The First Week

So, I had my first week at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry this week. There are somewhere around 900 first-year students in my class. Here are some highlights from this week:

-Worship and the Presence of God: This is number 1! There is such a hunger for God among this body that, on the first day, the front part of the church was filled with worshipers before the band was done with their sound check. Once worship started, all Heaven broke loose! The Presence of the Holy Spirit was so wonderfully evident. If you've experienced worship in this kind of atmosphere, you know what I'm talking about. If you have not (come visit!), it's kind of like describing what going under water feels like to someone who has never been. How could I put such a dynamic experience into words? (come visit...)

-Power: The first day of school concluded with dozens of people acknowledging that they had just been miraculously healed during a time of prayer. Our senior leader, Bill Johnson, was in the midst of teaching, when he stopped to have us pray for some medical conditions. Many many people who had pain from various accidents and injuries saw their pain leave their body and receive ability to move in ways they were previously unable. (I couldn't believe this was only the first day. Seriously, come visit.)

-Teaching: We have the privilege of having some of the most amazing teachers. Kris Vallotton and Bill Johnson were the main speakers this week, and they will continue to minister to us throughout the year. If you don't recognize those names, look them up, buy a book, or listen to a podcast (best idea: come visit).

-The school also emphasizes growing in community with other students. This happens in many different ways. We are split up into Revival Groups which meet regularly and consist of about 65 students. We have a Pastor and several others who serve our group. Our group ranges from age 17-60+. Some in our group have left 20-year pastoral positions to come be a student. Some have traveled from Mexico, India, and all over Europe just to be here. (Before you get too impressed with them, remember that we drove 6 days with 3 kids age 4 and under :))

Seriously, hundreds of people have paid a real price to be here. Personally, what I have received this first week has been worth every bit of sacrifice. I'm told it only gets better from here- I honestly can't imagine how! (maybe you should come visit)

Lastly, we are still in need of some tuition money. I have not brought this need to my friends and family yet, but here it is. We KNOW that God will bring the supply we need. Even as the sun rises faithfully every day, He is faithful to His word. I'm just asking that you would consider whether it would bring you joy to give to us in this season. If so, please make a gift of any size here: https://www.ibssm.org/a/donate. Just click the link and follow the instructions. God loves a cheerful giver, so if you can smile while you give, give! He is our supply and yours and He loves to use us to bless one another! Ha ha!

We are so thrilled at what God is doing in our lives since moving here. We are soaking in every moment we have, because the day will come when He sends us out from here to reproduce this amazing Kingdom culture in cities around the world.

Many blessings to you!

Mark, Amy, Abigail, Evan, Susanna