The conference has been absolutely incredible! Over the past three days, I’ve run into lots of old friends and have also met a bunch of new ones.
Inspirational Worship with Steve Swanson
I will say this about the morning sessions—worship leader, Steve Swanson, is always a breath of fresh air. Believe me, if you are not wide awake when you walk in those doors, after the first song, you will be not only awake, but praising God on a whole other level. What I love about Steve’s music is that it is explicitly Christ/God-centered (such beautiful and powerful imagery conveying a “Throne Room” experience), prophetic (as he is faithful to follow the Holy Spirit’s flow and leading), and a weapon of warfare. Mind you, his music has no “devil-emphasis,” but the songs are declared with a militant authority. He arms believers with a weapon that shifts the atmosphere and – as Reinhard Bonnke describes – creates a landing strip for the Holy Spirit.
Hope and Restoration with Dr. Mark Chironna
The afternoon session with Dr. Mark Chironna was also a treat. During “quiet times” on the exhibit floor, I would sneak off and catch snippets from the different sessions. Today, I got to listen as Dr. Chironna shared about the blood of Jesus being a downpayment for complete cosmic renewal. Wow. In an hour where many are convinced that God is angry and has an agenda to destroy the planet Earth like the Death Star on Star Wars, Chironna brought a timely word of hope and restoration, reminding us of the Father’s loving, compassionate heart. One standout quote: “If God can find someone to dream with, anything is possible.”
A Powerful Night with Jesus Culture and Heidi Baker
That night, Jesus Culture led worship and Heidi Baker spoke. Heidi is truly in a league of her own. She carries a powerful anointing for signs, wonders, and extraordinary miracles. I’ve heard her described as a synergy of Mother Teresa and Kathryn Kuhlman. I believe that is an accurate comparison. And yet, it is clear that the anointing is His, and that she is a humble steward of God’s unmerited grace. I have no doubt that she, along with the entire Iris team, experience such extraordinary breakthrough because they have created a globally renowned culture of compassion in their lives and ministry.
About Larry Sparks
