Outpouring In Saskatoon, Canada
March 19, 2003
Outpouring in Saskatoon, Canada
By Jenna Baird
Expectations were high as YIELD 2003 approached. Each one in our group, which was primarily made up of college & career and senior teens, arrived at the retreat location with a deep sense that something exciting was about to happen, and that we wouldn't return the same as we left.
The message for the weekend was about learning to YIELD to the presence of God and His plan for our lives, everyday, whether in small steps or giant leaps. Yielding means putting God and His agenda first, surrendering or giving up control to Him. To honestly and wholeheartedly yield to God, we must let Him be God and allow who and what we are to be replaced by Who and what He is.
The second night, the service took an unpredictable turn. In fact, before the Spirit of God inhabited the building and us, the only thing that came out of the speaker's mouth was, "1st Samuel." In every corner of the room people began experiencing the manifest presence of God. Standing, walking, or even talking became virtually impossible as the weightiness of God's presence overwhelmed us.
Laughter and praises filled the air. Two young girls fell under the power of God and remained glued to the floor, experiencing holy laughter for three hours. People shook and vibrated as the intensity of God's presence continued to grow. One girl, eyes closed and completely drunk in the Spirit, danced the most amazing dance. Some wobbled and staggered as they tried to walk. Those who did manage to somehow get back on their feet, wound up on the floor again as the next wave of God flooded the room.
Eventually the service was dismissed, but many were still unable to move. Others left to go to bed and were later found on the floor in the hallways under the power of God. Those who tried to help them to their destination, just became another blockage in the hall, also falling under God's mighty power. Several people felt overwhelmed by God's presence well into the night and the next morning. Even though most of us had already experienced these types of manifestations at Faith Alive Family Church (our home church), YIELD 2003 seemed to bring us into a deeper desire to experience God's life changing Glory.
We came home to the same schools, jobs and families, but we did not come home as the same people. We were changed on the inside. We came home with a new perspective on God's love, His presence and His plan. To have an encounter with God and minister to Him with our lives, cannot help but bring change to our hungry hearts.
mailto:fafc@faithaliveministries.org
Location: Saskatoon, Canada
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