Anyone who has spent time with me the past two years is aware of my slight pre-occupation with BILL JOHNSON.
Two years ago in Africa I first heard of this man of God. Someone had given someone who had given someone a sermon from his church and we were hungry for the Word of God and had a listen. Thus began my fascination and slight obsession with all things Bill.
Never mind that on the mandatory WR reading list was his book Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind. I never really bothered to read the required reading (sorry, Seth…). 
If I had read the book then I probably would have freaked out anyways because Bill is big into supernatural ministry and I was not exactly at that place back then. (BIG understatement!) So, his book sat on my shelf back in Ohio while I sat in Africa and listened for the first time.
If I had read the book then I probably would have freaked out anyways because Bill is big into supernatural ministry and I was not exactly at that place back then. (BIG understatement!) So, his book sat on my shelf back in Ohio while I sat in Africa and listened for the first time.
My world got rocked.
He talked of a Kingdom where sick people were healed, dead people were raised, God’s people prospered, and His kingdom truly came to earth. It was all the things I had heard whisper of in my heart and this guy was actually seeing them happen! He also was hilarious and extremely full of wisdom. Every message I heard was packed full of teaching and left me challenged and hungry. The words he spoke led me to search through the Bible and question things I had been taught previously. The teaching combined with all that I was experiencing and learning on the field started me on a journey to God that has been life-altering.
The podcasts from Bethel Church (search itunes under Bethel Church “Sermon of the Week) became a staple of my week and anytime we landed in a city with internet the first thing I did was download more Bill. I listened as a team, as a leadership team, and with just about anyone I could wrangle in with me. This year it has been a bit of a joke just how much I talk about Bill. 🙂 It is not uncommon for my sentences to begin with “have you heard this Bill teaching?”, “Bill says…”, or “holy cow! Bill rocked my world!!”
All jokes aside, Bill has really opened my brain and heart up to new revelations from the Lord and it is a healthy affection that leads me to the face of my Father every time. It just so happens that Bethel Church operates a school of ministry that Julie decided to attend after the race. I had been dying to go out and visit her (and Bill!) and the opportunity presented itself this week. The amazing Jane was also going to be around–so we had a WR reunion and some Bill time all in one!
As luck would have it, Bill was in Australia all week, but we were able to sit in on some fabulous teaching at the school of ministry, worship like crazy women and sneak in a quick Bill attack at the end! My heart was so full of things to process coming home and it was honestly exactly what I needed. The Lord continues to provide exactly what I need every time. I had hours to sit with Him in the prayer house, hours of girl time with Jane and Jules, and worhip like I have never experienced. (remind me sometime to tell you about the fire tunnels!!) We also had some American World Race adventures that I will blog about soon. Nothing like being car-less, penny-less and totally in love with Jesus in Redding, CA! 
