LAKELAND - FIRST IMPRESSIONS

I travelled to Lakeland, Florida for the sole purpose of visiting what is being called ‘The Florida Outpouring’ with Canadian evangelist Todd Bentley. He is a young man with his body covered in tattoos, piercings and a real life passion for Jesus.

What surprised me was the excitement I felt as I left the hotel for the Sunday evening meeting. I passed lots of churches that were closed on Sunday night and ended up at the Lakeland Airport where I had to park in an empty field because there were so many people attending.

The meetings are being held in two large ‘tents’ at the Sun N’ Fun museum. Inside there were thousands of thirsty and hungry people worshipping God, lifting their hands, dancing and praising Him. People were there from over 40 nations. They were young and old, rich and poor, healthy and sick, all gathered to worship the Lord, rejoice in His Presence and expect more.

I saw the flags of many nations, especially European, where the light of the gospel has dimmed considerably. Here were saints, poised to receive for themselves and their nations as tears streamed down their faces as they cried out to God for an outpouring in their country.

Todd shared his journey since coming to Christ at 18. He also went on record and indicated that the revival was only really beginning on June 22, 2008 even though it had been going since April 2nd. This was the firstfruit meeting being given to the Lord alone.

He talked about his 18 month ‘dark night of the soul’ season that ended in 2007. That suffering, prepares you for glory. He described the price of following Jesus and how the Lord took him back to childhood experiences and healed him, his marriage and ministry.

It was a time of vulnerability and honesty. Very refreshing even though it was not an issue of sin but rather burnout and emptiness because he wasn't ready to listen to those who really cared for his soul.

The evening ended in worship and ministry as Todd read from Psalm 24 and asked the question, “Who can ascend into the hill of the Lord?”

Tonight was wonderful, uplifting and honouring to Jesus.

I am looking forward to the morning meeting at Ignited Church in Lakeland.