06.21.2003, Saturday ~ There is a certain comfort and joy in returning to a place where one has been warmly welcomed before, and this day began with that comforting atmosphere. Pat had hosted and attended other Glory Ring Workshops, in addition to attending a church that fully embraced freedom in prophetic intercessory worship and intercession for the nations of the earth.
The morning drive gracefully offered a breathtakingly beautiful a misty rainbow above the Willamette River as I was crossing St. John’s Bridge, the highest bridge in the Portland Metro area, which is also my favorite bridge on my way to Hillsboro.
Joy Jump, an outreach for teens and the place where the Church of All Nations Youth Group meets is the place we gathered. We met at 7:30 AM to set up and prepare for the day. Jeremy and Christina graciously gave us a tour of the large warehouse facility. There was only one slight problem, a very large 150-pound boa constrictor living in a cage in the back room. The building previously housed a pet store and this boa was among the last of the pets to be sold. I attempted to mask the awkwardness of the situation and inquired about the possibility of closing the door and placing an Employees Only sign on the door. Gratefully, my request was granted.
My memory ricocheted back to an earlier season in my life when I was supporting my three children as a single parent through the means of home party direct sales. As I was setting up the display, the host inquired if it was alright with me if she let the pets out. I did not think anything about it and casually answered yes as I focused on setting up the display. A creepy feeling slowly edged up my spine and I turned around to see two 150-pound boa constrictors slithering into the room, across the hardwood floors toward me. The host was standing in the doorway deviously waiting to watch my expression. I calmly suggested that it might not be in the best interest of the guests if the pets were loose. So, she gathered them up and returned them to their cages in the master bedroom. My feet never crossed that threshold again, as I could not begin to fathom anyone living in this manner. Just as quickly my thoughts returned to the tour of the building as Jeremy and Christina kindly continued.
The building was perfect with high ceilings, ample space for worship dancing, sound system and complete with a closed door to reptiles. The LORD’s choice provision for the day!
It was a full day with nineteen in attendance with baby Faith Joy being the youngest at seven months and the eldest past sixty – from generation to generation we speak and release the blessings of the MOST HIGH GOD! Two States (Washington and Oregon), eleven cities (Tigard, Farmington, Vernonia, Portland, Gresham, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Battle Ground, Milwaukie, Oregon City, and Hubbard) and five churches were represented as we intentionally purposed to bring our FATHER GOD’s Unity to the body of Christ! Men, women, teenagers and children gathered together as the family of GOD to worship the LORD! One Dad had the courage to bring his daughter. An aunt brought her niece diagnosed with cerebral palsy who was confined to a wheel chair. As I danced with Alyssa – she held the Worship Flags and I spun the wheel chair in circles, the Holy Spirit whispered to me, “she doesn’t tread on the enemy, she just rolls over him!” We laughed for a very long time. Perhaps we birthed a new method of spiritual warfare known as, “rolling-over-the-enemy”.
Even though the day held some warfare as per usual when taking back the territory that the enemy has stolen from God's people, we witnessed the innovative and creative victory of GOD in every worship instrument that was made! And yes, we always trust the supernatural power of GOD, the grace and mercy from HIS throne, the atonement of JESUS, the resurrection and ascension power of HIS Son to dispel any forces of darkness. We give HIS name praise and glory and honor always in all things.
As always, remaining grateful for the prayers of the faithful HGRM Prayer Shield and those that gave to make this possible in this community!