Launch training camp was really indescribable, so I have been struggling to put words to it for all of you. I desperately want you to hear the worship as 53 people cried out for the heart of their Father, I want you to literally see the countenance change in my teammates as they encounter a Dad who truly loves them. I want you to be able to wipe away tears as walls come down, hearts get healed and people get set free. I want you to see them dance with joy before their King.
It was truly beautiful.
Matthew 10:7-8 says “As you go, preach this message: The kingdom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.”
This is one of my theme verses for the year. Never did I consider all these things would be done the first week of camp. Notice that Jesus uses this as an action statement, as you go. As I go in obedience these things start to happen. One of my spiritual dads, Andrew Shearman, has an awesome message remarking how often we are just sitting around waiting to get to heaven, when the reality is that we should be bringing heaven to earth. It is how Jesus taught us to pray (Mt 6:10 “your kingdom come”). The kingdom of heaven is near He repeats in Matthew 10, so as I go I should be bringing heaven. And then Jesus further instructs us on how to bring heaven down: heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse, drive out demons!
I spent the last week living out Jesus’ commands and it was beautiful. Through Jesus sick people were made whole again, dead hearts were re-awakened, demons were driven out and total body cleansing began. I was apart of so many amazing prayers for restoration and healing; I counseled many to leave the past in the past and walk into new freedom in Christ. I saw girls struggling with eating disorders set free, I saw men struggling with shame walk into freedom; I saw the Church. I sat in a room with 51 people desiring more; more of Jesus, more freedom, more healing, more of heaven on earth!
We have freely received and now it is time to freely give. Watch out world.
