The Sealed

Auburn, Washington State (near Seattle)
Thursday, January 8, 2009

Dear Brethren in Christ,

Yesterday I arrived here in the Pacific Northwest, where historic floods have ravaged the western part of the state of Washington. The Associated Press wrote: “More than 30,000 people were urged to leave their flood-endangered western Washington homes as swollen rivers, mudslides and avalanches engulfed neighborhoods and roadways.“

Although It’s not so bad where I am staying, still the basement of my host’s home was flooded. What a welcome to Seattle!

Last night a group of perhaps 15 or so believers showed up for the first session of the Basic Training. These are disciples who have become disenchanted with “church as usual” and take very seriously the Great Commission which Jesus has commanded His people to complete. They boldly go to the streets and gather in public places to preach repentance from sin to the lost. Their message is not the kind that you will hear from Sunday pulpits. These people are on fire for Jesus Christ.

Usually they face rejection from people as they preach the gospel in this way, but it will be different when they are able to obey Christ’s command to “heal the sick.” (Luke 10:9) When the miracles take place in the open air, people will be forced to take their message more seriously. I am honored to be invited by them to train them to heal the sick as they proclaim the kingdom of God to the lost. The Basic Training is indeed designed for this kind of ministry. In some ways, I share common roots with them.

I believe the Lord is very pleased with their radical commitment and obedience. Last night at the end of the session, we did a demonstration of healing the sick. As we took turns laying hands on the infirm, the miracles were impressive. An elderly man who was practically blind and had been unable to squat for fifteen years as well as other problems began to see and was able to squat nicely. There were other wonderful testimonies as well.

The miraculous healings will be far greater when these disciples of the Christ go back to the streets after they are trained and preach the gospel of repentance from sin. Perhaps this will be the beginning of the revival that has been prophesied for the Pacific Northwest.

Please pray that the Lord will again anoint me to train the brethren at the second session tonight; that the teaching of the word of God will be powerful and very effectual in them. May the spirit and power of Elijah come upon them.

Please pray also that the Lord’s blessing and peace will be upon Lucille and my elderly mother at home in Houston.

Sincerely in Christ,

William