So – I see demons. There. I said it.
(Especially amongst Christians!)
When I'd talk about it, or even mention it I was always, always, always, always cautioned not to "over-demonize" things.
And stopped talking about it.
I have a gift. It's called discernment.
I am not a liar.
I am not over-demonizing things.
I worship Jesus Christ.
I fear God.
I do not obsess myself with angels or demons.
I've been praying for God to help me learn Telugu and the culture of the people here to better serve them.
Have I mentioned I love India?
My brother from my church back home sent me this message during the day yesterday:
IMELDA. The Lord awoke me from sleep to share with you this vision, a vision for you He gave to me. The Lord our savior is sending an army of angels to minister to you. They are there with you now. I awoke just now, crying with tears of joy, to share this with you. The angels are to give you strength and boldness, and to minister directly to you and aid you as you become fluent in whatever tongues you need to in the name of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ! I am supposed to tell you to be patient, to be confident that the Lord will bless you with many tongues, but that it will take time, and that no matter what language you are speaking, it is He who is speaking through you.
I want to encourage you that when the time is right you will have a husband…. but there are only a few men who roam the earth worthy of the gift from God that you are!!! So now, you know, India has your heart entirely.
So, I took a pretty hard hit last night and I've got a battle wound!
I've been going all out, hardcore in the ministry here.
Sunday, I preached twice. Monday (yesterday) I spent working on the pastor testimonials I'm writing, plus just praying for different staff members and anointing the sick to be healed.
But last night, as I was heading out to dinner with a missionary from Global Hope India, my friend Courtney, we were walking down the main village street. It's a rather large and busy avenue. I had the feeling I was being stalked. I told her I was feeling a bit creeped out. She said she didn't notice anything, until I pointed out how we had passed two demons in the form of demon-possessed people. I saw no other manifestations, other than I felt like I was being followed. I prayed and shook it off.
Next thing you know, we're laughing and chatting it up at the food stand. We then headed into another little dive.
We got our order. I was walking to the seating area, and I lost my footing with a plate full of hot soup and bread in my hands. There was a step in the floor I didn't see.
I felt my right ankle just snap hard and pop. My knees hit the ground.
I jumped right back up.
The food did not fall on me, and I was not burned.
My head narrowly missed the sharp corner of a metal condiment table.
One more inch and I would have cut my temple wide open.
As I stood, I remembered the angels. I actually felt as though something had caught me.
I stood there and prayed to Jesus.
My friend who was watching, said she thought it was the most graceful and gentle landing ever.
It didn't occur to her how badly I was injured because it didn't look that bad.
Until she bent down and inspected my ankle.
Suddenly, next to me was a man who spoke perfect English. He pointed me to the hand washing station, pulled out a chair for my leg and re-ordered my food and had it packed to go.
As Courtney and I were laying hands on my ankle and praying — he carefully stood by us making sure that we weren't crowded by onlookers.
I sat there and the pain was so terrible I almost passed out.
My friend gave me water, and the stranger went outside and hailed a little rickshaw for us. We got our food and headed back in the direction of home. I didn't cry!
I just worshiped and thanked God for His love and mercy. She laughed and couldn't believe I was so joyful about the whole thing.
My friend who has been living here, was super astounded and couldn't believe how in this village a person was speaking perfect English — much less in this crowded restaurant right next to me when I got hurt.
So we anointed my ankle with oil and prayed again.
We put a bottle of cold water underneath it and had a fabulous dinner date.
Then pastor Uday and Satish (the night watchman) came in so worried looking, wondering why they had seen me limping.
I smiled and thanked him for the prayers too.
When the rest of my team showed up, I couldn't walk anymore and my ankle was so huge. Alex put me over his shoulder and carried me up two flights of stairs to my lodging area! Liz put me to rest in her tent, and I played worship music, read my bible and spent time with Jesus.
I was so content.
As I fell asleep worshiping, I saw the veil of the heavenlies pulled back. And there on both sides of my tent were the angels!
TWO really huge ones. Probably over 50 feet tall.
LARGE PILLARS OF LIGHT. One on each side. One with a sword and shield. The other with a large javelin in its hand. They faced each other and arched over my tent with their wings. Their faces fiery. Glowing feet.
Like fierce soldiers they stood at perfect attention, as my guardians assigned by Jesus.
And all around them encamped in a circular formation were many other smaller angels.
All armored and all with their faces looking up to heaven and singing God's praises!!!
I laughed and sang with them too.
I've never seen anything like this before. And then I remembered my brother's vision.
I was in awe and fear of God's love and favor for me.
I fell asleep with perfect peace and no pain.
Praise Him, all you stars of light! Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, And you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created.”
Psalm 148:2-5
