Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs with responses from Jonathan Fawcett, pastor of Immersion Church.

WHAT IS CHURCH?

Church isn’t a building, nor is it a club where membership is earned or paid for. Going to church isn’t a way to God. It gives believers in Jesus Christ an opportunity to recharge for a life of service to God and to others. The church isn’t confined by traditions, rituals, or customs as we may see today. It shouldn’t be treated as an opportunity to rant and rave judgmentally towards the wrongdoings and sin of others. Instead, the church should be a launching pad for serving others boldly in love as Christ served and first loved us. The church is built on the revelation that Jesus is the Christ – the One chosen to save the human race. The good news is that He wants to empower you to help others.

I BELIEVE IN GOD. WHY DO I NEED TO GO TO CHURCH?

You have potential that you may not even realize. Despite what life has thrown at you, where you position yourself can improve your situation, pull you back, or create stagnancy. Believing in God doesn’t mean you are called to go to seminary or pastor a church. It does, however, mean that He has placed a vision in you. Many believe that dropping everything to support the pastor’s vision is true obedience to God. We believe that our vision is fulfilled when your vision is fulfilled. In other words, we want to help you get to the places God has called you. It’s easy to get discouraged and lose heart. When you gather with friends who will agree with you for God’s best in your life, miracles follow.

I DON’T BELIEVE IN GOD. WHY DO I NEED TO GO TO CHURCH?

Our life experiences have shaped who we are. You may or may not have a spiritual background. When I say, “Church,” you probably think of hypocrites (dressed in their finest clothes, smiling through their teeth) meeting on Sunday morning for a time of brainwashing as they listen and believe every word spoken by the man at the altar. Sound terrible. Unfortunately, it isn’t a stretch of the imagination to describe that scene. That is because church has been twisted and warped from its original purpose. It was never intended to be about religious traditions, ceremonies, and sermons. Jesus said, “Traditions of men make the power of God null and void.” Church was intended to encourage others, inspire faith, and pursue Truth. We believe that Truth is Jesus Christ (See next question).

JESUS? HOW DARE YOU INSULT MY INTELLIGENCE!

That has been a popular response. Is it that people don’t like Jesus or could it be that His people have represented Him so poorly? I believe the church has misrepresented God. Context is everything when describing the character of God. Sadly, people have created some of their own Scripture from II Hesitations chapter 6. Let me throw some popular phrases out there:

God is in control or God will use sickness or allow the devil to run amuck to teach us a lesson.
(For an explanation of why these statements are false, see last question.)

Lies! All lies! Those are only two (of many) expressions that have poisoned the minds of millions. It has become accepted because of repetition from the pulpit… or as I like to call, the bullpit (laugh track). Do you look at an apple tree and say, “That’s an orange tree,” or do you call it for what it is? You can judge a tree by its fruit. Was Jesus just a nice man who taught good things? What made Him different? Jesus, Himself, said, “If you don’t believe me for the words that I speak, at least believe me for the miracles that I do.” The Bible records Jesus healing the sick, raising the dead, and confirming what He preached with signs, wonders, and miracles to show that He was the only way to God and eternal life in heaven. If that wasn’t enough, He had the audacity to say that those who believe in Him will do the works that He did and greater.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN SUPERNATURAL HEALING AND MIRACLES?

When is the last time you saw somebody supernaturally healed? Not by doctors and medicine, but beyond the methods of medical practice? I never saw anything like that either until my sophomore year in college. I began hanging out with people that took Jesus at His word. Years later, I can say that I have literally seen many hundreds healed supernaturally. It didn’t just happen at church, but on the streets, in restaurants, at theme parks. I’m not on TV, I’m not asking for your money, and I’m not a special effects technician. Jesus never turned anyone away when they asked for healing. We are the YouTube generation. We have to see it to believe it. People of Jesus’ time needed to see it to believe it too. He is too compassionate to not show you the tangible evidence of His love. It’s His nature. Growing up in a denominational church, I never saw anything like this. Now that I have, can you empathize with me, and imagine the expediency of bringing relief to those who have suffered? If you had the cure to every disease, deadly and mild, known to mankind would you hide it, share it, or sell it? In Christ, we do. It is free and available for every person. For me to not share this gift would be a selfish disservice to the world. Jesus healed all who came to Him. He never turned anyone away (Matthew 4:23-25, Luke 6:19, Acts 10:38). We won’t turn anyone away either.

HOW DOES A PERSON GET TO HEAVEN? ISN’T THERE MORE THAN ONE WAY?

Romans 10:9-10 says: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. If many ways get us to heaven, would that include Jesus? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me.” If all ways, including Jesus, can get us to heaven, this would mean that we could access heaven through a liar because He said He was the only way. If Jesus is the Truth, then either what He had to say is the most important news that has ever been broadcast for every person with breath in their bodies or He was a fake. After my experience with seeing the name of Jesus bend reality to show His love, I am convinced that He is the only way. His entire life was to demonstrate love towards you, save you from hell, death, and the grave, and give you an abundant life… not just in heaven but right now. So how does a person get to heaven? It isn’t by your works. Nobody can earn or deserve what He paid a price for. Jesus was given over to death and raised to life. He said something when He hung on that cross: It is finished. Your sin, wrongdoings, transgressions, iniquities, bad habits, sickness, disease, infirmities and the accumulation of all of your shame, embarrassment, and burdens have been buried. You can never be too bad or do too much to separate yourself from His love on this earth. On the other hand, you can never be too good or do too much to bring yourself closer. He drew Himself close to you. So what is required of you? Just receive the salvation.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO CONVERT ME?

I don’t want to convert you. I want to disciple you. Jesus commissioned us to make disciples, not converts. Becoming a disciple doesn’t mean we all shave our head, have a secret handshake, dress in robes and pass out literature on the streets. Becoming a disciple means you learn to do what Jesus did and greater. Wouldn’t you want to lay your hands on a sick person, maybe a family member or friend, who is diagnosed with cancer, speak healing over their condition and learn that an untreatable death sentence was healed? It’s only as weird as someone makes it. Are you weird? I didn’t think so. Then don’t be weird. Discipleship isn’t overnight. It takes time. We want to spend time with you. You can see results.

I HAVE HAD BAD EXPERIENCES IN CHURCH. WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT?

It’s easy to point fingers and blame churches, church members, pastors and church leaders for our bad experiences. I am guilty and have had plenty of gut-wrenching experiences. No church is perfect but Jesus is. We are opposed to making an idol from any man (this does not mean we don’t enjoy a good American Idol every once and awhile). Too many mimic and copy preachers. Pioneers in church history have contributed to multiplying copycat preachers. This doesn’t mean that their love for people and Jesus isn’t genuine. It just means they just lack the revelation to understand that God isn’t moved by formulas. He is moved only by faith. We want to teach you how to operate in faith with Christ in you. We do this by teaching the Bible from the context of our current standing with God… And our standing with God is great!

IF GOD IS IN CONTROL, WHY DO SO MANY BAD THINGS HAPPEN?

For these topics, I am going to use Scriptural examples to dismantle these proverbial bombs being dropped in churches around the globe. To understand who God is and who we are, we must start with John 1:1-5, 14, Matthew 6:10 and Hebrews 13:8. Jesus is the unchanging Word of God and became flesh to demonstrate the Father’s will and kingdom on earth as it is in heaven so that we could access heaven through Christ and the power of His Spirit. Let’s begin dispelling these rumors.

We hear the phrase, “God is in control.” Then we look around and see chaos, disease, death, violence, human trafficking, corruption and evil on the rise. If God is in control, He is doing a lousy job. Let me offer a wild thought: God is not in control. He created the heavens and the earth. He gave the earth to mankind to have dominion and rule over it, subduing evil and replenishing what is good (Genesis 1:26-31, Psalm 115:16).

There was a time when Israel asked for a king to rule over them. God’s response was, “No. Not yet. It’s not time.” The people persisted, begging for a king. God warned that it would not be good but they insisted. Against God’s will, they were given a king (I Samuel 8). God’s will is not everything that happens and everything that happens is not God’s will. His will is for everyone to come to the knowledge of salvation (I Timothy 2:1-6).

The wrath of God was satisfied for us on the cross. God’s wrath was poured out on Jesus so that we could be reconciled to Father God (I Corinthians 5:20). He has not appointed us for wrath (I Thessalonians 5:9-10). So many believe God uses the devil to teach us a lesson. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (I John 3:8, Matthew 12:22-32).

WHAT NOW?

We invite you to check it out. See if it’s real. If what Jesus taught is true, then it is the most important news planet earth has ever heard. If it isn’t real, then He is crazy, we’re crazy, and there’s nothing to lose. Check out our Facebook page for meeting days and times at www.facebook.com/immersionasu. 

Dumbed Down Gospel

The word "Gospel" means "the too good to be true news." Let's take a look at what that news is:

Jesus, apart from his works, became sin so that we, apart from our works, would be righteous in Him.

Jesus took all authority and dominion the devil had gained from the fall and returned it to us in Him.

All sin, sickness, transgression, infirmity, iniquity, hell, death, and the grave have been overcome through Him.

He demonstrated what one man filled and baptized with the Holy Spirit could do. Remember, Jesus left all divinity and equality with God behind, making Himself nothing (Phillipians 2:6-8).

We have been given access to the Kingdom of God- on earth as it is in heaven- through His Holy Spirit to do the works He did (miracles, signs, wonders, etc.) and greater.

In Mark 16:15-20, Jesus commissioned His disciples (this includes all believers) to go into all the world... and everywhere they went, they preached the Kingdom of God with signs and wonders confirming the Word preached. Those who believe will cast out demons, speak with new tongues, and heal the sick. Did you realize that Jesus never commissioned anyone to preach without healing the sick? Good sermons are a dime a dozen and eloquent speakers can be trained. An eloquent, convincing, and confident speaker does not make everything spoken true. Truth is a person. Look at His life and you'll see that He demonstrated the Kingdom and will of God for us to re-present to the world.

Is this hard to believe? Most churches think so. It's too good to really be true. So what happens? The Gospel is dumbed down and replaced with good sermons, games, contests, light shows, and a bunch of hype that leaves people powerless. If Jesus died to send His Holy Spirit for our empowerment, then maybe we should consider the cost of what Christ did and embrace it rather than dumbing down the Gospel. Replacing the power of God removes the power of grace and robs lives of an opportunity to live a life overflowing with the Spirit of God. It isn't selfish because the gifts of the Holy Spirit are for serving others.

The church (Body of Christ/Bride of Christ) should be a launching pad, not a clique. Church is a training ground to practice what is to be applied in a natural world supernaturally. Cliques create containment and offer a normal, comfortable life. The church creates grounds for expanding vision and equips believers to be sent to the nations. When the church becomes a clique, we have allowed selfishness to win over our call by means of neglecting to love the world.

The Holy Spirit isn't the Comforter to make us comfortable. Many will say that speaking in tongues makes them uncomfortable. Try going on the streets to minister. You may get very uncomfortable. But as you go, principalities over entire regions fall. If we limit ourselves to our comfort level, nothing will get done.

What grows the church (in numbers) will be what keeps people coming. Is the foundation built on Truth, or has the Truth been forsaken for unity. If you're a pastor or church leader and are held back, restricted, forbidden or forbid others from talking about the power of God, the gifts of the Spirit, healing the sick, casting out demons, speaking in tongues and dare not equip believers to eagerly seek the gifts that are freely given, then you may want to rethink your motives.

If your definition of "love" includes tolerance, it's time to recalibrate what love is. Jesus was not tolerant. It's because of His intolerance for anything less than the Kingdom of God that He did what He saw the Father do. Anything done without faith is sin and doesn't please God. What risks are you taking? Where are you putting your faith? Is your faith in what you can do? Or is it in what He has already done? The Kingdom isn't about striving and can't come with prayer alone. Prayer is necessary but obedience can never be replaced by prayer.

Jesus had a church of 12. Making disciples takes time and isn't a quantitative process. Numbers can never replace fruit. What do I mean by fruit? Fruit is a good return for what is sown. When people were strung out on drugs and addictions for years and, in an instant, the power of God frees them. When despair and depression reigns in someone's life and they are filled with joy from the Holy Spirit. When cancer or tumors disappear supernaturally because of the power of Christ. We have seen it happen. It isn't a formula we've created or a process that takes careful planning. It is simply removing our attention from the games that keep students returning to creating an expectancy for God to move powerfully and tangibly. That is when the hungry return to be fed more.

First Year Married

Today, July 31st, 2011, marks our one year anniversary. Many want to tell you bad things about marriage... that the first year is the hardest or that it gets worse the older you get. Keeli and I share a heart to see others excel. Our vision, our work, and our ministry is to help effectively position others to succeed and live an abundant life, both in the home, school, and workplace.

One of the key principles we live by is Matthew 6:10: Your kingdom come, your will be done... on earth as it is in heaven.

In heaven, there isn't a recession, lack, poverty, sickness, pain, or depression. We seek to go from glory to glory, together with the Holy Spirit and with each other. Our heart is for the nations to know Jesus Christ through a demonstration of His abundant love and tangible power. Because we have said, "Yes!" to Jesus, He is opening doors for us to go from great to greater.

Proverbs 18:22: A man who finds a wife has found a good thing and receives favor from God.
A year ago, I was unemployed. Today, I work for an amazing non-profit organization that aids people around the world with disasters. When we had no insurance for Keeli's pregnancy, the insurance came in a promotion that took affect soon after. He is the God who is more than enough. God's plan covers us and His will for our lives is good. Saying, "Yes," to Jesus positions you for blessing as you go where He sends you.

The last place we know Jesus told us to be was at Appalachian State to plant Immersion Church. This is where we will be until Jesus says to move elsewhere.

I take my vows to Keeli seriously. I love her to no end and she loves me. I never doubt it, nor do I fear that her words aren't to be trusted. The fruit we have seen in one year is for God's glory as we search out the treasures he has for us together.

We didn't move in with out parents (Never do that when getting married!) and we didn't have but a little money saved from working for the 2010 Census. Most of our savings went towards our honeymoon and deposits for our "cute" round home by the river. But God opens doors that no man can close and, in doing so, we had some amazing experiences...

-Honeymoon in Charleston, a cruise from Tampa, FL to the Cayman Islands and Cozumel, ending with a night in Savannah, GA.
-Moved into our first home.
-Continued equipping students of Immersion Church on Appalachian State's campus.
-We received wonderful jobs we enjoy.
-Keeli's first NFL game (Carolina Panthers vs. the San Fransisco 49ers) which happened to be one of two victories the Panthers had that season.
-Our first NHL game (Nashville Predators vs. St. Louis Blues).
-Our first holidays and birthdays together were full of traveling and great people.
-Ignite Ivy Conference at the C.S. Lewis College in Northfield, MA. This was the beginning of something friends who had poured into Boston for over 20 years had never seen: Ivy League students from several schools baptized in the Holy Spirit and united in Christ's love and power.
-Closer Conference in Boston, MA with Rolland and Heidi Baker, Bob Johnson, Kris Valloton, and Lance Wallnau.
-Disneyland in Anaheim, CA is where we rode our first roller coaster married... Space Mountain.
-San Diego Zoo and the Pacific Ocean.
-Promotion to full time with benefits
-Moved into our second home... an upgrade from the first!
-Montego Bay, Jamaica to equip a team from Georgia for evangelism and ministered in the nation to people in the streets, disabled children in an orphanage, and a local church.
-Of all the amazing things, the most exciting news of our lives was May 27, 2011 when we learned we were going to be parents!

When you're with someone you love unconditionally and you share a vision, the Lord will see it through. Saying, "Yes," to Jesus and Keeli was the best thing I ever did!

Jamaica - Breakthrough

Midweek at 2:00am, I woke up to a nasty fever, violent shivering, a throbbing headache, pain in my right ear and a sore throat. I didn't sleep well and had numerous nightmares. With a sleepless night of tossing, turning, moaning, groaning, and incoherent babbling, I had no choice but to stay in bed for the duration of the day as I rested, took medicine, and prayed my way back to health while the team ventured into Jamaica. I insisted that Keeli, being with child, go with the group and stay clear of the risk of falling victim to sickness. With tears in both our eyes, she did, but I asked her to keep record of everything that happened.

The team went on their second treasure hunt. Their first stop was Mega-Mart. Three people, including a worker, received salvation after the team ministered to them. After leaving Mega-Mart, the team drove through the city, searching for clues and seeing the parts of Montego Bay that aren't advertised to tourists. After eating at Island Grill (the Jamaican fast food chain), the team ministered to a woman outside the restaurant. She, too, received salvation in Christ.

A few of the team members believed that the Lord was directing them to Margaritaville. A man selling bracelets was led to the Lord. In the midst of ministering, a large loading truck with men were parked, staring down the team. This is a prime example of how praying with your eyes open is a smart way to practice caution when ministering in suspicious or dangerous areas. The men eventually drove away and all were accounted for as the team continued to encourage and pray for other Christian believers they were meeting.

Midday, the team arrived where we were staying. Keeli brought me food and nourishment while the girls led their housekeeper to the Lord in their hotel bathroom. Ocane, a worker at the towel hut on the beach, also received Jesus as Lord when Phoenix and William ministered to him. (Cain/cane was a clue from the day before.)

The team departed for the church service at Sandy Bay Baptist. One young girl had a knot in her throat. Kermit prayed for the knot to be healed and it was significantly smaller. She always wanted to sing and was offered the microphone. As the girl was timid to sing, Sarah encouraged her by sharing her testimony. When she was built up, the little girl sang "Jesus Loves Me."

Caity heard the Lord speak that someone had a problem with his temple. She prayed for the person. Later, she was praying for a man and heard the Lord say that if the man called upon the name of Jesus, he would be healed. He mumbled, "Jesus."
"Say His name louder!" Caity said.
"Jesus," he replied in an average volume.
"Louder! JESUS!" she yelled passionately.
As everyone watched, wide-eyed and startled, as Caity operated in the gift of faith, the man yelled the name of Jesus at the top of his lungs.

The team was released in words of knowledge. Many were "clues" from the treasure hunt describing people in attendance perfectly, including names, ailments, and shirt colors. Phoenix asked for the microphone and broke the hesitancy in the room, challenging people to come forward, not to worry about who is around them, only to focus on Jesus. Freedom prevailed and many were ministered to that night.

William, Kermit, J.J. and David prayed for a gentleman with spine issues. He couldn't lift his foot when walking but could when they finished praying. Jonathan and Michelle prayed for many, as did Keeli who led three in receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Six were born again and multiple kids were asking for Bibles that the team handed out.

Not only did breakthrough for my healing come that day, but breakthrough had come to the team from Georgia. We had no preconceived notions of the team before this mission except that they were hungry and teachable. Little to our knowledge, few had ever prophesied or led anyone to the Lord. None of them, before this week, had seen signs, wonders, miracles, and healing as a normal part of Christianity. Now, without these confirmations, it will never be normal again.

Jonathan

Jamaica - Treasure Hunt

What better way to spend the day on a Caribbean island than to have a treasure hunt? Unlike pirates, it began with communion and praying in the Spirit together. With our pen and paper in front of us, the clues were jotted as quickly as they would come. This demonstrated the uncanny clarity of the Lord's voice and the simplicity of what He sounds like. Every color, name, place, or item that we felt the Lord show us was written. As we shared the clues, we ventured to a nearby park.

Upon our arrival, a man named Alan immediately approached us and asked for our names to announce on the loudspeaker. Some of the clues that the team had were: Nike, horizontal zipper, red circle/spinning, Big Apple (as in NY), spine/vertebrate, fingers and earring. This gentleman was wearing Nike shoes, shorts with a horizontal zipper, a red watch with the NY Yankees logo in the center and red hands (the spinning in circles), an earring in his left ear, a minor limp and a short middle finger. After the initial shock, J.J. and I approached him with other members of the team. J.J. led him to the Lord and I prayed for healing in his back while J.J. prayed for Alan's finger and shoulders. The Lord healed his back and shoulders. We continue to believe for a creative miracle for his middle finger.

Different clues continued to arise throughout our time. One gentleman approached us asking if we were with a ministry. The fact that we came to a beach park without swimwear must have given us away. At first he said he was not a Christian. Kermit, after leading a training session with the students earlier, showed the simplicity of giving assurance of salvation according to Romans 10:9-10. His love for people was evident and it turns out he is a believer in Christ. He attended Church on the Rock. "Rock" was a clue J.J. had earlier.

Angel, a man getting his beard braided, was wearing Nike shoes and had a jolly roger (skull and crossbones) on his shirt. J.J. and I spoke with him and asked about his relationship with Jesus. He had a rough past but fell into grace when he met Jesus. He was a newlywed and he allowed us to pray for him and bless his marriage.

Later, at night, we went to Pastor Dailey's church, Sandy Bay Baptist. Kermit, William, Keeli and I ministered on the Kingdom of God. We were able to pray for others at the end for healing. William reached to shake the hand of a young man. The boy's hand was pulled in tight to his chest and he reached with his left to shake. After asking if he was left handed, the boy explained how he broke his wrist and had his arm in a cast for a week. Obviously, it was still paining him. William prayed, the boy's right hand began to shake as the Lord healed, and before he left, he could shake William's hand firmly with no pain.

One love is Jesus.

Jonathan

Jamaica - Orphanage

After our travel day, we ventured to an orphanage in the mountains outside of Montego Bay. We didn't know how many children were housed, the size of the facility, or the extent of what we would be doing. It left quite an impression on all who came.

I told the team that I felt there was going to be a young boy in a wheelchair. I asked Keeli if she had a word of knowledge about our destination. She said, "Purple shirt."

The van (driven nicely by William on the left side of the road) was packed with clothes, candy, and toys. One man riding his bicycle through traffic recognized us. He worked at the resort we were staying at and offered to show us the way. After he parked his bike, I opened the van door and he jumped in next to me. His name was Steve and he showed us exactly where to go, asking for a tip. We were happy to accommodate since we didn't have a map.

We followed Pastor Dailey (a local minister and friend of Kermit's) through the windy mountain roads. There was rarely a smooth area of pavement. Potholes littered the road and cars sped around curves, missing us by little.

Upon our arrival, I saw the sign: Westhaven Orphanage for Disabled Children. My first words: We hit the jackpot! As we entered the gate, a boy in a purple shirt sat in his wheelchair. This was where Holy Spirit was directing me.

We arrived at lunchtime. The orphanage's volunteers and employees gave us the opportunity to serve lunch to the children. Because so many were in wheelchairs, all were mentally handicapped, and many couldn't speak or hear, we had to feed them with a bowl and spoon, ward off flies and wipe their mouths while fending their food from other children who would attempt to take a bite. I fed the young boy in a purple shirt. His name is Ronaldo, he's 12 years old and is a victim of cerebral palsy. He couldn't speak. I would tell him I was ready to offer the next bite when he was. I would talk to him because I believe he could hear and understand me. Beyond that, I believe his spirit-man could hear me.

After feeding Ronaldo, I just sat with him and gave him company. 79 children fill the beds and cottages in the orphanage but I believe the Lord wanted me to stop for this one. I shared testimonies about a friend who was healed of cerebral palsy and how Jesus loved him so much. I challenged him to say the name Jesus. Many who have uttered the Name have been delivered from dumb in their speech.

J.J., a new friend from Douglasville, brought his guitar. He began playing and singing worship songs and the children began to sing and dance. Lifeless eyes greeted us but the Holy Spirit had sparked new life in these children by the time we departed. Whenever I approached Ronaldo, a big smile would grace his countenance. I was able to make children laugh who didn't laugh on a regular basis. Playing with kids can make a difference.

One young man named Keno was in a wheelchair and had twisted fingers. As we were leaving, Kermit asked if he could pray for his fingers. Keno's comprehension level was somewhat higher than most in the orphanage, so he agreed, let Kermit pray, and tested in the ways Kermit asked him to. Sure enough, his fingers were much, much straighter. He was excited that God touched him. We thanked the caregivers and left these children on the verge of tears in our eyes.

Today was overwhelming and emotional. We gave the kids what they needed: Love. It's hard to shake an experience like this. I believe the Holy Spirit will heal every single child because Christ in us made a visit today.

Jonathan

Jamaica - Prep

Keeli, her parents, Becky and Kermit, and myself trekked to Douglasville, GA to prepare for our departure to Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Montego Bay? Isn't that the luxury spot on the island where tourists travel for fun? Yes. Tourists need Jesus. The people in the resorts need Jesus. The people outside of the resorts need Jesus. The common trait among all, rich and poor, is the need for Christ and His love. It's okay to share and demonstrate the Gospel in fun locations. It's this acceptance that led to dozens coming to know Christ in Disneyland when Bethel Church (based in Redding, CA) took students from their school of ministry to reveal the love of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to visitors of the popular theme park. (Click to see what happens when God lands in Disneyland.)

Our friend, William, is leading a team from Believers Church in Douglasville, GA. This is the church's first overseas mission. Kermit, my father-in-law who is a veteran of ministry in Jamaica, has been asked to help train the team. At our first meeting together, he shared practical information, but not without stirring others with testimonies of Jamaicans being healed, delivered, saved, and baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Mark 16:15-20 says that as we go, signs and wonders should confirm the Word that is preached. William, who had back pain for years, was totally healed as the Kingdom of God was demonstrated to the soon-to-be missionaries. More were healed after William. It was made plain and simple... the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven is made possible by the finished work of the cross and manifested by the Holy Spirit.

See you on the island!
-Jonathan