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God Still Working At Tulare
June 4, 2004
Another Story From Tulare
Since April 2003 it has been beautiful to see how our God has formed and molded Jubilee Christian Fellowship. It is amazing what can happen when man takes their hands off and just lets God do what God does.
God has been telling the church for some time that He wants His church back. So many have preached this from their pulpits but still continue with their programs. A little different maybe, but still programs.
In Tulare the pastor has stepped aside. No man takes any glory here, only God. Many times the pastor will intensionally stay out of the way so the people will go before God and not depend on the pastor's hand.
You will not find crowds but only a few people coming and going. The church is open 24/7 - 365 days a year. Many people have come from all over the world to be refreshed. To spend time resting in the Lord with no interruptions. Pastors, Evangelist, Intercessors, Laymen all together, equal, all before the All Mighty King of Kings. As a result the beautiful stories just keep coming in. Here is but another one.
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In and out of rehabs, in and out of jail, couldn't get the "monkey" off his back. He kept trying. His family was behind him always ready to help but somehow he just couldn't make it. It wasn't that he didn't want to make it; he just didn't seem to be able to. He had even ended up living on the street for a time.
When he was young he loved to write music and sing to the Lord. He had had an occasion when the Lord had given him favor and he was able to sing before people at a church conference. He loved music.
Even after he gave his life over to Jesus things seemed to get better but there was still a cloud over his mind and at times an uncontrollable drinking problem that would usually end him up in jail from the violent behavior it would bring on. The judges were getting to know him and not have much grace for him. He wanted to be free.
His mother came to him one day and told him of a church in Tulare that her co-worker had been to. The co-worker had shared of the many miracles and life transformations that had taken place there. She wanted to take him to Tulare. It was a chance. He decided he would go.
Then that overwhelming urge to drink hit and he ended up in jail with only a couple days before they were to fly out. The judge that was lined up for his case was not one that would have much mercy. They asked for a delay in his court date and prayed for God's help. God intervened and he was released just in time.
At first when he arrived at the church he was not sure. His mother had told him they were going to stay there all day and through much of the evening. He sat for a short time and then went outside to have a cigarette. When he went back in he became very sleepy and laid down on the pew. Three hours later he woke up. Something seemed to have changed - maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all.
Each day his mother and he came into the church and sat or laid with the Lord. He even at times would do and lay on the altar.
He made the comment that he sure wished he had a guitar to play. One of the workers in the church told him there was one in the office and gained permission for him to use it.
His mother told of how he would play the guitar when he was young. How he had such a wonderful gift that teachers and others would be amazed when he played.
I remember watching him pick up that guitar and begin to pick at the strings. He looked up at and told me how he had really been unsure of the place when he first arrived. All those people lying around in the church. After all he was a young man not an old person. He had to be moving around. Then he looked at me and said, "you know, when I first walked into the church my head became totally clear for the first time". He then continued picking at a tune. The pastor came and watched for a time. Tears came to both our eyes as we watched a broken young man begin his journey to wholeness again.
I wish I could write you the song he wrote that day. Such truth and beauty. He told of how we can hold on. When things get rough just pick up a pillow and lay your head down and be with Him.
He left the next day. Our prayers go with him from the little church in Tulare.
Witnessed and reported by:
Karen Fletcher
www.firestartersministires.org
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www.tularevisitation.org
Jubilee Christian Fellowship
Pastor Ken Bowman
Tulare Visitation
322 S "G" Street
Tulare, CA 93274
559-687-8234
Location: Tulare, CA, United States
Website: http://www.tularevisitation.org
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