Puerto Barrios, a city once known as the city of God, is now known as the city of beer.
On Tuesday we did street ministry.
Once a ministry I dreaded – it’s now a ministry that I anxiously wait for like a kid the night before Christmas.
We walked the streets of downtown Puerto Barrios and interceded for the people and for the land. After talking with some of the locals, it was apparent that many had the desire to come back to God but “just not today.”
All eyes were on us as we walked the streets praying and singing worship songs.
Then we reached an area known for drugs, alcohol and women in prostitution. I joined a group of our women missionaries to go inside a bar and pray. I didn’t know what I would encounter once inside but I was ready in the full armor of God.
Because it was early in the day there were very few people inside. Our group began talking to two women who were seated together. We asked if we could pray for them and they agreed. As we prayed, a few of the women in our group received visions for these women’s lives and began to share.
A man and woman sat off in the distance with more than a half a dozen empty beer bottles on the table and one in each of their hands.
They watched our every move.
Eventually, the woman became annoyed and stormed up out of her chair. She walked over to the jukebox in the corner and inserted money to play a song.
The music blared, drowning the sound of our voices but it didn’t stop us. We moved in closer and spoke louder.
It was apparent that the women we were ministering to were being very receptive to the words being spoken over their lives.
I immediately recognized the spiritual warfare happening in that place and began to pray.
Our worship, praise and prayers had shifted the atmosphere and the enemy didn’t like it.
After we finished speaking over the women, we embraced them and left – giving praise to God for using us to water the seed that’s already been planted in them.
As I reflect on our experience and God’s presence, I am in awe. God’s Word is true. He inhabits the praises of His people, no matter where they are – even in a bar.
“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” (Psalm 22:3 KJV)
What are some of the things in your life that need shifting?
Here’s what I’ve learned.
Praise is the highway to the heart of God. It’s the key that unlocks the door.
Our worship to Him, shifts the atmosphere.
