“In order to get rid of the rats you need to take out the garbage!” Those attending the Discover Inner Healing Conference certainly won’t forget this vivid illustration used by Danell Czarnecki.

The enemy comes in like rats eating away at our soul, feasting on our past hurts, wounds, trauma, and bitter roots that have attached themselves to our lives.

“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Heb. 12:15

 We can try everything to push the demonic lies that eat away at our soul, but they will keep coming back like pesky rats-until that which “defiles” us is removed AND replaced by the healing presence of Jesus.

Danell’s teaching helped those attending to identify past traumas and uncover the places where bitter roots have grown deep roots and kept even believers in bondage and fear. She emphasized the importance of exposing whatever “it” is into the light through the Holy Spirit. This process is a painful surgery as hidden strongholds are revealed and exposed. As we take steps to wholeness the enemy hurls lies at us and he seeks to keep us from walking in the freedom of the light of Christ.

BUT don’t forget as we allow Jesus to come into our wounds His balm of healing grace begins! Jesus was and is grieving with us in that pain and through the power of the cross cuts away each bitter root.

The Holy Spirit’s anointing was evident as tears began to flow, the lies were being exposed, roots loosened and cut, the garbage thrown out. As the conference continued powerful words from The Lord’s prayer pointed us towards receiving granting forgiveness:

“Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us,” Matthew 6:12

As the Spirit of Christ cut bitter roots through forgiveness-hearts opened to the voice of the Father offering affirmation to His beloved Children. In the still and quiet moments Abba’s voice could be heard, this was a precious moment to write down what our Heavenly Father wanted to reveal. Some courageous people offered to share how the Father spoke to them and the healing work starting in their souls.

It is hard to put into words all that The Father did as it was truly way more than we could have asked for or imagined. But I do know inner healing is needed in our world today. In South Africa, as well as all over the world, there is so much pain and trauma from generational sins, sexual sins, fatherless homes, and the destruction of the family. All this and more invites the enemy to sneak into our souls and control us with his lies.

Many have heard the Gospel, received Christ and yet, the bitter roots go deep keep us from walking as true sons and daughters of the King. Our families, our communities, and our world needs to know followers of Christ who are fully alive, thriving in the healing freedom of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Word and the Spirit have given us tools to destroy the works of the enemy and walk in the fullness of the Father’s love.

A heartfelt thank you to so many that upheld this conference with your prayers! However, it need not end here. Danell has written a curriculum about inner healing, and has agreed to share parts of this through a series of blogs this summer. So please resume your prayers for the transformation that is happening and what yet to come!

“So if the Son sets you free from sin, then become a true son and be unquestionably free!” John 8:36

In the month of May I’m always reminded of the Miracles of Father God. It was 9 years ago Oceans Ministries was launched by the Spirit as a faith journey to Make the Love of the Father Known. Having no idea where He would take it and how He would provide, but through desperate prayers we have witnessed His supernatural hand do more than we could ever hope or imagine (Eph. 3:20).

We praise the LORD for His faithful love shown through the prayers and the support of so many who have joined Oceans on this calling. Continuing to seek to follow in Jesus’ steps we stand on the bedrock of prayer. Desiring to be faithful to the calling for another year we ask that you would join us in prayer before the Father…..

For comfort – Last week Maribeth Stech was taken home to Jesus. Maribeth and Jim, her husband, have blessed Oceans in so many ways from helping with mission teams to Africa, building projects at Beautiful Gate and Oceans Retreat Center, and an incredible support team for Mike and Dawn Verkaik. Please pray for Jim and the Verkaik’s as they have lost a sister and a wonderful friend.

For breakthroughs – Every week Mike, Dawn, and a faithful team of volunteers serve food, lead children ministries, Bible studies, prayer groups, give counsel, and much more at the Wooden Shoe motel in Holland, Michigan. Please pray for spiritual break through for those served. Specifically that addictions, generational sins, and demonic strong holds would be broken and the light of Christ would bring lasting transformation.

For Inner Healing Conference – On May 13,14 Oceans Ministries and Overflow Church are hosting an inner healing conference in South Africa. So many in our area carry deep wounds and brokenness from rape, fatherlessness, years of injustice, and demonic influences. Please pray for God to move in a mighty way to bring freedom and healing to those who attend. Also, pray for Danell Czarnecki, Oceans Ministries Board Member, who will be leading the conference.

For Kingdom Encounters – As we lead and host mission teams from all over the world at Oceans Retreat Center, pray that each person would encounter the Father’s heart of love and not only bring His Kingdom here in Africa, but also back to the places where they live. We also ask for God’s wisdom and direction as we seek the right person to help run the day-to-day happenings at ORC.

For Israel and Trip – For 21 days, starting on May 7^th until Pentecost Sunday, millions around the world have committed to pray and fast for Israel asking for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit to open spiritual eyes to Christ as the true Messiah.  It is providential that Oceans will be leading a team from May 20- 31. We too pray for an awakening to the Father’s glory in the land of promise for those joining us on this trip to the Holy land.

For Formed After the Father’s Own Heart Men’s Retreat – Pray for Abba Father to lead those He wants to be apart of this gathering July 28-31. Click here to learn more about the retreat.

Thank you so much for your prayers as we know the miraculous power they have to move heaven and earth for the Father’s glory!