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We can all recount those memorable moments in life that marked a new beginning, a change in course or an awakening. Sometimes it’s an event that will trigger it. Sometimes it’s a prophetic word spoken. And sometimes it’s a partnership…
Our partnership with the World Healing Fellowship was one of those pivotal events for my wife, Tammy, me, and our ministry. I remember it well. It was March of 1999. We attended a Benny Hinn crusade in Memphis, TN and received a true impartation that literally changed our lives and the ministry has blossomed ever since. But we didn’t stop there. We knew then that this was the beginning of a partnership, a relationship that would help us, teach us and impart to us the tools we needed to take the ministry to another level and work toward realizing the vision God had given us for our church and our city.
There is a violent attack on the move of God both locally and throughout the world that has caused our communities to be beset with ministries struggling with stagnant growth, and where miracles, signs and wonders are rarely manifested. Many of these struggling ministries are led by people with the right heart, the right walk, the right word, but they need a breakthrough – an impartation.
When Jesus walked the earth, his disciples were amazed at the miracles their mentor was able to perform. Peter and his comrades marveled at the withered tree. And on another occasion were unable to cast the devil out of a boy even though they had been given the authority to perform these same miracles. They needed a breakthrough. For the disciples, breakthrough came with Jesus’ death and resurrection. The accounts in the book of Acts clearly indicate that breakthrough came as they walked in authority and preached the gospel with a boldness that they never had before. Peter who not long before marveled at the withered tree suddenly emerges as a leader with faith to even restore Dorcas to life. Souls were won by the thousands in a single sitting and many more were added to the kingdom daily.
God’s word is filled with examples of mentors and apprentices. Joshua mentored under Moses. Elisha mentored under Elijah. Samuel mentored under Eli. Timothy mentored under Paul. The disciples mentored under Jesus. And example after example, we witness the tremendous growth that occurred in the lives of those who dared to be discipled, ministered to, coached and mentored. In time God was able to use them in a mighty way, fulfilling their call, their lives and their ministries.
Throughout history God has raised up vessels through whom He uses to demonstrate His awesome power. And He’s still doing it today. Why? So that His power might be seen through them and His name will be known throughout all the earth (Romans 9:17). From the Old Testament to modern day these awesome demonstrations of the power of God have moved many souls to salvation. It’s not the Father’s will that any should perish and it’s our mission and purpose to go out into all the world and preach the gospel of Jesus through the life-saving, miracle-working power of the Holy Spirit!
Pastor Benny is truly one of those vessels that God has raised up. I have witnessed first-hand the awesome anointing God has blessed him with. I praise God for giving us a modern-day example of the power and impact of the healing and salvation ministry that the apostles demonstrated. What I am even more grateful for is the opportunity to sit under his ministry as a Fellowship Member and benefit from the wisdom, knowledge and revelation God has given him.
In our ministry we tell new converts that in their Christian walk they need to always have a hand reaching up for the assistance and support of someone stronger, more mature and more seasoned in the things of God to help them in their spiritual walk and growth. And then we tell them that they should also have a hand reaching back to bring someone else along and introduce them to the awesome God that they’ve come to know.
We are grateful that Pastor Benny still has a hand reaching back to offer help and encouragement to others who are hungry to serve the Lord in ministry and desiring to be used by God in a mighty way "to take a message of salvation and healing around the globe”. It’s the same heart that Paul had when he wrote, “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established.”(Romans 1:11)
We received an impartation that day – no doubt about that! And we’ve continued to grow and stay connected to Pastor Benny’s ministry. And through our membership with the World Healing Fellowship we’ve bonded and partnered with other ministries with the same heart, mission and purpose that have helped us along the way too. Some had a word for our body of believers and others had a plan or a program that fit a need in our ministry. This Fellowship offers continuous opportunities to be renewed and refreshed under the anointing of an awesome man of God. The experiences have broadened our vision, intensified our revelation, accelerated our path and clarified our focus.
What an awesome blessing to be a part of such an awesome move of God! I can only imagine what God is going to do in our city, in our nation and throughout the world!
Owen McManus, Jr. D.Min. Senior Pastor City Cathedral Church New Orleans, Louisiana |