As we begin another year of ministry at CHR, we felt the Holy Spirit whisper to us 2019 was to be a year of increase flowing out of intimacy with Him.  We are believing for and expecting an increase in His Presence in the Healing Rooms, an increase in testimonies of healing and breakthrough, in finance to enable us to carry on this amazing work, in team members so we can open more days, & in the provision of non perishable items in order to meet the growing demand for food assistance in our city. 

He reminded us from His Word (Isa 61:1ff) we are anointed for a purpose the facets of which include:-

1. TO PREACH GOOD NEWS TO THE POOR.

We don't 'preach' at our visitors however we do desire to be a team of people who represent (re-present) Jesus authentically.  In other words our heart's desire is that all who come for ministry go away from our office changed by His wonderful Presence and transformed in a way only He can do.  I think it was Francis of Assisi who is credited as saying “preach the gospel at all times and if necessary use words.”
We have the 'good news' of Jesus and it's far too good not to give it away.

2. TO BIND UP THE BROKEN HEARTED. 

The original language has within its meaning to literally 'stop the bleeding' or to 'stop a flood overflowing.'  We had a lady in late last year who was extremely stressed and not knowing where to turn or what the future held for her. It's fair to say not all the issues were 'solved' in the ministry session she received but she came out of the prayer room a totally different person to the one who had gone in!

3. TO PROCLAIM FREEDOM FOR THE CAPTIVES

 There are just SO many people who are captive to incorrect thinking and 'captive' to sickness and disease.  Jesus came to give us life and life in all its fullness (John 10:10).  We have the privilege week after week of proclaiming freedom to captives as they are touched by His powerful Presence.  We have the honour of declaring the truth of His Word over so many lives each and every week. The Bible says its in knowing the truth we are set free.  (John 8:32)

4. TO COMFORT ALL WHO MOURN

The Lord has given each of us who love and follow Him the awesome privilege of comforting one another through the ups and downs, twists and turns of life.  2 Cor 1:3 reminds us we have a Father who is the God of ALL comfort and He comforts us in our troubles so we can comfort others with the comfort we have received from Him.  Again and again we see our guests receive such comfort as the team simply waits on God for  what He would have for them on that particular visit and we can honestly say in 10,000+ prayer sessions He has never disappointed those who are seeking Him.

5.  TO BE AN AGENT OF EXCHANGE

So much of what we do at CHR is simply being a conduit for the goodness of God to flow into the lives of those who come.  This passage in Isaiah shows us the 'exchanges' that He offers us:- Beauty for ashes, oil of gladness instead of mourning, a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.

So with these few thoughts in mind we have launched into another exciting year of ministry at CHR and we are choosing as a team to press in for greater intimacy with the Father in worship prayer and time spent in His Presence. Needless to say we are excitedly expectant to see all He'll do here for the glory of the Name of Jesus.