellow and answered him: "I guess this is how the networking begins!"

So please keep praying! God only knows where all this is leading. So we're in great hands!

THE ANNOUNCEMENT

2007-09-30T21:42:00.000-07:00

Well, today was the announcement at church. We have had a number of staff leaving over the last couple of months, so I wondered how it would be received. God gave me the grace and words. Many people came forward to express sadness for our leaving, but an excitement for what God was doing in our lives.

Those who know me pretty much saw this coming. Some had heard words from the Lord about our leaving. Some could just tell from my constant excitement about my ministry with the Iranians. Some said they knew it from the first time I came back from the Middle East - they could see a huge change in me and knew where it would lead.

It was tough looking at all those faces I've come to know so well and love so much. There is a wonderful group of people at this church. It kinda helped that the spotlight was so bright in my eyes that I couldn't see the congregation very well. But it was both an exciting and a sad moment. Please keep praying for this wonderful church - South Hills.

So now begins a new chapter. One month to finish well, to transition my ministry, to begin asking for pray-ers and donors, to decide when to sell our home, to find a place to live during the transition. There's more, but my fingers are tired. Suffice it to say there is a lot of work and praying to do!

God is so good! He is revealing Himself to us in so many ways. The first person who came forward is a lady I've only met once. She strongly encouraged me and then said she wanted to be the first to donate to our new ministry. Talk about confirmation! Others came forward with tears in their eyes to hug and bless us and tell us about our impact in their lives. It was a sweet time. Such a gift from God!

Ok, enough for tonight. Thanks for caring - and praying!

IT'S TIME!

2007-09-23T22:42:00.000-07:00

It's time to move on! I met with the elders of our church last Thursday to share about my journey and new call. On Tuesday I met with the Senior Pastor and heard the good news - my last day at South Hills will be October 31st. And, as an added blessing, they will bless us with 2 more months of salary to help us get started on raising support. Thank you South Hills!

The church will hear the news on September 30th. Please pray! The last time I left a church we had been deeply involved with it was rather difficult for everyone.

And pray for our family. The attacks have continued to come - but often in strange ways. Our son-in-law's car was stolen recently. None of us can figure why anyone would want to take this rather old and deteriorating car. So old, in fact, he had no comprehensive insurance to cover the theft.

On the other hand, Carolyn and I are doing awesome! We just returned from a fantastic Couples' Retreat. I am still in awe of God's amazing gift of love in giving me such a supportive and caring wife. We are totally in sync with this move. Sure makes all the bumps in the road seem insignificant.

Well, enough for tonight! Have a blessed week! Mike

MY JOURNEY

2007-09-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

My Journey From a Church Pastorate to International Ministry

I have been asked a number of times recently how the Lord led me into a completely new stage of ministry. Here is a brief explanation of the sequence of events.

It actually began about 3-1/2 years ago. Carolyn and I had been gathering with a dedicated group of prayer warriors who committed themselves to pray over us on a regular basis. At one particular prayer meeting, the Lord revealed to me in a vision an exciting future ministry. I was surprised that, as we ended our prayer, one of the women spoke up and said that she had received a vision regarding my future ministry as well.

She said that she had seen me driving a car. That represented my previous ministry. At the present time, however, she saw me driving a bus with a lot of people inside. Finally she saw me as the engineer of a train - pulling numerous cars filled with passengers. She took the vision to mean that God was soon going to expand the scope of my ministry.

I then shared with the group what the Lord had shown me that night. As we prayed, I saw myself standing in a field, holding hands with a person on either side of me. I heard the Lord tell me to look to my right and to my left. There I could see people stretching farther than my sight would carry. I heard the Lord's voice tell me: "These are the people whom you have helped." Then he instructed me to turn around. And there, behind me, were multitudes of people, far more than anyone could count. I then heard the words that I've never forgotten: "These are the people that you will help for me."

Over the last 3-1/2 years, Carolyn and I have waited for God to fulfill these promises. The clear direction that we have sought has finally been revealed.

Eleven months ago, I was privileged to lead a prayer team to the Middle East. Our mission was to be available to pray with about 40 house church leaders from Iran at a one-week leadership conference. On the morning of the first day of the conference, I slipped outside for a time of prayer and preparation. I felt so empty, and I told the Lord that he made a grave mistake in sending me. What happened next was a total surprise. I heard him clearly say: "Then I will fill your emptiness with a Father's love for my children in Iran." And for the next half hour he poured a daddy's love into my heart for the people I was soon to be meeting and praying with.

Later that afternoon, it was my turn to speak to the group. As I stood, I heard a simple whisper in my mind: "Lead with your heart." And that is what I did. I spoke to them of the burdens of being a leader. I asked them questions like: "Everyone comes to you for help. But who can you turn to for encouragement and hope?" The tears began to flow. Since the teaching that day had been primarily about forgiveness, I asked them to join me in a corporate prayer to let go of all of the grudges and hurts they had stockpiled deep in their hearts. As the prayer concluded, I looked up to see almost every face streaked with tears. I headed back to my seat, but I never made it. Over half of the group surrounded our team and pleaded with us to pray with them. And that's what we did! The entire week, during every available moment, we prayed – and watched miracle after miracle unfold.

Returning home, I realized that something had dramatically changed. My love for the Iranians continued to deepen. I began to interact with many of these leaders on a secure Internet chat program - counseling, teaching, encouraging. Our Missions Pastor began saying cryptic things like "I believe I just saw the beginning of your international ministry, Mike." I met with the leaders of the ministry who had sponsored the conference. They told me that what we had done had changed completely their concept of what these church leaders needed. They had seen so much healing and growth during just one week - and it was continuing long after the conference. They asked if we would commit to come back again and again, not only to continue this healing ministry, but also to teach the Iranians how to take it back into their country.

Since that meeting, I have spent as many of my free hours as possible continuing my ministry on the Internet, appearing twice on the satellite TV show beamed into Iran, taught several seminars at the local Iranian Christian Church, and attended a second conference earlier this year - this time for two weeks.

In the midst of this growing ministry, Carolyn read an article about a mission organization called Paraclete. When she came to their mission statement, she looked at me and said "Mike, this sounds exactly like what you want to do." As I read the article, I began to sense in my heart and excitement and an immediate urge to call the president, Don Parrott. It was clear even during our first conversation that God was doing something extraordinary.

Paraclete's vision is to partner seasoned Christian leaders with harvest workers throughout the world. "Paraclete" literally means "to come alongside." The Paraclete Associate’s goal is not to establish new ministries, but to come alongside of existing international ministries and Christian leaders and offer our gifts and experience; to serve them however we can.

Over the last number of months, as I continued to serve the Iranians both here and in Iran, Don and I have been slowly going through an intense interview process. In late August, I received a call from Don stating that, as far as Paraclete was concerned, I have a green light to join them. Carolyn and I strongly believe that this is God's new direction for our lives - the fulfillment of the promises he gave us 3-1/2 years ago.

Working as a Paraclete Associate, I can either focus on one section of the world or be available anywhere in the world the Lord leads. One exciting development, occurring early in our consideration process, was when I received a call from a Christian leader in Mexico who asked me to come back and train the pastors and Christian leaders of Ensenada in healing prayer. I was involved in ministry in Mexico during the 90’s. Perhaps the Lord will be opening more doors into this country as well.

There is so much more to share about this journey. There have been so many amazing confirmations and God has made it clear that our time to begin is here.

Please pray for us - for protection (for we have been severely attacked in recent months) and specific direction. Thank you for being a special part of our lives!

“It is for freedom that Christ has set you free!”