Dr. Harold Koenig says the key to good health is having a deep, personal relationship with God
Duke University researcher is changing the heart of the medical community with a
simple, yet profound message that faith is good for your health.

Dr. Harold G. Koenig has found a clear relationship between faith and health, one
that he has dubbed “the healing connection.” Koenig, founder and director of the Duke University Center for the Study of Religion/Spirituality and Health in Durham, N.C., and editor-in-chief of Science & Theology News, has published 25 books and more than 200 professional journal articles detailing his findings.

“The pile of evidence is growing and showing that spiritual faith has a very real,
scientifically measurable, and positive association with mental and physical wellbeing,” Koenig writes in his book The Healing Connection. According to Koenig, the key to the healing connection is “having a deep, personal relationship
with God and loving your neighbor.”

“The combination of those two things, at least the research seems to show, is one of the most powerful combinations of things that predict a person’s health,” he said.

Koenig has extensively studied the healing connection in the mentally and
physically ill, and in the elderly. “Our research has found a simple behavior that
might save more lives than buckling seat belts or quitting smoking,” Koenig reported after studying 4,000 randomly selected people over the age of 65 in North Carolina. “People who attend church regularly live longer,” he concluded.

After following the subjects for six years, Koenig said he found that the likelihood
of dying during that six-year period was 41 percent lower among those who
regularly attended religious services.

His most current research involves chronically ill patients. In April, Koenig and his colleagues reported in The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease that among
patients with sickle cell anemia, those who go to church at least once a week
had the lowest pain scores.

Bottom line, Koenig says, is “as long as you are here on this earth, God has a
purpose for your life. That purpose is not sitting around just existing. That purpose
involves ministry to others. It’s when people do that, that people get healthier.”

“I can speak with authority about these issues because I experience them myself,” stressed Koenig, who was diagnosed in his late 20s with psoriatic inflammatory arthritis, a progressive disease that inflames the tendons and makes even the most ordinary movements painful. Once athletic, Koenig now relies on a wheelchair when the pain is heightened and must carefully plot his every movement.

But Koenig says God is using his background in some extraordinary ways, giving him an open door to many secular audiences, including the mainstream media
and some of the world’s most prestigious medical schools. To date, Koenig’s
research has been featured on every major U.S. news outlet, and has been included in cover stories for Reader’s Digest, Parade magazine and Newsweek.

While his research has amassed international attention, Koenig points to his life’s
testimony as his most powerful witnessing tool. While a third-year medical student, Koenig says he experimented with a slew of Eastern religions in an effort to overcome shyness. But his attempts to speak up in class became increasingly disruptive, and he eventually was expelled.

After his expulsion, Koenig battled mental illness as a homeless person on the
streets of San Francisco for almost four months. Later, a devastating divorce after
2-1/2 years of marriage changed everything for Koenig. The breakup led to a
“spiritual rebirth that brought him back from an emotional brink.”

At the age of 33, Koenig gave his life to Christ, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Today Koenig celebrates almost 19 years of marriage with his wife, Charmin. The two attend King’s Park International Church, a charismatic ministry in Durham.

Koenig credits God for giving him a second chance, particularly when he was
accepted back into medical school as a third-year student. “When I read the living
Bible, it explained just about everything about my life to me,” he said. “That helped
to organize my life and gave it direction. Turning to Christ helped to really bring it
together; it has for almost 20 years now.”

This fall, Koenig will release Simple Health, a book he co-wrote with Today’s
Christian Doctor editor David Biebel. It explains 20 easy and inexpensive changes
people can make to improve their health.
SUZY RICHARDSON IN GAINESVILLE, FLA.

CHRISTIAN GROUP ENDS DISNEY BOYCOTT

The American Family Association (AFA) has ended its nine-year boycott of the Walt Disney Co., citing new challenges in the culture wars and some positive signs of change at Disney, including the resignation of CEO Michael Eisner. The Tupelo, Miss.-based group was instrumental in initiating the boycott in 1996 to protest Disney’s extension of benefits to domestic partners of homosexual employees, promotion of gay-related events at its theme parks, and violent and sex-filled content of movies made by its Miramax subsidiary. In June, the Southern Baptist Convention announced that it also is ending its boycott of Disney. Earlier this year, representatives from Focus on the Family and other Christian groups that had participated in the boycott agreed to meet with Disney to discuss its production of C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, set to release in December. The Orlando Sentinel reported that Disney has launched a 10-month marketing campaign to get Christian support for the film.

8-YEAR-OLD’S CHRISTIAN SONG BANNED AT TALENT SHOW

A federal judge declined to overturn a New Jersey school’s ban on a
second-grader singing “Awesome God” at a talent show, but said he
would consider the case later. On May 20, Stanley Chesler declined an emergency request to compel Frenchtown Elementary School to let Olivia Turton sing the pop song by the late Rich Mullins at Frenchtown Idol, which was held that night, the Associated Press (AP) reported. School officials claimed that such a performance would be inappropriate at a school event. A lawsuit filed May 27 on behalf of the 8-year-old claimed the school violated her constitutional rights. The suit, brought with the support of the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), a Christian legal advocacy group based in Scottsdale, Ariz., argued that the constitutional separation of church and state does not restrict an individual’s religious speech.

CHRISTIAN ATTORNEYS APPLAUD SUPREME COURT DECISION

Religious liberty attorneys are applauding a June 1 Supreme Court decision that upheld the constitutionality of a federal law requiring prisons to accommodate inmates’ religious beliefs, AgapePress reported. Cutter v. Wilkinson involved two Ohio prison inmates-a witch and a Satanist- who claimed they were improperly denied access to religious literature and other ceremonial religious items. The high court overturned a lower court ruling that a 2000 law called the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act prohibited the access because it would violate the separation of church and state, the news service said. Attorney Brian Fahling of the American Family Association Center for Law & Policy said the decision will benefit Christians, “but the oddity about this, again, is the fact that we have religious freedom being protected through the agency of a Satanist and a witch.” Brad Dacus of the Pacific Justice Institute
called the decision “an outstanding victory for prison ministries and
people of faith,” and he expected it to enhance his group’s work.

Syvelle Phillips has spent the last 30 years working to make the Scriptures available in every language
In an effort to make the gospel accessible to the more than 500 million people who don’t have a Bible in their mother tongue, a former Assemblies of God pastor has taken up the task of translating the Scriptures into little-known languages spoken in remote regions around the world.

During the early 1970s, while he was pastoring an Assemblies of God church in
Southern California, Syvelle Phillips says he felt God calling him to translate the
Bible. Through relationships with church members who worked for Wycliff e Bible
Translators, Phillips learned the importance of their unique ministry.

“I had never been aware of the need for Bible translation,” Phillips said. “I thought
the entire world had the King James Bible, and it was good enough for everyone.”

After much prayer and research, Phillips founded Evangel Bible Translators, which is based in Rockwall, Texas. Since 1976, he and his team have devoted millions
of hours to studying and recording the nearly 7,000 languages spoken worldwide. “When I said goodbye to my church, I had no missionaries and no money,” Phillips said, “but I attacked the project with great zeal, and there was tremendous
response.”

More than 30 translators and their families, located primarily in Africa and India, currently direct Evangel projects. Most work in their native countries. They receive both biblical and linguistic training before journeying to the mission field, and they are equipped with laptop computers to aid in their translation work.

“One of our first translators was a Quechua Indian who took up a project Wycliff e had abandoned and returned to his native people,” Phillips said. “After we trained him, he completed an entire Bible before he was killed by guerillas in Peru.”

Evangel also encourages missionaries to plant local churches and lead the
congregations in worship and Bible study. “I’m highly committed to the church,”
he said. “I tell our people when Sunday comes to get their guitars, go sing and tell
someone about Jesus. It will be therapy for your souls.”

Evangel trained 15 translators last year and expects another 30 to complete their
preparation this year. Although the ministry is grateful for the increased interest,
the growing demand also requires more financial resources. To fund these needs,
the 76-year-old Phillips preaches more than 200 times annually in local churches
and at conferences.

“God called me from the start to challenge the charismatic, Full Gospel churches
into involvement with Bible translation,” he said. “He began us at a point we
could comprehend and moved us into an area we had never known. We’ve seen
God raise up our mother-tongue speakers and connect us with them.”
JOHN HILLMAN IN ROCKWALL, TEXAS

Through their Oasis of Hollywood outreach, Ron and Judy Radachy are sharing the love of Jesus with needy families
Nestled in Hollywood’s inner city, a Christian outreach and drop-in center is shining a different kind of light in a city filled with stars.

Oasis of Hollywood, founded in its current location by pastors Ron and Judy Radachy in 1993, is located a half dozen blocks away from the famous Walk of Fame sidewalk and the Kodak Theater, site of the Academy Awards and the
crowning episodes of American Idol.

But within another 10 minutes’ walk is Santa Monica and Highland, a haven for
male, female or transsexual prostitutes of almost any age and drugs of all kinds. Two blocks farther is Panpipes Magickal Marketplace, a supermarket for occult shoppers and spiritual home to local Satanists.

“This is a very oppressive area,” Ron Radachy said. “It’s like someone handed
you a 10-pound weight to carry around and you carry it easily for a while, but
then it starts to wear you down. There’s obviously a spiritual influence on the
kids here.”

Judy Radachy recounts the details of their ministry in her book, Walk of Faith on the Walk of Fame. Included in its short chapters are accounts of their Jesus Night
Patrol, a fistfight at the center’s front door and a 9-year-old who overdosed on drugs during a suicide attempt.

But the most poignant moment in the book-and perhaps in Judy Radachy’s life came in 1982. Three years after she and husband Charles McPheeters arrived
in Hollywood, he suddenly died, leaving her with two young children and a leaderless ministry. A talented speaker and musician, McPheeters had found Christ after a nearly fatal drug overdose and became one of the best-known ministers and anti-drug advocates of the 1970s’ Jesus Revolution.

After Charles’ death, Judy Radachy’s family wanted her to move home to Texas.
“Charles was the source of all my financial support, and I just couldn’t see how I could go on,” she said. “I opened my Bible and out popped Joshua 1: ‘Moses my servant is dead. Now arise and take his place.'”

She started another nearby drop in center for teens and continued their House of Magdalene, a residential facility for local street prostitutes. During a midnight
outreach to nearby Pasadena Rose Parade revelers four years later, she met the
Rev. Ron Radachy. Both now licensed Foursquare ministers, the two married in
1986 and six years later made an offer on their current facility, $300,000 below an
already reduced price.

In an area where few outreach ministries survive, Oasis has flourished. Reaching
gangbangers, prostitutes, homeless alcoholics, single moms and “good” kids
with abusive parents, the center offers after-school programs, tutoring, emergency
food and shelter for families, and a Sunday evening youth service.

Yet the Radachys believe their most vital program is the Urban School of
Evangelism, a one-week mission trip for youth and college-age groups from across
the nation. They stay in the center and minister in Hollywood streets, on skid row and on the Santa Monica beach.

“Both of our hearts are not just in sitting in a pew in a blessing club,” Judy
Radachy said. “But a world where God is real and people see it because we meet
them where they are.”
ED DONNALLY IN HOLLYWOOD

Organizers believe God is positioning the church for’ a new Europe’
by restoring the continent’s’ apostolic and prophetic foundations’
A Channel Islander-whose homeland was the only part of the British Isles to be occupied by Nazi forces-found himself praying with a German. He conferred a “blessing” on a nation that his own people had despised as a wartime enemy.

That was just one of the moving scenes at Target Europe-a recent event that drew
nearly 400 people from 20 nations to the strategic naval port of Portsmouth, England.
“The last thing I expected was to be praying with a German church leader,” said attendee Ray Tostevin, who was born on Guernsey.

Now an idyllic island retreat, Guernsey once was part of Hitler’s frontier. Back in the 1940s, swastikas were draped from civic buildings, Jewish businesses had to
display a yellow notice and listening to the BBC on a clandestine radio set was
punishable by imprisonment.

“My father and grandparents lived through fi ve years of that,” Tostevin explained.
“My father might be forgiven for feeling a sense of harshness toward the German people. Far from it.

“It’s a real irony that, 60 years on, my father recently found himself in a German
hospital being operated on for a serious spinal condition by a German surgeon.
The operation was a complete success.”

Tostevin, who runs an independent TV company called GRACE Productions, said he participated in the event because he wanted to express his thanks for the way German people cared for his father. He ended up praying with Michael Schiffman, a leading German pastor.

“I didn’t realize who this guy was only that his lapel badge said he was from
Germany,” Tostevin said. “I prayed that God would bless the German people, thanking Michael, as their representative, for the kindness they’d shown toward my dad.”

Tostevin’s personal story summed up the Target Europe event-which was officially
opened by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth Jason Fazakerley. Uniting former enemies and praying blessings on one another’s nations was high on the agenda at this conference. “This event is for those following the Spirit,” said speaker and writer Roger Mitchell, who was one of the key facilitators for Target Europe, “as He positions the church for a new Europe.”

Delegates packed out a meeting suite overlooking the English Channel, a narrow
stretch of water that separates Great Britain from the rest of Europe. But people
were also crossing more symbolic gulfs as they prayed and worshiped together.
The event was jointly hosted by a French mission group called Cibler L’Europe, which is translated Target Europe, and an English network dubbed Building Together. The aim was to play their part in “restoring the apostolic and
prophetic foundations of our continent.”

That included praying for reconciliation between Europe and Africa and sending a representative group to attend the Make Poverty History protest event that happened to be under way at the same time in central London.

Among the intercessors at Portsmouth were Dutch intercessory leader Pieter Bos, national coordinator for Holland’s City Prayer Movements; and Martin Scott, author of Gaining Ground, which discusses prophetic intercession. “We lift up the cross this day into the very heavens above,” Scott cried out, “and we thank You that the cross speaks of justice. It speaks for an end-and it speaks for a new beginning.”

Mitchell described the effort as “a kind of rallying cry-not an organization.” The
initiative had resulted from various groups and networks working together. “I see
some incredibly exciting new expressions of the body of Christ happening across
Europe, with the help of the faith of Africa, South America and Asia,” he said. “I see seeds that make me incredibly hopeful.” In particular, he believes the spiritual
landscape of France has been changing, an observation other Christian leaders have been making recently.

“There is a lot of encouragement in France now, but we sense that the Lord is making a shift,” said French Christian leader Samuel Rhein, another Target Europe
facilitator. “There’s a lot of disappointment at the same time because it’s not the breakthrough that we were waiting for. But still we see a lot of changes.”

Rhein cited one example as the fact that he had brought 70 French people to the conference. “That’s a major thing,” he said with a smile. “I thought I was the only Frenchman in love with England.”

CLIVE PRICE IN PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND

CHARLES COLSON ‘SHOCKED ‘ BY DEEP THROAT REVELATION

Prison Fellowship founder Charles Colson said he was “shocked” to
discover that W. Mark Felt, 91, former deputy director of the FBI, was the notorious informant who helped expose the Watergate scandal. In a statement on his ministry’s Web site, the former senior Nixon adviser said he knew Felt well and considered him trustworthy. “No matter how Felt may justify his actions, it is not honorable to leak
classified information to the press,” Colson said of the man who became known as Deep Throat. Ironically, the crime that led to Colson’s seven-month imprisonment was leaking a secret FBI report to the media. He believes going to prison was good for him, and he said he realizes that the end doesn’t justify the means. That’s why he says Felt is no hero. “I am disappointed in Mark for choosing the media as the way to expose the corruption,” Colson said. “If he felt that the wrongs of the Nixon administration had to be remedied, he should have walked into the FBI director’s office and told him so, and if necessary walked in to the president.”

JUDGE OFFERS OFFENDERS ‘WORSHIP
SERVICES’ OPTION INSTEAD OF JAIL

A Kentucky judge has been offering some drug and alcohol off enders the option of going to God’s house instead of going to the “Big House” or rehab. District Judge Michael Caperton, 50, a devout Christian, believes church attendance could help some of those convicted find spiritual guidance, the Associated Press reported. But
critics say the practice violates the separation of church and state. “The goal is to help people and their families,” said Caperton, who requires defendants who choose the church option to get a signed affi davit from a pastor or spiritual leader after attending 10 services. “I don’t think there’s a churchstate issue because it’s not mandatory and I say worship services instead of church.” A district judge since 1994, Caperton has offered the option about 50 times to repeat drug and alcohol off enders in Laurel and Knox counties since early spring.

PASTORS MEET WITH WHITE HOUSE TO DISCUSS AFRICA INITIATIVE

More than two dozen African-American ministers met with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and senior White House offi cials in May to discuss how the faith-based initiative could be expanded to fight AIDS in Africa and care for orphaned children, the Los Angeles Times reported. Attendees at the private meeting included Bishop T.D. Jakes, Bishop Eddie Long, Bishop Charles Blake, the Rev. Eugene Rivers, the Rev. Frank Reid and pastor Donnie McClurkin, as well as civil rights veteran Andrew Young and the Rev. William Shaw, president of the National Baptist Convention. Observers say the meeting was an attempt to woo African-American voters to the Republican Party by expanding black church participation in the faith-based initiative. The meeting was held the same day as a Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) summit with 200 black clergy. Some saw the timing as an attempt to upstage the CBC’s eff ort to
strengthen ties between Democrats and religious leaders. Several of the delegates at the Rice meeting also attended the CBC event.

PASTOR PLANS TO RETURN TO PULPIT AFTER
REHAB.

An Arlington, Texas, pastor is expected to return to the pulpit of his church after his June release from a second drug-treatment facility.
Charged in March with drug possession and sexually assaulting three church members, Bishop Terry Hornbuckle was reinstated as pastor
of Agape Christian Fellowship in April after a six-week suspension, the Fort Worth Star Telegram reported. After being rearrested in May for failing to pass a drug test, Hornbuckle checked himself into a drug-treatment facility May 16. On June 1 he checked himself into another “after care” center, his attorney, Mike Heiskell, told the newspaper. Hornbuckle maintains his innocence and says he is a victim of extortion. His wife, Renee, has been leading the church since his arrest and suspension.

MINNESOTA CHURCH HIRES TRANS-GENDER MINISTER

A Minneapolis church has hired a minister who had surgery to change
sexes from a woman to a man, the Associated Press (AP) reported. The Rev. Malcolm Himschoot, 27, is to serve as an outreach minister
at 1,800-member Plymouth Congregational Church. Himschoot, who is married to a woman, is the subject of a documentary titled Call Me
Malcolm, which was produced by the United Church of Christ, the denomination that ordained Himschoot, the AP said.

RONALD WINANS DIES

Gospel recording artist Ronald Winans died June 17 of heart complications. He was 48. The second oldest of 10 siblings, Winans was part of the five-time Grammy winning quartet The Winans and a member of a famed musical family. He had suffered a massive heart attack in 1997, but experienced a miraculous recovery. In recent weeks, he had been admitted to a Detroit hospital for observation because he was retaining an unusual amount of fluid, the family said. In addition to recording with his brothers, Winans released solo projects, the most recent of which, Ron Winans Family & Friends V: A Celebration, came out in January. A musical tribute was to be held June 23 at Perfecting Church in Detroit. Funeral services were to be held June 24 at Straight Gate Church, also in Detroit.

These well-known Christians all have something in common. They encountered the power of the Holy Spirit-and were changed forever.
Christianity is more than following a set of intellectual beliefs about Jesus Christ. It’s more than going to church or doing religious duties. The abundant life that Jesus promised us involves a personal experience with the Holy Spirit. The earliest Christians had this experience on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit poured out His fire on 120 disciples in Jerusalem (see Acts 2:1-4). But the miracle of Pentecost did not end there. Today, millions of people have discovered what it means to be filled, or “baptized,” with the Holy Spirit. This heavenly blessing has energized their lives. We asked nine people-including four popular recording artists, a talk-show host, a 1960s Hollywood legend and a former Miss America-to share how they came to discover the power of the Spirit. We hope their testimonies will invite you to seek a deeper experience with God.

Jeff Deyo
MUSICIAN. NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

I grew up in a strong Christian family and was very involved in a mainline denominational church. My walk with God was strong, but I always imagined there was more.

After my wife, Martha, and I graduated from college we moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and started attending a charismatic church. We loved it and after a few months were asked to join the volunteer youth staff .

I began to feel as if my home church had taught me nothing about the Holy Spirit. I couldn’t understand how it was possible for me to be a passionate Christian and
a full-time minister and still not be “filled” with the Holy Spirit. Why did I need this infilling?

Later, our pastor used the analogy of a bottle of Coke and the infilling of the Holy Spirit: The Coke in the bottle doesn’t become powerful until you shake it up. Then it gushes out!

Suddenly it clicked. Being filled with the Holy Spirit was more about getting the Spirit of God out of me than into me. The baptism of the Holy Spirit releases an explosion!

Debbye Turner
Formers Miss America New York, New York

I gave my heart to the Lord when I was 7 years old while sitting at my mother’s kitchen table. I remember her telling me that I could not get to heaven on her apron string.She said I would have to know God for myself and know how to pray and read the Bible on my own.

That day, she opened her Bible and showed me verses about what it means to be saved. When she asked me if I was ready, I said yes. Mom prayed the prayer of salvation with me, and I gave my heart to Jesus.

Many times I heard my mother, who was an evangelist, preach about the Holy Spirit. She often would quote Luke 11:13: “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

She recited that verse to countless people. She told them it is great to have salvation but that it is absolutely essential to be filled with the Holy Spirit to come into the fullness of what God has for us. That made sense to me, even at age 7.

Mom sent me to a youth Bible study being held in the balcony of a local theater
in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where I grew up. One night, the Bible-study leader invited
those who wanted the evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit, which meant speaking in tongues, to come forward for prayer. I sensed it was time for me be filled with the Holy Spirit. I was ready. I wanted everything that God had for me, so I went forward.

All the young people gathered around me and stretched out their hands toward
me. Some touched my head and shoulders. I was not afraid when they prayed. It
didn’t seem weird. I sincerely wanted the gift of the Holy Spirit.

As I began to pray, “God give me everything that You have for me,” I felt as
if God was standing right there with me. I submitted to Him. There was never a
question in my mind about whether this was real. I felt like this was the final piece
of the puzzle for me.

DARLENE ZSCHECH
Worship Leader
Sydney, Australia

I became a Christian at age 15. I was radically and beautifully saved, never to be the same, and eternally grateful that Jesus would give Himself for someone like me. A few months later I responded to an altar call for anyone who wanted to serve in full-time in ministry. My youth pastor at the time prayed for me, and I started to speak in this unusual language.

Rather than being freaked out by it, even though it felt initially strange, I was overwhelmed by how easy and voluntarily this language came. It was as if I was speaking a language I had always known yet never used.

I felt a great sense of the sovereign presence of God. I felt empowered, as if someone had plugged me into an electrical socket.

I started to study about this “baptism of the Holy Spirit.” I knew that when I had received Christ by faith I had also received the Holy Spirit, but this was definitely an experience I could not deny.

Suddenly the Acts-church experience became real to me in a fresh new way. I began to understand the fire I had read about but never completely understood.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit has definitely changed my life forever. I use my gift of praying in the Spirit as a real weapon of warfare, especially because as a lead worshiper I face much spiritual opposition.

I encourage you to embrace the friendship of the Holy Spirit. I have learned to praise, worship, and live for Christ regardless of my feelings.

I have grown to accept the entire Word of God, even when it makes me feel quite uncomfortable. This is our journey of faith-and what a wonderful, wonderful journey it is.

Rebecca St. James
Recording Artist
Nashville, Tennessee

The strongest way in which I have experienced the Holy Spirit at work in my
life is through His inspiration. His influence has been especially obvious to me during interviews or speaking engagements when I have been in special need of
God’s inspired words.

When I first started in music, I was only 16 years old. A lot of people wondered
if I would have anything of real value to say. At times I wondered myself
what I had to share that would be meaningful to other teenagers and adults!

In those days, we had an interview section in the middle of my concert during
which the audience could ask me any questions they wanted. I remember praying
while the questions were being asked, “Lord, give me the words to say.” God
would always fill my mouth with words that I knew came from the Holy Spirit.

Prayer was-and is-a big part of my ministry. Many times since those teenage
years I’ve come to God, not knowing what I needed to share in certain situations
but knowing that He would provide.

One recent time in particular I felt the Holy Spirit guiding me miraculously.
I had the opportunity to be on Hannity & Colmes during a Valentine’s Day telecast.
The question up for debate that night was “Should people save sex for marriage?”

I was scheduled to be on the segment with a liberal sex therapist who took the
opposite position on this subject. The producers were hoping our exchange
would be an entertaining debate.

Immediately before the show I performed in a concert with the Newsboys.
One of the people hosting the concert asked the audience to pray for me-that
I would be inspired by the Holy Spirit during the upcoming program. On the
spot thousands of people joined together to pray. Moments later I saw God answer
their prayer!

Right before I went on the air, God gave me certain points to make
in relation to the issue of saving sex for marriage-points that had never occurred
to me in 10 years of speaking on the subject. I wrote myself notes hoping I
would have a chance to share them.

Miraculously, during the interview, I was able to use every thought I had
written down! It was as if every question or challenge thrown at me was a direct
request for the words God had given me! In a very high-profile, mainstream
situation with people from all walks of life watching, God-through His Holy
Spirit-answered the prayer to “fill my mouth.”

I saw God move through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. He is faithful to
provide all our needs when we trust Him.

Ben Kinchlow
FORMER HOST FOR THE 700 CLUB
VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA.

I met Jesus Christ while I was hurtling toward hell in a vehicle with no brakes. That
“vehicle” was my life.

I thought Christianity was dull and restrictive. It was for old people. I thought you had to die before you could have any fun. And I thought it was a white man’s religion.

The drama of my conversion drove me to find what would lead people to give their lives for Christ. I read the Bible, then other books.

I was determined to receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit. I went into my bathroom at 9 a.m. and waited for hours. Nothing happened.

Then I read how one writer had been filled with the Spirit while he sat near “a white brick fireplace in the white carpeted living room of a prominent attorney.” I would find the same-and a white attorney who knew about the baptism in the Holy Spirit and would let me in his house!

God honors sincerity. I remember sitting in a straight-back chair in front of a white fireplace on a white carpet while being prayed for by rabid charismatics. After half an hour, it seemed, they all said, “Amen!” Again, nothing.

I went home, upset at God for not doing what He promised in His Word. The next day I gave Him the silent treatment. Suddenly, however, I was in a two-way conversation with Him, aloud and in my mind.

He questioned what proof I had that I had not received the baptism. I argued that I hadn’t felt “warm and bubbly” like others had. He said He never promised anyone that feeling. His Word, He convincingly reminded me, promised power.

Then He challenged me-had I asked Him for the Holy Spirit? I answered that I had. He then simply said, “I did what I promised to do.”

This understanding gave me a new surge of excitement. I looked up and said, “OK, I’m going to open my mouth and speak.”

I opened my mouth and my tongue crimped-it was a definite physical sensation. The next second, a beautiful foreign-sounding language poured from my mouth.

I was afraid if I stopped, it would go away. Finally, I thought, I’d better write down the last word till I catch my breath so I’ll know where to start! But in my mind I heard: “You don’t have to do that. It’s yours to keep.”

The baptism in the Holy Spirit didn’t make me a better Christian than anyone else. It made me a better me. It opened Scriptures to me in a new way. It made God’s presence more real. It certified that my being born again was not an experience but an actual fact.

Pat Boone
Entertainer, Los Angeles, California

I gave my life to Christ when I was 13, but it wasn’t until I was much older that I came to see my need for the infilling of the Holy Spirit. At the time, I was a successful performer facing an immense financial problem, which I brought in lawyers and financial experts to help me resolve. But ultimately I came to the conclusion that only God was going to solve the problem. And I knew I couldn’t expect Him to solve it unless I belonged totally to Him.

So I found myself searching for a closeness to my Father-with a willingness to surrender completely. In January of 1969, I decided that the gift of the Holy
Spirit could be for me-if I was willing to claim it. That evening I went over to the home of George Otis, a businessman and friend. I had determined that above everything else, I wanted the Lord in control of my life.

George read to me what the Bible has to say about God, the Holy Spirit, and how a man can meet Him through faith. We talked about Peter and how he responded
when he saw Jesus walking to him on the water in Matthew 14. Peter wanted to go to Jesus; but to get there he needed the “gift” of being able to walk on the water, and Peter asked Jesus for it.

Peter didn’t wait for some overwhelming power to pick him up and take him to Jesus’ side. He knew he had to throw his legs over the side of the boat and step
out on the waves. I believed this thrilling story; and right then I wanted, just like Peter, to go to Jesus. I knew I had the promise-but faith had to take over.

The moment had come. George and I raised our arms to God, and I prayed. “O Father, this is it-I give up. I yield my life to You. Please take it, Lord, and
make of it whatever You want to. Forgive me of every sin, wash me clean; and Jesus, oh, precious Jesus, be my Baptizer. Baptize me right now in Your Spirit, the Spirit of the living God.”

When I prayed I sensed the Lord’s presence in a remarkable way. I began by simply off ering my voice to Jesus and supporting a tone. As I did, a beautiful
melody came out, and words began to fl oat in on the melody! It was such a graceful and beautiful thing that I hardly recognized the voice as mine.

I had a deep sense of knowing that I was singing a new song to God. Since then I have praised the Lord in a prayer language as well.

The result of my baptism in the Holy Spirit-and my wife’s-was complete transformation in our family. Shirley and I fell in love all over again: with each other
and with our four children. Soon, our four daughters had received the gift of the Holy Spirit as well.

God also resolved the huge fi nancial issue we were facing and opened many doors of opportunity for me, both to further my career and to share the gospel. He
is truly an awesome God!

Cece Winans
Gospel Recording Artist, Brentwood, Tennessee

I was about 9 years old when I received the Holy Spirit-and at 40 I am still on fi re and in love with the Lord! Though I am a Grammy-winning vocalist today, my walk in life has not been easy. I grew up with nine siblings, and the good things of my life haven’t been served to me on a silver platter.

But early on, God became a cornerstone from which I would build my life. His Word clearly marked my steps. I was captured by the Holy Spirit at the altar of my grandfather’s small Detroit Church of God in Christ. I was kneeling, surrounded by other children and older saints.

I was always at the altar doing what was called at that time “tarrying for the Holy Spirit.” At that moment, I remember a wonderful feeling coming over me, the eminent covering of God’s presence. It was awesome to me then and still is. I recall being overcome with an overwhelming sense of peace and safety that permeated my spirit.

No particular physical or supernatural manifestation marked the moment. Speaking in tongues came later.

After that experience I really, really loved God and knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life pleasing Him. I believe my parents had a tremendous amount to do with that moment-and all the other moments when God really touched my life-because they kept me in the right spiritual atmosphere.

I believe that I was called to be who I am in God from my mother’s womb. I am intensely aware of how God has used me and continues to use me to bring others closer to Him. God has allowed my light to shine in so many places to so many people, and they are able to see Him in my personal and professional life.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit has helped me to be more consistent in my
relationship with God, and I know it is because I allow the Holy Spirit to do His job. It really is simple for me, in that I realize without God and the Holy Spirit, I can do nothing, but with Him all things are possible. I know that the intimacy I experience with Jesus would not be what it is if the Holy Spirit had not come into my life.

I want you to know the Holy Spirit will keep you close to God if you allow Him to. The Holy Spirit is indeed a Comforter and all the things the Word of God says He is. With the Holy Spirit in your heart, you will never be alone or without hope or strength.

The older saints in church used to say: “He’s a keeper! And He will keep you!” If you want the Holy Spirit you can have Him-if you believe!

Marilyn Hickey
International Bible Teacher, Denver Colorado

I have been a Spirit-filled believer for 50 years. I was raised a Methodist-in fact, quite a liberal Methodist. When my father was committed to a mental institution, my mother really pressed into Christ and became a Spirit-filled believer. She began praying for my brother and me, as we both were turned off by the Spirit-filled church.

During this time I met Wally, my husband to be. Wally had just been Spirit-filled. We dated, but he wouldn’t take me anywhere except to church or out for dinner. He wouldn’t take me dancing or to movies. He had such a hunger for God-he always wanted to be in church.

I did not care for his Spirit-filled church. The people clapped their hands, cried and spoke in tongues. I was very offended by it all.

One night, Wally told me he was fasting for me. He said he had served the devil with all his heart and that now he was going to serve God with all his heart. He felt I was not a committed believer. He knew I was born again but that I wasn’t interested in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. God had told Wally he had to put Jesus first in his life and I would have to be second.

I was quite offended by this, but that night God started to deal with me. I couldn’t sleep, but I continued to resist God. For three nights I didn’t sleep while God dealt with my heart.

Finally the Lord said to me: “I have dealt with you for four years for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. If you do not yield to Me now, I will never deal with you about this matter again. You are born again and you belong to Me, and I’m going to show you what your decision will do if you turn down the baptism in the Holy
Spirit this time.

“You will never marry Wallace Hickey. You will move to California, get your master’s degree, be a good schoolteacher, marry, have a good life, and when you die you’ll go to heaven. But if you choose to be Spiritfilled,
then I have something so wonderful for you it is beyond your imagination.”

When God spoke to me like that, it broke me into a thousand pieces. I simply said: “Lord, if I never marry Wallace Hickey, I want more of You. I commit myself to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.”

The next night the Spirit-filled church in our city was having an all-night prayer meeting. I called Wally and said I wanted to go. I prayed that night to be Spirit-filled, but I wasn’t until three days later.

My life dramatically changed. I was a very shy believer, but I became very bold. It wasn’t long before Wally and I were engaged. Today, I cannot tell you all the ways the Holy Spirit has brought His power into my life. How could I ever get enough of Him?

Ted Haggard
President, National Association of Evangelicals,

Colorado Springs, Colorado

I became a Christian in high school, and for several years-even well after I started attending Oral Roberts University (ORU)-I thought some of the charismatic theology on the Holy Spirit was half-baked at best. I wanted little to do with it.

I was perfectly happy with my Christian walk. I had a fantastic prayer life. I read my Bible every day. I was part of a great Christian community and had plenty of opportunities to do ministry.

I was a dispensationalist with a strong understanding of cessationist theology. I won debates on the subject of spiritual gifts, and I knew character, obedience and integrity were more important than edgy, charismatic experiences.

Then, during my private Bible study, I found a hole in my theology. It began in John 20:22, when Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, “’Receive the Holy Spirit.’”

I realized that at that point in their walk with the Lord the disciples were just like me. They knew Christ and saw manifestations of God’s power in their lives.

I also saw, in the next book of the Bible, Jesus telling this very same group He had breathed on to wait in Jerusalem for the gift their Father had for them (see Acts 1:4-5). Then Jesus labeled the gift. He said, “’For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit’” (NIV).

I realized there are two separate, distinct experiences with the Holy Spirit.

Then one night at ORU, a friend named Tom came to my room determined to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit. I had a tape on the subject, so I offered
to listen to it with him.

We went out to my car and popped in the tape. For the next hour, I prayed silently for Tom. I was afraid of what would happen if he started taking this stuff
seriously.

While Tom sat listening intently and preparing himself to receive the Holy Spirit, I prayed God would protect him from spiritual chicanery.

After their sermon, the speakers prayed for everyone listening to receive. Tom opened his hands to God and prayed along.

While he said: “Please, God, I want it. I want more of You,” I silently prayed: “Please, God, protect Tom! Don’t let him think he can pray in tongues!”

Nothing happened to Tom, but suddenly I started praying in tongues! I was being baptized in the Holy Spirit!

It was the most surprising, exhilarating experience, but I embraced it. Tom did, too. A few hours later he was baptized, and together we prayed in the Spirit
all night.

Now, more than 20 years later, I still love praying as we did that night.

Spotlight

A life Song

Casting Crowns; Making worship a lifestyle

Casting Crowns’ self-titled debut sold more than 1 million copies and spawned three No. 1 singles. But when it was time to head back to the studio, lead singer and songwriter Mark Hall wanted to make sure the band wasn’t going in to simply “make songs about music.”

Hall believes the band has something worthwhile to say in its latest effort, Lifesong, which he says is about making worship a lifestyle. “I think we’re all starting to look at worship now and we’re seeing that we’ve hollowed it out a little bit,” Hall said. “We can’t just come in here and crank the band up and read a bunch of words off the screen and call that worship because that’s not what it is. Worship started this morning when you woke up.”
CHAD BONHAM

Prayer Point

Attacks against children are widespread. Children are being molested, abused and sold into prostitution. Some are homeless and malnourished. Millions have been orphaned by AIDS. This month, we invite you to join us in praying for the world’s children.

POPE GETS MIXED REVIEWS

Thanks for the article about Pope John Paul II and the Catholic charismatic movement (“Vicar of the Spirit,” by Stephen Mansfield, June). I thank God that when the wave of the Holy Spirit went through churches in the 1960s and 1970s, it fell on me. It messed up things in my life for the better.

When I tried to tell Baptist people, they thought I had lost my mind; they thought I had gone to the holy rollers. I was bubbling over with a new thing in my life.
Willa Dean Skaggs
Charleston, South Carolina

Your presentation of the legacy of Pope John Paul II was excellent. May we all continue to learn from his example.
Cy Herter
Highland, Indiana

I am a former Catholic from Brazil, and 80 percent of my family is Catholic. Pope John Paul II has not helped them see the truth. Catholics in Brazil pray to idols. The Bible says idolatry is a sin, and it says those who practice it will not go to heaven.
Luci Negron
Oceanside, California

I read your articles about the pope, and I noticed that he never once said Scripture was the only authority for his faith. He believed that the traditions of his church were equal to the Bible. That raises a red flag for all evangelical believers. I love the Catholic people. We should pray for them.
Leonard Ostrom
Cloquet, Minnesota

We live in a culture that works hard at legitimizing every belief system. For believers, this is a lie. Your devotion to the legacy of John Paul II appears to agree with this worldview. No amount of accolades can negate the anti-Christian doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church.
D.P. Williams
Fremont, Ohio

Your magazine uses the title “Vicar of the Spirit” for Pope John Paul II. What spirit are you referring to? Certainly, you do not mean the Holy Spirit! I know word meanings change with centuries, but be aware that “vicar” means “vicarious substitute.” In the Catholic Church, the vicar is a substitute for Christ!
Evangeline R. Johnson
Sebring, Florida

A missionary from Spain sent in a cruel, anti-Catholic message and requested that his name be withheld (May). I was disappointed that you would enable someone saying such things to hide his identity. Please, I implore you, require these people to sign their names.
Joy Thompson
Topeka, Kansas

Has Charisma gone Catholic? Just about everything in the June issue was about Catholics. I thought you were Pentecostals. The Catholic Church is full of paganism and witchcraft, and the pope is worshiped to some extent. You should get away from all that mess.
Woodrow Steadman
Spartanburg, South Carolina

I was saved out of the Catholic Church. Imagine my disgust when I discovered that you had put the pope on the cover of Charisma. If the head of the Jehovah’s Witnesses dies next month, will you put him on the cover?

The Catholic Church isn’t another sect of Christianity; it’s a cult. I even went to a Catholic seminary for a weekend with the intent of becoming a priest. Still, I was dead in my trespasses. Then one day Jesus saved me and filled me with His precious Holy Spirit.
Rev. Michael Autera
Tender Mercies Ministry
Dewey, Arizona

In espousing the pope as “vicar of the Spirit,” Charisma missed the point! What has the Catholic Church shown for its so-called moves of the Spirit? You shouldn’t be a champion of a worldwide ecumenical “unity” of Catholics, Pentecostals and other Protestants. Scripture warns against this.
Andrew Igene
via e-mail

I was absolutely amazed that your magazine exalted Pope John Paul II. This is not to say he was a bad person, but deception often comes cloaked in righteousness. Those allusions to him being “open to the Spirit” (and I want to ask which spirit?) are cleverly stated.
Gloria M. Vittner
Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Was the pope born again? In 1987 he said Mary was divine and sinless. Was Mother Teresa born again? In a documentary featuring her in 1986, she stated clearly that one could get to God through any religion, including Islam and Buddhism. Although some believers are Catholic, the Catholic Church has always been at enmity with the true, believing church.
John Lifflander
Battle Ground, Washington

DOLLAR SIGNS

I appreciated J. Lee Grady’s column about the excesses of prosperity preachers (“Charismatic Idols,” May). But I was disappointed to see a conference ad a few pages later declaring that God wants you to have the best in health and wealth. I would be encouraged to see Charisma editors put their money where their pens are by refusing such ads.
Mark Johnson
St. Cloud, Minnesota

Thank you for speaking the truth about the lavish lifestyles of some in ministry. God led me to give to a ministry once and the leader said that for every $100 gift he would rescue one girl from prostitution in India. I pledged $1,000 to get 10 girls out. Later this evangelist came back to my church and said, “We now have the building, and we need money to get the girls out of prostitution.” I confronted him, and his response was:” We needed the building first.” He did not speak of a building when he asked for pledges. I felt deceived.
Mary Alfred
Lafayette, Louisiana

Your article walks a fine line between preachers who scam the body of Christ and those who are truly blessed. I’m much more encouraged by preachers who walk in biblical prosperity. That is more godly than financially broke churches that say: “Give us all you can, but don’t desire too much for yourself.” That’s hogwash. Jesus did not come so that we could “have life and have it more average.”
Tyler Wright
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

I rarely attend revivals anymore or listen to “guest preachers.” I hear them say things such as, “God says He wants a certain amount of people to plant a seed.” It has started at $1,000 and ended with “just bring whatever you can.” The book of Malachi says if I pay my tithes I’ll be blessed.
Rick Cunningham
Jacksonville, Florida

OVER LOOKED BIBLES

I was thrilled to see an article about finding the right Bible translation in your April issue. However, I was dismayed to see two major translations completely overlooked in your article: The New King James Version (NKJV) and the New Century Version (NCV). The NKJV is the No. 1 translation on the Christian Booksellers Association’s charts today, and the NCV is at No. 4. These translations could not have achieved the major status and growth they have received without strong consumer support.
Diane M. Crawford, publicist
Thomas Nelson Publishers
Nashville, Tennessee
Corrections: In a feature article about Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola, Florida (June), we reported that attendance at the church has declined to less than 1,000 since revival services ended. However, pastor Randy Feldschau tells Charisma that average attendance is now close to 1,600. A news article about conservative Anglicans (February) should have stated that St. Stephen’s Anglican Church is located in Oak Harbor, Washington, not Washington, D.C. A news article about spiritual revival among Navajo Indians (June) mistakenly reported that Daniel “Larry” Furcap is licensed with the Church of God. Charisma regrets the errors.

MANIFEST PRESENCE
By Jack Hayford, Chosen, hardcover, 288 pages, $19.99.

Reading this book is like peeling an onion, except you will shed tears of joy as you delve into Jack Hayford’s refreshing approach to worship in Manifest Presence: Expecting a Visitation of God’s Grace Through Worship.

The most freeing concept appears a third of the way through the book, when the author discusses how holiness springs from God’s nature within us, not by adhering to legalistic requirements that strike fear in people’s hearts.

Because of its sermonlike format, this book will find its greatest appeal among pastors and worship leaders. However, Christians hungry for a revived relationship with
the Almighty will also find it valuable for contemplation.

Part of Manifest Presence’s contribution is defining that worship is neither a formulaic style of rigid orthodoxy nor imitations of Christian concerts. Equally noteworthy: Hayford’s tips on establishing altars of worship at home.
Ken Walker

BOOKS

DELIVERED TO DESTINY
By Kimberly Daniels, Charisma House, softcover, 224 pages, $13.99.

Raised in “uptown” Jacksonville, Florida, Kimberly Daniels’ family life was filled
with gambling, violence, substance abuse and witchcraft, much of which she carried into her adult life. In Delivered to Destiny, Daniels, now ordained by Rod
Parsley, gives glory to God for redeeming her and setting her on an unexpected new path as a pastor-evangelist.

Converted by watching the movie A Thief in the Night, Daniels today effectively reaches out to warlocks, drug addicts and transsexuals. Not one to care what religious people think, she drives an RV dubbed the Demon Busters Mobile. She also writes of how God used her as a witness in the Army, where she had a distinguished career in track and field and was classified as the fastest woman in the U.S. military.

Exhorting believers to walk in their destiny as she learned to do, the author’s prophetic voice warns of such things as “nice” people under the control of witchcraft infiltrating the church.

Daniels has a captivating story that will draw charismatics and anyone who enjoys hearing grace-filled testimonies.
Christine D. Johnson

GOD’S BOLD CALL TO WOMEN
By Barbara J. Yoder, Regal, softcover, 176 pages, $12.99.

According to Barbara J. Yoder there is a fresh call from heaven for women to move into their destinies in the area of ministry. This is different from the past when a few select women responded to such a call. This call is for an army of women to rise up.

An inspiring compilation of works from several authors, including Chuck Pierce, Jane Hansen, Wanda Studdard and Jean Hodges, this book clarifies the diversity
of ways women are called, encourages women at any age to press in to fulfill
God’s purposes for their lives, and shows scriptural precedent through examples of
women in the Bible who fulfilled their callings. Yoder is a proponent of the new
apostolic movement in the church. When she speaks of the apostolic movement, she is referring to individuals and groups who pioneer new works, bring reform to
church and society, and open new areas to the infl uence of the gospel.

Yoder believes it is crucial that women and men partner together to fulfi ll the
Great Commission. This book brings a needed word of exhortation and encouragement to women in the body of Christ today.
Deborah L. Delk

THIS DAY WE FIGHT!
By Francis Frangipane, Chosen, softcover,176 pages, $12.99.

Though fans of Francis Frangipane’s former works may be somewhat disappointed
by This Day We Fight! the heart and intent of this hero of the faith is still loud and
clear. Throughout the book, Frangipane’s passionate plea to the church is to wake up from its slumber and to engage in a crusade against the rampant darkness that influences every aspect of life as we know it.

The book is divided into three sections. Unfortunately, section one lacks the kind of meaty exegesis that we’ve come to love from Frangipane and the final third of the book seems only loosely connected to the book’s overall theme.

Section two, however, “Exposing the Enemy’s Weapon,” is by far the best part of the book and has plenty of encouraging and inspirational insights for believers. It speaks directly to the issues of spiritual disappointment, discouragement
and weariness in doing good while giving believers a solid, biblically based
response pattern that is full of wisdom, faith, trust and humility.

If the entire book had been written in this manner, it would be another classic
on par with The Three Battlegrounds.
Eric Wilbanks

MUSIC

LIFT HIM UP COLLECTION
By Ron Kenoly, Integrity Music.

Dove Award-winning artist Ron Kenoly helped popularize contemporary praise and worship music worldwide for nearly two decades. His latest project, the Lift
Him Up Collection, showcases the bestknown and loved songs from eight albums
on one disc.

Kenoly sings with mastery that reveals his background as a praise and worship leader. His flexibility is highlighted on such songs as the upbeat “Lift Him Up,” the fun Calypso sound in “Mourning Into Dancing” and the soft, emotion-filled “Beauty for Ashes” duet with Crystal Lewis.

He has been called “The Professor of Praise,” and his 15 songs-in addition to the new release, “His Banner Over Me Is Love”-are familiar favorites. By capturing the heartbeat of praise in a cheerful and joyful style, Kenoly has created a work that highlights decades of praise and worship favorites.
Tracee N. Mason

THE ROCKS CRY OUT
By various artists, Spring Hill Worship

Following the release of Songs From the Bennett House, Spring Hill Worship unveils its newest project, The Rocks Cry Out, a slightly edgier worship collection. The disc is a collaborative effort, featuring Kate Miner, Elias Dummer, Cole Young, Rick Cua, Charity Von, Tom Lane, Carl Cartee and Anadara. A big plus for this series continues to be that the songs featured are all new and seem ready for radio and designed for corporate worship settings.

Highlights include the stirring “Somebody Dance”; the acoustic rock duet “Draw Near”; the Euro-pop flavor of “Your Will, My Life”; the bouncy “Alive in Me” and the bluesy rock of “In Your Presence.” Adding a world-music flavor to the mix is “Do You Hear the Sound?”

The Rocks Cry Out, though not necessarily the “rock” the title implies, will be a welcome listen for worship music lovers and leaders and fulfills the label’s mission
to introduce “new songs today … for the church tomorrow.”
DeWayne Hamby

LONG ARM OF LOVE
By Michael Olson, Rocketown Records

Rocketown Records is known for signing multitalented singersongwriters such as
Ginny Owens, Watermark and Shaun Groves. Its newest artist, Minneapolis native
Michael Olson, has a powerful and smooth voice reminiscent of artists such as Greg Long and Jonathan Pierce. Olson easily makes a memorable impression
with his vocals alone.

But he’s also an accomplished songwriter, evidenced by great tracks on this
debut.

On “Give My Life Away,” Olson offers a moving statement of faith with infectious
zeal. “New Every Morning” is an upbeat pop-rock praise offering. “So Glad” is a fun, honky-tonk-style country-blues production, and the title track also blends country and pop with the classic hymn “Blessed Assurance.”

Sandwiched in the middle, “Psalm 23”-an impressive musical Scripture rendering is the mellow “bookmark” of the record. “Waiting for You” is a romantic ode to Olson’s wife, and the tender praise of “Man of Sorrows” closes the disc.
DeWayne Hamby