I kept to myself as I knelt at the front. About 5 minutes into that night things started heating up. The singing got louder, some laugher erupted, and then I heard screaming. I ignored it at first. I didn’t know what was going on. But we were free to respond however we were lead by the Spirit.
I kept praying as the screaming continued. I opened my eyes to look in that direction, because now I was curious, but the speaker said, “Don’t let that distract you!” So I closed my eyes. Next he said, “Don’t hold him back! Don’t hold him back! Let him go!” What is going on!? What kind of work is the Holy Spirit doing?
A few moments later I looked to the left and saw 2 AIM staffers carry a person out by the arms, his feet dragging. What in the world? I was never concerned; I didn’t even care who it was at the time. I just knew God was moving and perhaps this individual just fell over by the power of the Holy Spirit, as I was informed could happen.
There were so many emotions leaving the room that night. Small talk occurred as I encountered different people exchanging, “Are you okay? How do you feel? What happened?” I finally said to someone, “Yeah, I saw someone being carried out. Do you know who it was? Are they okay?” I was told it was Jake.
Not much sleep took place that night. I must brag and say I got about 3 hours that night, which is more than most. But as I woke up to adjust every 30 minutes or so (we slept on a bus), I’d look out the window and see commotion. There was crying. Groups praying. AIM Staff comforting. Concerned faces. I felt so delirious from the physical, spiritual, and emotional exhaustion from just these 3 days I literally couldn’t muster up the strength to be nosey with what was going on. But I looked upon members of my Squad, sad, as they struggled and I slept.
The next day at lunch, Jake sat at my table. I had no idea what happened with him, I just knew something did. As we conversed about the night before I finally said, “Jake, what happened? I don’t even know. Would you mind sharing your story?” And he freely did.
Let him tell you what happened in his own words.
All I have to say now is Praise God for the freedom He gives!!!
