Later that day at Sam's Club.

Later in the day, after going to the mall with folks to reach people for Christ, I switched hats and went to Sam's for groceries. At the checkout, I got an impression for the young clerk.

I directed a statement to the clerk, based on the word of knowledge the Lord gave me for her.

I said- "you like so and so, not only a little, but a lot . . ." She looked up at me with surprise and said, well yes I do.

Suddenly, the register was not cooperating. It gave me a little more time to minister to her. She finally called someone over who immediately was able to scan the item which could not. Hmm.

Anyway, I asked her if she went to church? She said yes, to the Catholic church, but she had just moved here and did not know where one could be found.

I felt the need to explain through example, how I came to know the information about her.

I told her that I am a believer in Jesus who has learned to listen to the Holy Spirit, that the gifts are spoken of in the bible.

Then I told her that the God of all creation knows her so well, and that He was demonstrating so by giving me a word of knowledge in order to get her attention to draw her closer to Him. She said she talks to the Lord throughout the day in prayer. I encouraged her to continue.

I find it is important to bless and encourage people wherever they are "at". Some times I will encourage them with another step if it seems appropriate.

In the word we are told to go out and make disciples of all men. That equates to teaching people about Jesus. When it becomes appropriate, I teach simply stated, in short statements or sound bites if you will!

When the Lord gives information about someone through an impression, word of knowledge, vision, etc. it is for a reason. Sometimes He wants us to do little more than pray for the person. Sometimes He is purposed to break into their life with a purpose and we happen to be the ready vessel positioned to speak on His behalf.

Think on that for a moment. What a privilege, but also a responsibility.

The best way to go about it?

Get to know Jesus and it will become more and more clear!

Trip three, encounter five.

Kairos Seeker, G. and myself stood talking back at the fountain. K.S. had some impressions about an older woman sitting on a bench not far from us. We prayed about the impression, instruction from the Lord. K.S. was concerned about going over to a woman so I prayed if I had the grace to do so though the leading was his. I felt the unction to do so.

I approached her and sat near her on the bench. I told her that I was with friends in the mall looking for those who needed prayer. She smiled and said she had a migraine and has had them for 17 years. I asked her some questions which would help me pray. She allowed me to pray for her but preferred I not place my hand on her back when I asked her preference.

I prayed. I could feel the presence of the Lord release to her. I began to feel God's compassion and I became touched, held back the tears. She did not feel anything, but she said that she did feel great peace. After praying for her the Lord gave me more information about her, she shared more about herself, I prayed again. This time she began to well up with tears.

She is a very reserved woman, so open emotion is embarrassing to her. She confided in me that when she enters her church, she cries. She was overcome that this was now happening in the mall. By feeling His presence, she knew the encounter was God driven and for that reason deeply touched.

I spoke into her as the Lord led. She received and was comforted. For the sake of privacy I have not shared all that transpired, suffice it to say that this encounter was so precious.

I am so amazed at God tenderness and love each time I have the privilege to pray people through such encounters with the Lord.

Trip three, encouter four

While walking the mall, I passed a bench on which a man sat. I had seen a picture of a person sitting on a bench but waited to pass the right "one" to speak to.

After passing the man, I asked my friend if he had any leading to speak with this fellow? He was eager to speak to anyone so he turned back to talk with him. I prayed while G. spoke with the man.
Eventually, as I prayed for the fellow, I saw a couple of pictures. I asked K. about them in the form of questions. The pictures did not apply as I interpreted them, but eventually I understood how they fit his circumstances.

Regardless, G. and I were able to encourage this fellow who was disappointed by the church but had recently talked with his wife about reading the bible with her at home. We blessed his earnest desire to do that in the confidence that God would draw them to Himself as they opened the word together.

K. allowed us to pray for him. I think this was significant due to the things K. shared with us. I believe that God intended for us to find him, speak with him about the gospel and then minister love and encouragement to him.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd, who leaves the 99 to find the lost one out in the field. God is so tender towards His people.

Thrid Trip, connection two and three

The group of four continued to walk the mall looking for those God planned for us to meet.

Upon rounding a corner, one of our team members "bumped" into two young women once part of his youth group.

He stopped to talk with them. After a few minutes I was drawn to talk with one of them so I approached the group. The Lord started to speak to me about one of the young women. I began to ask her questions based on the pictures I was seeing as I looked at her.

Picture one, she was amused, picture two, she was taken a back, picture three, she was ready to run, feeling uneasy. I explained that the Lord was the one telling me about her, that I was receiving words of knowledge through gifts of the Spirit which are recorded in the bible. She kept looking at my friend, her old youth pastor for reassurance. He smiled.

I asked if I could pray for her to which she agreed. We sat on the wall surrounding a fountain in the mall. (How appropriate!). I prayed for her, and as I did, I started to get a download of information which I prayed or spoke to her directly as led by the Lord. She was quite surprised but received and acknowledged the information.

All the while I had my hand on her sisters hand as we prayed. I could feel the Lord releasing His presence to her as well. I prayed for her, gave her words which was unnerving to her as well. These girls go to a church which does not practice the gifts of the Spirit, so this was a new experience for them both.

From what the Lord released, I have no doubt that both of these girls will in time, walk in greater revelation, passion, and intimacy with the Lord. Yeah God!

Third Kinship Trip to the Mall

Saturday, three from our kinship and a friend went to a local mall to reach people for Christ in whatever way He would lead.

We sat at a food court table and invited the Lord to rest on us in order to empower us and/or impart clues which would high light those He had prepared for us to meet.

Unlike previous trips to the mall, the advance clues were few. Eventually we walked in pairs into the mall, one pair just ahead of the other.

Eventually, we passed a store where I saw a young clerk. I felt a tug, a nudge. I stopped just past the store entrance and waited a moment on the Lord, I felt the OK to go into the store. I asked the team members to intercede.

I approached the young woman and told her I was with friends looking for those who needed prayer, and did she have a need I could pray about? N. pondered the invitation the Lord gave me a word of knowledge that she already knew the Lord. I asked her if that was so, to which she replied yes.

She began to share a prayer need, during which the Lord began to download information. I asked her if I could hold her hand while I prayed, she agreed. I began to pray into the information the Lord gave me. The Lord's presence began to fall on the two of us. She began to tear up, I did too. We could both feel the precious presence of the Lord, His compassion, love.

Each time I felt the Lord prompt me with information, I would either pray it or ask her a quick question to confirm the information. Each time the Lord gave more information, the stronger His presence became. I drew the prayer to a close and gave her a hug.

I went out to my companions and briefly shared some details. A team member, Kairos seeker, felt a strong impression which I thought was for the young woman. We returned to her counter and asked her a question regarding the impression. She explained how it fit her circumstances. We prayed quickly as customers were coming through the door, something which had not happened the whole time I prayed with her the first time. God's timing!

Kairos seeker remarked that this was a first for him, I will let him blog this detail for himself.

The leading to stop and pray with N. came "in the moment" as we passed the store. I was prepared to stop and talk to people at the prompting of the Holy Spirit. This is typically how God connects me with people in the market place while others describe alternate methods.

Breakthrough

Since the time of my previous posting, I have continued to go out almost daily and hunt treasure. However, I had not even one appearance clue that panned out. I had gotten to the point that I was carrying on as a matter of disciplined determination because the joy of hunting and finding treasure had become a mere memory. Today, that changed.

Weeks ago, on the day of my initial outing, God had highlighted to me a register operator at the booth where I bought my lunch. The operator was an older woman who looked past the usual retirement age. She was missing many teeth and walked with a pronounced limp. Moreover, she was spiritually/emotionally shut down. She wouldn't make eye contact and spoke as little as possible. I strongly felt God's compassion for her and wanted to see Him somehow ease her pain and trouble.

I silently blessed her with the Father's love and continued to do so several times each week as I returned to the booth at which she works. I tried to make eye contact and ended each conversation with a spoken blessing. Today, she responded for the first time.

As I wished her a good morning or afternoon--I wasn't sure which it was--she told me it was still morning. At that point, I wished her both a pleasant morning and afternoon. She immediately made eye contact and brightened. She told me that the mall would be closed Easter Sunday and so she'd be able to attend services at the church at which her daughter works. We exchanged a few more pleasantries as I silently thanked God for her response and asked for even more. When she brought my food, I heard God tell me He wants to mend something in her life. I told her what I'd heard and promised to pray for her. She was obviously blessed.

The great thing is that I now have a relationship with her. I can anticipate being able to speak into her life several times a week for an indefinite period. Based on the change I saw, which continued manifest as she interacted with other customers, I am excited about what God is doing.

I spent my lunch almost at the point of tears, thanking God for what He's doing in response to my inadequate obedience. I knew in faith that He had been doing something every time I went out, even though I couldn't see what. It was so good--so God--of Him to show me a part of what He's doing. I'm filled with new encouragement and new determination. I pray that He will help me to look past the absence of results I expect or want, to look only at the scope and extent of my obedience to Him.

God reminded me during lunch of a Scripture He'd recently brought to mind: "in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Gal. 6:9, KJV). I've been a farmer who hoped to reap within only a few days of planting. Working in the fields of the Lord is hard because, unlike farmers, we don't know the required growth period for our crop. God promises only that we'll reap "in due season" and keeps to Himself the timing of the rains and harvest. He alone is responsible for the growth. Our job is merely to plant the seed and tend the crop.

Lord, help me to be content in Your wisdom concerning the timing of rains and the length of seasons. Help me to respond out of love for You and obedience to You rather than any expectation regarding the timing or nature of the harvest. The harvest is Yours.

Pet Store Encounter

The other day I had little time to run into a local pet store for dog food. While reading dog food labels, I was approached by a store clerk. I own two dogs with special food needs so I welcomed his help.

We talked about dog food options for maybe five minutes. I looked down at one product label during the discussion, then up at the clerk again. This is when I saw an open vision of multiple balloons around his head and shoulders.

I knew from experience that God was showing me that E. is needing, and will receive greater revelation. I suspected that E. had a lot of questions on his mind, which I later found to be the case.

I continued the conversation about dog food, while praying silently for direction.

I was led to ask E. if he knew Jesus as his savior?

He said that he was not sure about what religion he would eventually choose. He added that if he was going to believe in Jesus, there were many questions he'd need answered before making his final choice.

Bingo.

I asked him what kind of questions. He shared some. I pointed him in a direction which might help, offered an answer or two.

He shared a little about his life, early experience in church. I spoke to both issues.

Then he repeated that he was so busy getting his life in order that he did not have time to go back to a church.

I finally felt a release to share the vision I saw around him, I referenced scripture mention of visions. I encouraged him to seek God with all his questions who loves to build relationship with those who seek Him.

E.'s name was announced over the store intercom, it was time for him to go up front and get a bird cage down for a customer.

I quickly blessed E. and thanked him for all of his help.

And I thought I was just running in for dog food!

Strike Out

Today, I spent almost two hours at the mall. I had a good set of clues and found three persons matching at least one appearance clue: the colors red, white, and blue. However, in each case, the potential treasure was moving at a pace and in a direction that made successful pursuit unlikely. Moreover, I had no impromptu interactions. So, in that sense, today was a shutout. I've titled this posting "Strike Out" mainly for the sake of variety.

Despite the absence of interactions, I was encouraged by having once again gotten some plausible appearance clues. Perhaps tomorrow (Saturday), which should be a busy day for the mall, will yield a breakthrough (or multiple breakthroughs--no sense expressing merely limited faith!). I wonder whether my "Free Prayer" baseball cap will lead the right people to me or keep everyone away. . . .

First Clue Call

Yesterday, I had limited time for ministry at the mall. Nevertheless, I decided to use the time I had.

Once again, my appearance clues seemed not to appear. In addition to several apparently clear clues, I had one indistinct picture clue that I didn't really understand: something about white over the lower part of the body, perhaps the upper legs.

As I sat in my designated location, I watched three employees at a food booth, who were wearing white aprons. The aprons had a vague resemblance to the picture clue. At one point, one of the employees stretched and moved as though suffering back pain. This seemed significant, because I'd had an impression that someone needed physical healing. Certainly, that was a vague and general clue. But, I had no reason to doubt it. So, I seemed to have a three-way match: location, appearance, and prayer need.

After a time, I walked over and asked the three if anyone had pain. They cheerfully and credibly responded that no one had pain. I should have asked about other prayer needs. But, I had been pretty sure of my leading and so was taken aback by the denial. And, I had little time remaining. So, I blessed the three of them and exited the mall.

I think that was the first time I have taken opportunity to follow up on a clue. My other interactions have been impromptu rather than based on specific clues. Certainly, I was disappointed that my clues didn't pan out. But, I was happy to have found the boldness to pursue them and to have done so in a way that upset no one.

2nd Kinship Trip Into The Field

The second time my kinship ventured to the market place we ministered to only one person verbally. Many were observed, benefited by silent prayer.

The day was cold, cloudy with some sprinkling rain. The four of us walked the Brea downtown area looking for those who matched out clues. There were not many folks out on such a day.

We came upon a restaurant which displayed a near life size cow, which was pictured in a vision seen by one of our team members. We paused. Talked about the significance. We came to the conclusion we were on the right street. We prayer walked the street.

Eventually, we came upon a man sitting at an outdoor table. I'd seen him on our first pass through the street. He did not match any clues. But, I was stirred to ask him a simple question.

"Excuse me, my friends and I are out walking the downtown, looking for people who might need prayer".

He said that he always needed prayer. He turned out to be a Egyptian Coptic Christian. The four of us came round him and started talking, friendly talk which helped us to get to know him a bit.

As the group talked to him, I saw an open vision which I later prayed over him in an informal way.

During the conversation it became apparent that he did not realize that we were offering to pray for him right there in the open market. He received a phone call which shortened our pleasant conversation. He had to go pick up a relative. I prayed a quick blessing over him based on the vision I'd seen.

As he stood, he recognized one of our team members ( an ER Nurse) from a visit to the ER with a family member!

He became more comfortable with us as this connection was made. I don't think this was a coincidence. I believe God planned our meeting, and used the connection with our team member to reinforce the ministry released to him, though it stretched him a bit in the process.

Sometimes I have a leading that is not based on a picture, word of knowledge, physical witness of pain, etc.

Sometimes the Lord highlights a person by tugging on me, I just know I have to go and start a conversation in the knowledge that "in the moment" God will lead me throughout the entire encounter.

Market Place Evangelism is really about being led by the Spirit, as opposed to leaning on your own understanding. Selah.

In The Momment

The Holy Spirit spoke this phrase to me some months ago which signaled a transition in my walk.

"In The Moment".

I was on my way to a healing room where I lead an hour of intercessory worship devoted to bringing us into the presence of Jesus before we minister to the public. We make room for God to break in however He sees is necessary in order to draw us close to Himself, equip us for the ministry to follow.

On the way, for nearly two years, the Lord would give me a vision which gave direction for the tone or focus of the worship/prayer time. I looked forward each week to receiving my "orders".

One night, while on the way, the picture did not come, I was near the healing room. I asked the Lord why He was not giving me a picture?

Then the phrase "In the moment" came. I questioned, "In the moment? What does that mean Lord?". He was quiet. Well, I figured I would find out.

I won't go into all the details, but that night was different, one I will never forget. Powerful.

God was teaching me, and the rest of us to follow His lead, in the moment.

Read Romans 8.

Through a number of God driven experiences, I have learned to be ready, available to move on an impression, vision, unction in the market place.

I've made mistakes, was humbled and felt foolish at times on the way to becoming more confident and bold in the Market Place.

God has blessed me for having taken risks.

If you move out on an impression, and it is not received, bless the person you approached.

Continue to press into what you know God has stirred you to do, have your net ready to cast it out into the water the next time God gives you the unction to do so. If you go in love, focused on the individual God is trying to reach, good will follow.

New Mall, New Hat

Because I had to pick up my wife's car, which had been in for repair, I visited an unfamiliar mall for lunch today. As has happened the previous two outings, none of my "appearance" clues panned out. However, I did have opportunity to bless two people. As has become my custom, I blessed a cashier as I left her register. She responded by commenting on the book I was carrying, which concerned Judaistic interpretation of Scripture (that is, Mishnah), and confessing that she, too, knows the Lord. The conversation took me by surprise and I so I failed to properly follow up her lead. But, I did bless her again before moving on.

I had determined to leave the mall at 3 p.m., but decided to leave earlier because pain due to a recently ongoing medical problem was causing substantial discomfort. As I retraced my steps to the place at which I'd entered the mall, I happened across a kiosk where customized hats and caps are sold. I purchased a baseball-style cap bearing the Christian fish icon (containing "ICHTHYS," a Greek acronym for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior") below the text "Free Prayer." I'm excited to see whether the cap is a help or hindrance during my next outing, which should occur tomorrow.

As I signed the credit slip for my purchase, the cashier helpfully placed it on a book published by the Christian publisher Thomas Nelson. I should have been more alert and prepared to follow up that opportunity. But, because my cue came so quickly and unexpectedly, I let it slip by. I did bless the cashier who seemed appreciative. But, since the text and icon on the cap hadn't seemed to mean anything whatsoever to her (she had difficulty finding the "religious" icons in her book of symbols and originally entered into the computer the text "Free Player" rather than "Free Prayer"), I decided to push no further.

I hope that God is understanding of my slow spiritual reflexes. I'm asking him to speed them up and anticipating that at least something good will happen by way of response. During devotions today, I was drawn to Matthew 7, where Jesus promises that "everyone who asks receives." The picture of prayer formed in my mind by that phrase resembles getting a wrapped birthday gift. I know I'm getting something and I know it's going to be good. I just don't yet know what it is.

Another interesting phenomenon during today's outing was the new way in which I felt impelled to spend my time while walking in search of treasure matching my clues. I found myself singing choruses of praise--the chorus that begins "Lord, You are holy" in particular.

Given my less than adequate singing talents, I hope that my voice was low enough to be heard only by angels. I wonder about the effect of such singing. I don't have any evidence that my singing affected the spiritual environment, but I think that it must have, even if it didn't have enough effect to bring recognized breakthrough. Previously, I have spent my walking time in silently blessing passersby with the Father's love. I suspect that it would be good for a team to do both sing and pray concurrently, which I cannot manage solo.

Releasing the Blessing

Simply put, I have invited the Lord to interrupt my day as He pleases in order to speak to me, and/or use my time to carry out His purposes, etc.

Today for example:

This morning was a rush. I had to finish a product and deliver it to my client by a specified time. Can we say I encountered road blocks! Rush, push, go.

Eventually my goal was accomplished. Whew.

On my way home I decided to visit my favorite Garden Center for more garden flowers. My mind became busy in a new way, planning my garden project. My selection complete, on to the cash register which was now having problems.

I left my cart with the clerk while he fixed the problem to look at some Marigolds nearby. Another shopper stepped into line behind my cart. The clerk was ready, I returned to my cart.

I looked back at the woman now standing behind me. At first glance, I heard the Lord tell me that this woman had such a sweet, precious heart.

I realized the Lord wanted to bless her through me, so I paused, listened for the Lord to tell me more as I looked up at the sky.

The Lord spoke more information. "she is very giving, in fact she gives a lot to people, bless her for me".

The clerk finished my order, I paid. I quickly turned to the woman standing behind me and said;

"Excuse me, ma'am, when I looked at you, I felt the Lord say to me, that you have such a sweet heart towards people" She smiled a big smile. She said shly, " Well, people tell me that about myself". I continued.

"The Lord also told me that you give a lot, that you like to give away a lot of things to people". "The Lord sees how much you give".

She said shyly, "yes I do like to give to people".

I replied, "Can I give you a hug?".

She came around her cart and said "oh, I love hugs!".

I knew the clerk was ready to check her order, so I gave her a big hug and then said good bye.

This was all the Lord told me to do, release a blessing to one who blesses others.

I am careful to give the Lord all the credit for any words of Knowledge I receive.

Sometimes people loose touch with how much God knows about us. Sometimes all God asks me to do is speak into their lives with just enough information that will stir their thoughts towards Him. Sometimes I share the gospel message. Sometimes, God loves to break into peoples lives and bless them with His love in the way that he did today because He just likes to do that!

Wow, what a wonderful God He is!

Another Shutout--Not

Today, I once again went to the mall at lunch, to treasure hunt. The mall was quiet--not deserted but definitely less busy than I've previously seen. I spent over two hours in the mall without seeing anyone resembling the "appearance" clues I'd gotten:

• red sweater
• overalls
• large shoes/hiking boots

I eventually decided that there was time for a walk around the mall before leaving. So, I set out and walked the lower level without spotting any treasure. On my trip around the upper level, about mid-way through my circuit, a young woman walked past me at a rapid pace. As she did so, a bit of her cell-phone conversation was audible. She was saying, "I'm going to pray to God. . . . "

I'm not elderly but neither am I athletic. So, turning and catching up with her was out of the question. And, shouting seemed unlikely to attract her attention without upsetting her and everyone else in the same quadrant of the mall. So, I just prayed silently that, if she prayed according to God's will, He would hear her and grant her petition.

Was today a shutout? Not really. For that matter, neither was Saturday's trip, despite the fact that my words fell not merely to, but through, the floor.

I'm reminded that any time we walk in obedience to the best of our ability, the Lord is pleased that we've made ourselves available. How He chooses to use us is His concern, not ours. My flesh would prefer that every clue pan out and every treasure be quickly found. But, my spirit is gratified that God chose to use me, even though I'm unaware of the true meaning and full significance of what I did.

So, today I found treasure that I was not expecting to find. It was a good day. I look forward to Wednesday.

Subtle Clues Can Be Missed

Market place Evangelism can operate much like a treasure hunt.

Before going out to "cast your net" in the market place, take the time to "dial down" and wait on the Lord for "clues". (Write down ALL the clues, as you will see in this story, it is possible to dismiss clues as unimportant).

Specifically ask God to show you pictures that will lead you to those He intends for you to speak to, or ask for words of knowledge.

Examples: vision/mental picture of a poodle with a red collar. Word of Knowledge, no picture: cast on left foot, lady shopper and child standing in front of Sees Candy, popular TV show title.

Write down your clues, set out into the venue you've been led to canvas, ask the Lord to open your eyes in order that you meet with the those matching the clues.

Story to illustrate:

On one of the trips to the mall, two of us received the same clue at separate times. One of the gals on our team heard the phrase, "lion of Judah" while waiting on the Holy Spirit for revelation/clues. When she shared this clue, I remarked that it was the same line I had heard while parking in the mall lot, specifically the last words before shutting off the motor.

We made this connection but did not know what to do with it. How do you go look for a "lion of Judah" and by the way, what does a "lion of Judah" look like anyway!

We pressed into finding the people that matched the other clues received such as; cast in leg, yellow shirt, green shirt and so on.

After walking the mall for quite a while I was approached by a young salesmen standing near a Kiosk. I took note of his accent. I asked him a question or two, asked if he knew the Lord Jesus? He replied that he is Jewish but not religious. This began a conversation that lasted maybe 10 minutes or so.

Early in the conversation I asked him his name, he replied, Judah!

Ah, the Lord had led me to the lion of Judah.

What followed was a lively, interesting conversation with this fellow. Our conversation took us to the old testament, he knew the Torah better than me. I stayed with the conversation since I was confident this conversation was appointed, pre-planned by the Lord.

His business partner came into the conversation after a while.

The encounter ended on a positive note, which is incredibly important.

1 Cor. 13:1.

1 Corinthians 13 LOVE

1If I speak in the tongues^[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,^[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.

Treasure Hunt, the Shutout

Today at lunch, I visited the mall for another solo treasure hunt. Before leaving, I got a good crop of words. But, as I explain below, none of them seemed to pan out.

On the way in, I was met by a teenage panhandler whose inadequate dental hygiene suggested that he is not part of a caring home environment. He was asking passersby for $1 for "bus fare." I didn't feel good about him and so passed him by without comment or acknoweldgement.

Once I'd entered the mall, I seemed to hear God ask if I was serious about giving to anyone who asks. So, I went back outside and engaged the young man in conversation, hoping to find an opportunity for ministry. I quickly developed the impression that he was seriously oppressed and that he could not be trusted to properly use any money given him. Nevertheless, I gave him $20 and a blessing, which was way more than the mere $3 bus fare he claimed to need.

As I looked for treasure within the mall, I prayed about the young man. As I prayed, God seemed to give me a name. When I eventually gave up my hunt due to exhaustion and exited the mall, the young man was still outside. I would imagine that he'd collected $50-100 in the time I was in the mall.

I asked him his name, which turned out not to be the name I'd gotten. I asked if the name I'd gotten meant anything to him. He denied that it did and I felt no reason to doubt him. I blessed him again and returned home.

This was a discouraging outing for me. I'm accustomed to getting accurate words more often than not when serving as part of my church's healing prayer team. Ministry outside the church's walls seems much more difficult, so far.

Treasure Hunt, the Return

Today at lunch, I went on a second solo treasure hunt. I got the following clues:

• Location: two specific locations in the mall
• Names: Billy, Robert, Sam, Gary
• Appearance: green and large, metal belt buckle
• Prayer needs: Mom, aspirin
• Unusual: a symbol consisting of circle with a superimposed arrow tilting up and to the right

I went to the first of the two locations and waited there. After a bit, a man, a woman, and two children sat next to me. The man wore clothing that I consider similar to that worn by gang members and had a fairly elaborate collection of visible tatoos. These put me off. But they held hands and prayed before eating what looked to me like a snack but may have been a meal for them. And, they had a light rather than dark spiritual feel to their interactions. So, I decided to approach them.

I briefly explained what I was doing and passed them my list of clues, hoping they'd find a match. While he scanned the list, the man more or less repeated what I'd told him I was up to, apparently making sure he understood correctly. He then signaled approval by saying, "Cool!" or something like that. Ultimately, they were unable to match themselves against any of the clues. I gave them a blessing and returned to my seat.

In retrospect, I think I should have pressed them harder about possible prayer needs. But, they were my first actual candidate treasures. So, I don't want to be too hard on myself. I think the experience was mutually pleasant for them and me.

After some additional time, I felt an urge to move on to the second specific location. I sat down across from what I took to be a grandmother and her young granddaughter, who was in a stroller. Soon thereafter, what I took to be the girl's mother arrived. The two women conversed quietly. But, I heard enough to know that the grandmother was talking about having experienced acute fear and oppression in a recent situation, which had been an unprecented and unpleasant experience for her. Her body language told me that she was not likely open to my approach. So, I silently prayed off any affliction. I hope that my prayers were successful.

Thereafter, I returned to my original location. There, I saw an unaccompanied woman who seemed bored or anxious, probably the latter. I was working on finding the boldness to approach her when I spotted a young man wearing a John Lennon t-shirt bearing the hippy symbols of the 1960s, which seemed to me to closely resemble the symbol I'd pictured. Unfortunately, he got away from me before I found the boldness to approach him. And, though I tried to follow him, I did not see him again during the few minutes that remained before my planned time of departure for a medical appointment.

In all, this was a good experience for me. And, I think it was a good experience for those whom I met or prayed for as well. I am encouraged and eager for another go.

The Ultimate Treasure Hunt

Today, I received and began reading Kevin Dodman's The Ultimate Treasure Hunt. The book describes an approach to evangelism that's centered on using words of knowledge to identify "treasure," that is, candidates for ministry. Once a candidate is actually located, teams using the approach minister physical or inner healing, prophecy, or such other gracelets as may be needed and available.

Tonight, as usual every other Wednesday, I dropped by my weekly kinship just to make contact and then skipped out to a nearby mall, this time with a view to trying a treasure hunt. The approach is designed for teams of 3-4 people but, lacking partners, I decided to give it a go solo rather than wait.

I readily got several clues to the identity of the night's treasure:

• Location: near a particular store in the mall
• Name: Bob (unsure of this)
• Appearance: brown and green clothes
• Prayer need: foot (right?)
• Unusual clues: something to do with the voice or talking

I walked to the designated location, where I found convenient brown and green benches. I wondered if that meant the clue regarding appearance pertained to the benches rather than the treasure. But I ultimately decided that I had heard God correctly the first time.

I decided to wait as long as 30 minutes, about 20 minutes before closing of the mall. Although I watched my surroundings carefully, no one wearing the proper color clothing appeared during my wait. I did see a man with a limp that seemed to be due to a problem with his right foot. In retrospect, I should have investigated that near match. I suppose that's lesson #1.

During my wait, I developed a headache, a symptom I almost never suffer. At first, I thought it might point to another treasure nearby. But then, I considered that it might be an attempt of the enemy to distract or disable me, a possibility suggested by a team member on another occasion and which was subsequently borne out. So, I rebuked the headache and commanded it to leave, which it promptly did. After 5-10 minutes it returned at lesser strength. I rebuked it again and it did not return a second time.

So, my first experience with treasure hunting produced mixed results, at best. Nevertheless, I am encouraged and look forward to opportunity to hunt in company of a team that can bring to bear a wider range of gifts and abilities.

Freely You Received

While on my way to the mall at lunch time to practice prophetic evangelism, I encountered a pedestrian waiting to cross the street in the path of my planned right turn. I made eye contact and motioned to let her know that I would yield the right of way so that she could cross.

As she crossed, she approached the passenger-side window of my car and gestured by way of requesting that I lower the window. Not having recently lowered the window, I had some difficulty figuring out how to do so. When I finally got the window down, she explained that the bus she had hoped to take to a nearby city would not honor her transfer ticket and she lacked the money to purchase the necessary fare.

I told her that I'd give her what I had, which was only a little over $10. She thanked me and I said a brief blessing over her.

During lunch I reflected on this encounter and, at first, I was a bit discouraged. I keep telling God that I'm on duty 24x7 and He keeps bringing me people when I think I'm on a five-minute break, so to speak. If I'd been better prepared, I might have been able to verbally share something of more significance with this woman or otherwise minister more significantly to her need. But, perhaps God knew that I'd err by saying or doing too much, if given the chance. I did my best and I have to trust that He will use what I did to bring about His purpose for her life.

Some readers may be concerned about my decision to give money to a panhandler, who may use the money to purchase drugs or debauchery of some kind. Or worse yet, the woman may have been a scammer. I've heard cases of scammers quickly and effortlessly gathering considerable sums through making fraudulent pleas.

But, some time ago, I decided it was better to be defrauded of $10 ninety-nine times than fail to give $10 to someone who truly needs it. Jesus said, "Freely you received, freely give" (Matt. 10:8). This saying is commonly applied to ministry but I believe it applies equally well to anything we're capable of giving. In one sense, we have earned our wages. But, in another and more important sense, we have nothing that came by any means other than grace. It all belongs to Him and I'm blessed that today Jesus gave me a small opportunity to demonstrate what I believe.

Clerk in Grocery Store

I was in Costco the other day, in line with my groceries. I looked up at the fellow checking groceries and got the impression of a surf board and surfing, no further information. Faith includes steps which involve r-i-s-k.

Within a minute or so it was my turn to pay for groceries. I did not have much time. I was not "getting" additional information. I've learned to run with, or step out with whatever I've been given by the Holy Spirit.

As the clerk took my Costco card, I asked him, "Do you like surfing or have you every been one to surf, you know, with a surf board"?.

Surprised by the question, he says no. I felt some boldness come, I asked "You've never been surfing at all?". Thinking to myself, wow did I miss this or what?

He replies, well I used to body surf, but never with a board. We talked briefly about body surfing as opposed to surfing with a board.

Engaging in light conversation creates a bridge that often leads to ministry, the reason God gave the impression in the first place.

I have found that sometimes my interpretation of an impression can be off for various reasons, which is why I like to pose questions as opposed to declaring statements over people based on information I've received through a word of knowledge or vision.

I personally have never been surfing let alone body surfing. God gave me the impression of a surf board, surfing, using something I am familiar with which led to discussing body surfing which led to releasing a blessing to this fellow. Be flexible, flow with God's lead, embrace your fallibility.

The clerk is now finished processing my groceries and it is time to pay, which means I have only a moment to release something to him so I don't hold the line. The leading I have is to quickly release a blessing to him, and that's it.

I am not looking to put people off through these encounters, my goal is to point them to Jesus. This fellow is working, so it is important to honor his time.

I took my receipt and card and told him "May the Lord bless you greatly today."

I could tell by his expression that somehow the Lord ministered to him.

Something happened, but I cannot fully demonstrate what.

I think this is an important point to make: We won't always know all that God is trying to effect in any given encounter.

I am looking only to speak, "do" what the Lord is leading. If that is a lot of ministry, cool, if it is just some or a little, that is perfectly good to me as well.

In closing, better to be a faithful messenger then a meddler with an agenda.

Eph2:8-10

Advance to the Mall, 3

During a walk through the Mall with two kinship members, I spied a woman who I'll refer to as M., behind a Kiosk counter seemingly talking to herself. When I looked at her, the Lord told me "She's a believer". I walked up to her and teased her a bit in order to open a conversation.

I asked her who she was talking to, since no one seemed close by? She laughed and pointed to a gal sitting on the floor behind the counter. We chuckled.

I asked, "You know the Lord, don't you?" She replied, yes, along with a look of surprise.

*Even if I am fairly certain of what the Lord has told me, I prefer to confirm it by asking the person a question. 1. It comes across less intimidating. (Most people I meet are unaware that God speaks this way). 2. It initiates conversation in a manner that invites them to engage, verses pronouncing the revelation over them as fact. 3. My interpretation of what I've heard may not be completely correct which I will discuss in an ensuing post.

M. then told me she had just decided to go back to church. Her co-worker and she had just been talking about M.'s decision to go back to church. Aha, I thought to myself, this is why I am here, to bless her in prayer, bless her decision. Immediately I asked if I could pray for her, to which she agreed.

We held hands, the Holy Spirit began to rest on her. She acknowledged feeling the presence of the Lord, as her eye lids fluttered.

The co-worker allowed me to pray for her as well.

What a blessing to see God break into, touch and encourage His people!

Eph2:8-10

Advance to the Mall, 2

Following praying for the couple, we left the food court. We came upon a man wearing a boot over a cast. The cast being one of the clues received earlier in the morning. We stopped A. and asked if he wanted prayer. He agreed, as long as it was fast and did not require moving from our crowded location. He was in a hurry, late. His family looked on as we prayed quickly amidst many pouring out of the food court.

Flow, flexibility. Two good words to remember.

He received the prayer, on he went.

By the way, in all the time I was at the mall, A. was the only fellow I spotted wearing a cast, and more importantly, the word received was that of a cast on a left leg, yup, A. had his left leg in a cast.

A. explained that he had broken the leg in September, this was now February, the leg was not healing as it should. No wonder the Lord sent prayer A.'s way!

God intercepted A. through a word of knowledge, I pray that his leg improved rapidly as a witness of God's healing power to A and his family who professed to know the Lord.

Eph2:8-10

Advance to the Mall

Brief over view of our kinship's first trip to the mall.

Five of us gathered at a food court table. We invited the Holy Spirit to come upon us, give us revelation, open opportunity according to His plan. We stayed in that place of receiving maybe 8 to 10 minutes. We shared clues received.

My first attempt to approach a woman wearing the color shirt I'd been given to find resulted in a significant refusal on her part. Blessed her, moved on.

Eventually the three women in the group went into the mall to seek any matching our earlier clues.

We met friends, extended family. Kept looking for those Jesus intended for us to minister to.

Eventually we went back to the food court where the two guys had spotted a person bearing the unique color combination called out in one clue. One team member followed the small boy and his mother and prayed over them from a distance. We've discussed how and when to approach people in a safe manner. In this case, praying from a distance was appropriate.

I spotted a man wearing a green shirt, the color shirt I received as a clue. Hmm, struck out the first time, I looked at his face, strain was evident. I felt that he was not open to receive. Did not initially pursue talking with him.

After walking the mall I discovered that green is the "in" color this year. I figured I would wait for a woman wearing a green shirt and approach her instead.

The man with the green shirt chooses to sit about 25 feet from our table of five with a woman and child, I assume his family. I am now drawn to them. I sense the Lord saying to me that they are believers, go. I finally do so. I approach them and explain that I am with a group of people who are in the mall looking to pray for those in need.

At first the man is concerned about the offer. He looks at his wife. I say quickly, "you know the Lord right?" He cautiously says yes. I answer quickly, "Oh, we are part of the same family".

He softens, his wife watches her husbands responses, looks at their youngster squirming in the chair.

I ask, is everything OK? Can we pray for you? He informs me his daughter was hurt the week before, stitches removed that morning. I ask to pray for M. their daughter. They allow myself and another woman to do so.

In prayer, the Lord gives me more information which I ask the man to confirm. He replies yes, we pray. The Holy Spirit begins to rest on him. His eyes open as he feels the Spirit pour in. We prayed for his wife as well.

The explained that they came to the mall to get their mind off of their concerns. God intercepted them powerfully. Their stress lifted. The Lord blessed and released His love to them both.

By the way, the team member that prayed with me had the same inclination to pray for them, was drawn to the wife who was wearing a yellow shirt, the clue she got earlier in prayer.

God is the master organizer. K and I both received a clue calling out a specific color shirt, we end up praying for a couple in need of the Lord's love and strength, each wearing one of the colors called out earlier.

God is amazing.

I will never tire of seeing God bless, love, draw His people to Himself.

Eph2:8-10