"His Banner over us is love"

Battleground Report

By Danny Smith, Purple Ark Ministries

© Copyright Reserved  March 23rd 2009

Photos taken by Roger Davidson

" I thank God for these images we share with you.  It truely glorifies God when a child comes asking for prayer and deliverance"

Spilling the Gospel

"Images of Healing & Deliverance"

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1 Corinthians 1:21

A long awaited mission in Corona, CA is over. I found myself drained from over extending my human effort. I am still learning how to follow God! I find it hard sometimes to follow the direction of the Holy Spirit without wanting to use my own map.

After all the planning, arranging, writing, staging and transporting of provisions, It was the foolishness of preaching that reached the stomachs of hungry souls.  This devotional is about spilling the gospel into broken hearts of our communities. It is about risking the appearance of perfection.

March 22nd 2009 was overwhelming. I cried like a child as we prayed for each soul. I lost my posture and any hope of being perfect that day. Evangelism is very much like the town crier who pleas for attention by shouting into the town square.

With the churches working together regardless of their banner, I knew something out of this world was going to happen. God got the glory for this inclusive effort!

As the mission service began to go forward, I was disconnected with the audience, kind of like a boat without a sail. It is difficult to process and fully discern the denominations and culture of each church.  The Holy Spirit moved me beyond the transition of this process.

This is the deeper water when it comes to evangelism. Someone might ask, are you an expert on evangelism? I would answer: “No!" no one is an expert in knowing what God is going to do”. We are all back seat drivers when it come to following the Holy Spirit. You never know how God is going to use you.

There are days that you will freeze at the microphone and become the target of everyone that is looking for a great speech or perfect song. In the mission field, our lack of perfection can be used to disarm a crowd that is waiting to hear something that they can relate to.

As the service concluded a prayer team was available for anyone who wanted prayer before picking up their food.  It was at this time the Holy Spirit taught me a lesson about waiting on God.  A powerful rain of God poured out when a small group of people gave up the food line and moved by faith so God could heal them. 

We Thank Giving Children Hope http://www.gchope.org/ for their support of the Corona Project. We needed provisions to help with this location and once again God provided for the need.  There are others who quietly extend a hand to help with food and clothing for the mission of Purple Ark.  I would like to thank each member of all the churches that quietly support our ministry.  It is the favor of God that we are able to help the poor and needy.

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Dear Father, thank you for the opportunity to serve YOUR will.  Thank you for the lesson that only the Counselor can give.  Praise you dear God, Praise you.  We give all the glory to YOU DEAR GOD!  In Jesus name.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Please pass this on to one friend that does not know Jesus!  Help us change the world. 

dan@purpleark.org