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EXPERIENCING
HEAVEN ON EARTH
Volume 3
PLEASE NOTE-BUSY UPDATING NEXT FEW WEEKS
Making the world a better place
Copyright © 2019 by Arthur Dilley
- I. El. Eng. (S. A.); M. S. A. A. F. Sc. & Technology
- I. Mech. Eng. (S. A.); A. I. Electronic & Radio Eng. (S. A.)
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof
May not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever
Without the express written permission of the publisher
except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Printed at Print on Demand
5 Koets street, Parow Industria
First Printing , 2019
ISBN :
To Arthur
Every success with your books. I appreciate what you did to help me in building Pick n Pay’s bakery and biscuit operation.
Very Best Wishes
Raymond Ackerman
Oct 2019
Cape Town
CONTENTS- HEAVEN ON EARTH VOL 3
About this book
Introduction
Foreword
A Dedication
Preface
Chapter 1. Jesus in the SQUATTER CAMP
- Revival and healings in squatter camp
- The ANC, The dead body and the trailer lights
- God gives songs in dreams in the night
- Backslider sickness healed, becomes an Apostle
- Muslim lady running crèche becomes a Christian
- Woman sick and unable to get up healed instantly
- Drunk woman born again on the spot
- The bible study and the storm that stopped
- Breaking a witchdoctors’ curse on paralysed man
- Father Christmas, the Mayoress and the dead child
- Washing peoples feet heals their backs, neck pain etc
- Man dying in J Bay squatter camp healed on Christmas
- Woman in J Bay squatter camp healed of Asthma
Chapter 2. Jesus in HOME FELLOWSHIPS
- Woman with 15 year issue of bleeding healed
- Frozen shoulder only healed after forgiving his boss
Chapter 3 Jesus
Chapter 4
- My Story, and travels around the world 101
- Details of the Omega Disciple Makers Course 121
- Steps to take before praying for healing- CPI 123
- Finding out what needs to be prayed for 124
- A useful prayer sequence to remember 126
- The perfect prayer -used in this book 128
- Testimony of the Omega Disciple Makers Course
ABOUT THIS BOOK
The Title HEAVEN ON EARTH
Is all about experiencing heaven on Earth-
One would ask if that is possible and what does it mean.
This term is derived from the teachings of Jesus.
He taught His followers to ask God His Father
That we bring Heaven on Earth, because this is His Will.
The supernatural realm-God’s will
For people to be physically and or emotionally healed
For us to experience a complete re-birth in our spirits
So that we may be set free from fear, anger, bitterness etc
And experience real love, peace and joy in our lives
THIS BOOK SETS OUT TO PROVE IT IS POSSIBLE
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this book is threefold-
- For those who don’t believe in God, or if there is a God
To those I would say that a court case is won purely and simply through witnesses-In other words, the judge can only make a decision based on evidence and experience of someone who has actually been involved. This book is about a scientific approach by an electronic and radio engineer-one who has experienced every single one of these amazing events- In this book you will find hard concrete evidence with pictures, on which to base a decision as to whether there is a God or not.
2. For those who believe, but unsure if miracles possible
To those I would say that the evidence of events recorded in these books will provide ample proof of the fact that they are not only possible, but occur regularly in the lives of those connected or tuned in to God. In point of fact, over more than 31 years since 1987 I have experienced more than a thousand miracles of healings and other phenomena which I hope to continue writing about in the years to come.
3. For those who believe in God, and miracles are possible
Maybe you have not been exposed to miracles or seen any-
To those I would say that these testimonies will inspire you to greater things. That they would increase your faith and cause a desire for doing the same things; that you would be inspired to make the world a better place by helping the helpless and the suffering, the lost and the lonely, the captives to depression and addictions etc.-and that you would study the works of Jesus.
Healing principles are often briefly explained in most stories.
Some of the principles learned in healing etc are given, and there is information at the back, for those wishing to advance in the things of the spirit healing.
FOREWORD
Real life experiences of miracles, healings, signs and wonders
These occurred while driving around South Africa for my work as a service engineer in Pick and Pay bakeries, in the market place and elsewhere. However, they are by no means limited to any one place-God is at work everywhere and desires that those who serve Him are available and willing to be used at any time and any place by Him, for the healing of those who cry out to Him, with the result that they may experience His love, Mercy and grace.
Principles of healing are described
These are included in some chapters so that the principles of healing can be more easily understood, and applied by anyone wishing to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Power in prayer
An example of the Lord’s Prayer, modified to suit circumstances, has been used extensively for healing and deliverance- is given at the back of this book-this is the prayer given by Jesus to His disciples who asked how they should pray. I have used this prayer with at least 10 000 people in the course of more than 30 years and many times seen visible results and change in almost every case.
Not just a formula
However it is not just a formula, but a guide as to what and how to pray, with the proviso that the one doing the praying has a connection to God through His Holy Spirit. This can only occur for one who truly desires to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, as well as making sure that one’s own spirit has been made new through a strong desire and commitment to be clean in thought word and deed, and to study the teachings of Jesus, and for guidance through the Holy Spirit of God.
Transference of energy from the spirit realm
It will become clearly evident that in every event recorded in my books, there is an interaction with the invisible realm-just like when you press a remote to open a garage door and energy is transmitted to the receiver, so too is there a transference of energy that accomplishes that which is asked for.
It does not matter what you believe, but what you know
This is my philosophy, because you can believe the Earth is flat, and for you it will be flat, irrespective of reality. In order to progress in any field one needs to study that field-my prayer is that whoever reads this book will be inspired to test and try the principle demonstrated, but above all, to be able to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit of God.
We can all hear His inner voice-our conscience!
It is possible for every person in the world to hear His voice, often in our darkest moments, and that whether they are believers or not, irrespective of race, colour or creed. I have spoken to many beggars on the streets, and when I question them, they all say that their prayers for food and shelter are heard, and that there were times they knew instinctively God was speaking to them.
There are countless stories of even devout Muslims who have visions or dreams where Jesus appears to them, and they are dramatically changed after their encounter, much as I was.
DEDICATION
- This book is dedicated to one who has impacted the history of mankind and this planet more than anyone else; His name is Jesus.
- His name, birth and death are celebrated by the majority of believers of the population of this planet, for more than 2000 years. Babies around the world are give names of His followers.
- His life gave mankind an orderly system of time and date keeping by the introduction of a universal calendar.
- His name, and those of His followers, is on the names of myriads of streets, provinces and countries throughout the world.
- His spirit has completely changed the character and lives of those who have sought Him in their darkest hour throughout history.
- His life was a testimony to God His Father, who He revealed to us, and doing miracles with signs and wonders beyond understanding Wherever He walked on this earth, He did only good, healing people, setting them free and displaying supernatural love to all without favour.
- Someone who said He was an alien, saying He was not from this world and was returning to heaven where He came from.
- Where there was no hope, no life, no love, no help, and no direction He reached down from heaven and renewed their spirit, like what happened to me.
A BAPTISM OF FIRE, AND A NEW LIFE
This book is written by one who in his darkest hour, cried out to God for release from darkness, to have hope and peace-so God reached down and changed my life forever, filling me with His Spirit, love and joy on a mountain, while alone, for 36 hrs. So much so that I thought I would die, and asked for it to be lifted. My life was forever changed, and so this book is dedicated to Jesus, the Saviour of the world, because He came to save us not only from our sins, but to heal us, and make us whole-setting us free to love, and be loved, and ultimately entrance into Heaven.
Thank you Lord Jesus, for saving me out of the pit of hopelessness and despair, reaching down from heaven and giving me new life-I am eternally grateful for what You have done for me, This book is a record of the new life and the power of your name to those who believe.
(See my story at the back of this book). Arthur Dilley
PREFACE
A haven of refuge
Since that fateful day 12 August 1988 when God filled me with fire and His Holy Spirit in my darkest hour on a mountain by myself, my life was never the same and turned downside up. My House over time became a haven of refuge for many, including the homeless, the lost, lonely, depressed, suicidal, schizophrenics, bipolar sufferers, street children, prostitutes, divorcees, the angry and bitter, the wounded, the sick, foreigners hiding from xenophobic attacks, Christmas parties for poor children from the squatter camp etc.
A place of healing
Without me realising it, over time my home became a place of healing for many-in a sense a real ‘Church’ as we see in the book of Acts with counseling, prayer, teaching, making disciples, and demonstrations and manifestations of God’s power occur from time to time. Many are the stories of not only physical healings, but the dead raised, sickness and disease healed, addictions, depressions, fear, family problems, injuries, HIV, arthritis, demonic possession etc instantly healed by the power of God. Even more spectacularly, visitations of angels, some leave their bodies and see heavenly visions, and lastly, praise God; Jesus appears to people and talks to them in visions!
Indescribable honour and privilege
This indescribable honour and privilege of seeing these things occurring in my life constantly overwhelms me with the result that I cannot refrain from testifying about the things I have seen, and experiences of the wonderful demonstrations and manifestations of the power of God and His love for His creation. I have for many years shied away from sharing my story, afraid that it would seem to be a type of boasting or ego
trip-but no, dear reader, this is something that I can no longer contain, as many have urged me to share my story. This is why Jesus came-much like the story of the demoniac in the Bible who was delivered of many demons where Jesus told him to go tell everyone the wonderful things that God had done in his life, so too, must I also tell a world in darkness that He is the light of
the world, and that by His Holy Spirit all things are possible to those who believe.
A testimony of hope and courage for mankind
May my testimony bring hope to those who feel hopeless, help to the helpless, healing to the hurting and wounded, comfort to the sick, courage to those without, freedom for those bound in chains of darkness, anger and unforgiveness from past hurts, habits and abuse from family and the world. I pray that if God has in any way touched you dear reader, also be inspired for greater things, and to tell others of the goodness of God.
Miracles in a squatter camp
REVIVAL IN MUIZENBERG SQUATTER CAMP
In my early years of ministry starting in 1987, just after I was baptised with fire on a mountain for 36 hrs, I was led to do God’s work at a local squatter camp amongst the poor where I began to see the most amazing miracles of healing and deliverance. (For more on these early days, please see my story at the back of this book)
Working with the ANC amongst the community
Previously I had met the ANC underground movement, because when I first started to work there, the leader had asked me who sent me, and I had pointed upwards and said-He sent me! To which she welcomed me with open arms we became firm friends. She was a feisty no nonsense woman who did not tolerate any underhand tactics or errant behaviour. (Since deceased a long time ago)
Called as an elder amongst the community
After a while I was asked to be part of the community elders which was quite fascinating, because they operated almost as a tribal tribunal. Whenever there was a problem with someone, they would assemble and after discussing the matter, make the offending party appear before them, and I was privileged to be a sort of advisor to the elders in various matters, when they would make a decision as to what to do with the person causing the problem. This is not possible today, as the squatter camp had been razed to the ground a long time ago and a proper township built. To complicate matters, the original inhabitants were of the ‘coloured, community, and presently there are far greater numbers of the ‘black’ population who have migrated from up north in search of better living. The sense of community has now long disappeared, and anarchy and chaos now reign everywhere.
The ANC , the dead body and the trailer lights
I remember one particular day when there was a rally of sorts. After a time I was called pastor by everyone because I was seen to be making a difference in the community in various ways, and would often be called by the ANC leader who knew which people were in dire need, and which people were lazy layabouts. They came to me for help as one of their prominent members had died, and could I help raise the R1400 for transporting the body to their homeland, as well as take the funeral service. I managed to raise the money through various Church pastors I knew personally, and gave them the money. When the time came for the funeral service, we were all gathered in the tiny hall which served as a crèche during the day.
The trailer with the body fails to arrive
There was quite a number of people present from our little church, and quite a number of important ANC leaders and members. This was in the late afternoon, and our people just sang gospel songs to an obviously unbelieving group from the ANC. It seemed that the trailer carrying the body was by now really late and my concern was that it would not come at all.
The ANC start to experience the peace and love of God
We just kept on singing and praising God for hours on end, and suddenly it seemed as if there was a shift in the atmosphere. The ANC were now entering into singing and praising God, and they started telling us they had never experienced such joy and happiness. This continued for another hour, after which the trailer eventually arrived. It appeared that the trailer lights were faulty and no matter what they did, they could not get the lights to work!
No violence or burning of tyres in the Vrygrond community
When we had completed the service and everyone had gone home, I realised this was a work of Holy Spirit, and that from that time on there was no violence in this community like all over the country-no matter where I went amongst the people in the dark amongst the bushes and houses, I never felt unsafe as I believe that God had done a special work amongst His people, and also kept me safe.
An un-ordained ‘Pastor’, ordained by God, welcomed by all
I had no theological qualifications from manmade institutions, but if I think about it, it was much like what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2. I did not come with man’s wisdom, but with signs and demonstrations of the power of God. This of course was driven by the love and compassion of Jesus. If any qualifications were needed, they were more of a practical nature. It is far better to be ordained or empowered by God, than to have a qualification with a lot of theological knowledge and no power in the Holy Spirit of God.
Some idea of my practical ‘apprenticeship’ as a pastor
The following information would give an idea of how God had changed my life in the early years after a period of about 5 years as follows, when I sat down and made a note of the changes in my life around 1993. This was without the help of any church input as I was working alone. Possibly about 300 people led to Jesus, 4 disciples known, established a church for these people, given out 500 bibles, about 3kg of gospel tracts, helped establish the Ark at Westlake, opened my home to about 40 people over this time who were homeless and lost including drug and alcohol addicts, murderers, adulterersetc, studied the New Testament 33 times from front cover to back cover. Led mini evangelical crusades, going from door to door handed out teaching materials and tools in different languages for missionaries, and much more to the praise of God.
Not just practical helps, but more spiritual ‘operations’
Jesus told us to cast out demons and heal the sick, which in the beginning happened by default as it were, when people would be delivered of not only addictions to drugs and alcohol, but basic things like depression rising up to demonic manifestations and witch craft. Signs and wonders followed with people falling down of their own accord, often with crying, screaming and sometimes laughter. There were often physical healings.(Mark 16 v 19-20)
GOD GIVES SONGS IN DREAMS-LIKE JOB IN THE BIBLE
Interestingly, being a musician, in July 1993 I had read in the book of Job where he says God gives songs in the night, and I complained to God that I had never experienced that, although because of my experiences I was in a state of worship throughout the night..
Job 35v10 says the following- ‘But no one says, where is God my maker, who gives songs in the night’ That very night, I was given a song in my sleep, and when I awoke, found myself singing that song, which I give here as testimony that these things are possible.
Being a musician, I was able to set it to music, and include the key for anyone musically inclined.
Key of D VERSE 1
D G A D
We praise you O God
D G A D
We worship you o God
G A F#m Bm
We lift up your Holy name
G A D
We thank you that You came
CHORUS 1
C G D
J –e –s –u -s
C G D
We glorify Your name
Bm F#m
Yesterday today and forever
G A
Always the same
VERSE 2
D G D
We praise You O Lord
D G D
WE exalt You O God
G A F#m Bm
We offer up our lives to You
G A D
We thank You from our heart
CHORUS 2
C G D
J -e –s –u –s
C G D
How wonderful Your name
Bm F#m
The name above all names
G A D
By which we all are saved
Other spiritual gifts start growing in operation
Things like interpretation of dreams began, special words of knowledge for people, words of wisdom and prophetic words over peoples lives for guidance, revelations while meditating on mountains etc. Evangelism and preaching became a way of life
Miracles mean God is at work
The miracles in themselves merely show that Holy Spirit is working alongside and it is He doing the work-without love for your neighbour they are of no value.
Jesus said in Mathew ch 7 v21-24 even if we raise the dead and have not love, we are none of His.
ANC leader and internationally renowned cleric arrives
Anyway, back to big meeting previously mentioned. The local ANC leader came to me and asked me to open the meeting in prayer, even though a famous cleric from the coloured community was present in all his pomp and glory-renowned internationally as an apartheid opponent.
He then stood up to say something and thought he was to open in prayer, but our leader lady said straight out to him where were you when we were struggling-what did you do for the poor-and made him sit down.! She then got me to open in prayer which was a nice compliment, especially as I was a white person. Such was some of the wonderful things I experienced over many years then, and later amongst the community.
Loving the unlovable, unwashed and inebriated drunk and disorderly, watching their lives change.
Living next door to my no1 soup kitchen lady was a couple who had joined with me right in the beginning in 1989 and we started to meet in their home. I remember clearly one rainy day entering the camp on muddy gravel roads with puddles everywhere from the winter rain, there was a woman who was an alcoholic and so poverty stricken she had no furniture in her tiny shack and no food.
I went and asked her to join us in the house we met for bible study and ministry, but she refused to come saying those people were rich because they had furniture, although their furniture was broken and torn. I took her by the hand gently and led her in. I vaguely remember praying with her and she broke down crying. I comforted her and hugged her, dressed in what seemed her only dress stained and smelling of urine.
I went to buy her some food and the next week asked her if she had eaten it. To my dismay, she replied she was unable to cook as she had no money to buy matches, candles and paraffin to cook.
Such was the state of so many of the community and where the need was great. The compassion of God was upon me and let me love people unconditionally who I previously would never have spoken to.
At times the roads became impassable, so I managed to get the city engineer to improve some roads and extra lights in the area.
Also started a competition for growing vegetables in gardens with prizes for best gardens, to try and restore some dignity to the community.
3. BACKSLIDER HEALED OF DISEASE BECOMES APOSTLE
Back to our first meetings in the home of a couple. The wife was a strong believer while the husband stayed in the background, not really taking part in bible studies or fellowship.
Man very ill has a dream of dying
Fast forward 20 years, and my no 1 soup kitchen lady who now lived next door, told me he was very ill.
It should be pointed out that some years later the government flattened the area and built small brick houses in a brand new township.
On hearing about his condition, I visited him and saw he looked deathly pale. I asked him what his trouble was, and he replied he had intense stomach pains and unable to eat anything. He added that he had a dream where he died and asked if I could pray for him.
What will you do if God heals you?
I responded by saying that I would, but Holy Spirit said ask him what will he do if he gets healed. So I asked him the question and he replied earnestly with tears in his eyes, almost pleading, that he would serve the Lord.
God healed him, so he began to preach.
In my mind I said I hope so, and left it to Holy Spirit to complete the work. A few years later I came across him next door to no 1 soup kitchen lady-he said God had healed him, and he had turned his little house into a church and was preaching up a storm. He asked me to preach as well, and Holy Spirit came upon the meeting.
I accidentally touched his mother
who promptly fell unconscious on the floor!
This particular period was long after I had run 4 soup kitchens for the children, and we started up again to feed the poor, as I was well known at the local Pick and Pay store where we fetched sell by items at the back despatch gate.
Feeding the children and the poor
For about a year we did a soup kitchen from his house and I also preached now and then. Churches started inviting him to preach, and on one occasion in Somerset West, he was about to start preaching when Holy Spirit said to him-you must not preach as I am going to bring healing in this meeting. Well he stood there and asked the congregation where they were with the Lord.
He becomes filled with the Holy Spirit and fire!
Next minute the local pastor’s wife starts running down the aisle and falls down. At some point he waved his hands while in worship, and people started falling down as they were being healed. This was similar to my experience at a drug centre in a drug rehab in a country town called Noupoort. I realised that what the Lord had given me, had been transferred to him when I laid hands on him for healing.
He now became ordained as an apostle!
Subsequently over time he was initiated as an Apostle over 7 small Churches in the denomination he was now part of. This story goes to show that no matter if one backslides; God can create circumstances to bring us back into His flock.
Jesus said I am the good Shepherd and I lead my sheep. John ch 10
In the early days, often when visiting my soup kitchen ladies at their homes, they would come up with various requests for needs in the community. One particular lady, who was the most active, often led me to those with special needs-I will call her no 1 soup kitchen lady.
The need is great
In those early years I tried to get financial assistance from whatever source, and built a website to invite participation and contribution to my work where I was the sole participant. A local small church which I was part of, refused to come as it during the anti apartheid revolution with tyres burning and people dying by violence.
During this time I met with the Dutch church underground movement supporting the African National Congress which was banned at the time. Strangely enough, there were no incidents of violence from this particular community during the time of my ministry there.
4 SOUP KITCHENS TO FEED THE HUNGRY CHILDREN
Because of the dire straits of the
members of the community, I put all 4 soup kitchens onto the website which was quite primitive showing the person in charge and individual needs of children in their area. The names and precise needs were displayed, with the premise that any contribution would be displayed on the website together with a photo of the recipient and the gift.
Muslim lady running creche becomes a Christian
This was a good idea at the time, but the Internet in 1991 was still in its infancy and I was ignorant as to how to promote it so it eventually died. Every year I would sponsor parties for the children at my own cost at Easter and Christmas time, as well as the seniors in the community. The venue was a small creche run by a Muslim lady, who also had a small soup kitchen going opposite her house. Each year as I would set up the parties and do ministry, she was eventually impacted by what we did, and became a Christian.
Woman sick, DRUNK for 2 weeks healed instantly
This event happened one day when one of her helpers in the soup kitchen could not work because of intense ongoing stomach pain, as well a serious drinking problem. The Muslim lady called me to go over the sick woman and accompanied me there, asking if I could pray for her helper. I said of course, but I only pray for people using the name of Jesus. She said that was no problem, so I prayed for the sick woman and laid hand on her stomach as she lay on he bed.
The next morning she woke up completely free of any pain, and I believe she also stopped drinking. Possibly when the Muslim lady saw the healing power of Jesus in her helper mad completely well, she came to be a believer in Jesus all praise to Him.
GIRL GIVEN A PAIR OF SHOES GETS NEW HOPE
One interesting case many years later was shown to me by my no 1 soup kitchen lady was an article in a local newspaper about a young girl from the community who had just passed her matric with flying colours. In the article she made reference to a man who had bought her some shoes for school, as her parents were too poor to afford them. The girl also said in the article that this incident and encouragement inspired her to achieve the best she was capable of. So I asked my soup kitchen lady why she was showing me thus, and she replied that the man in the article was you!
This of course was a great source of joy and a wonderful testimony that God had started in me many years ago in the late 1980’s.
People next door need some food as they are starving
Another interesting testimony brought on by my no 1 soup kitchen lady was that one day she asked if I could assist an elderly grandmother around the corner who was looking after her 5 year old granddaughter. I bought the necessary food items and went with my no 1 lady to give them the food.
On arrival I learnt that the child’s mother and father had both died of AIDS which was an epidemic in the country.
Not only that, but the grandchild also had developed AIDS and was covered in sores.
To my horror my no 1 soup kitchen lady said please pray for the child to be healed! This immediately brought up a whole variety of thoughts including how can I do this, I am not Holy enough, this is too difficult for me and other doubts. I avoided answering and made some small talk, sensing something was about to happen, as if waiting for someone.
DRUNK WOMAN ENTERS BY MISTAKE IS BORN AGAIN
What happened next was a welcome diversion as an intoxicated woman stumbled through the door and mumbled some question.
I shouted to her-“I have been waiting for you-today is your day of salvation and freedom from addiction!
Surprised myself what had come out of my mouth, I immediately led her in a prayer of repentance and laying hands on her she was instantly delivered. More than 25 years later she was still saved and attending the Vrygrond Mission church the Lord used me to establish of about 400-500 strong, which after 30 years is still going.
In the mean time, my no 1 lady was not about to give up on me praying for the young grandchild with AIDS.
She started pestering me again, so I became resigned in my spirit and suddenly saw a picture of Jesus blessing a small child sitting on His knee as He did in the scriptures.
So I picked up the child and put her on my knee.
I then looked up to heaven as Jesus did, sighed and said-“Heavenly Father you know all things, and I lift up this young girl to Your throne of grace and ask for her healing”.
Putting the child down, I told the grand mother to take her to the clinic for ointment to put on her sores and left.
GRANDDAUGHTER INSTANTLY HEALED OF AIDS
About two weeks later in discussion with my no 1 lady I casually asked whether they had taken the child to the clinic to get ointment for her sores.
She replied that they did not. Shocked and concerned for the child I asked why not- she replied that it was not necessary, because after I had prayed for her, when she woke up the next morning the sores had all disappeared.
In utter disbelief I asked her how could this be? So she said come, I will show you, and there right before my eyes was proof that God does confirm our messages with signs and wonders, as written in the book of Mark ch 16 v19-20.
The accompanying picture shows the white scar marks where the sores once were, to the glory of God.
The bible study and the storm THAT STOPPED
The time came to start teaching bible study, and as I had read and studied the New Testament more than 10 times at that stage, I was beginning to really understand and apply the teachings of Jesus.
Having arranged to start a proper bible study with the group on a particular day, to my dismay a violent storm came up that evening.
Getting into my car and driving there, the rain was coming down so hard I knew that it would stop the meeting because their corrugated iron structures had plastic for a roof covering which would leak very badly with such a strong wind and heavy downpour.
It was raining so hard that the wipers were on maximum speed, and I had to concentrate in the dark to avoid having an accident.
I started complaining to myself and then sent up a question in my spirit for the rain to stop to Holy Spirit.
Please stop the storm Holy Spirit I asked, and He replied– what is wrong with you?
“What don’t you stop the rain?,” came back the reply to my utter amazement and shock.
I thought for a moment and said in my spirit-” do You mean I can do it, just like Jesus did?”
“Yes you can” came back the reply.
Then a doubt came into my mind as the analytical engineer side of my nature spoke up. “How will I know if You stopped the rain? Surely there is a statistical probability that it will stop sometime anyway?”
Holy Spirit then said-“Put it to the test-what would you like to know?”
I thought for a moment and up came an answer-
“If the rain stops exactly when the front wheels of my car go off the tar road onto the gravel at the end of St Peters road access to the camp, then I will know it’s You!.”
All this was going on while my car wipers were operating at maximum speed so heavy the wind and the rain, and seeing with difficulty.
I address the storm and command it to stop raining!
So doing as instructed, I shouted out and commanded the wind and rain to stop in the power and authority of the name of Jesus at the junction of St Peters road and the squatter camp entrance. .A few minutes later I turned into St Peters road and by now forgetting what had just happened due to having to concentrate on driving.
Well, as I approached the intersection of tar and gravel road leading into the camp, to my relief the rain was starting to die down.
The rain stops pouring down at a point specified by my command
As I stopped the car to leave the tar road and go over the pavement on the gravel road entrance to the squatter camp, immediately there was NO rain. It must be pointed out that because of the very strong winds and rain, I had forgotten the discussion with Holy Spirit because of intense concentration driving in the very heavy rain and hardly able to see a thing, even with the windscreen wipers going on maximum speed!
In utter surprise I opened the door and jumped out of the car, wondering where the rain had gone. As I did so, I found a strong East wind blowing. This was significant in that the rain comes from behind Table Mountain in that area which is North West. The strong East wind was at 90 degrees and pushing the rain the other way. Still I did realise the impact of what had just happened-being only too glad that our first bible study could go ahead. It did take place at the house in the above picture and went well, so we drew to a close at 9.30 and said my goodbyes and went outside.
The East wind stops and the North West rain comes again
The East wind had now stopped completely, and the rain started to drizzle lightly as I got into the car to go home. Within 5 minutes the North Wester was in full force again with the rain pelting down.
Sometime later, reflecting on this strange wind behaviour, I suddenly remembered what had transpired while driving to the camp talking with Holy Spirit about the rain being stopped, and rejoiced in the fact that the promise of Jesus in John ch 14 v12-14 had become a reality in my life-Jesus said anyone who believed in Him could do the SAME as He did, and even greater. This too became reality later on more and more in my life. One thing had puzzled me about this experience-it wasn’t the fact that I did what Gideon did in the bible by setting certain conditions in place. It was rather how the East wind came about. I then went through the Old Testament and searched for places where the East wind was mentioned.
The East wind also parted the Red sea for Moses
To my amazement I found it was the strong East wind that backed up the red Sea for Moses to cross; it was the wind that brought plagues, locusts and used extensively by God to accomplish certain tasks That He had in mind. Basically, I believe that angels were at work in stopping and starting the rain by bringing winds in from different directions. The reason I say so, is that in the book of revelations we find a statement that says there were 4 angels in charge of the 4 winds from North, South, East and West. This is to the glory of God, and proof the He is still the same yesterday today and forever. Amen.
breaking witch doctors curses and other amazing stuff.
Being a musician playing the guitar, I began to learn the local gospel songs in their language-every now and then, I would receive invitations to minister in homes, taking my guitar and doing worship, after which I would begin praying for various needs and counselling where necessary.
On one occasion, I was requested to pray for a man who had been cursed by a witch doctor, after which he had been lying on a bed flat on his back for 2 weeks with his eyes wide open but not moving or eating.
At this point I need to say where I was exactly in terms of my faith as follows.
Being an engineer with a highly logical and practical approach to life. I was radically saved and transformed, preaching and demonstrating the love of Jesus and the new life He gave from heaven-but was absolutely convinced there was no devil or hell at that stage of my spiritual journey.
But God had other ideas and needed me to start experiencing the spiritual realm of the devil.
Back to the story of the man cursed-so being in a meeting in one house at the time, I asked everyone to come with me to pray for the man, not really believing in their story or that my prayers would alter anything.
We entered the house, and there he was lying on a bed with eyes wide open staring at the ceiling.
Not knowing what to do, I asked the group to sing a song with me which was all about the blood of Jesus who washes and cleanses our spirits.
As I was strumming the guitar and singing along with the group, a voice came into my thoughts from Holy Spirit and said–
“Walk over to him, point your fingers towards his eyes, and command him to sit up in the name of Jesus.
Not wishing to be disobedient to Holy Spirit, I stopped playing and walked over to him
Doing exactly what I was told, I shouted ” in the name of Jesus, stand up!!.
To my amazement and everyone else present, he shot up as if someone had stuck a pin in his buttocks!
This was to be the start of an introduction to the spirit realm and the warfare reigning on the earth.
Father Christmas, the Mayoress and a dead child
During my visits there and seeing the young children starving, I made contact with 4 women believers situated in different places to start making food for the children. I supplied each with food, paper cups, utensils etc and we started feeding about 60-100 children at any one time, and it was beautiful to see these youngsters enjoying themselves.
At times I would fill my car with them and take them to the nearby beach for an outing and having a picnic. The church was growing, and by that time I had joined a Presbyterian church who had a ministry outreach for abandoned street children. They began assisting me in various ways with vegetables for gardens etc. In 1991 they sponsored a Christmas party for about 50 children, and even arranged for our mayoress to visit them, while I paraded in a father Christmas outfit handing out presents. (in the back of the picture above)
By this time everyone in the camp called me pastor, although I had no formal qualifications, but more importantly, called by God.
During the party while the children were being entertained, a couple came to me very concerned about their missing child and asked me to pray for her..
Mayoress calls in police helicopter for missing child.
In the meantime, the mayoress who heard about this had called the police helicopter that was circling overhead and had joined the search. I was asked by the parents to pray for them about the child-and so I did as they asked, and earnestly prayed for the child-while doing so, Holy Spirit gave me an alarming vision of the child’s feet sticking out of a sand dune nearby where she had been buried.
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Not wishing to distress the couple further I held back the vision which was confirmed the very next day. All I could do now was to pray that the police would find the child quickly to bring the matter to a close, and by morning her body was found It turned out the child had been raped and buried by a nearby neighbour who was taken into custody.
These times were very interesting as South Africa was under siege with demonstrations and violence everywhere as the ANC black consciousness movement had been banned. community meetings whenever problems of any nature arose, calling on me to head the meetings and provide wisdom and advice.
I regularly would bring 4 food packets separate to the soup kitchens and she would direct me to the most needy. On one occasion I was directed to an elderly couple, and on giving them the food parcel knelt down and kissed my hand, saying they had not eaten for 3 days. With tears in my eyes I turned away, and thanked God for using me where I could make a difference.
Washing peoples feet brings healing to their bodies
Slowly, without me realising it, a church or collection of believers started growing. One Easter, I arranged for a celebration to remember the sacrifice and death of Jesus. In one particular corrugated tin house, (the same one in the previous story of the rain stopping and where we did bible study) I bought some whole fish and long round loaves of bread, and gave it to the woman who occupied it to prepare for our small growing group.
No furniture or table, just a door on cardboard boxes with sheet
Came the day, and not having a table, she had got hold of 2 boxes and putting an old door on top which she covered with a sheet.
The fish had been cooked and prepared- the bread sliced and put on plates on the make shift table, complete with the door handle showing under the sheet. When the group of about 10 arrived and filled the house, I started the proceedings by praying a blessing over the food, which we then enjoyed together. While this was going on, Holy Spirit showed me to wash the feet of all those present, much like Jesus when He washed His disciples’ feet.
When the right time came, I knelt down and started to wash their feet, and asking them to forgive the white people for hurting them and subjecting them to insulting and demeaning behaviour.
To my surprise, as I was almost finished, various people who had ailments such as back and neck problems, were being healed and set free from anger and bitterness as Holy Spirit touched each one while I washed their feet.!.This was the beginning of the real growth of the church. A dear female friend of mine who had accompanied me once into the camp, suggested that I go to the local youth with a mission Base as they were about to start a church planting and pastor training course.
Ywam invites me to attend Church planting course at no cost
I went to them and when they heard what I was busy with, they invited me to join the course without cost. This was a wonderful experience because a certain missionary and theological professor with 40 years experience in Soweto township in Johannesburg was doing the teaching, who brought a highly practical approach on how to understand the cultural and contextual issues. He said that when he arrived, he found that he had to start from scratch and forget about his Phd degree in order to work with the local communityOn completion I challenged the YWAM team to work in the camp for them to gain
practical experience, which they did, and many years later still have a presence there.
Christmas HEALINGS in Jefferys Bay squatter camp
The story that follows started while attending the Victory Church in Jeffrey’s Bay on a Christmas day service. It was announced that food parcels for the poor were available for anyone to distribute as they saw a need, which I thought was a brilliant idea, so I went and fetched a few bags of food. Because I was a visitor, I was not aware were the local squatter camp was and made enquiries. Eventually I was directed there, and drove up to the conglomeration of houses and shacks which the poor called home. I searched for the poorest people i could find and had 3 parcels of food to give away, as well as some Xhosa bibles that I was given. The first couple I came across desperately wanted a Xhosa bible, so fortunately I could give them one, as well as bless them with a food parcel. I also was asked to pray for the little child, which I did as can be seen in the accompanying picture.
SICK WOMAN HEALED AND FINE NEXT DAY
I carried on and met a woman who looked very unhappy and not looking well. She said she was very poor and was sick form TB as far as I can remember-so I prayed for her and gave her a food parcel. She then directed me around the corner to densely packed corrugated tin shacks where a man was also desperately ill.
Man dying from Hiv or Aids made well.
She led me in to his shack, and spoke to him in Xhosa language which I could not understand-neither could he speak English, although he was so sick he could hardly speak at all, while just lying there on his broken couch (see picture)
I was a bit concerned as to what to do, as I could not speak to him in his language to ask what was wrong with him. Anyway, suddenly Holy Spirit said get all the people in the room to sing gospel songs in Xhosa ( a lot of people who saw what I was doing, had followed us around and came inside to see what was happening). So everyone sang for quite a while, after which I asked someone to question the man if he believed in God, and to repent of his sins-this was done and I laid hands on his breast and spoke healing over, and then left.
The man was perfectly healed and walking around
After the third day, I thought I should go and see ho w he was doing, and was pleasantly surprised to see him being up and well, his illness had gone and he was healed, praise God. I never did find out what his problem was!
CHAPTER 2
JESUS IN HOME CELL fellowships
Woman healed from 15 year issue of bleeding
This interesting scenario is very similar to the previous story of the man with the frozen shoulder etc.
I was invited to a home fellowship in Tokai, a suburb in Cape Town one evening.
There were quite a few people present and we were having a great time of fellowship. When the time came for us to encourage and witness to each other what God had done in our lives, I related one or two stories of healing through the work of Holy Spirit.
The couple in whose home we were, apparently had a ministry of their own and happened to mention that the wife had a female issue of bleeding for the past 15 years.
They asked if I would pray for her and of course I agreed. As I was about to start praying for her condition, Holy Spirit told me she has unforgiveness in her spirit that would prevent her healing. This of course was much like the previous story, where I have outlined some of the obstacles to healing. The topic of healing is fully covered in level 3 of my Omega Disciple Makers Course, for those wishing to know more and how to go about healing and all the principles involved, especially correct and effective prayer.
I told the woman that I believed, and was given confirmation, that she had bitterness in her spirit that would be an obstacle to healing prayer.
I’m a Christian and missionary and don’t need to forgive anyone!
Her reply was immediate-she was a strong Christian and missionary, and certainly never bore grudges against anybody!
Of course, this was perplexing to say the least, as I was sure that the word of Knowledge given me by Holy Spirit was correct.
This particular scenario is actually another example of healing obstacles-people have come to a place in their Christian walk where they may well be a forgiving loving person, whereas previously this may not have been the case.
An interesting analogy and picture I remember once hearing was that of a log in a garden. The garden was all neat and trimmed, plants watered and looking wonderful.
But that log in the corner was covering a part of the grass, and when it was removed there were all sorts of insects scurrying about and not a pretty sight as the grass was rotten.
This analogy can go deeper where we can paint over a piece of wood that is starting to rot-over time many layers of paint cover the rot, but it is still there and needs to be fixed.
Back to our story where I know pondered what to and asked Holy Spirit what must I do?
Why 15 years-what happened then?
The reply was ” ask her what happened 15 years ago”
So I then asked her what happened and she could think of nothing.
Again I threw up a question to heaven for wisdom, and the response was ” ask her where she was 15 years ago” which I did. She thought for a moment and then said she and her husband were living with her aunt in UK. I said carry on, what happened there? She replied that there was a major row over some issue and the aunt threw them out, and so they had to come to South Africa.!
There you are I said-deep down you still have bitterness buried under all your experiences – so I led her in a prayer of repentance, and the essential blessing over her aunt to set them both free.
Some time later I was told the 15 year issue of bleeding had dried up and once again this demonstrates that we are Co workers with God’s ministering spirits and angels, who help us do the work and will of God.
Man instantly healed of frozen shoulder after forgiveness
Around 2011 I was running one of my Omega Disciple Makers courses at my home, and had reached a stage in the course where the focus was on physical healing by spiritual means.
Healing by laying on of hands, or not at all, is probably one of the most contentious topics in the life of the church which is due by and large to ignorance on the subject, apart from not having seen or experienced the power of Holy Spirit at work.
Paul states that clearly in 1 Corinthians ch 4 v20 that the
The Kingdom of God is not about WORDS, but about POWER.
This power is that which comes to all who truly believe and trust in Jesus with all their heart; not only that, but their sins are forgiven, they have repented and forgiven others as Jesus commanded us to do.
This very point is the main stumbling block to healing and deliverance-Jesus told His disciples to firstly cast out demons and then heal the sick. The demons in this case are often bitterness, unforgiven essential etc that can bring on physical ailments.
James also labours on the point where he says confess your sins, so you MAY be healed. Where does the sin lie-is it not the we ask for forgiveness for OUR sins, but fail to forgive OTHERS.
We are filled with resentment, anger, slander, judgement and the like.
THIS sin creates a barrier between man and God. Jesus gave many parables on forgiving because we have been forgiven-He clearly issues a COMMAND to forgive others, or we ourselves will NOT be forgiven in Mathew ch 6.
Many are those who aspire to do healing with the wrong motives, namely to impress others and make a name for themselves. Jesus deals harshly with such people in Mathew ch 7 v21-22 where He states many will say that in His name they did all kinds of miracles, but He groups them as condemned much like the Pharisee who did not show love, mercy or kindness to his neighbour.
This is the background to the story about a man who had recently joined the course-that he was in pain and discomfort because of spine and shoulder problems was evident through tears trickling down his eyes now and then as he tried to sit comfortably.
pray for this man and put into practice what they had learnt. So they did proceed to ask for the man’s healing but nothing was happening.
Holy Spirit said-Stop, he will not be healed!
Holy Spirit said that he will NOT be healed as he has unforgiveness in his spirit. So I stopped the group and told them what I had heard, and that he had bitterness towards somebody.
I proceeded to question him and he admitted he had recently been retrenched unfairly-so he said and was angry with the man.
Then told him if he wanted to be healed he had better forgive the man
So he said I forgive the man. I then said that is not good enough-it’s not coming from your heart. You must do what Jesus said in Mathew ch 5 v44 to pray a blessing over him and his financial situation.
Man instantly healed when he forgave and blessed the man!!
Our man proceeded to do this quite fervently, and suddenly Holy Spirit said he can now be healed! So I began by laying hands on his shoulders and instructed the others to do the same, commanding healing into his body – INSTANTLY the man was healed as he felt power flowing through his body
To our absolute amazement he swung his shoulders from side to side as well as his neck without the slightest trace of pain.
This incident was so incredible that none of those present would forget that moment in time.
Once again the spirit of Jesus had powerfully restored mobility to a man in trouble- but this only AFTER he had forgiven those who had offended him. Such is a demonstration of the mercy and grace of God.
An important footnote to this story is that Jesus never ASKED His Father for healing. He gave us power and the authority to heal, and by the power vested in us we are to COMMAND healing in Jesus name. John 16 v23 clearly shows the way.
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