SOMA Chair | Bishop Ian Lambert Reports
on the Healing Conference held recently in Melbourne:
The testimonies tell the story of our awesome God in action at the St Paul’s North Caulfield conference in November.
- “I wanted to tell you that I had amazing breakthroughs and deliverance from the spirit of control.”
- “Have you ever wondered what happens when God’s people soak in an atmosphere of prayer and come expectant? Miracles become normal!”
- “We saw God heal, almost everyone with a physical need, and as forgiveness was released, many received peace and inner healing. Demons were dealt with, and joy was abounding!”
- “This was amazing. God has completely changed my life!”
- “Wow, what a weekend! God poured out blessings to us all. I truly felt like I was drinking at a new well.”
We commenced the weekend with an evening specifically for pastors/priests to provide an opportunity for them to worship, dine, network and fellowship together.
On Friday we heard of the wonderful healing legacy at St Paul’s because of the faithful healing ministry initiatives by Rev. Hickson at the turn of last century. Each session had inspired worship which led us into God’s presence and prepared us to receive great messages of encouragement and teaching.
Rev Dr Teresa Parish led each of the evening sessions and ministry times. What an inspiring and lively time we enjoyed with Teresa!
Rev Dr Mark Durie taught authoritatively on Healing and Deliverance and then on Life in the Spirit. Bishop Ian Lambert shared stories around our supernatural God from his ministry and missions using Elijah and the prophets of Baal narrative. On Saturday Bp Ian dealt with the difficult subject of when healing doesn’t come, and forgiveness. On Saturday afternoon there were six workshops, including: establishing healing ministry in local church; navigating renewal in the local church; spiritual gifts; and deliverance ministry.
St Paul’s were outstanding hosts, and the gathering ran seamlessly. Indeed, the large bold billboard outside the church on the highway: “WE PRAY STUFF HAPPENS!” was true to its word. The presence of God, the weight of His holiness – the kabod – was something to be experienced. People were healed, captives set free, words of knowledge, demons fled, and much weeping! Nothing more powerful than when God’s presence rested heavily on the clergy as those present were prayed for.
What outstanding young leaders in Rev Brendon and Virginia McDonald at St Paul’s, so ably supported by their lay folk. Looking towards more of the same over the years to come – bodes well for the Anglican Church in Melbourne! Praise God.