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These testimonies have been used wtih signed permission from each individual. "I will take back an
affirmation regarding repentance, freedom and liberty regarding
God's gifts, emphasis on our communal character, renewed commitment
to pour out my life for others and renewed commitment to foundation
of prayer." ~Stu Heiss, Lombard Alliance, Illinois "I came here reluctantly because of fear that old wounds would be reopened and new hurts received. Within two hours of the beginning of the conference the Holy Spirit strongly [came] to me and showed me a vision of His presence among the peoples of the world extending His arms and offering Himself sufficient for all. Many turned from Him seeking to find answers in other substitutes. None provided the answer. He then told me that years before, in being willing to leave the C&MA, I had abandoned my appointment to continue the vision He had given to A.B. Simpson. He asked/ordered me to return to the C&MA and the ministry. I said I would. Later in the morning He led me to lay on His altar those issues and concerns that might stand in the way of obedience. I will leave here to go back home to make whatever arrangements needed to follow His leading." ~Marvin Miller, Southport First Baptist, North Carolina "The Lord has been
teaching, healing and instructing me in so many ways from the
moment the conference started. What He did was build and build
- one thing upon another - the latest was in our worship this
morning when He took the blinders off my eyes and enabled me
to see the 'burden for missions'. I see the beauty of the C&MA
purpose and want to work however I can to forward the cause
of world missions." ~Diane Miller, Southport First Baptist, North Carolina Update received by the Millers on July
3rd: "Greetings! I’m sending this ~Marvin and Diane Miller, Southport First Baptist, North Carolina "The absolute necessity of regularly waiting upon God in prayer was re-instilled in my heart." ~Joe McAdams, First Alliance of Lousiville, Kentucky "The Lord has spoken to my heart many things that I need to pursue WITH HIS HELP! Everyone present has been a blessing to my life! I am glad that the Lord brought me here!" ~Marie Conlin, Lombard Alliance, Illinois "Being broken by God!" ~Randall Grimes, Illinois "This could be the start of a new
manifestation of God in the C&MA. If the Spirit blows His
wind over dead bones, who are we to say no. Let it happen, and
let it happen soon. We need a fresh breath of the Spirit to
put the life of God in us. It will take all of God's manifest
gifts to win the battle and take our world for God. My own heart
has been cleansed and rekindled. I want more of God and His
power in my life. I want God's ~Franklin Klein, Girard Alliance, Ohio "To see the attempt to get back to the Alliance roots." ~Norm Kahler, Lockport Alliance, New York "I don't have 'a word from the Lord' but I do have a deeper peace. I don't have insight into the future, but I have greater confidence God will guide. I have a promise (prayer - Colossians 1:11)." ~F.N. Wiest, Westmont Alliance, Illnois "Pastor Dillaman's last talk was challenging and excellent. 10 years ago my wife and I found out we were going to have a baby. It was an unexpected blessing that initially caused us grief. My wife was 39 and I was 41; our next youngest child was 11. After a false labor scare, my wife said we needed to come up with a name for our forthcoming child. Through prayer, scripture, and listening to the Holy Spirit I was led by Micah 6:8 to name our child Micah. His middle name is David, named after 'the man after God's own heart.' The Spirit led thing is that we did not know what gender the child would be. I know Micah has been chosen to be a leader, a prophet. But today it became evident that I need to model for him compassion and action to preach and model ministry to the poor and needy, widows and orphans. Thank you for bringing conviction and challenge to me." ~Kevin Norton, Hibbing Alliance, Minnesota "I came to Rekindle for just that, to fan and feed the flame with fellow believers. I was pleasantly surprised to discover a younger generation of Alliance people who want to return to the 'faith of our fathers.' I came away personally blessed and encouraged for our future." ~David Jones, First Alliance Church, Deleware "I came seeking the Holy Spirit for myself, but have realized the need of corporate filling above my own. The example of the 'elder statesmen' who are still driving hard in God's power. I have not yet seen a public manifestation of the Holy Spirit, but I have sensed His presence from the first moment. My tears have flowed constantly. Being personally prayed for by Brenda has kept me mindful of God's desire for me. She even knew where I was sitting in the auditorium." ~Skip Herriman, First Alliance Church, Deleware "I was greatly helped by the challenge to focus on Jesus, die to self and be continually filled with the Holy Spirit and fire. Flourish in these three areas we will experience a continuous life of victorious living which is what it is all about. It is my goal to perpetuate this kind of a life the rest of my life, the Lord enabling me." ~Howard Bedell, Illinois "I have hope for the Alliance now. That we are not going to keep going without all that God has for us." ~Daniel Webster, Coalport Alliance, Pennsylvania "Corporate sharing time gave me a window into what God is currently doing - and hope for what He is birthing in the Alliance. I sat through all the sessions and workshops sensing I had obstacles in my heart - refusing to let go of my self - enjoying the cerebral teaching. Then in the last session I went to the prayer room and lay down all my sin - all the sin I found in my heart to lay down. And the prayer ministers came and prayed for the deep spiritual healing I need. Thank you for your prayer ministry." ~Julia Laws, Arlington Community Church, Virginia "We need to return to our roots. But today's church may not be ready. I came here with fear of going forward and now have insight to help guide me. May the Lord use this Gathering to start a new work in this movement. May this new work be a return to the 'old ways' on which we were founded." ~Carl Bergerson, Valley Alliance, Pennsylvania "The consistency of every message was overwhelmingly personal to me. Each speaker was anointed by the Holy Spirit. We met an elderly couple who were saved in 1937 at the Roanoke Heights Alliance Church in Riverhead, NY - which was the same church that my wife and I came to in 1959 as newlyweds. We praise God for this Gathering, and pray earnestly that there will be more in the future." ~Allan B. Youngs, The Hamptons Alliance, New York "I was deeply touched by the powerful preaching of Rev. Richard Roberts on Baptism of the Spirit and Fire. He should be invited to preach at the General Council to challenge the Alliance leaders to be baptized again by the purging of sins through fire and the filling of the power of Holy Spirit to complete Christ's commission according to Acts 1:5. The worship time was awesome. I felt the presence of God during the Gathering. I was ushered closer to God than ever before." ~Joe Kong, North Springs Alliance, Colorado "This time has been an inspiration
to me. As a lay person in my church I am praying how I can humbly
share the wonderful message of the infilling of the Holy Spirit
with its power, purity and passion. Too long I have walked without
definite direction and confirmed fearless commitment to the
work of the Lord as it should be in my life. I go home looking
forward to a closer, more powerful walk with the Lord and the
Holy Spirit. ~Fran Kahler, Lockport Alliance, New York "Interacting with 'pray-ers', hearing how God has worked in hearts, instruction in revival and prayer by Spirit-filled leaders. I came to this Gathering to hear how God is speaking to others in the area of revival praying. I believe that the personal expression of our leaders has been very profitable. May this continue as plans are made for future gatherings on a regional or district level so that more can attend." ~Bob Overstreet, Old Chaney Alliance, Nebraska "The Lord placed two things on my
heart to ask for before coming. One was an opportunity to 'drive
a stake' that I had surrendered myself completely to Him. The
other was that the truth would be spoken as to where we are
as the Alliance so that we could move forward (by going back).
Both of those were accomplished the first day. After Rev. Sipley's
ministry, I wanted to run to the prayer room to drive that stake.
Praise God! Dr. Benedict's repentance more than answered the
second desire of my (God's) heart. It was echoed by all the
speakers, with hope-building testimonials of the past and vision
for the future. My personal passion is for prayer in the local
church. Your prayer team and Brenda's testimony were so encouraging
in that vein. And to hear leaders and pastors echo my heart
about prayer and prayer meetings was a huge encouragement. Praise
~Jan Piasecki, Champaign Alliance, Illinois "As I have dealt with many issues these past five years (cancer in both my husband and I; losing him in Sept 01; return of my cancer 03), when I saw the ads for the conference I knew I was to go. Meanwhile as I was seeking God's will at this crossroads of my life, He began to show me areas of sin. It was very painful as I knew I was grieving Him. There were areas in what I perceived as 'my' leadership ability that He took away from me; my security was becoming 'who' I was. The Paradise Alliance Church had been my only family since I was saved there in 1987. I had often declared I would never leave it. On the plane coming here, the Holy Spirit asked me if I would leave this church and a special family and go where He asked. To my great surprise I found myself saying yes with relief, joy and peace. Each speaker helped me to see and understand the need for a more conscious effort for daily repentance and prayer. I know God has great plans for me and I am eager to step out of my comfort zone into whatever He has for me to do. I have never explored being 'full of the Spirit.' I desire to be and do whatever God wants and not to be limited by my flesh. His life is the only one I want to control me. After listening to all the speakers based on His word, I know it is possible. (5-26-06: He has showed me the shallowness of my heart.)" ~Alice Pendell, Paradise Alliance Church, California "Thank you for taking the time to put together a gathering that was… prayerful; humble; hopeful; hungry/desperate for God; listening to discern God's leading rather than putting on a show of man - made 'confidence' and 'professionalism'; excellent in arrangements (refreshments, rooms for various uses); diverse in presenters yet the same God speaking through them; welcoming lots of careful participation (open mic but guided graciously by a moderator). I would be glad to have the people of the church I pastor see this kind of gathering, to see the heart for all God has for us, in a humble, gentle manner. I regret not making it to all of the sessions, so I cannot give feedback on all of it." ~Ken Cavanaugh, Fall Creek Community Church, Indiana "1). Gary's confession and godly
example of humility and accountability. ~Laurel Heiss, Lombard Alliance, Illnois "I had a deep desire to attend when I first heard about it. There were some other events taking place this week, but were not important (44 yr reunion nursing school class and 29 yr employment at hospital) compared to this! I came with an expectant heart, not knowing what God would do. My husband and I have been praying for our church to become a church of people filled with the Holy Spirit, and see manifestations of His presence. Every part of the gathering was great, from the time we walked in the door; I felt God's presence here and knew this is where He wanted me to be. Being allowed to come was made possible by the Lord (vacation request at work granted when normally only one person per week allowed and there were two of us! A dog sitter also who graciously volunteered!) Much new information and many old truths need to be sorted out in my mind as I return home. A new refilling of the Holy Spirit and time of spiritual renewal is what I needed and received here. It's so incredible to think that I've been able to be a part of this small group of Alliance people to become a catalyst for the rekindling the flame in our denomination and world around us - just as the disciples waited for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in them, also as A.B. Simpson's small group met together. I will go back home with a greater desire to be used in prayer ministry and let the Holy Spirit work in me and through me." ~Bonnie Klein, Girard Alliance, Ohio "It really touched my heart when I told a couple that I have been praying for them in the prayer room before the Gathering they told me that while they were driving here someone in front of them hit a utility pole and the utility pole fell right in front of them on the road but did not touch their car and she just knew that someone was praying for them. Once the pole fell they drove around the pole and came here. Someone else told me that when I told them that I had been praying for them they said that knowing that I was the one praying for them that they really were prayed for. While being here at the Gathering, I had some burden and guilt that have been weighing on my heart and there was evidence of that. So I had to go to the deep waters in my soul and take it to the cross. It was there that the Lord met me. I had an outpouring while at the cross. Since then I feel that I have been released of all my burden and guilt and it has been flushed away and I now feel that a few pounds have been lifted from my heart and I have been cleansed of my sins. This Gathering was something that God felt that I needed and I agree with Him. Where God leads me I follow Him and I did and that's why I was here at the Gathering. Holy Spirit, I love you now and forever and ever. Amen." ~Beth Johnson, Maple Ridge Community Church, Indiana "It was encouraging to see the older
men so 'full of sap and green' in their old age - full of life.
They teach in a way that is different from most preachers/teachers.
They handle the word purely, differently. They recover something
we have lost. They are a raw deposit of history, experience
- a voice from the past that we have forgotten. The quality
of all of the men was striking. Each one commanded respect because
of their godliness. Their message was supported by their character.
I have never been challenged to experience the fullness of the
Holy Spirit in an Alliance church so frequently as I was here
and with whatever accompanying manifestations the Holy Spirit
might care to impart. Thank you so much ~Anonymous "I was very encouraged by the Rekindle the Flame Gathering. I chose to drive the distance from Palm Coast, Florida to West Lafayette for the sole purpose of waiting on the Lord and preparing my heart for the event, and I can honestly say it was worth it. Since becoming a part of the Alliance family in the early 90's I have hungered to experience what I read of A.B. Simpson and the early days of this movement. My sense is we may be on the threshold of the return to the roots that made us who we are as an Alliance family in the first place. I hope others recognize the need for this spiritual refreshing. Without it, I'm not sure what the future will hold for us. With it, I'm still not sure where it will lead, but I do know God will have the last word, and it will be good! Thanks for all your hard work and for hearing the Father's voice, allowing this 'gathering' to happen." ~Rick Wright, Palm Coast Alliance, Florida "Dear friends: 'Most personally significant' for me is that you've had the calling and courage to pray this gathering/movement into existence... I'm wonderfully blessed by the fact that several of our group felt led to pray for Jonathan's healing (progression from severe to profound hearing loss)! May God perform this 'mighty act' when it will bring most honor to His strong Name! A first 'miracle' has already occurred at The Gathering... Jonathan has never known any other way of life and, at thirteen; the hearing loss is just part of his identity... The Spirit in Pastor Sipley and others has been so 'sweet' that Jonathan has moved from feeling terrified of such a drastic change to feeling at peace... has made himself available to God, hearing perfectly or imperfectly. Though I'm well aware of the fact that this was not intended to be suitable for children/youth, I so appreciate your willingness to accommodate... (Our boys have had no choice but to become particularly patient, with our involvement at two churches with two services each! In case you didn't already notice, they took turns coming with me...) I believe that this turned out to be very meaningful even for our boys, both for the direct Spiritual teaching and for the significant role modeling... They've read hundreds of stories of great Christians and need contemporary examples of men of great faith! I've come away with renewed HOPE! There is a future for our families! If we continue to humble ourselves... (I have to confess that I came with a fear that our gathering could lead to an air of superiority, and I'm most deeply blessed by the 'sweet' Spirit that chose to descend on the group!) A verse that I felt led to in our time of 'waiting' together was from the passage where the disciples are obediently WAITING FOR THE WIND in the upper room: 'They agreed they were in this for good, completely together in prayer...' (Message)." ~Melody Welde, Cody Alliance, Wyoming
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