New Song
Community Church
1655 Glengary Road
Wolverine Lake, MI 48390
Wolverine Lake, MI 48390
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| Concerning Todd Bentley & The Florida Healing Outpouring |
| Saturday, August 23rd, 2008 It was with great sadness that we learned recently of Todd and Shonnah Bentleys marital troubles. While we in no way endorse or condone what Todd has done, we still have great appreciation for what God has done in Lakeland through Todd and others. Following the direction from Galatians 6, Todd is involved in a restoration process with his apostolic leaders. We also follow the admonition of scripture to pray for Todd, Shonnah, their family, and Fresh Fire Ministries. We continue to believe in the core values of the kingdom as they have been released in Lakeland that we are all called to heal the sick, cleanse the leper, and raise the dead. I truly believe that God is continuing to raise up a kingdom company of believers who will carry these Biblical truths to usher in God's kingdom. May all of us follow the admonition of scripture to "take heed lest we fall." We will continue to carry these values, establishing and sustaining a supernatural culture in our church and region for Jesus' sake. In Our Father's Love, Pastor Brent Hanson New Song Community Church Wolverine Lake, Michigan The following are responses to what took place with Todd from both Fresh Fire Ministries and Bill Johnson. Following that are previous letters of support for Lakeland. August 15, 2008 From the Board of Directors We wish to thank all of our friends and partners for the overwhelming flood of support and compassion we have received as a ministry on behalf of Todd and Shonnah Bentley. The many phone calls and emails of concern from people who genuinely love the Bentleys and Fresh Fire Ministries have been a great encouragement to all of us here during these past few days. In particular, the rallying of support and prayer for Todd and Shonnah by prominent leaders within the Body of Christ has been a beautiful indicator of the maturity and grace the Lord is bringing to his Bride. We wish to acknowledge, however, that since our last statement from the Fresh Fire Board of Directors, we have discovered new information revealing that Todd Bentley has entered into an unhealthy relationship on an emotional level with a female member of his staff. In light of this new information and in consultation with his leaders and advisors, Todd Bentley has agreed to step down from his position on the Board of Directors and to refrain from all public ministry for a season to receive counsel in his personal life. On behalf of the Fresh Fire leadership and the Board of Directors we wish to apologize to our friends and partners and to the larger body of Christ and to ask for your forgiveness. We are truly sorry for the pain many of you must feel and so regret that in the midst of great revival, the enemy has found a way into our camp. To those who have stood by us, we wish to thank you for what in many cases has been years of support. Thank you for your financial giving towards the vision of this ministry, and thank you especially for your prayers. For those of our partners, friends and supporters who may be struggling with the recent disclosures and finding continued support of this ministry in conflict with either conscience or conviction, we release and bless you with all our hearts and trust that God will redeem in your hearts the good that He has accomplished in your lives through this ministry. It is our sincerest hope and prayer that the Lord bless you and bring you into your fullest destiny in Him. When this ministry was initially birthed in May of 1998, Todd had but one simple desire in his heart – to see the world come to know Jesus. Now, only 10 years later, Fresh Fire Ministries has grown to become a Resource Center that is literally reaching out to all the corners of the Earth. There have been dozens of associate ministries, scores of interns and hundreds of graduates from the Supernatural Training Center. Over 60 nations have received a combined total of more than five million dollars in humanitarian aid and we have seen well over one million conversions for Jesus Christ. And so, the question can well be asked... where do we go from here? It is true that we are deeply saddened by these recent events, but it hasn’t shaken our faith in either God or His goodness towards us and with the help of wise and compassionate leaders within the body, we will do everything within our power to see our brother and sister healed and restored. As a ministry, we can not forsake the vision and heartbeat upon which Todd Bentley founded Fresh Fire Ministries which is simply this: Matthew 10:7-8 And as you go, Preach, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. While Todd and Shonnah each go through the necessary steps towards restoration and wholeness, we are compelled, with the resources with which God has entrusted us, to continue to spread God’s love and power all over the world. There are many noble activities and endeavors in which Fresh Fire Ministries is involved, initiated by Todd, and to which we are still committed. We have the Supernatural Training Centre, our school of ministry, already in it’s fourth full year and with more than 50 students already enrolled we’re believing for an amazing year of biblical instruction, practical application and encounters with the presence of God. Many mature and gifted speakers and associates, graduated interns and teachers filled brim-full with the DNA and fire of this ministry are ready to pour revelation and passion into the hungry hearts of this coming year’ s student body. We will continue to host conferences in our region with speakers and worship leaders from around the nation whose message and mandates resonate with the vision and heart of Fresh Fire Ministries. In addition, we are committed to supporting the growing “OutPourings” across North America and around the world with our Associates, with encouragement and prayer support. In Todd’s own words, “What God is doing is bigger than one man”, and we now have a golden opportunity as the Body of Christ to pick up the baton and to run with perseverance for His glory. Our missions department is progressing, as previously mentioned, with our major African crusade. With close to 100 team members in attendance, excitement is beginning to build and team members have responded that they are still believing God for the most amazing missions trip ever! Our Uganda Jesus Village in Kampala is forging ahead with the recent acquisition of 35 acres of land 30 minutes drive from our present location. Two of the 15 homes planned for the property are nearing completion, and the expanded village, when finished, will house almost 150 orphans rescued from war torn northern Uganda. So whether in our Children’s Home in Africa, in our Supernatural Training Centre in British Columbia, in the revival meetings and outpourings spreading around the globe, or in taking teams to minister compassion and practical assistance to the poor in the far corners of the Earth, we have been and still are committed to bringing love, hope and a demonstration of the saving, healing, delivering power of the Gospel to a world in need. Thank you all once again for your prayers and support. We bless each and every one of you in whatever decision you must make. Please know that our heart in all of this is to see the name of the Lord vindicated, and we take great encouragement from Psalm 23 and the Lord’s promise that He will “lead us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Together we look to the mercy and wisdom of our loving Father and we remain as ever, your brothers and sisters in Christ. The Fresh Fire Board of Directors Excerpt from Bill Johnson's website (BJM.org): Aug '08 A great tragedy has come to light this past week. Todd Bentley, the revivalist who has been leading the Lakeland Outpouring meetings, has had a major meltdown and has filed for divorce. This comes at the worst possible time both for the revival and for those who have stood with him. Back in June, Che Ahn , John Arnott, and I went to Lakeland, Florida, to do a commissioning service for Todd. We felt the need to stand with him. Opposition against him was great, and we could be a great strength to Todd in that time. John and Che especially could be a great asset as they had endured incredible opposition during the Toronto outpouring. Peter Wagner helped to oversee and lead that part of the meeting. Although he had not personally endorsed the revival, he felt it important enough to risk personal criticism from his peers to bring Todd into an apostolic alignment for his own safety. I did not go to Lakeland and stand on the platform with Todd Bentley because he was perfect in character or because we agreed in every respect with how he conducted the revival in Lakeland. I went to Lakeland because of his enemies. The relentless criticism and opposition, coupled with the grueling and sometimes unwise schedule, were bound to take their toll on this young man- emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. It happened two years ago, and it could happen again. It was my intention to bring a deflection into the mix so that he wouldn't take all the heat by himself. Little did I realize it was too late. He was at the place of burnout again, abandoning his marriage and pulling out of all public ministry. While I will never blame Todd's opponents for Todd's bad choices (Todd alone is responsible for them) their opposition had a greater effect than any of his critics will likely own up to in this lifetime. Now what? Pray for Todd and Shonnah for complete healing in their marriage and personal lives. Pray for those giving counsel to them that they would use great wisdom. Please know that while we may not give details of our efforts, we are doing everything possible to help bring healing and order to this tragedy. Blessings! Bill 22 Then he told John's disciples, "Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. 23 And tell him, `God blesses those who are not offended by me. ' " Luke 7:22-23 (NLT) July 8, 2008 At the beginning of April of 2008 a healing outpouring began in Lakeland, Florida that is now sweeping the world in scope of influence. Literally thousands of spiritual leaders, believers, and others are going to Lakeland every week. The nightly meetings that began with a few hundred people now attracts up to 10,000 people per night. The winds of change have certainly come to the body of Christ. Thousands have been healed. The medical verifications for these healings continue to come in a steady stream. At the time of this writing, over 30 people claim resurrections from the dead. Many people have come to Christ. I have been getting questions from both people in my church and other spiritual leaders that I am connected with. So, I wanted to take the time to share why we support Todd Bentley and The Florida Healing Outpouring. I would love to say that everyone is thrilled with what is happening. Who wouldn't be in favor of someone being healed? But criticism has come and some have even gone to the point of starting their own websites opposing Todd Bentley and this revival, and saying things that really bring shame to the name of Christ. Peter Wagner, the Revival Alliance (Bill Johnson, John Arnott, Che Ahn and others), and many other recognized Apostles in the Body of Christ took the time to commission Todd in this revival and bless him as well as provide covering for him and the revival to help mute some of the criticism and bring the power of agreement so that this move of God continues to grow. Todd Bentley, as one writer aptly put it, is not your "grandmother's evangelist." Just the very fact that he is tattooed and pierced puts off many religious people. I must admit that I struggled with that myself at first. I love what Bill Johnson, pastor of Bethel Church in Redding, California, wrote about Todd and the revival: "Todd is a good friend, but more importantly, he is a friend of God. I've met very few people in my life who are hungrier for God and will take extended periods of time just to seek Him. God has entrusted him with an extraordinary outpouring for a reason— He can trust him to do whatever He says, regardless of the opinions of others. He is bold—amazingly bold. The miracles are legitimate and increasing. The church of America has asked for a great revival. God wonderfully placed this move in a package that few would have expected, just to see if we're as hungry as we say we are." I opened this letter with a scripture from Luke 7:22-23. Similar criticism was mounted against Jesus when He came. John the Baptist, of all people, wasn't even certain that Jesus was the Messiah at one point. Now don't misunderstand. Todd Bentley is not the Messiah, nor does he claim to be. But, Jesus himself gives the parameters by which to measure legitimacy for His ministry. "Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. 23 And tell him, `God blesses those who are not offended by me. ' " Jesus was rejected by many largely because He didn't fulfill their preconceived notions of what Messiah should be. I think the same thing has happened with many people in this revival. All of the things that Jesus mentioned as signs bringing legitimacy to His ministry are happening with Todd Bentley and the Healing Outpouring. Just because it doesn't fulfill our preconceived notions of what revival should be does not mean that it is not a legitimate move of God. Then, Jesus closes with this statement which is certainly true today. `God blesses those who are not offended by me. ' I'm certain that there are those who will disagree with me on our endorsement of Todd Bentley and the Florida Healing Outpouring, I only ask that you keep an open heart, even to things that you may not fully understand at the moment. Jesus declared it. "By their fruit, you shall know them." A lot of good fruit has come and will continue to come from this outpouring. As is true in any revival, manifestations of the flesh will come just because of the sheer numbers and types of people that participate. But, let's not miss what God is doing simply because it doesn't come in a package that some would like to see. My family has actually gone to Lakeland. I actually saw people get up out of their wheel chairs and walk. I actually experienced the presence of God in worship, and I have brought the impartation that God has given us back to our church and region. Below you will find links to other letters of support that have been written by other leaders in the body of Christ. In Our Father's Love, Pastor Brent Hanson New Song Community Church Wolverine Lake, Michigan www.freshfire.ca - Todd Bentley's website which gives instructions regarding when and where to watch the revival and other testimonies. http://www.freshfire.ca/?Id=1059&pid=993 - Todd Bentley bringing Biblical light to your questions about himself and the Lakeland Outpouring. http://www.freshfire.ca/UserFiles/File/drGreg_biblicalperspective2008.pdf - A Theological Response to Criticism of the Lakeland Outpouring and Todd Bentley By Dr. Gary S. Greig Senior Editor, Theology and Acquisitions, Regal Publishing Group Former Associate Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Regent University School of Divinity Ph.D., 1990, Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, The University of Chicago http://www.bjm.org/thoughts/what-do-you-think-about-todd-bentley-and-the- lakeland-revival.html - Bill Johnson, Pastor of Bethel Church in Redding, California comments on Todd and the Lakeland Outpouring. http://www.gloryofzion.org/lakelandreport.htm - Peter Wagner's Report On The Lakeland Outpouring. Letter From Chuck Pierce Regarding Lakeland Outpouring http://www.extremeprophetic.com/articles_teachings_extreme_moments_video. htm - Lance Wallnau and Patricia King comment on where God is going in Lakeland (Look for video titled - "Where God Is Going") |