The Sealed

Houston, Texas
December 15, 2008

Dear Brethren in Christ Jesus,

We would like to share with you a testimony we received from Sister Laurel Stevens who attended our recent Basic Training at Grace Point Community Church two weekends ago in Houston.

“Hello from the Land of snow & ice [in Canada]. I so enjoyed getting to sit under The Elijah Challenge teaching, meeting you and getting to know you. It’s hard to put into words what God has done in me through that weekend. It’s gone very deep – felt like coming “home” to the real faith: “heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons and preach the gospel” – so simple – and it feels like walking hand-in-hand with Jesus. Something I’ve wanted for a very long time. I sense God’s presence – how do you describe how incredible that is?

I was thinking about all the aspects of the weekend after I got home and knew I needed to put the teaching into practice right away, i. e., to step out of the boat. I feel very much like a novice (with trepidation) but am asking God to teach me. So Tuesday morning as I was at work and doing a dressing change on a client (I’m a Home Care Registered Nurse), I decided to minister silently for the healing of his legs and his wounds. He’s a gentleman I’ve known for sometime – is not a believer but is not closed. His lower legs are an unhealthy brown in colour (not a healthy pink) due to very poor circulation. I spoke over him as I worked and was thinking “his legs are turning pink!” I was hesitant to trust my observations yet, but felt quite excited. I didn’t say anything to him at the time as I feel he will be more impacted by the results when I see him again next week. Then I can share with him. I also shared the events of the weekend with one of my colleagues, including the healing of my elbow from tendonitis. She saw this gentleman’s legs on Tuesday, so I would like her to see the difference as well.

At home that night as I was thinking and talking with the Lord, He said, “You’ve stepped out of the boat, now as you walk keep your eyes on me. Don’t look at circumstances and ‘results’ – just keep your eyes on me and do what I say.” Wow…what an easy way to live.

At home that night my knee flared up from an old ligament injury. I rebuked the pain and damage; nothing happened. I rebuked it again and there was improvement. I rebuked it again and it left. Then it tried to come back and I said, “Oh no, you don’t!” I haven’t had pain since and my knee feels whole again.

Last night I was at a practice preparing for a service this Sunday on the First Nations Reserve. The weather forecast was for high winds today with the temperature dropping. By Sunday the temperature is to be -25 degrees C during the day and -31 degrees C at night. We commanded the cold front to either go around Wetaskiwin/Hobbema or stay where it was. As of 4:10 PM this afternoon there has been only a light wind and the temperature has dropped only 4 degrees so far. Don’t we have a wonderful God?!”

This Thursday morning we will be meeting with Pastor Don Keathley of Grace Point Community Church to discuss a close partnership or relationship for the purpose of training the body of Christ in our “Jerusalem” of Houston (and the United States) on a regular and systematic basis. As you may recall, this has been our desire and vision after seeing the results of the Training on our overseas trips where it has begun to “grow by itself” very effectively in some countries.

Please pray that the Lord will guide and lead us with regard to the details of our partnership with GPCC in order that The Elijah Challenge may be maximally effective in its ministry of equipping the Church with the spirit and power of Elijah to fulfill the Great Commission during these last days.

Thank you, dear ones.

Sincerely in Christ,

William & Lucille