Your prayers have helped carry me through surgery and seven chemo infusions that have stretched out over six months. Praise God! Most of my battle with cancer has been won! Even as I have struggled with severe side effects, I have experienced deep peace, unceasing joy and great expectancy of blessing to come. Thank you!

Now I face a month of daily radiation beginning around the end of this month. I also will continue an infusion every three weeks until October 2019 to help insure the cancer will not return. As so many of you know, cancer is a wicked disease. As God brings me to your mind, I would treasure your continued prayers.

“I thank my God for every reminder of you. In every prayer of mine for you all, I have always made requests with joy, due to your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now” (Phil. 1:3-5). {eoa}

Anne Graham Lotz, second child of Billy and Ruth Graham, is the founder of AnGeL Ministries and former chairman for the National Day of Prayer Task Force. She has authored 15 books, including her latest, The Daniel Prayer.

This article originally appeared at .

Humble leadership can be difficult to define.

It’s subjective, and then there’s that pesky old saying that goes something like, “if you think you’re humble, you’re not.”

Well, that might be true, but it’s not very helpful if humility is something we should embrace. I’m mean, then how do you know?

Scripture is clear that humility is a good thing and indicates that it’s the opposite of pride. (James 4:6) So, the concept of humility isn’t a mystery. In fact, Moses was known as the most humble man on the face of the earth (Num. 12:3), and we know a lot about his life.

Jesus washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17) and humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death (Phil. 2:8) Again, we do have clear examples of humble leaders in action.

But I rarely hear conversations of someone trying to “achieve” humility. Yes, I’m smiling as I write that.

Should a leader focus on avoiding pride or aspiring to humility?

Part of the difficulty may reside in the fact that leaders need to be confident, strong and decisive—along with other virtues that don’t seem like natural partners with humility but actually are.

Humility is based more on the idea that you don’t feel superior or better than others because of what you have, your status or power; and equally, it’s not about feeling inferior to others.

Humility is not about your place on the org chart; it reflects the disposition of your heart. You can be the CEO and be humble or full of pride. You can be among those with the least formal status or authority in the organization and also be humble or prideful.

Humble leaders live for others more than they live for themselves. Humble doesn’t mean insecure. Don’t confuse the two. Humility is an attractive virtue, insecurity is not. Humility is directly connected to strength; insecurity is tied to fear and our weaknesses.

This does not suggest that humble leaders never struggle with insecurities, but recognizes that humility is based in strength, not weakness.

My hope is to make this post on humble leadership very practical by offering a list of traits that are largely intuitive. And because they are somewhat self-explanatory, I’ll add just brief but helpful comments after each one.

12 Traits of a Humble Leader

1. Humble leaders are not easily embarrassed.

Humble leaders do not try to protect a reputation or project a certain public image. They aren’t worried about trying to look good. This doesn’t mean they don’t care how they’re perceived or what happens, but they just don’t take themselves too seriously. Humble leaders possess a healthy balance of self-awareness and self-confidence.

2. Humble leaders are not offended if they don’t receive credit.

When a leader isn’t looking for credit, they’re not offended when they don’t receive it. Every leader appreciates acknowledgement, but they don’t seek it out or need it in an unhealthy way. Humble leaders serve for the good of others, not for accolades.

3. Humble leaders are willing to lift others up.

Prideful or narcissistic leaders may try to keep you down or at least in your place, but a humble leader finds ways to lift others up. They will promote young leaders, give others opportunities, invite you to a seat at the table when they can and freely give public recognition.

4. Humble leaders are not prone to gossip.

Gossip finds its root in jealousy, envy and pride. Gossip often puts others down in order to gain allies, gain an advantage or maneuver in position. These things are contrary to a humble heart.

5. Humble leaders have a good self-image but don’t need to tell you how good they are.

As I mentioned, humility comes from a place of strength and therefore is nearly always connected to a good self-image. A humble leader knows their strengths and is not hesitant to talk about them if needed or asked, but they don’t have a need to constantly tell others of their worth, accomplishments or importance.

6. Humble leaders value kindness and respect toward others.

Humility finds part of its endearing quality in kindness and respect for others. Humble leaders are not afraid of influence, authority and power, but never use it for their personal gain or to take advantage of others. Humble leaders are intentionally kind and communicate respect by showing appreciation and valuing people’s time and skill. They demonstrate that they care about who the person is, not just what they can do.

7. Humble leaders inspire trust, authenticity and close teamwork.

Because leaders who exemplify humility rarely have a personal agenda, let alone a hidden one, they are easy to trust. They live more for others and therefore inspire trust in others. Their authenticity encourages authenticity in the people they’re around and these two things, trust and authenticity, are part of the foundation for close teamwork.

8. Humble leaders find joy when others succeed.

Have you ever been around someone who doesn’t seem happy that you won? They don’t seem pleased that you succeeded. That’s not a sign of humility. Humble leaders don’t need to be the best and love it when others succeed. They certainly want to be good, perhaps even great at what they do, but that’s different than “the best.” That gets dangerously close to the idea of superior or “better” than others.

9. Humble leaders are grateful for what they have.

Entitlement is a dangerous notion and always wanting more is a sad way to live. Gratitude is at the core of people who are content, happy and live a healthy life. There is always someone who has more than you. There is always someone who has bigger and better stuff. If that’s your goal, you can’t win. Instead, being grateful for what you have brings great peace and joy and is a hallmark of humility.

10. Humble leaders don’t always need to be right.

No one is always right, so any leader who attempts to be or insists they are reveals, at a minimum, pride. Attempting to always be right must be exhausting, and it certainly isn’t part of God’s plan and design. Leaders make mistakes and are better together. We need each other, and humble leaders know that’s true.

11. Humble leaders admit when they are wrong and take responsibility.

Since no leader is always right, that means on occasion, we’re wrong. The humble leader quickly and easily admits their faults. They own the mistake or whatever the case may be and take responsibility rather than making excuses or passing the buck.

12. Humble leaders listen to others well, receive input and are willing to change.

You may have experienced a leader who seems to like to hear himself talk. Admittedly, most of us leaders talk a lot, but good leaders also listen well. In fact, the more we listen, the better. That’s the only way to receive input and leads to the need to change. Humble leaders are willing to change: change their minds, change their plans and so forth because they are open to other’s ideas. {eoa}

Dan Reiland is the executive pastor at 12Stone Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He previously partnered with John Maxwell for 20 years, first as executive pastor at Skyline Wesleyan Church in San Diego, then as vice president of leadership and church development at INJOY.

This article originally appeared at .

Anwar Fazal leads the largest church in Pakistan and a 24-hour prayer house where miracles happen every day.

Fazal was born into a family of Christians, and his family even received a prophetic word before his birth that he would be a pastor. As he grew up, however, he rejected the Lord because he says it was his family’s decision, and not his own.

But in 1995, Fazal met Marilyn Hickey at a prayer festival. That’s when everything changed.

“She’s my mentor, my heart, my love,” Fazal says. “My mother and father are passed away in heaven, and God blessed me with my spiritual mom, Marilyn Hickey. She’s guided me all this time, she prays over me and teaches me like a son, and I love first Jesus, then I love my mom, Marilyn.”

Hickey’s influence is undeniable, but Fazal has become recognizable in his own right for his work advancing God’s kingdom in Pakistan.

Fazal runs Isaac Television Network, Eternal Life Church, a prayer house and spends part of his time in the United States with Frank Amedia.

At Fazal’s prayer house, he says he’s seen a man come in with cancer devouring his body and leave completely healed in the name of Jesus. In another instance, Fazal says a lame young woman actually saw him in her dreams, and he healed her, so she walked into church the following week.

And that’s just the beginning.

Listen to the podcast to hear his miraculous stories about what the Lord is doing in Pakistan.

Would you believe it if I told you Charisma published 500 issues? I was shocked when I realized that the March issue of Charisma was our 500th. To celebrate, our publisher and vice president of the Charisma Media Group, Dr. Steve Greene, interviewed me on my “Strang Report” podcast. We discussed Charisma‘s beginnings and how God grew it from a small publication to the leading charismatic magazine it is today. You can listen to our entire conversation by clicking here or clicking the podcast at the end of this article.

Some of you may have heard Charisma‘s genesis story before. I’ve shared many times how as a Pentecostal journalist, I had a desire to publish a magazine that reported on what the Holy Spirit was doing in our nation and around the world. I had the chance to write a story on healing evangelist Kathryn Kuhlman for the Orlando Sentinel, a newspaper in central Florida. But I wanted to do more.

So in 1975, I founded a small charismatic magazine at a Florida megachurch. This was at the height of the Jesus Movement, when revivals were sweeping the U.S. and even traditional denominations were experiencing the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Our first issue was 32 pages, and I wrote the cover story on Thurlow Spurr, a Spirit-filled musician whose songs touched many. Two months later, our second issue featured Kathryn Kuhlman and the incredible healing miracles that characterized her ministry. That issue came out shortly before she died.

For the first year, I kept working at the Orlando Sentinel and published Charisma on the side. During that time, we printed 10,000 copies for about 420 subscribers. But I knew I had to commit my full attention to Charisma if I wanted to see it grow as I envisioned. So after that first year, I quit my job. The truth is that I didn’t have a desire to succeed as much as I had a desire not to fail.

And yet sometimes you can succeed by just not giving up. Because Charisma started in the midst of a charismatic revival, there were plenty of other Christian magazines around. I remember one gentleman who approached me to ask why I founded Charisma when there were already several magazines like it. Though rude, his comment stuck in my mind because all three of the Christian publications he mentioned by name are no longer active. Charisma is the only magazine of its kind that has stood the test of time. In fact, Charisma absorbed one of those Christian magazines, Christian Life, in 1986. Robert Walker founded that magazine back in 1939, and I admired him greatly. In fact, I have an entire room in our headquarters dedicated to his honor.

When I founded Charisma, my goal was merely to write articles about what the Lord was doing, and a church magazine seemed like a good way to do it. But now, our vision has grown in scope and specificity. As a multimedia company, we aim to inspire people to radically change their world through the Spirit’s power. And as technology has advanced over the last 40-plus years, God has likewise expanded our methods for reaching people with His Word. What started as a small print magazine now has grown to several print magazines, books, several online websites with daily articles and newsletters, numerous podcasts on our Charisma Podcast Network, a robust social media presence and much more.

As I look back on Charisma‘s unique journey, I’m grateful God has allowed us to publish 500 issues. In the mid-1970s, I don’t know if I would have been able to envision what God has done through us thus far. I would never have imagined that God would allow me to interview four U.S. presidents, including George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald J. Trump. I would never have thought I would write two books on President Trump—God and Donald Trump and Trump Aftershock—about how God not only put him in office but has also used him mightily since his election.

Although March was technically Charisma‘s 500th issue, we officially celebrated the milestone in our April issue. (Click here to subscribe to two years of Charisma at half the price!) To listen to Dr. Steve Greene interview me about Charisma‘s Spirit-led journey, click on the podcast below, and be sure to subscribe to my “Strang Report” podcast at .

Steve and I have just spent the last week and a half in Naples, Florida. It’s been a gift to rest, write, pray and reflect for extended periods of time—all to simply enjoy God’s presence.

Each night, we took a walk to the beach to watch the sun go down. We weren’t alone. Couples sat on lawn chairs with wine and cheese, and families stretched out on beach towels with buckets and shovels. Everyone waited for the big event. One night, as we watched the orange sun drop below the surface of the horizon, there was a bright splash of light. The sight took my breath away. The crowd on the beach literally cheered and broke into applause. As Steve and I strolled back to where we were staying, I got to thinking, The crowd on the beach was applauding God.

Later that night, we sat in the hot tub star gazing, each star brilliantly showing forth the glory of God. The psalmist said it so well: “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known” (Ps. 19:1-2).

It’s easy in the stress and chaos of life to miss the beauty of simply celebrating the beauty of God’s creation. How do you create moments to celebrate beauty and worship the Creator in the midst of busy schedules and packed to-do lists?

Eliminate hurry. I believe it was Dallas Willard who first said, “Ruthlessly eliminate hurry.” Rushing continually robs us of moments where we can be fully attentive to God. As a result, we live fractured lives, continually distracted by the tyranny of the urgent. Instead, create transition time in your day so that you are not always rushing frantically to get to the next appointment. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you at the beginning of each day, and ask Him to remind you through the day to be attentive to His voice.

Take a worship walk. If the weather allows, be intentional about getting out and taking a worship walk. Turn off your cellphone and focus on the beauty you see as you walk. Snow on the mountains, flowers blooming, different colors of plants, the different shades of blue in the sky—all of it points to the creative brilliance of our God. Listen to the nature sounds, birds, crickets, bubbling water … and let it inspire you to praise God.

Reflect on Psalm 19. Read the psalm out loud. Maybe memorize the first few verses. Then spend a few quiet moments reflecting on what creation teaches us about God. For those of you who are artists (whether painters, songwriters or poets), spend a few moments creating your own psalm celebrating and applauding the God of creation.

Friend, here’s the thing. Don’t let your life circumstances rob you of enjoying and celebrating the beauty of God’s creation. All of creation worships Him, and you were designed to worship Him as well. Allow the beauty of His creative works to point you to His glory, and then bow low in worship. He alone is worthy of all of your praise. {eoa}

Becky Harling, an author, certified speaker, leadership coach and trainer with the John Maxwell Team, is an energetic and motivational international speaker inspiring audiences to overcome their greatest life challenges and reach their full God-given potential. Her most recent book is How to Listen So People Will Talk. Her husband, Steve Harling, is the president of Reach Beyond, a nonprofit organization seeking to be the voice and hands of Jesus around the world.

This article originally appeared at .

“Great civilizations are not murdered. Instead, they take their own lives.” —Arnold Toynbee, author and historian

In our home I have a plaque prominently displayed that reads, “Make sure that you fulfill the ministry which you have received in the Lord” (Col. 4:17). The charge was given to Archippus, whom Paul called his “fellow soldier” (Phil.1:2). Was he holding back in a time of intense spiritual warfare?

We are unmistakably in a similar time. “If the trumpet makes an uncertain sound who will prepare himself for the battle?” (1 Cor. 14:8).

We are alive in a watershed moment where pornography is a “click away;” gay marriage has been normalized, institutionalized and celebrated; socialism is seducing masses; transgenderism is foisted on women’s bathrooms; legalization of marijuana advances; physician-assisted suicide has been legalized; and now, abortion on demand at anytime and for any reason alongside killing of newly born babies are acceptable.

When pastors should have been hyperventilating amidst our cultural catastrophe, speaking boldly and equipping people on issues transcending politics, many capitulated to cowardice and avoided controversy to pursue non-offensive church growth strategies. Spineless shepherds succumbing to this seduction should reverse course or consider resigning lest their example influence others.

“What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house, lest his brother’s heart faint as well as his heart” (Deut. 20:8) in the day of battle.

I know of a leader who awoke one morning to God’s still small voice, “Get your house in order. You will soon die. What you’ve done has been ‘wood, hay and stubble’ ” (see 1 Cor. 3:12). He cried out to God for another chance, convicted that his ministry was missing the mark.

How many pastors will do almost anything to draw more people when the root problem is not new plans and shuffling personnel but repenting for not fulfilling the ministry they’ve received from the Lord at this tipping point in America’s history? May we follow another shepherd, David, who exclaimed, “Rivers of waters run down my eyes, because people do not keep Your law” (Ps. 119:136).

Having been involved in pastoral ministry for 46 years, I understand the pressures we leaders experience from culture, congregants, budget, guests and beyond, but we mustn’t compromise!

Societal Breakdown

In the 19th century, Charles Finney led in the battle of their generation, stopping slavery. He was criticized by pastors for getting “political” instead of “just preaching the gospel.” He responded by admonishing pastors: “Address this monster … call it sin!”

I’ve spoken at Oberlin College where as its president, Finney, pricked consciences: “It is doubtless true that one of the reasons for the low state of religion at the present time is that many churches have taken the wrong side on the subject of slavery, have suffered prejudice to prevail over principle and have feared to call this abomination by its true name.”

Civil War, societal breakdown and the loss of 620,000 lives was the toll from the church sleepwalking through what should’ve been its finest hour.

Cowardice and Disobedience

A second time, multitudes of pastors and therefore much of the church slumbered to its collective shame was during the Civil Rights era. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”

When the soul of our nation is being torn asunder as it is today just as it was then, it’s time for leaders to choose the fear of God rather than fear of man and financial security. Multitudes are awakening as they observe what’s resulted from the pastoral negligence.

• Scores of church members now accept homosexuality along with the adoption of children by gay and lesbian couples.
• Entire denominations ordain gay and lesbian ministers and officiate same-sex “weddings.” [The second largest Protestant denomination narrowly escaped going this apostate direction only days ago!]
• Multitudes of young people in our churches embrace the gay, bisexual and transgender lifestyle as okay along with cohabitation before marriage.

Just returning from the annual Roundtable summit hosted by Rick Joyner, we acknowledged many leaders have been hiding rather than heralding biblically-informed moral positions. It’s time for the emergence of a spiritual Delta Force to challenge those reluctant to lead responsibly.

I experienced this first hand a few years ago when I was told in a church: Don’t put out objective voter guides because they might upset black members. Cease working on an educational video exposing 10 deceptions of gay “marriage” as it would be too controversial, possibly inviting death threats. This would be a deal breaker concerning continuance in the church.

I was soon let go with some severance without any announcement to the church. When I inquired if something could be said to the people I served for years I was told, “Just go. Don’t come back.”

Evaluation Time

We are directed by God to be “salt” influencing society positively as an antiseptic holding back decay. We’re to winsomely communicate and demonstrate the Gospel and unchanging biblical truth. Addressing issues truthfully and redemptively is nonnegotiable.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16).

Many pastors and people today sit silently on the sidelines because of too narrow an understanding of the gospel and the kingdom of God. When Jesus commanded us to “make disciples of all nations … teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20b), He meant more than “trust Me for forgiveness to go to heaven” but bring the domain of your King to this world.

His directive was, teach “all things I have commanded you.” This entails all He taught in the gospels as well as the epistles that come by divine inspiration. Serious about fulfilling our ministry during these “perilous times” (2 Tim. 3:1), let’s reject any pull towards “cultural acceptability” and unscriptural “inclusivity.” Let’s do some evaluation.

1. Do I seek the approval of the world over faithfulness to God’s Word?

   “For am I now seeking the approval of man or of God? Or am I trying to please man? For if I were still trying to please man, I would not be the servant of Christ” (Gal.1:10). If I choose man-pleasing over God-pleasing, I disqualify myself as His servant.

2. Am I cowardly or compassionately declaring that a homosexual lifestyle is sin?

   There is not one passage in Scripture approving the practice of homosexuality. God condemns the perversion of His design for those He created and loves (Gen. 19:1-38; , 20:13; Mark 10:6–9; Rom. 1:26–7, 1:32; 1 Cor. 6:9–11; Jude 1:7). At the same time, He provides freedom for all who turn to Him in repentance to escape the bondage and brokenness of this way of life.

3. Am I silent in speaking the truth on same-sex “marriage” as being sinful and contrary to God’s design for man and woman in marriage?

   The prevailing “progressive” worldview deceives millions. It will “suppress the truth through unrighteousness” (Rom. 1:18) regarding these unions. This devastates the family unit; undermines thousands of years of scriptural teaching on marriage and family; and perverts the witness of husband and wife representing Christ and His church. The Bible explicitly describes a homosexual lifestyle with six terms: 1. Sexual Impurity 2. Degrading 3. Unnatural 4. Shameful 5. Indecent 6. Perversion (Rom. 1:24-27).

4. Am I afraid to say abortion and infanticide are both serious sins?

   While there is mercy and forgiveness if someone repents and turns to God, Christians and especially pastors must never treat the murder of a baby lightly. At the same time, we will continue offering compassionate counsel and care, adoption alternatives and practical support for those in crisis pregnancy situations. “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit the fatherless and widows” (James 1:27a).

5. As a leader, have I avoided controversial issues to not offend members or lose financial support? Can I say with Paul, “I did not keep from declaring to you the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27)?

Our church members are bombarded with propaganda and pressure to conform from 10 sources:

• Political leaders.
• College professors.
• Public school teachers.
• Celebrities.
• Musical artists.
• Film and TV personalities.
• Sports figures.
• Internet bloggers.
• Talk show hosts.
• Friends.

“The times of ignorance God has overlooked” (see Acts 17:30a), but He’s calling pastors and parents to account as a bulwark stemming the avalanche of today’s evil. We must boldly communicate truth to experience the dawning of a new day in the church of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our sermon applications must go beyond boss and co-worker aggravations representing the “horrendous persecution and problems” we face and address today’s hot-button issues.

Discerning the Times

Jesus once upbraided a crowd for readily forecasting the weather but failing to realize the urgency of the hour. “Why do you not know how to discern this time?” (Luke 12:56).

He’s saying the same to us today as we’re experiencing a staggering sea change where pride, godlessness, immorality, violence, perversion and rebellion to God’s commandments are at an all-time high. We’re in a period of “training for reigning” so we’ll not hold back.

This is not a time to say, “Let others get involved”… “God is sovereign”…”I’ll just pray… I’m busy”… “We’re called to just preach the gospel”… “It’s all going down anyway.”

“If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point that the world and the devil are at the moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages is where the loyalty of the soldier is proved, and to be steady on all the battlefield besides, it’s merely flight and disgrace if he flinches at that point” —Martin Luther.

Here’s the deal: A.W. Tozer said, “When we become so tolerant that we lead people into mental fog and spiritual darkness, we are not acting like Christians, we are acting like cowards.” As Paul told Archippus, “Make sure you fulfill the ministry you received in the Lord.” Let’s rise up in faith before another Civil War unfolds. May this be the church’s finest hour leading to America’s Third Great Awakening!

It never ceases to amaze me at how easily we can lose our focus for healing and become sidetracked by the enemy. And he’s a master at getting us off-track with good things. Hmm … What do I mean by this? When we are in need of divine healing from God, we need to build up our faith to believe for it from His Word concerning healing. But I see it over and over again that as we start to study the healing Word, we get drawn to other things, like finances, for example.

Now there isn’t anything wrong with studying finances from God’s Word; it’s just that the timing is wrong. And vice versa, if we need a financial breakthrough we would need to study God’s Word concerning finances and not healing. But now we need a miraculous healing from God, and so we need to remain focused on God’s healing power and study His Word concerning healing.

The Bible is clear when it tells us that, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). If we need to build up our faith to believe God for something, we need to enter into a time in the Word concerning that topic until our faith is strong enough to trust God and believe. And in this case, we need to remain in the healing message of God’s Word until we are encouraged in the faith and can actually believe and receive our supernatural healing from Him.

During your healing journey, keep His healing Word nearby. Keep your Bible open to Isaiah 53:4-5 (AMP), “But [in fact] He has borne our griefs, and He has carried our sorrows and pains; yet we [ignorantly] assumed that He was stricken, struck down by God and degraded and humiliated [by Him]. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our wickedness [our sin, our injustice, our wrongdoing]; the punishment [required] for our well-being fell on Him, and by His stripes (wounds) we are healed.” And in my book, The Healing Creed I teach you the Hebrew meaning of these words to end the doubt and confusion the enemy has caused in God’s camp concerning supernatural healing from Jesus.

I also have written up a confession of faith to declare over yourself from God’s Word. Take this Healing Creed card and confess it over yourself over and over. Confessing God’s Word over yourself is very powerful and reaps results.

Write notes to yourself with your favorite healing verses and place them around your home or office. These serve as gentle reminders of God’s healing promises to you. I have compiled 100 healing verses for you available free on my website to choose from.

Whatever way you choose to use to stir your faith with the healing Word is up to you, but the point is to stay focused concerning the healing message. Don’t get sidetracked—remain in the healing Word during this time in your life. {eoa}

Becky Dvorak is a prophetic healing evangelist and the author of DARE to Believe, Greater Than Magic and The Healing Creed. Visit her at .

This article originally appeared at .

An Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 passenger jet to Nairobi crashed early on Sunday, killing 149 passengers and eight crew, the airline said, the same model that crashed during a Lion Air flight in Indonesia in October.

Sunday’s flight left Bole airport in Addis Ababa at 8:38 am (0538 GMT), before losing contact with the control tower just a few minutes later at 8:44 am.

“The group CEO who is at the scene right now deeply regrets to confirm there are no survivors,” the airline tweeted alongside a picture of Tewolde GebreMariam in a suit holding a piece of debris inside a large crater.

Passengers from 33 countries were aboard, said Tewolde in a news conference. The dead included Kenyan, Ethiopian, American, Canadian, French, Chinese, Egyptian, Swedish, British and Dutch citizens.

At Nairobi airport, many relatives of passengers were left waiting at the gate for hours, with no information from airport authorities. Some learned of the crash from journalists.

“We’re just waiting for my mum. We’re just hoping she took a different flight or was delayed. She’s not picking up her phone,” said Wendy Otieno, clutching her phone and weeping.

Robert Mutanda, 46, was waiting for his brother-in-law, a Canadian citizen.

“No, we haven’t seen anyone from the airline or the airport,” he told Reuters at 1pm, more than three hours after the flight was lost. “Nobody has told us anything, we are just standing here hoping for the best.”

Kenyan officials did not arrive at the airport until 1:30, five hours after the plane went down.

James Macharia, the cabinet secretary for transport, said he heard about the crash via Twitter.

“Unstable Speed”

Flight ET 302, registration number ET-AVJ, crashed near the town of Bishoftu, 62 kilometers southeast of the capital Addis Ababa, the airline said.

“The pilot mentioned that he had difficulties and that he wanted to return. He was give the clearance (to return back),” said Tewolde during his news conference.

The flight had unstable vertical speed after take off, said flight tracking website Flightradar24 on its Twitter feed.

The aircraft had shattered into many pieces and was severely burnt, a Reuters reporter at the scene of the crash said.

The airline had earlier incorrectly identified the plane’s model number, but later confirmed it was a 737 MAX 8.

It’s not clear what caused the crash. Boeing sent condolences to the families and said it was ready to help investigate.

“A Boeing technical team is prepared to provide technical assistance at the request and under the direction of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board,” the company said in a statement.

This is the second recent crash of the relatively new 737 MAX 8, the latest version of Boeing’s workhorse narrowbody jet that first entered service in 2017.

The same model crashed into the Java Sea shortly after take-off from Jakarta on Oct 29, killing all 189 people on board the Lion Air flight.

The cause of that crash is still under investigation. A preliminary report issued in November, before the cockpit voice recorder was recovered, focused on airline maintenance and training and the response of a Boeing anti-stall system to a recently replaced sensor, but did not give a reason for the crash. A final report is due later this year.

The plane is the latest version of the 737, the world’s best selling modern passenger aircraft and one of the industry’s most reliable.

It took a poignant question from her pastor on Sunday morning to bring Billie Jauss to a disheartening revelation.

As a writer, speaker, wife of a Major League baseball coach and mother of three sons, Jauss got so caught up in her busy life that she forgot to make a deeper connection with Jesus every day. She read her Bible regularly, attended Bible studies and wrote articles for the benefit of believers, but it all left a void.

“I thought I was getting it all done and still staying close to the Lord until I sat in church and heard my pastor ask us, ‘What is God doing in and through you?'” Jauss told Dr. Steve Greene on a recent episode of “Greenelines” on the Charisma Podcast Network. “I felt like God smacked me upside the head. I mean, my spirit started squirming. I was doing all the good God things, but not doing God’s best things.”

In her book Making Room: Doing Less so God Can do More, Jauss chronicles her journey, which she calls “a spiritual rinsing with a power washer.” Here, God stripped distractions out of her life to make room for the Holy Spirit to move in her and do the work He intended for her.