content
p.2 Editorial
When you hear the word prisoner, what do
you think? What images does it evoke in your
mind? For some it’s images of barbed...
p.4 God Breathes Life Into...
God is waiting for us to “come to the end of
ourselves” and come to Him for help. Resur-
rection power brings new life. What was...
p.7 Renewing Yourself
Tears began to stream down my face as I took
the letters in. It was one thing to buy books
and give them to Joel for his yearly prison...
p.9 Prayer of the Ages
Lord God Almighty, throughout the ages you
have revealed yourself in many different ways
to many different people. Today we are...
p.10 Revival Diaries
Thousands flooded the Baba-Ido Primary
School field in the Village of Okwagbe to hear
the word of God and receive healing in...
12
p.16 Intercession
According to doctors, her only hope was sur-
gery. The prayer warriors went to prayer and
when the doctors opened her up they...
p.19 Revival Greats
William J. Seymour, is one of the most influ-
ential and respected early Pentecostal leaders,
and played a key role in the Azusa Street...
p.20 Redemption
Persecution against Christians continue to
torment the lives of many in Iran. Mission or-
ganizations are not allowed to enter Iran...
p.23 Book Review
Author John Burton doesn’t only write about
theories and principles to live by, but lives
them out practically in his own life and...
p.23 God in the Arts
I was invited to paint at a soaking night where
the theme was “Blessing Our Spirits.” As I
meditated on the fact that God makes...
FEATURE
Plundering Hells Angels
His Laboring Few Biker Ministries was founded in 1990 by
Steve Ervin and others who have been transformed by the
saving grace of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
They are former members of biker gangs such as the “Hell’s
Angels”, and the “Outlaws” as well as prisoners, prostitutes,
pimps, pushers, alcoholics and drug addicts. His Laboring
Few Ministries is a non-profit Christian Organization based
on the Word of God and dedicated to witnessing to...
 orial
Issue 2 • Summer 2008
edit
W
hen you hear the word prisoner, what do you
think? What images does it evoke in your mind?
For some it’s images of barbed wire and tall fenc-
es; men shuffling single file ankles chained together wear-
ing coordinated jumpsuits. Some have already jumped to
the conclusion that is my aim in writing this issue.
Prisoners aren’t as easily identifiable as the stereotypi-
cal Hollywood image I just described. Prisoners come in all
shapes, sizes, social classes and races. Prisoners can seem as
free as that woman jogging by with her golden retriever in
tow, or that gentleman who kindly gave you his seat on the
commuter bus this morning.
Of course I’m not talking of physical imprisonment, I’m
speaking of spiritual imprisonment, which in my opinion
can be far more confining than the brick and mortar of a
physical jail cell.
In this issue you’ll read the story of a man who spent
time in jail, but whose life was transformed by the power of
the Cross. You’ll read of a group of people who are reach-
ing the once thought unreachable Hell’s Angels. You’ll read
about former Muslim’s who abandoned faith and family to
find freedom in Christ.
Where ever you are. What ever your prison, let this issue
of theMagazine be the skeleton key to your jail cell. In the
simple words written on these pages you can find freedom,
hope, strength and encouragement. As you read these ar-
ticles, let the message penetrate your heart. Be open to what
the Spirit is speaking to you, in your situation.
2
By Greg Holmes
When you’ve made the journey from the front cover to
the back page ad, sit back, grab the Word, raise your hands
toward heaven, and free your Spirit to worship in Spirit and
in truth.
It’s not by chance that you are reading this right now. It
arrived in the mailbox, or you picked it up from the maga-
zine rack at your favorite bookstore, or a friend may have
slipped it to you earlier this week, what ever the circum-
stances surrounding you reading, this is a divine appoint-
ment. God knows your heart. God knows your thoughts.
God knows your prison. God knows just how long you need
to sit and wait and He knows just when to shake the foun-
dation of your prison allowing the walls of hopelessness to
fall, the doors of rejection to fling open, and the chains of
dejection to loose you.
This is that moment, read, mediate, open the Word, pray
and Worship...then when the dust settles, and you’re done
being amazed at His grace and mercy, thank Him, and send
us a note so we can rejoice in His goodness with you.
All for HIS Kingdom,
Greg Holmes
President & Founder
Revival Nation
www.gregholmes.ca
 Revival Nation
theMAGAZINE

CONTRIBUTORS >>
ABOUT RN
Revival Nation is an evangelistic ministry called to take
the gospel of Jesus Christ to the four corners of the
earth through any means possible. This magazine is one
of the methods being used to encourage the body of
Christ to live, breath and experience the power of God
in a tangible way as signs and wonders accompany the
preaching of the word.
Kris Belfils is a very accomplished woman of faith with a dynamic
passion to see lives transformed and set free by the power of God.
She is the author of, The Garbage Man Always Comes On Fridays.
Kris lives in Washington State with her husband and their two
daughters.
Visit Kris online at www.krisbelfils.com

We believe in the gifts of the spirit, and that healing is
still an active and vital ministry of the Holy Spirit.
The vision of this magazine is not to promote Revival
Nation or the ministry of founder and author, Greg Hol-
mes. Rather the goal is to promote the body of Christ
throughout the earth. Therefore, if you have a story to
tell that fits into one of our themes email us, and we
will consider using your story.
Glenn Bleakney serves as the overseer of Awakening Ministries
and is the pastor of The Lifehouse in, Ontario CANADA. Glenn has
an apostolic gifting for training and releasing servant leaders to
reach the nations. He appears frequently on Christian television and
hosts the RE:Generation teaching radio ministry.
For more information visit www.awakenations.org

For more information about the ministry, the magazine Erin Coss is an author, wife and mother of three. She encourages
or author Greg Holmes you can contact us by any of the
following methods:
readers with the Word of God through Revival Nation’s “Renewing
Yourself” and through “Tidbit for Today” which you can find online
Mailing Address: at www.k2ebooks.com
Revival Nation Evangelistic Ministries Inc.
P.O. Box 30001
260 Indian Road South
Sarnia, Ontario
N7T 0A7 - Canada
Melissa Holmes is a woman passionate for God, and gifted pro-
Online:
www.revivalnation.com
phetically. Melissa is a mother of three, adjunct professor at Nipiss-
ing University (Canada), and the Acquisitions Editor for Revival
Email: Nation Publishing. During a season of devout scripture reading, the
publications@revivalnation.com
Holy Spirit downloaded, “Prayer of the Ages,” to her which appears
Photo/Image Credits: in every issue of Revival Nation theMagazine.
All photos (except individual photos) and images, unless
otherwise stated are used under license and have been
obtained from www.dreamstime.com Pamela J. Davis is author of Hands of the King. She utilizes po-
Photo on page 18 used under GNU Free Documentation etry, photography and scripture to minister to God’s people. Pamela
License and was obtained from Wikipedia.com is a missionary, artist, poet and photographer. She resides in Hous-
Publication Copyright
ton, Texas.
© 2008. Revival Nation. All Rights Reserved. No part of
this publication can be used, copied or quoted without
express written permission of Revival Nation or its writ-
ers. For permission use the contact information above.
Christine Nielsen is a history teacher at a Christian School in New
Printed in the United States of America
York State, where she lives with her family. She has had many sto-
ISSN 1916-1190 (Print Edition) ries published and continues to write in her free time.
ISSN 1916-1204 (Online Edition)

Subscription Information:
Canadian Subscriptions $12.99 (4 issues)
U.S. Subscriptions $15.99 (4 issues)
International Subscriptions $21.99 (4 issues)
Online Edition $9.99 (1 Year)
Tammy Hayes resides in Lumberton, North Carolina. She is a
Bulk subscriptions available upon request. wife, mother and Nana with a deep desire to serve the Lord with
purpose and passion in everything that she does.
Subscribe online at www.RevivalNationMagazine.com
or email subscriptions@revivalnation.com

Submission Inquiries:
editor@revivalnation.com

Advertising Rates:
advertising@revivalnation.com Rev. Paul McPhail is the General Secretary of the Independent
Assemblies of God International (Canada). Together with his wife,
Rev. Anna Mae McPhail, they Pastor the Chatham Christian Centre
and is the President of End-Times Ministries Inc. He and Anna Mae
have three sons and seven grandchildren.
For more information visit www.chathamchristian.com

3
Issue 2 • Summer 2008

“I am the resurrection, and the life.

He that believeth in me, though
he were dead, yet shall he live: and
whosoever liveth and believeth in me
shall never die” (John 11:1-44).

This is what Jesus breathed or spoke

to Martha when she met Him after
hearing He was coming. By her re-
sponse, Martha knew where her source
was., “Lord, if you had been here, my
brother would not have died. But even
now I know that whatever you ask of
God, God will give you.” There was
still faith even after seeing the dead.
He is the Resurrection and the Life!
If you believe, though you were dead,
you shall live. All it takes is a little faith
to see the wonders of God.
Scripture states, in John 11:5 and 6
“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sis-
ter and Lazarus. So, when He heard
that he was sick, He stayed two more
days in the place where He was.” Je-
sus stayed two more days after finding
out Lazarus was sick. Why would He
do this? First, He was setting the stage
for a miracle so that the people would
see His glory as verse 4 states, “…this
sickness is not unto dearth, but for the
glory of God, that the Son of God may
be glorified through it,” but there is
more.
If Jesus would have hurried and
healed Lazarus before he died, it would
be the same as He had done for many
others. If Christ had raised him to life
after he recently died, it would be no
more than He had done for some, but
waiting so long gave Jesus the oppor-
tunity to do more for Lazarus, Martha,
and Mary then He had done for any-
one. This is His love.
What areas of your life need to be
resurrected, restored, or revived? Re-
member that the Father God is con-
stantly watching you to bring resurrec-
tion life into your dead places. Look at
delays as His love in action, just wait-
ing for the right time to truly show you
how much He loves you.

4

Breathes GOD
LIFE INTO DEAD PEOPLE
The prodigal son was dead and came
back to life. We read in Luke 15:11 – 32
the story of how a father’s son asked
for his inheritance before His father
died. His father granted the request
and gave the son what was allotted
to him. The son went out and squan-
dered all the money on extravagant
living and ended up with no money
wishing he could eat what he fed the
pigs. He thought in his heart that even
a hired hand, or a servant, was well fed
in his father’s house. He came to the
end of himself. He made up his mind
to go home and ask to be a servant.
But his father had other plans. His fa-
ther missed him so much it felt like his
son was dead. He grieved over the loss
of his son. He longed for life to come
back to him, to come back home. This
is exactly like our Heavenly Father
who sees the dead in our life and longs
for life to come again.
God is waiting for us to “come to the
end of ourselves” and come to Him
for help. Resurrection power brings
new life. What was resurrected, by the
power of God, is even better than what
was there before.
Everyone who calls on Jesus will
be saved, will be revived, and will be
brought back to life!
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He
that heareth my word, and believeth
on Him that sent me, hath everlasting
life, and shall not come into condem-
nation; but is passed from death unto
life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The
hour is coming, and now is, when the
dead shall hear the voice of the Son of
God: and they that hear shall live. For
as the Father hath life in Himself; so
hath He given to the Son to have life in
by Kris Belfils
Himself; And hath given Him author-
ity to execute judgment also, because
He is the Son of man. Marvel not at
this: for the hour is coming, in the
which all that are in the graves shall
hear His voice” (John 5:24-28).
Jesus said this concerning His com-
ing, but we can truly apply this to any-
thing dead in our life.
The dead have no choice but to obey
the voice of the Lord to come back
to life. God is the Beginning and the
End; He is the Alpha and the Omega.
He alone knows when someone will be
born and when they will die. He is the
one who breathes life into them. Since
He is the Alpha and the Omega, He al-
ways finishes what He starts. Nothing
ends without His permission.
God can breathe new life into any
situation, circumstance, or issue, and
bring forth life again.
Jesus was raised from the dead.
Resurrection Life came from the One
who is the Resurrection and the Life.
We have to remember that the same
spirit that raised Christ from the dead
dwells in us.
“It stands to reason, doesn’t it, that if
the alive-and-present God who raised
Jesus from the dead moves into your
life, He’ll do the same thing in you that
He did in Jesus, bringing you alive to
Himself? When God lives and breathes
in you (and He does, as surely as He
did in Jesus), you are delivered from
that dead life. With his Spirit living
in you, your body will be as alive as
Christ’s” (Romans 8:11 The Message).
God can resurrect your dreams and
Revival Nation
theMAGAZINE
passions that seem to have died while
you have been waiting for a miracle.
When God gives us a dream it must
first die. Just like a seed that is dead
has to be buried, so our dreams have
to die so they can bring forth life. And
just like the growth from the seed that
bursts from the ground, which is ex-
actly what happens when life comes
from dead things.
What dreams has God given you?
Do they seem like they will never
come true? Have you held onto them
too tightly for God to breathe new life
into them? We need to learn to “hold
on loosely” to our dreams. Don’t hold
onto something so much that it con-
sumes you. Allow your dreams to die.
Give your desires to God and watch
Him make something from nothing.
God can make beauty from ashes
(Isaiah 61:1 – 3). What if the ashes
where made from your own match?
What if you started the fire that burned
your life into ashes, can God breathe
new life into our wrong choices? Can
God birth life from our mistakes? I
say, “YES!” God specializes in making
beauty from ashes.
What is dead in your life, your emo-
tions, your finances, your relation-
ships, your family, or circumstances?
Maybe you feel dead inside? Do you
feel God is far away and you don’t feel
close to Him? Allow God to come and
breathe new life into your spirit.
You might be feeling dead inside due
to sin in your life. You might be feeling
dead because of something you had to
walk through. No matter the reason,
God is there to breathe new life into
your spirit today!
5
Issue 2 • Summer 2008

6
 Revival Nation
theMAGAZINE

renewing
by Erin Coss

yourself Freedom in a Shoebox

I have struggled with my role as a

parent since day one. Raising three
children, two with autism, is truly ex-
hausting. I try the best I can, but I have
a difficult time feeling as though I’ll
ever be good enough. I feel as though I
have no control, as though the prison
doors of autism have locked my chil-
dren, my husband, and me in forever.
For our family, freedom is far from re-
ality.
Then I heard Joel’s story . . .
“I just wanted to share some letters
that I have received in response to
your generosity.” Joel said as he stood
in front of the congregation.
“Being locked up on the holidays is
very depressing,” Joel read. “I have
felt like no one cares . . . my parents
won’t even accept my calls. Today was
an especially bad day for me, until I re-
ceived your box. It actually put a smile
on my face and when I feel like I have
no one, God is always there.”
Tears began to stream down my face
as I took the letters in. It was one thing
to buy books and give them to Joel for
his yearly prison shoebox ministry;
it was another to listen to the fruits
of our labor. Then I heard a sentence
that seemed to hang in midair: “I know
when I was in jail, the men with their
shoebox ministry changed my life.”
Joel – in jail? He must have mis-spo-
ken. This man standing before us, all of
five feet eight inches tall and weighing
165 pounds., would never have served
time in jail. His smile alone would
have stopped any officer from arrest-
Pictured Above: Joel Provence with his wife Monica.

7
Issue 2 • Summer 2008
ing him. Joel was one of those guys
that everyone loved. He was nice to
everybody and served on several min-
istries within the church. He seemed
like the all-American church-goer.
As time went on, I had an itch to
learn more about Joel and the time
that he spent in jail. Still disbelieving
that his incarceration could have been
a reality, I decided to ask him if we
could meet so that I could hear his tes-
timony. We set up a time for us to talk
with our spouses over dinner.
A few weeks later, I found myself din-
ing at Joel’s house. It was a delight to
spend more time with him
and his wife. We finished
our meal and he began his
story. “I had my first run-
in with the law at six years
old,” I had to hold back a
chuckle. Six? That couldn’t
be. However, the look on
his face clearly stated that
this was no joke. As he
continued, I learned that
a series of run-ins with
the law, mostly related to
drug use, had earned Joel
a one-year jail sentence. I
was shocked; the man he
described was not the man
I knew.
He described jail as a
cold hard place where you
simply sat and waited. “I
had only been in jail for a couple of
months when Christmas time came,”
he recalled. “Three men came to visit
the jail and brought shoeboxes full of
books, toothpaste, and socks. Each of
the boxes also had a copy of the New
Testament. The men gave the gospel
and fellowshipped with the inmates.
The fact that these men would give of
themselves during this busy time of
year showed me, in a very real way,
the love of Christ. My passion for the
Lord ignited at that moment. I knew
about Christ. My parents had taken
me to church as a child, but I had nev-
er given full control over to the One
who would keep me from all trouble,
8
including jail.”
“I began to read and study the Bible
daily,” he said. “I remember one time
when I was sitting against the wall
reading. I looked up and I saw the sun
shining through the bars on the win-
dows. It was strange...for the first time
I thought to myself, ‘It doesn’t matter
that I’m locked in here behind razor
wire; with Christ in my heart, I’m al-
ready free.’”
I sat there stunned. Again, Joel had
taken me by surprise. As he led up
to that moment, I didn’t expect that
he would speak so intimately. You
could see the emotion behind his eyes.
This was a changed man. A man who
walked in the light of the Lord, rather
than one mired in the shadow of drug
abuse and crime.
As I prepared to leave, I thanked
Joel for sharing his story. It was ob-
vious that he was not proud of what
he had done but that God was using
Joel’s experiences in a positive way. I
remember very clearly Joel’s parting
words to me. He said, “It’s not about
me, it’s about Jesus.” His words deliv-
ered a powerful message and I knew
that something had to change.
While in jail, the system took con-
trol of every area in his life. They had
control of what he wore, what activi-
ties he participated in, and what he
ate. The jail was unable to control two
areas, though: his heart and his mind.
While Joel maintained control of what
he had left, he continued to live life in
a cage, behind bars and razor wire. It
was not until he gave up complete con-
trol to the Father that he was finally
able to see the Son.
I tried to control every aspect of
my children’s autism; I even tried
to control the spiritual. I felt that I
had the power to take the right steps
to heal my children but I struggled.
With every step for-
ward it seemed that
we moved two steps
back. Each time I
failed, I felt more
trapped and more
isolated. I realized
that while Joel found
himself locked be-
hind prison doors, he
was still able to taste
freedom. Despite my
ability to roam freely,
I felt as though I were
standing in the dark,
behind four cold
walls trying to dig my
way out. I wanted to
be free, I needed to
be free, and I prayed
to be free. God whis-
pered to me, “Psalm 40.”
I waited patiently for the LORD to help
me, and He turned to me and heard
my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of
despair, out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground and
steadied me as I walked along. He has
given me a new song to sing, a hymn
of praise to our God. Many will see
what He has done and be astounded.
They will put their trust in the LORD.
Oh, the joys of those who trust the
LORD, who have no confidence in the
proud, or in those who worship idols.
O LORD my God, you have done many
miracles for us. Your plans for us are
 Prayer of t
he Ages
Revival Nation
theMAGAZINE

too numerous to list. If I tried to re-

cite all your wonderful deeds, I would
never come to the end of them” (Psalm
40:1-5 NLT).
As I pondered Joel’s words over the
following days, I realized that he was
living the life I desired. I knew Christ.
L ord God Almighty, throughout the ages you have revealed yourself in many
different ways to many different people. Today we are asking you to bless us
with all that You are, so that through us Your Kingdom may be established.
I loved Christ. I trusted Christ, or did
We ask you for the favor and blessing that Abraham and Joseph knew; and we
I? Did I fully and completely trust Him
desire the wisdom and leading like your servant David. Grant us the prophetic
with every piece of my life? I realized
gifting equal to that of Elijah and Elisha. Endue use with wisdom like your wise
that I had not yet given full control
King; Solomon.
over to Christ.
Bestow on us the favor and honor that Ezra knew when he responded to and
Jesus said, “I have come that you
obeyed Your law and was recognized before kings, councils, and mighty princes.
may have life and have it to the full”
Move us with compassion, and accelerate us like Nehemiah as we rebuild the
(John 10:10 NIV). I have struggled
spiritual walls of our cities and nations.
with the emptiness that our fam-
ily encounters day after day in the Give us boldness, like Esther, to stand for truth and justice; Lord, if we must
world called autism. Joel’s words had die, we are willing to die. Make us aware that You have placed us where we are
pierced my heart. I too wanted to look for such a time as this.
out the window, see past our captivity,
May we fear you, like Mordecai feared you, yet remain fearless of man and like
and see the Son.
Daniel, be unwilling to bow to their evil desires.
It is easy to look around and see
Day by day give us the faith of Job to know that no matter what comes our way,
prison walls made of concrete, and
You alone administer mercy and grace.
prisons built of other substances: ad-
diction, abuse, depression, and even Equip us like Ezekiel, Jeremiah and Isaiah to speak the oracles of God, remove
autism. We live in a fallen world that is the blinders from our eyes, so that like Amos and Obadiah we would see visions
sometimes cold and confining. A world and have the ability to discern the meaning of those visions.
that often feels far from free, but then I
God give us the courage to believe You, to follow You and to trust You like the
heard Christ’s words echo in my heart,
disciples did with Jesus.
“He has sent me to proclaim freedom
for the prisoners” (Luke 4:18b NIV). Empower us to always preach with conviction like Peter, and may we have the
missionary heart of Paul.
I remembered that Jesus bought
my freedom on the cross. Jesus paid And Lord, above all else make us willing to die to self so that we can fully live
for me with His blood. Because I be- in Christ.
long to Him, there is no prison that
Amen.
can hold me. Finally, I gave in. I gave
up. I let go of the last area I remained by Melissa Holmes
in control of. Because of one man and
a shoebox, I finally saw freedom. I fi-
nally saw the Son.

If you have had a life

changing encounter
with Jesus Christ and
would like to tell us your
story, send an email to
editor@revivalnation.com

9
Issue 2 • Summer 2008

Revival
diaries
by glenn bleakney

10

“Then Jesus went about all the cities
and villages, teaching in their syna-
gogues, preaching the gospel of the
kingdom, and healing every sick-
ness and every disease among the
people” (Matt 9:35 NKJV).
I n January of 2008 Pastor Doug Boyd of New Life Church
in Edmonton Alberta Canada and I traveled to Delta State,
Nigeria for the express purpose of conducting a miracle
crusade in the Village of Okwagbe and hosting a minister’s
training seminar in the City of Warri. Pastor Francis Waive
of Fresh Anointing Ministries and Church of the Anointing
in Warri organized this crusade and conference and served
as our host.
Our ministry endeavors were highly successful in spite
of the dangers of this area in crisis. Conflict in the Niger
Delta arose in the early 1990s due to tensions between the
foreign oil corporations and a number of the Niger Delta’s
minority ethnic groups who felt they were being exploited,
particularly the Ogoni as well as the Ijaw in the late 1990s.
Ethnic and political unrest has continued throughout the
1990s and persists to the present. The Armed Forces of Ni-
geria and Police were everywhere. The Hotel we stayed in
was more like a military fortress! Twenty foot razor-wire
walls shielded us from the public. Armed guarded carry-
ing automatic weapons patrolled the hotel both inside and
outside. Soldiers were hunkered behind sandbags just a few
hundred meters away!
Village Miracle Crusade
Thousands flooded the Baba-Ido Primary School field in
the Village of Okwagbe to hear the word of God and receive
healing in their bodies. They would not be disappointed:
the deaf received their hearing, the mute spoke, the lame
walked, even AIDS was healed and verified by a physician
days after the crusade. All of these signs, of course, point to
the greatest miracle of all: Jesus Christ has authority to for-
give sins on earth (See Matthew 9:6). Hundreds repented of
their sin and denounced witchcraft and idol worship pub-
licly. The last night in particular was glorious as hundreds
came forward for salvation, deliverance, healing and the
Baptism of the Spirit.
At the final evening of the crusade there were tens of
thousands in attendance. We were informed that fifty to
seventy percent of the village was in attendance at this cru-
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theMAGAZINE
sade. We also found out that we were the first missionaries
from the West to visit the village in decades. Please pray for
this harvest of souls as well as the pastors and churches in
the Niger Delta region. They need our prayerful and finan-
cial support.
Minister’s Conference
While in Delta State, we were able to host two sepa-
rate leadership conferences for ministers. One of these con-
ferences was in the City of Warri and the other was in the
Village of Okwagbe. The pastor’s were very zealous for the
word of the Lord receiving it gladly. Pastor Doug Boyd and
Glenn Bleakney taught at the conference that was hosted
by Bishop Nathan Madeyi, Chairman for the Delta Central
District of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.
Local Church Ministry
I had the privilege of preaching at the Church of the
Anointing in Warri where Rev. Francis Waive serves as se-
nior pastor. The glory of God fell in the house during the
Sunday morning worship service! Many were baptized in
the Holy Spirit and there were also numerous notable heal-
ings! A young man responded to a word of knowledge about
deafness in his left ear and after being ministered to was
overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit and reported be-
ing healed. There were various other words of knowledge
given that resulted in healing and salvations. At one point,
there were so many lined up for healing that the line ex-
tended down the aisle and all the way outside of the church.
They were not disappointed: Tumors disappeared, chronic
pain was healed, the deaf heard, the blind say, and even one
man who was HIV positive was totally healed! This was sub-
sequently verified by medical testing!
We thank God for the opportunity to serve His people in
Delta State, Nigeria. There is such a great harvest of souls
there still needing reaped! Many of the people in the islands
in particular have not heard the Gospel. Additionally, there
is a need for Bibles in their language, training for pastors
and medical assistance. We plan to return to the Delta and
conduct conferences for pastors and also develop a curric-
ulum that will be translated into local languages. You can
help support our outreaches into the Delta area! Please con-
tact us for more info.
If your church is experiencing a
genuine move of God we want to
hear about it. Email your story to
editor@revivalnation.com
11
Issue 2 • Summer 2008

“While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners”
were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.
When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the “sin-
ners” and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax col-
lectors and ‘sinners’?” On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy
who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners”
(Mark 2:15-17).
Who Needs a Doctor? other words, they were having a din- Jesus reclining at the table, making
ner party! I’m sure there were a few conversation with these “sinners”
T his passage of scripture is rela-
tively straight forward and there is
little need to search out its deep theo-
with questionable backgrounds and I
would imagine that the conversations
as the disciples watched wide eyed,
themselves trying to figure out why
among those gathered were not fo- the Lord was socializing with Levi’s
logical meaning. As for me, however,
cused on God’s love or His laws. I’m unsavory friends.
the simplest passages seem to escape
sure there were whispers among the
the meaningful attention they truly At some point in time the Phari-
guests as they tried to uncover the rea-
deserve as I take for granted the sig- sees approached the disciples, looking
son Jesus and His followers were eat-
nificance of these powerful verses and down their traditional noses as they
ing with “sinners” and “tax collectors”.
the circumstances surrounding them. begged the loaded question, “Why
I’d be willing to bet they watched in-
does He eat with tax collectors and sin-
I am fairly certain that Levi’s house tently for any sign of behavior that
ners?” I can almost see an unpreten-
was filled with music, laughter and may have been ‘unbecoming’ of a Holy
tious smile on His face as He informs
strong drink as they were waiting for man.
the ‘learned’ that it isn’t the healthy
the meal to be served. The scriptures
With a little imagination I can see but the sick that need a doctor.
tell us there were many present, in

12

In this day and time, there are still
those, who place themselves right in
the middle of less than virtuous situ-
ations, all for the purpose of being the
hands and feet of Jesus to a world full
of loss. These modern day disciples
move in circles that are dangerous and
some may even mistakenly consider
them inappropriate for a born again
child of God.
His Laboring Few Biker Ministries
was founded in 1990 by Steve Ervin
and others who have been transformed
by the saving grace of God, through
the power of the Holy Spirit. They are
former members of biker gangs such
as the “Hell’s Angels”, and the “Out-
laws” as well as prisoners, prostitutes,
pimps, pushers, alcoholics and drug
addicts. His Laboring Few Ministries
is a non-profit Christian Organization
based on the Word of God and dedi-
cated to witnessing to the lost, training
disciples and being ministers of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. These
dedicated laborers serve the Lord by
supplying the needs of others through
offering food, clothing, furniture and
other needed items to the public at no
charge. The Harvest Camp ministry; a
four month recovery program for men
Revival Nation
theMAGAZINE
and women with drug and alcohol ad-
dictions, is a no strings attached free
service offered to the lost children of
God. HLF has many ministry out-
reaches ranging from children and
youth to the jail and prison ministry,
to hitting the streets donning worn
leather with the characteristic rumble
of ‘American Made’s’ preceding them.
There are currently eighteen chap-
ters of His Laboring Few Ministries
from North Carolina to Canada. The
modern day disciples I refer to here
are the men of the local chapter of the
HLF biker ministry in Bladen County,
13
Issue 2 • Summer 2008
North Carolina.
With the immense support of their
families these extraordinary men,
without hesitation and with great con-
viction, run wholeheartedly after the
forgotten souls, the souls many of us
could or would never be able to reach.
These remarkable men are a vision of
the present day ‘sons of thunder’, with
only one mission in mind; to reach
out to an elect group of lost souls in
desperate need of the touch of their
Heavenly Father. The mind set is one
born of the Holy Spirit, determined to
feed the hungry, clothe the naked, care
for family, and set the captives free
by proclaiming the Good News of the
Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord.
In 2 Kings Chapter 6, the Word tells
us that Elisha had been given spiritual
sight. He could see what his servant
could not see, so he prayed and asked
the Lord to let his servant see the forc-
es that stood with them in the battle
against the Syrian army.
Lord I pray that you give us eyes
to see the spiritual realm, the forces
of the heavenly host, the power of the
Holy Spirit and the Face of God as
this truly remarkable story unfolds,
in the mighty name of Jesus we pray.
Amen!
Picture, if you will, a towering, burly
man riding a Harley Davidson com-
plete with saddle bags. A truly robust
guy, tattooed and dressed in leather
from head to toe, a thick, graying
beard resting lightly on his chest, and
a pony tail braided down his back. An
air of peace surrounds him as he ‘flies’
his ‘colors’ (the select patch of the HLF
biker ministry). A picture of the cross
and a never ending highway with “His
Laboring Few Biker Ministry” stitched
across the back of his proudly worn
leather vest reveals that he has a pur-
pose and a passion for Christ.
Now, imagine a group of men, much
like the one I just described, their
journey set apart by thunderous roar-
ing motors echoing through the tree
14
lined streets. The reflection of the sun the voice of the Holy Spirit to guide
rebounding off finely polished chrome them safely and use them mightily.
convincingly resembles blazing chari-
As they approached the door, a tall
ots of fire. These men, Dale Taylor
rugged man, the President of the local
along with Mike and Tony Hayes
HA chapter invited them in bearing
represent a small number of men la-
open hugs. Food was being prepared
boring in the ripened fields, bringing
in the kitchen and the aroma was in-
a harvest of souls into the kingdom.
viting. The clubhouse was filled with
Their decision to be the hands and
music, laughter and strong drink,
feet of Jesus to a notorious biker gang
much like the atmosphere at the home
with a reputation for violence is sup-
of Levi. I’m sure there were whispers
ported through intense prayer cover
among the guests as they tried to un-
and sensitivity to the direction of the
cover the reason these men, bearing
Holy Spirit.
“His Laboring Few Ministries”, were
Through the eyes of the Spirit, I eating and ‘socializing’ with known
can picture them, accompanied by an members of the Hell’s Angels gang.
angelic host, wearing glowing white I’d be willing to bet there were a few
robes with sashes of the purest gold there who were watching intently for
gripped firmly around their waists. I any sign of behavior that may have
can envision the fire from their chari-
ots cutting a blaze through the heavens
as their drawn swords leave behind a
ribbon of light accenting the fiery glow
that splits the sky.
I can clearly picture the tyrannical
spirits’ of despair, hatred, and addic-
tion as they scramble to cower behind
the old houses in the neighborhood,
while fear scampers off to warn the
others that three disciples of the Lord
are fast approaching their clubhouse
and they are not alone, but well guard-
ed by warring angels with swords
drawn for battle. been ‘unbecoming’ of a laborer for the
Lord.
The thunderous echo winds down
to a low rumble as they pull into the In the book of Daniel, the Lord tells
driveway of the old white washed mill us that when we pray, angels are dis-
house, now hailed the Hell’s Angel’s patched to bring our answer, to pro-
clubhouse. A wide, heavy banner de- tect us, do battle with the enemy as the
noting their trademark “colors” bears Holy Spirit guides and leads us. I be-
the strength of the wind with very lit- lieve that there were only a few enemy
tle effort as the men exchanged brief spirits lurking in dark corners, dis-
glances. Their dismount slowed as cussing their next plot to bring pain,
they removed their helmets, which destruction, and eventually death to
were inundated with stickers proclaim- their unwitting charges within the
ing Jesus as The Way, The Truth and walls of that small clubhouse. After
The Life and their hearts pounded as all, they had the place hemmed up,
the validity of their mission was being what did they have to worry about?
realized. The fierce gargoyle statues They were pretty confident that they
covering the lawn offered an eerie feel could divert any positive effects of the
to an already oppressive atmosphere prayers that had been going up; there
provoking them to listen closely for was no way a child of God was going

to walk through ‘their’ doors, I’m sure
the enemy thought they were quite
safe, that is, until they saw the ‘sons
of thunder’ walk in with the blinding
glare of power reflecting off the ac-
companying angels’ swords and the
presence of the Holy Spirit surround-
ing them keeping the enemy in check.
Dale, Mike and Tony set out to min-
ister to those who had been deceived
by the insidious presence of Satan’s
henchmen. They were there to set
the captives free from the ruse of the
enemy, who has undoubtedly painted
a terribly skewed picture of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ and His love
for His creation. They had no choice,
they had to infiltrate.
The whispers must have been deaf-
ening as they recited to the members
of the HA’s each and every reason to
be wary of those representing HLF. I
can just see the devils now, scurrying
around to get to their assigned duties,
after all, they had good reason to be
uptight about their unwelcome guests.
For these were not your ordinary men,
they didn’t look any different than the
average biker on the outside, but on
the inside they had the love of Jesus,
the patience of Job, the boldness of
Paul and the power of the Holy Spirit.
With every smile and nod of the
head, a new, living seed of love fell to
the ground as the three searched for a
place to mingle inside the clubhouse.
They were not there to pronounce
judgment on those present; they were
not there to give a fluid sermon on the
love of God. Their purpose was much
more covert; they had to win the ac-
ceptance of a group of men, who for
good reason trusted absolutely no one.
But as the three men mingled among
the crowd, listening to their stories,
hanging on every word and respond-
ing with the wisdom of God, walls
began to fall. Friendships started to
form and the way was being made for
final victory, salvation of lost souls.
His Laboring Few biker ministry
works with the local Hell’s Angels bik-
Revival Nation
theMAGAZINE
er gang on a regular basis. HLF and
their families unite and prepare boxes
of food or anything else that is needed
along with Bibles and tracks to meet
the needs of the families of the Hell’s
Angels. HLF and the HA come to-
gether and distribute those boxes side
by side strengthening the trust and
the friendships that have been built.
They meet at rallies and churches and
through this ministry, the hands and
feet of Jesus have a far reaching affect.
One by one the greatest miracle of all
is taking place, hearts are being soft-
ened and the lost are being saved by
the grace and mercy of God.
To the natural eye, standing on the
outside and looking in, we may only be
able to see a group of friends, Chris-
tians and non, gathered together. But
in the eyes of the Spirit the heavenly
forces are at war over the children of
the Living God and His children are
daily gaining ground.
I am thankful for those with His La-
boring Few who are bold, empowered
by the Holy Spirit and poised to reach
out to the lost souls I may never have
the opportunity to touch. I can how-
ever, offer up my deepest heart felt
prayers to the Lord to keep this minis-
try in all its ways, to guide and lead, to
protect and shelter, as they overcome
the lies of the enemy with the blood
of Jesus and the word of their testi-
mony.
For His Laboring Few, and all who
ride the modern day chariots of fire to
spread the good news of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ, I offer this bikers’
prayer:
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm
upon your face
And the rains fall soft upon your ride
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the
hollow of His hand.
15
Issue 2 • Summer 2008

Intercession by Christine Nielsen

Rick Schilke is a member of a church called

“The House of the Lord” in
Oneida, Tennessee, a small town with a population of
3,700. Rick’s Pastor, Donnie Griffith “Pastor Donnie”
casually remarked that, “Oneida is about twenty years behind the times.”

They may not be up to date like the big cities in America

but that doesn’t stop GOD from
moving in a powerful way there.
16

The Power of Prayer
W ords are very powerful and can evoke images in our
mind. We are always remembering stories or articles
we have read because of the scenes we saw in our minds.
We may not remember the exact words we read but we re-
member how those words made us feel. Such was the case
when I listened to Richard (“Rick”) talk about his town and
church.
Rick Schilke is a member of a church called “The House of
the Lord” in Oneida, Tennessee, a small town with a popula-
tion of 3,700. The pastor of The House of the Lord, Donnie
Griffith, “Pastor Donnie,” casually remarked that, “Oneida
is about twenty years behind the times.”
They may not be up to date like the big cities in America
but that doesn’t stop God from moving in a powerful way.
Richard Schilke
Rick was raised in a Christian home. Like many young
adults with their first taste of freedom, he strayed. One day
his mother asked him to drive with her to Florida to attend
the Brownsville Revival. He didn’t want to go. His reason
was that he had a lot of dirty laundry to wash and no clean
clothes to take. His mom wouldn’t relent and he ended up
grabbing his dirty laundry and taking it with him.
“Mom was always dragging me to places to try and get me
saved, even if it meant driving 1000 miles to see it accom-
plished,” Rick remembers. The Lord answered his mother’s
prayers and Rick was saved in a powerful way during his
time in Pensacola, FL. Not only was Rick saved, but God
birthed in him a passion for intercessory prayer and he has
seen many miracles take place.
The House of The Lord
The House of the Lord is a small but growing church that
began in Pastor Donnie’s home four years ago with a few
people and has been steadily growing ever since. Now with
about 100 members, the church is in the process of building
a 3,200 square foot building.
Their focus however, is on the fellowship hall. Pastor
Donnie’s goal for the building is very simple. He doesn’t
need pretty ornaments or decorations, expensive carpet or
stained glass windows. He wants a place people can come
to where they and their children can be taught to do what
God has called them to do. His main focus is helping people,
feeding and clothing them and through these works teach-
ing his congregation to have a heart for others just like Je-
sus.
He laughed as he told his congregation not to tell others
they love them. “You might be lying,” he insisted. “Instead,
show them by helping them and by having a heart for Je-
Revival Nation
theMAGAZINE
sus.”
Word of Knowledge
Late one night in January, 2008, God deposited 18 steps
to intercession in Rick and also gave him a word of knowl-
edge about Pastor Donnie’s son. When Rick called Pastor
Donnie the next day he confirmed what Rick said.
The word of knowledge confirmed to Pastor Donnie that
the 18 steps were in fact from God so Pastor Donnie asked
Rick to start an intercessory prayer class at the church.
Through the month of February Rick led four sessions,
training the people of the church to pray effectively. From
those sessions, teaching the things that God had deposited
into Rick, Pastor Donnie acknowledged that The House of
Lord, “now has prayer warriors.”
Seeing the transformation in his congregation, Pastor
Donnie now boldly declares that, “Intercessory prayer is the
greatest weapon against the enemy in the last days.”
“
when the doctors
opened her up they
couldn’t find any tu-
mors, she was com-
d”
pletely cancer free
God is continuing to enlighten these two men on prayer
and how it can be used. God spoke to Rick and explained
about how prayer has shape, form and dimension in the
spiritual world. God revealed to Pastor Donnie that prayer
can be touched and used at any time. As they spoke to each
other about prayer they realized what God had told them
both and they put it together.
Prayer is a powerful tool yet so many Christians don’t
use it as we should. Mountains can be moved if we learn
to pray effectively. Mountains are being moved everyday in
Oneida.
Changed By Prayer
Recently, a woman with terminal cancer called the church
for prayer. According to doctors, her only hope was surgery.
The prayer warriors went to prayer and when the doctors
opened her up they couldn’t find any tumors, she was com-
pletely cancer free.
Another woman from the area had cancer in her lymph
17
Issue 2 • Summer 2008
nodes and had been given only a short time to live. The
prayer warriors stepped up and at her next check up her test
results came back normal. She’s already lived three months
longer than had been predicted.
Pastor Donnie told me about a baby that had been born
with his organs outside of his body. Once again, medical
professionals said that the “only hope” was surgery and even
then there was only a 15% chance of survival. By prayer the
baby survived and is doing great.
Rick’s grandmother recently had a major stroke. She
couldn’t talk and her face was drawn. Only two people were
allowed in the room at a time to see her. Rick was home
and his wife called him and told him what had happened.
She was on her way to the hospital. He hung up and prayed
knowing his wife was praying as well.
As the family members came out two by two they all re-
ported that she couldn’t talk. By the time the last two went
Now faith is being sure
of what we hope for
and certain of what we
do not see.
Hebrews 11:1
in they came out and asked what the problem was. She was
talking normal and they could understand every word.
Recently, God woke Rick up with an urgency to pray. Rick
knew it was for someone who had been in an accident, but
wasn’t sure who it was for. Later, he found out his friend had
been in a very bad accident that night. His car had rolled at
least seven times, yet he walked away from it unharmed.
During a Wednesday night service, God moved in a pow-
erful way in the House of the Lord. During the service, Chel-
sea, Rick’s stepdaughter was swept up in the Spirit of the
Lord. Onlookers reported that her body literally lifted up off
the floor for a few seconds and when her feet stepped back
down she was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Chelsea still feels the power of God every time she goes
18
to the altar for prayer. Yet, she is not the only child being
swept up by the power of God in the church. Branden, has
been slain in the Spirit many times recently. Each time for
at least an hour. Branden is 14-years-old. His Dad said, “he
used be temperamental – now he’s not!”
Pastor Donnie is firm in his belief that intercessory prayer
will flourish in his church and that it’s unlimited.
Once people learn how to pray effectively, miracles will
happen one after the other. No more of those “Oh, Lord,
please, I know you can do it if you want to,” prayers!
Pastor Donnie identifies “tradition” as bogging down to-
day’s church and he is striving to get away from that. From
what has been happening in his town, it’s obvious he’s on
the right track.
As we are obedient and grow in what God has called us
to do, we will suffer attacks. The enemy doesn’t want us to
be successful. However, if we know how to pray, and do so
with power and authority, it will be like dust being swept up
with a broom. Just a little dirt we need to get rid of. Nothing
more.
As I started this article, I mentioned how words can
evoke images. As I listened to Rick and Pastor Donnie talk-
ing about what is happening in their town and with their
church I kept thinking of the book written by Frank Peretti,
called “This Present Darkness.” Anyone familiar with that
book will know exactly what I’m talking about. I can just see
the angels landing in Oneida as more and more prayers are
lifted up. I can see strongholds being broken as these people
learn the power of prayer.
Years ago God gave one of my sisters a vision. She was
looking out over America and it was pitch black. No light at
all. Then, one by one she saw lights scattered around. She
asked God what the lights meant. He told her it was His
remnant. You don’t have to be in a big city or a big church
to see God move. You just have to be obedient, pray and
believe. God is there with you.
In the town of Oneida, there is a light shining brightly.
This small town is growing spiritually. This little church is
rising up and doing God’s will.
Angels are rejoicing and demons are trembling.
If you have a true story about
how prayer has changed situa-
tions or circumstances we want to
know, please email your story to
editor@revivalnation.com
 Revival Nation
theMAGAZINE

by re v. paul mcphail

m aking • history • inf luencing • the • future

greats
William Joseph Seymour

W illiam J. Seymour, is one of the most influential and respected early Pen-
tecostal leaders. He moved to California after listening to the teaching of
Charles F. Parham in Houston, Texas and played a key role in the Azusa Street
Revival and the development of the Pentecostal movement.
In early Feb. 1906 Seymour received an invitation “from the colored people of
the City of Los Angeles,” to take the pastorate of a small Holiness mission in Los
Angeles that had been founded by Julia W. Hutchins. Seymour arrived in Los An-
geles February 22, 1906. Seymour’s entry into the work begun by Mrs. Hutchins
was not easy. After preaching what he had learned in Houston, he found himself
locked out of the building.
Mr. Edward Lee, invited him to minister in a small Bible study being conducted
at the home of Richard and Ruth Asberry at 214 North Bonnie Brae Street. While
Seymour had not yet experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the “Bible
evidence” of speaking in tongues as defined by Parham, he continued to teach
it. On April 9, 1906, several members of the Bible study began to speak in other
tongues. The excitement generated by this discovery quickly attracted a curious
but sympathetic crowd. Seymour was forced to find a more suitable space to con-
tinue his work among these people. They rented, then moved their meetings to
a vacant building, the former sanctuary of Stevens African Methodist Episcopal
(AME) Church at 312 Azusa Street about April 15. Seymour and his followers
began what would become a three-year revival that would impact the world.
His followers described him as a meek man and as a man of prayer. He prayed
fervently, with his head frequently bowed within his pulpit, while others prayed,
sang, or exhorted the faithful around him.
Seymour surrounded himself with a capable, interracial staff of women and
men. From 1907 through at least 1919, Seymour traveled widely throughout the
United States. He made trips throughout California and to Alabama, Illinois, In-
diana, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. He held evangelistic meet-
ings, baptized new converts, and “set aside” or appointed leaders in a far-reach-
ing fellowship of pastors who were willing to work with him. There is evidence to
suggest that he hoped to lead the movement in the development of congregations,
rescue missions, foreign missions, primary and secondary schools, even colleges,
universities, and schools of theology. William Joseph Seymore (1870 - 1922)

William J. Seymour preached a message of salvation, holiness, and power, Bishop/Pastor of the Apostolic Faith
Mission, 312 Azusa Street, LOS ANGE-
welcomed visitors from around the world, transformed the congregation into a
LES, California USA, during the Azusa
multicultural center of worship, and commissioned pastors, evangelists, and mis- Street revival of 1906 - 1909.
sionaries to take the message of “Pentecost” (Acts 2:1-41) to the world.
Today, members of the Pentecostal/Charismatic Movement number half a bil-
lion worldwide.

19
Issue 2 • Summer 2008

Present Suffering and Future Glory

“E veryone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while
evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being de-
ceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced
of, because you know those from whom you learned it and how from infancy you have
know the Holy Scriptures which is able to make you wise for salvation through faith
in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:12-15).
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory
that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the children
of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own
choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will
be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the
children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains
of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have
the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption, the
redemption of our bodies. For this hope we were saved” (Romans 8:18-24).
Persecution against Christians continue to torment the lives of many in Iran.
Mission organizations are not allowed to enter Iran, open witnessing to Muslims is
banned, and the government sends spies to monitor Christian groups. Believers are
discriminated against in education, employment and property ownership. Christians
are physically attacked for their faith. By reading the New Testament, I have found
that the power of Christ can erase hatred and replace it with love.
As we pray for the believers injured by those trying to silence their witness, one
man chooses to make a difference in the lives of many Christians who have fled to the
U.S. and are now free to worship the living Christ. He is Mehdie Luke Kohanloo, who
honors our Lord & Savior by passionately serving in the ministry “Persians for Jesus
Christ.” Pastor, Dr. Ed Young at the Second Baptist Church located in Houston Texas
has opened a wide door of opportunity for Kohanloo by offering a safe haven at his
church where the Persian community can meet and enjoy bible study and prayer in
Farsi (Persian Language); and English.
I have been blessed to attend many of these services and personally witness the
intense joy of the Lord found in each believer. Many who have fled Iran and obtained
citizenship in the U.S. now find a safe refuge where they can have intense prayer

20
 Revival Nation
theMAGAZINE

for the needs of their families, be ministered to by the sharing of God’s Word, enjoy
festive praise and worship music, and feast on delightful Persian cuisine prepared
by loving hands of men and women who rejoice in their freedom to serve the living
Christ.
While many consider Iranians to be the Muslim people most open to the gospel, it
has been an honor for Kohanloo to assist with the baptizing of many new believers.
Kohanloo also helped organize and host the beautiful Persian New Year celebration
(called “Nou-Rouz”) which was held at the Second Baptist Church of Houston Texas
with the support of Pastor, Dr. Ed Young who graciously attended the ceremony. I
enjoyed the celebration and hospitality which included great Persian hymnals & tra-
ditional music as well as Persian food and guest speaker Dr. Tour from Rice Univer-
sity.
Mehdie Luke Kohanloo shares with us his personal testimony of how he came to
know the truth and revelation of the living Jesus Christ.
“I was born in a Muslim family in Iran. My family were not fanatic Muslim, but my fa- Mehdie Luke Kohanloo (left)
ther taught me and his children to obey the laws of Quran and to obey and follow the
teaching of Prophet Mohammad. After I graduated from the high school, my father
sent me to the United States to continue my education.
While living in a dormitory in college in a small city in Texas, I met several Chris-
tian students who spent many hours and days to tell me about the Lord Jesus Christ,
but I was bound and determined to stay an obedient Muslim. I remember that during
my discussions with the Christian friends, I decided to study Quran and to convince
my friends that Mohammad is the final Prophet and they should embrace Islam and
become Muslim.
During my studies of Quran, I read in many verses of Quran that Jesus did not
have earthly father, and was born from the Holy Spirit. These verses made me think
and investigated more into Mohammad’s life, since I knew that Mohammad had an
earthly father and he was just another ordinary man. As the matter of fact, Moham-
mad confesses in the 110 chapter of the book of Quran, that he is just an ordinary
man, just like the rest of us.
As I continued my studies of Quran, I read many verses about the miracles that
Jesus had done and the fact he never forced Christianity to any one, but He only

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Issue 2 • Summer 2008

preached on the Kingdom of God, and said that His King- Once, my father told me that Mohammad is the seal of
dom is near. Some of the verses of Quran that really affected all prophets, the last prophet and therefore, the most holy
my life were: one. I told him, is it true that it says in the Quran that Jesus
did not have an earthly father and God sent His spirit to the
A-Omran-55 “Allah said, O Isa (Jesus), I am going to ter-
virgin Mary to conceive Him in her womb? He said yes that
minate the period of your stay and cause you to ascent unto
is true. Then I asked my father, if Mohammad is the seal of
Me and purify you of those who disbelieve and make those
all prophet and the most holy one, then not only his father
who follow you above those who disbelieve to the day of res-
should have been from the spirit of God, but also his mother
urrection; then to Me shall be your return, so I will decide
should have been from the spirit of God; then why is it that
between you concerning that in which you differed.”
Mohammad told his disciples that he is just a ordinary man
In this verse of Koran, it clearly says that Jesus has the (with an earthly father) and nothing more?
highest rank and position in the Kingdom of God. It also
My father never answered my question and I don’t know
says that those who follow Christ are much higher than
if he ever dealt with this question in his own heart, or not. I
those who do not follow Him or are following Mohammad.
guess that I will find out someday, and he may tell me how
In this verse, it does not say anything about the position and
he dealt with my question, if I see him at the foot of Jesus
rank of Moses, Noah or Prophet Mohammad after death in
Christ.”
the Kingdom of God.
In this verse of Koran, it is emphasizes that Jesus was For more information:
ascent, went “UP” to heaven to the Father. This verse is the Persians for Jesus Christ
only verse in the entire Quran that talks about the ascension c/o Second Baptist Church
of any prophet, therefore, the big question remains, if Jesus 6700 Woodway
is the only one who was ascended to heaven to sit next to Houston, Texas 77057
the Father, then what happened to other prophets such as
Moses, Noah and Mohammad after they died? (713) 410-6085
persiansforjesuschrist@gmail.com
Al-Omran-56, Koran “Allah said for those who do not be-
lieve in you (Jesus), they shall be chastised with sever chas-
tisement and they shall have no helper”.
In this verse of Quran, it clearly says that those who do
not believe or follow Jesus shall be cast out to hell, and no
one, not even Mohammad can help them.
During the early part of my youth, I studied Quran to
find a way to justify my faith in Islam, but I found none. As
a matter of fact, not once throughout my search of Quran,
I did not find a verse that Mohammad had said that those
who believed in him shall be saved. But I found many verses
in Quran that says that Jesus is the Messiah and the savior.
Based on my studies of Quran, I finally stepped forward
and accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord
in 1972. Later, I decided to continue my education in Engi-
neering and also in Christian Theology. At the present time,
I work full time as an engineer and full time at the service of
my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in Ministry of “Persians
for Jesus Christ” at The Second Baptist Church of Houston
Texas.
God has given me a zeal and desire to share the Truth of
Jesus Christ with everyone, especially to the Persians. Dur-
ing these years I have witnessed that truth be revealed and
many Persians have come to find the Truth and let the Truth
set them free. Among them are many members of my family
including my mother, one sister and my brother.

22
 Revival Nation

bookreview X
theMAGAZINE

If you are an author or publisher and would like your book

reviewed send two copies to the address listed in this pub-
lication. If you have recently read a book, and would like to
submit a review, email editor@revivalnation.com

20 Elements
of Revival
by John Burton
20 Elements of Revival captures
the true heart of a sustainable
move of God. Author John
Burton doesn’t only write about
theories and principles to live
by, but lives them out practically
in his own life and ministry
also making the message of this live, breathe and be revival to
book more meaningful, and their city.
obviously attainable.
The next great move of God is
ISBN: 978-0-9784901-4-0
attainable by all who are willing
to dedicate themselves to the Available from RN Publishing at
discipline of prayer. RevivalNationPublishing.com
or anywhere Christian books are
This book is an easy read,
sold.
that is packed with valuable
incentive for every reader to

GODin the
e arts
Speak
by Carla Myers

I was invited to paint at a soaking night where

the theme was “Blessing Our Spirits.” As I
meditated on the fact that God makes Himself
small enough for my spirit “ear” to hear Him, I
saw the concept for this painting.
• The background is silver, representing
redemption, refinement and reflecting the
Creator.
• The center is an actual print of my ear.
• The rainbow on the left represents God
“Speak” © by Carla Myers
pointing Himself toward me and letting me
hear His voice. have CLEAR COMMUNICATION. (blue representing clear atmo-
sphere)
• The right side represents the blessing, and
what comes out of my spirit back to God. • AWAKENED, deeply cleansed and ALERT ears to hear. (open, awak-
ened, alert eyes)
I bless you with
• Knowing your SHEPHERD’S VOICE. (the color here is “King’s
• TUNING your spiritual ears to Him. (pur- Gold”)
ple tuning fork)
• The SOUND OF HEAVEN. (colors here were literally taken from the
• Listening with COMMITMENT to obey. colors of God on the left side of the canvas)
(gold rings representing commitment)
Speak Lord, for your servants are listening!
• A hearing spirit and UNDERSTANDING
HEART to discern between good and evil. To order a print, or for more information about Carla Myers visit her
(hearts) at:
• Clearing out static and interference so you www.cre8ivecarla.com

23