Gas Station Revival; an awesome & humbling experience

Yesterday I had the coolest experience. It was a first for me and hopefully not a last. I'm thankful that God is working and opening doors in our community for us to walk through.

On with the story...

As many of you know, I had a wreck on June 20th. A lady backed into me and though the damage to the truck was very minor, I suffered from whip lash, subluxation of the spine, and some other things that I don't know the names of...(like my neck curves the wrong way now?...its weird). As a result of this accident, I get to see my wonderful chiropractor 3 times a week. Its great. Actually I would rather not need to go, but you know.

So yesterday I left work and headed out for the chiropractor. I got on the highway and realized that gas tank was nearly empty (I'm not comfortable driving around Tulsa like that in case something happens. I try to keep at least a quarter of a tank or so). I'm going to be honest with you all; I was complaining to myself about it. I was already running 5 minutes later than I really wanted to be and I was kinda frustrated with the whole situation. I mumbled something like 'Ugh, really? I have to get gas and get to the chiropractor on time. But since I have to get gas, I may not be able to go clean for a few minutes at the church before I go over to dinner (at a friend's house for a birthday party). This is so annoying.' You know, the usual complaining that shouldn't be happening at all. Yeah, that.

Well obviously, I don't have much of a choice but to get gas, so I decide which QT to go to and make a beeline for it. I got there and started pumping gas into my truck. I was standing there waiting for it when a lady walked around the pump. She said "Hi" so I greeted her and asked if she was well. She came over to talk to me.

 She said, "Honey, I need to talk to you. I don't mean you no harm, but my daughter, she is in Muskogee. She was in a horrible accident.-a truck hit her and they said she broke her leg but they have to take her baby. I don't have a dollar to my name and I'm just trying to get there before they take her baby."
I told her that I was sorry, I didn't have any cash and the like.
She said, "Oh honey, I don't want any money. I was just wondering if you could buy me a little bit of gas to help me get there. I don't have a dollar to my name so I'm out her begging people for help."
I told her that I could buy her a little bit but I couldn't fill her tank all the way up. But I would only buy her gas on one condition; She had to promise to come to church. I told her about the church, where it was located, and I promised that we would pray for her and her daughter because I know a healer, then I gave her a church card.

As I was getting my card out, I had a trillion thoughts running through my head. I remember asking the Lord if I was being foolish and putting myself in danger or if He had lead me to this person. The only thought that I could make sense of at the moment kept coming to my mind.

Hebrews 13:2-Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

I bought her gas and she was getting ready to leave but she stopped and asked me to pray with her. Right there in the parking lot of QuikTrip at 51st and Union (which isn't the most elite part of town in case you aren't familiar with the area). I was blown away. So I grabbed her hands and prayed for her and her daughter. When I got done I told her that the only thing she could do, the only way that I wanted her to 'pay me back' was to be at church. I told her to come and look me up, tell me about her daughter, and have church. She promised that she would and gave me a hug. Then she got in her truck and they drove away.

I prayed for her the rest of the evening and woke up this morning with her on my mind. I am so excited about that entire experience and now I'm really apologizing for complaining about having to stop and get gas. The Lord knows exactly what we need and has things in mind for us-even little things like having to stop and get gas- to put us in a position to help others or even be helped.

I didn't tell this story to boast or act like I am anything special. I just am amazed by the entire experience and want to encourage anyone who reads this to take advantage of every opportunity that you have to be a blessing.-you never know how God is going to work.

If you don't already reach out into your community, if you aren't involved with outreach or bus ministry or something of the sort...do it! Even if you can't go with the rest of the outreach team. Hand out fliers during your lunch break. Skip a day of shopping at the mall and go teach Bible studies to homeless people (though I would advise you take someone with you.-especially if you are a lady.). Make cookies and walk around downtown giving them away with a church card attached. Go to the local zoo and ask them to pass out fliers at the check in booth or if you can hand them out to those that are interested (our zoo has done this before!). Find something to do for the work of God. Couple it with fasting and prayer. You'll be amazed at how God starts working in your community.-even if it takes time and seems to be fruitless at first...it isn't. You've just planted the seed and it'll come up in due season.
John 4:35

Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

Leave a comment if you have any ideas, questions, or just want to comment. I love hearing from each one of you and it lets me know if you're enjoying what you see!

Happy Soul-Winning! :)

Lauren Bundy

Ain't God Good?

Isn't God good?

On Friday night we had youth service. This time, it was upstairs in the youth auditorium at the church, rather than in the chapel at the school (which is where we usually have service). The chapel was under construction, the gym floors were being stripped, scrubbed, resurfaced, and buffed, and a lot of cleaning was taking place. The youth auditorium was also under construction. We had to figure out where to have some church. (We don't like having youth service in the main auditorium if it is just youth because it is too spread out.) We decided to have church in the youth auditorium, in the midst of the chaos. We shoved the mess to the back of the now 1 room auditorium, vacuumed,set up chairs, a piano, a pitiful set of drums (I mean pitiful. I don't know where we found them, but we must've been really searching to find some with such...unique characteristics...). Along side our meager two piece band, we had two speakers, 3 mics (total), and a pulpit. To make the situation even better, for some reason, the air conditioner was not working.-Not a good thing here in Oklahoma right now! Especially when its upstairs with no air flow other than a small fan.
I got there a few minutes early to make sure everything had been cleaned up and was ready to go for service and when I saw the arrangements, I said "Well, the Lord is gonna have to do a work for us in here tonight!"
We ended up having to add four rows of chairs. We had at least 10 visitors and it was wonderful!
We got down to pray for pre-service prayer. BOOM. God moved. Without any prompting, without any music, one-by-one, we all stood to our feet and began to give God the worship that He is so worthy of. Then service began. God moved all throughout the worship service. There was such a spirit of worship that filled that messy, suffocatingly hot room. Bro. Rodgers got up to preach. He preached about getting under a burden. Somethings that he said really stood out to me.
1) In the story of the prodigal son, where was the older brother? Why did he run after his brother, pleading for him to not make the terrible mistake of leaving? What happened?
2) It is more than just having a burden for the lost. We need a burden for one another. We need to care enough about each other that we carry a burden and intercede for our brothers and sisters.

When altar service began, the Lord completed the work that he began at the beginning of the service. A backslider prayed through, another visitor was seeking God in the altars, and young people were getting burdens. It was amazing.
(It was also very hot.)
After service ended, we put everything away so the carpets could be shampooed, and we went on a journey...to Freddy's. YUM!-And definitely an improvement from Whataburger! Praise-allujah. ;)

Then on Sunday, God moved again. It wasn't a fast paced, super upbeat service. It was one of those times when everything is slow and sweet and worship just flows from the depth of your heart directly to the throne of God. The choir sang, the preacher preached, and another backslider prayed through. Several more visitors were in the altars seeking God, and a couple  of them came very close to receiving the Holy Ghost.
I am so delighted to see how God is moving and working among His people! It is such a privilege and an excitement to be involved! I can't wait to see what else He is going to do!-Especially with ADMIT coming up.
Speaking of ADMIT...
Yesterday after church, some of the young people were going to go ride bike after church. Its becoming a tradition and I must say that I thoroughly enjoy it.
Anyway, we went out to eat at El Tequila. I got pollo flautas with rice, guacamole, and pico and some horchata. Yum. (It was quite the funny experience, using what little espanol I know with the waiter. Even though it was mostly 'gracias' and 'de nada' that was being passed between us. haha)
And, funny story:
I was doing my hair for church and I did my customary 'ask Trent what he thinks about it' move. So the conversation goes something like
"Hey Trent...does my hair look okay like this?"
"Yeah, it looks okay."
"Are you sure? I just generally don't do these curls like this..."
"Yeah, it looks okay."
Then THIS happened.
While we were waiting on our food, Brittany turned to me and asked if I knew that Trent didn't like my hair. I said no and told her our conversation from that morning.
Apparently Trent doesn't like it when we do our hair with curls 'everywhere' (I pulled a few curls from the front of my head back to my mass of curls in the back. Think Sis. Jones without that many curls going back.) and proceeded to tell Brittany, who also had her hair in similar fashion. Anyway, for the rest of the night Trent got to hear us say that things were 'okay' and then we would turn to the person next to us and state how much we disliked it. He is never going to live that down. haha
I digress.
While we were out, we were made aware of a need. The grout at the church and school needed to be scrubbed for ADMIT. We decided to go and help out, and then if we got done in time, we would still go ride bikes. (I have scrubbed the grout many a time and let me tell you, it is a j-o-b! Like a multiple person, multiple day kind of j-o-b. So from about 6:30 to 9:00 we scrubbed tile and grout. It is a seriously disgusting job.-the grout looks black...it is actually extremely dirty white grout. True story.
I only have one picture on my phone from it and unfortunately, I can't show it to you. Kristen disapproved.
Anyway, we managed to get most of the ladies bathroom done. And it'll have to be gone over again. But we are making progress so I guess that is good news.
After we left, we went to Sonic to get ice cream. Or what started out as ice cream but ended in chili cheese coneys, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and tater tots. What can I say? We are apostolic...
I must say that I am so glad that I am surrounded with young people that are interested in the work of God and will work for Him, even when it isn't convenient or 'fun'.-though we generally end up having a blast, Seriously. If you don't enjoy working for the Lord, come visit the TLC young people for a while. We always have fun. :)
On another, somewhat (very) similar note, I am so excited for ADMIT!! God always does wonderful things for His people and it is such a blessing to be a part of. I can honestly say that I get so much out of it every year, even though I don't get to attend all of the sessions.

This was post was full of ramblings and my sincerest apologies to you if you actually read all of this. Maybe I'll actually get some interesting content out soon. Maybe. ;)

Peace be with you and your mashed potatoes...or whatever.
Ciao!
Lauren Bundy

Changing the 'Norm'

Our world is changing, no doubt about it. Unfortunately, we can't honestly claim that it is getting better. Every day, new battles are arising and the new generations of Pentecost have more challenges being presented to them. I am in a battle with the norm.-with the norm of the world and even with the norm of the church.

The world says that gay is normal. The world says that violence is normal. The world says that many things that go completely against the word of God are normal. It has turned an ear of ignorance to so many important and dangerous issues, deeming them 'normal' when they are actually incredibly far from any such thing.

The church says that backsliding is normal. (It happens, you know? Natural processes.) The church says that sin is normal. (Everyone does it, right?) The church declares many things to be normal that should never be in the first place.
I say that revival should be normal. Sinners and backsliders running to altars of repentance during preaching should be normal. Saints fighting in the Spirit and being used in the Kingdom should be normal. Churches sending out missionaries, evangelists, pastors, and teachers should be normal. The Body of Christ rallying together in warfare and in prayer should be normal. The use of the Gifts of the Spirit should be normal.
Why isn't it?

Rather than it being a competition, rather than focusing on what society is currently accepting, rather than trying to ensure that we are 'politically correct', why don't we make a new normal? Why can't we raise the bar? Why can't we have a more powerful experience than they did in the book of Acts?

What is holding us back?

Normal.
Everyone wants to be normal. Everyone wants to fit in and go unnoticed by the mockers and naysayers.

Why are we allowing a few people to decide what is normal for the world? I want to decide the normal.

I want the normal to be moves of God sweeping through so powerfully that our mere mortal bodies can barely stand in the presence of Jehovah. I want normal to be people getting the Holy Ghost at a turnpike toll booth because a van of young people are having a prayer meeting that is so explosive, no man can deny it. I want the new normal to be people being healed on outreach because a few saints had enough faith to pray for someone that was sick and needed a healing.

I want a new normal.

Do you? What can you envision in your new normal?
Let's make it happen.

Romans 8:31

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

What I Want

I've been doing a lot of thinking. A lot. (That may scare some of you, but no worries. I'm not planning a prank or anything.)
Since Summer Heritage, my heart has been really stirred. Well, since before Summer Heritage actually, but this past week definitely added to it.
I can't stop thinking about the kingdom of God, being involved in the work of God, and that sort of thing. I've prayed about it, searching my heart and making myself available to the Lord. I find myself in the car praying for the Lord to have His way, or singing songs of worship to my Saviour.
I've had such a desire in my heart to work for the Lord, to be the lowliest of servants in His kingdom, to see His sweet face, to be a part of the work that He has promised for these last days. Its the cry of my heart. Its everything that I could ever dream of and more. It is what I want.

All that I am, all that I have
I lay them down before You, oh Lord
All my regrets, all my acclaims
The joy and the pain, I'm making them Yours

Lord, I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through, use it for Your glory
Lord I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You as a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer You my life

Things in the past, things yet unseen
Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true
All of my heart, all of my praise
My heart and my hands are lifted to You

Lord, I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through, use it for Your glory
Lord I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You as a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer You my life

What can we give that You have not given?
And what do we have that is not already Yours?
All we possess are these lives we're living
That's what we give to You, Lord

Lord, I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through, use it for Your glory
Lord I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You as a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer You my life

Lord, I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through, use it for Your glory
Lord I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You as a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer You my life
Lord I offer You my life

I want to let Jesus use me. If it means leaving everything that I have ever known, if it means sitting in a prayer room for hours, if it means living under a bridge, whatever I have to do, I want to make myself available to Jesus.
I want to be effective and involved in the Kingdom. I want to do exploits for the Lord. If I have to life a live of poverty, if I have to sell everything that I have to give to missions, if I have to endure persecution and suffering, whatever the Lord asks of me, I want to do mighty things for God.
I want to make it to heaven and see Jesus. If I have to forsake my loved ones, if I have to abandon every career that I have ever sought after, if I have to live in hiding, whatever it takes, I want to be saved.
These things are the earnest pleading of my heart.
These things are what I truly want.

Threescore and Ten Pt. 1

Summer Heritage was amazing this year. Its always amazing, but this year? I honestly believe that it was vital to the growth and continuation of the church in America as well as in other parts of the world. Why? Because we are now carrying the torch.

Every minister that preached at the conference had to be at least 70 years old (hence the 'Threescore and Ten' theme that was used there). They came burdened, passionate, and anointed and we left that way. In every service, we discovered that we have power, that God is our strength, that He is everything that we need, that he'll take care of us, and also that we must carry the torch. We were challenged to trust him and follow him without hesitation. I know I will.

Here is the line-up/service schedule:
Wednesday Night: 
Eld. Tommy Jackson - "Who's Going to Tell It When We're Gone?"
Thursday Morning: 
Eld. Allen Picklesimer - "Sardis; The Church that Used to Be"
Eld. Morton -"Oh Taste and See"
Thursday Night:
Eld Johnny Godair - "The Rod of God"
Friday Morning:
Eld Moody - "Don't Throw Away Your Future Thinking About Your Past"
Friday Night:
Eld. Morton - "Are You Going to be a Wise Man or a Fool?"

God called and anointed us. He challenged us. He gave us strength and faith. God moved.

While we were gone, we had at least 5 healings in our youth group alone. At church yesterday, we had another one.

We discovered the power that we have through Jesus. No devil scares me. No spirit frightens me. No type of fear can claim me. I have the power of the name that is above every name.

Another thing that happened: God brought someone into my life that I needed right at that moment. I knew this young man for about 24 hours before God used him to talk to my heart and challenge me to be stronger and better. He talked with me and cried with me and gave me so much. I definitely wouldn't have gotten everything that I did if he hadn't shared his burden with me. I am so thankful that God blesses His people with fellowship and relationships that can bring them closer to Him! God is good to us, isn't he?

I'll be posting more soon, along with some pictures. Check back soon!

My Strength

As some of you know, I've really been lifting weights and things to get my strength up. Just kidding. The only weight that I've been lifting is a loaded fork.

I just got some insight last night and it pretty much amazed me, so I wanted to share it.

We often hear, especially growing up in the church, that "the joy of the Lord is our strength". What does that mean? I, along with many other people I'm sure, believed that it meant that the Lord would give us joy to strengthen us right? Well last night totally changed my mind about this. Check it out;

The joy of the Lord is our strength.
Our strength is the joy of the Lord.
Our strength is the Lord's joy.

We get strength, when we bring the Lord joy.

We read our Bible. It brings the Lord joy, and it gives us strength.
We pray. It brings the Lord joy, and we get strength.
We spread the gospel. It brings the Lord joy, and we get strength.

BOOM.

I get strength when I bring the Lord joy. You get strength when you bring the Lord joy. So your walk with God is getting tough? Go ahead, bring the Lord some joy. *runs aisles*
Is this just me, or is that not pretty amazing?

Just thought I'd share that tidbit. Be blessed! ;)

WOW!!!

You guys, in case you haven't realized it yet...GOD IS SO GOOD!! I feel like screaming it form the rooftops! Man, he is still pouring out his spirit today!...for instance, Stephanie Blacksher was filled with the Holy-Ghost on Sunday!!- And so was Madison. Madison had it all over her, and when she passed out at church and I caught her...yah! she was still speaking in tongues!! Talk about awesome!...but that isn't all!! On Wednesday, miss Guiliana Rocha and miss Cheyenne Stephenson, two kindergartners got drunk in the Holy-Ghost...And they had their own little altar service during the middle of song service. I was praise singing and I saw Guiliana with her hands raised and tears streaming down her cheeks. I felt a burden for her so I went to pray with her and she started talking in tongues. After a while she started to stop praying and I told her that her older brother Jeriah needed her to pray for him because he really wanted the Holy-Ghost...Before long she was talking in tongues again but this time...it lasted for about 1 hour!-a 6 year old!! man, it was amazing!!! =D That is just one more sign...it is truly here. God is coming soon. You people that don't have your heart right with God, I encourage you to do so...like the song says...

People get ready, Jesus is coming!
Soon we'll be goin' home!
People get ready, Jesus is coming!
To take form this world his own!

Man! what a good song... =D
**beep, beep** Now changing the subject...
Now, I have to tell you about my sweet blonde best friend named Brooklyn...
Yah, so at youth service, Mykahla ws asking me if Trent was a Junior. Brooklyn, being the smart girl that she is responded to my 'Yes.' with ' What?! I thought he was in 11th grade!!'....
Wow!!
Brooklyn: I am dumbstruck with your brilliant-ness!! LOL

Yah, it was hysterical! anyways...g2g cuz I am making cookies for my CHRISTmas party tomorrow...=D

Have a lot of exquisite holiday bliss! =D

*that was for Kaylen* =D