******* REVIVAL FIRE!!! *******
Friends,
What can separate me from His love? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God!
Yesterday I had the most amazing time visiting the St. Steven's Society's Shing Mun Springs. A beautiful piece of property that is housing for recovering drug addicts and runaway teens. The complex is seated high above on a large hill and has an amazing and beautiful view of the city of hong kong. I was blessed to just sit and listen to their stories, to love and pray on the men and staff of this amazing place. The St. Steven's approach is not one of counseling and attempting to fix problems, but is different in that they introduce them to Jesus and allow His presence to fill their lives and heal their inward wounds. Most of these men were hardened criminals and drug addicts. It is amazing how many of these men live drug free and productive lives through allowing Jesus to transform them.
I listened in tears to one man's story, who also is considered a papa at St Steven's. He has been with them over 20 years now. He was one of the first people that they found. This man at a young age lost both of his parents, and was introduced to the triad gangs. He said he committed many, many bad things during this time (the triads are an ancient and ruthless crime group who are known for drug trafficking, contract murder, money laundering, gambling, prostitution, car theft, extortion, and other forms of racketeering) he also became addicted to drugs. 3 years later, he came to know Jesus and began the journey into freedom from addiction. What he discovered was that the more he was in Jesus' presence, the more free he became. The more he worshiped, the more he discovered the wounds that were deep within became healed. Today he lives his life layed down for others, leading them out of addiction and into freedom.
The day was spent listening to their stories and praying for them and prophesying over them. I was so elated!!! I watched as they wept as they heard the reality of God's heart for them, as His presence swept over them, His love filled them. There are so many cases that have proven Jesus works. The love of Jesus is enough. The love of Jesus is enough to heal the past, is enough to mend the present, is enough to create a future. Jesus said behold I make all things new again. After going to St Steven's and seeing this for myself, I have to ask myself do I believe this? Am I willing to let His love cover me? Am I willing to let love in? Am I willing to allow love to overflow? Am I willing to let love transform my life? Am I willing to let love consume me? After meeting men like the little papa, I have to ask myself to what extent I am willing to lay down my life for another, even for ones I have never met. What cost am I willing to pay? How low will I go in ardent love for Jesus? Just some thoughts.
I want to thank you all for your prayers and continued support. Praise God the typhoon has let up. We are still working with the banks right now (and I appreciate your continued prayers for the finances-one up hill battle). Later today I will be ministering and helping out with the youth service at Revival Chinese Church. I am excited about this. I will be involved first in an english class, then in prayer service, then in main service for youth...then God knows what. =) The following week will be spent in various churches. I also hope I get the chance to visit St. Stevens Society one more time.
This verse is abounding in my heart right now and so this is what I leave you with today: "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us,because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." (John 2:1-3)
Wow!!! I love you all!!! Keep being amazing and awesome!!!
Much love and grace,
Daniel Black
PS: Please pass this on to others. Thanks! =)
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