PARIS DAY 10 (SUNDAY)- THE FINAL SERVICE!

I don't even know where to begin this evening- or what to say. The 2006 Paris Mission crusade has concluded. It was one that will not easily be forgotten by many. I assure you is was not because of me or my preaching; but rather it was all about God and what He did. You know most of the events as we have endeavored to share them with you each day. The final day at church was such a crowning event for the glory of God.

In a rather lame attempt to captivate the service, I will give you some highlights. Both morning services went very well. Again the team from Texas did a human video exactly in line with the message. There were several who came forward to receive Christ, and many more for special prayer. I announced in the morning I would be speaking on spiritual warfare and the entire building was packed to capacity.

Nathan and I waited throughout much of the song service before going out to sit so we could be in prayer prior to the team's ministry time (Nathan basically never left my side the entire trip). There was no room for the team to sit and they had to remain back in another room due to the over-capacity crowd. As we entered the service already in progress, I sat on the front row and I could feel and sense there was a powerful anointing in the service. I looked over to my left and there was a woman in her mid 40's who was clearly in an uncomfortable way. I had seen the awful appearance of bondage; I knew she was demon possessed.

As the worship service continued, she began to writhe with obvious consternation, yet unnoticed by most. I kept telling myself she is merely sick and must be feeling poorly; yet I recognized that awful sulfurous stench of Satan.

The team took their place and as they did each service, they briefly summarized the drama. This particular drama was about a young girl who was trapped within the spiritual battle between Satan and God. When they talked of suicide, I could see this woman stiffen with pain. The drama began. With each measure of the song, the woman began to fight and talk louder and louder until finally when they came the end with the music in a great crescendo of praise (because the girl in the drama had finally come back to God) the woman screams loudly and stiffens again on the floor right in the front of the church.

There were several elders and a French pastor (with their wives) who immediately came over, picked up the woman and carried her to the back room (you have to understand that the entrance to the back room was directly next to the platform area right in the front).

It was now time for the sermon. Go figure, remember I was preaching on spiritual warfare. I immediately called the packed church to prayer for this precious woman. Henry Linderman gave a few comments of explanation and then after a time of prayer (both inside the back room and in the sanctuary area) I proceeded with the message.

A short time later (during point #2 of 3) the woman and the others came out from the back room. The woman was completely delivered and in her right mind.

Following the sermon, we gave the altar call; it was full. Many decisions were made for Christ tonight and many were also prayed with for deliverance. What a powerful night. I think everyone, Nathan, the team, and others had never seen such a manifestation and power of God before. God was good.

So now we prepare to return to Grand Rapids. One more entry on Monday evening before we fly back. And yes, I am bringing Nathan with me.

Nathan's Quote for the Day: God is so powerful!

Our prayer for the Day: Father, thank you for spending us here in Paris!

Word for the Day: Overwhelmed!

Parting Thoughts: These people are so very precious! We have renewed old friendships, and made many new ones. How blessed we are.