As a young girl, I wanted to know God but did not know where to find someone who could teach me about Him. It was after I graduated from my university that I was invited to a Way Ministry fellowship. I was working as a waitress at the time. There was one particular individual who worked at the restaurant who impressed me. She was one of the only people who would do the dirty jobs we were all supposed to help with, and she did it with a smile on her face. One day, she came bouncing into the back kitchen. I asked her why she was always so happy. She shared some of the Word with me and invited me to fellowship. I found out later that that day was one of her last days at that job. God is never late!
I remember very vividly the first time I heard someone speak in tongues and interpret. I had never heard about speaking in tongues before, and I was amazed by it. I read the chapters in The New, Dynamic Church on speaking in tongues, and I manifested holy spirit by speaking in tongues. Tears of joy filled my eyes!
I know that I can pray perfectly for anything. This is a great comfort to my heart. Several years ago, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. The doctor told me that the disease should be raging in my body, but for some reason it was not. I told him that is because I speak in tongues! I know that speaking in tongues quickens my mortal body.
Psalm 37:4:
Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
I had the privilege to be on LEAD Staff on my interim year in The Way Corps training. On one ten-day session, on the final day of climbing, it began to snow. By the time we got to the rocks we were going to climb, there was three feet of snow on the ground. It was not safe to climb, so we started the hike back to camp. Have you ever been in the woods when a pure white blanket of snow covers the ground? All the paths and most of the familiar landmarks disappear. At one point, we thought we were lost. The gentleman who was leading us down the trail insisted we were in the wrong draw and needed to cross over the ridge to the next draw. I was the coordinator for that session, and I knew God would work in me to do the right thing. I continued to speak in tongues and gather all the five-senses knowledge I could. I distinctly remember hearing that still small voice telling me that we needed to continue on the path we were on and we would find the tents. I shared this with the group. So, what happened? Were we lost? No! We continued in the direction we were heading and found those beautiful, green tents.
Proverbs 3:5,6:
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Serving at LEAD was not a walk in the park. It took a renewed mind, focus, work, and determination to overcome the challenges of living there, but the victories were sweet to the soul (Proverbs 13:19)! I saw in a big way how the rocks in the brook make it sing. Every challenge that is overcome is a joyous occasion. I met my husband at LEAD, made friendships that have lasted over thirty years, and learned even further how to teach God’s Word, counsel disciples, and hear God’s voice.