1st - 4th June, Bordeaux, France... and beyond!
The Oasis in the Desert
We
arrived Thursday morning at Bordeaux and from the moment go, we knew this
trip would be different.
We met people who's
desperate desire to meet with God had taken them onto totally new levels.
We'd heard reports of how dry France spiritually is, so what followed was in
some ways, unexpected.
Hospitality, humility and honour for one another were evident to see, both in our beautiful hosting family as also in the lovely people who had invited us to France.
Thursday night and we were in a lively Bordeaux Church, possibly 150 people present, and the worship band kicked off with a tremendous outburst of praise...and the Church was rocking. The Pastors were on fire, the people were on fire, and although our understanding of the language is practically non-existent, we knew what was happening and knew it was good.
Heidi sang Who may ascend the hill of the Lord (based on Psalm 24) and spontaneously declared freedom and openness to receive from God in song over the people, in preparation for the hearing of the Word via Andy. Olivier interpreted and together a strong message and invitation was given to go deeper with God, to recognise who we are in Christ and to believe for the impossible in our lives, yes, even through us simple folk! After all, it's the nameless, faceless people who God is calling to rise up and take the baton.
People were so responsive so when words of knowledge were shared, the seats were empty and the front of the former night club was crowded. Subsequent healings followed and people were set free from oppression, hopelessness, sickness & disease. It was happening. The beginning of 'as it is in Heaven' was happening in Bordeaux.
The next day we travelled south of Bordeaux to the 3-day House Conference.
We stepped out of the car and felt 'open
heavens'.
The love, the genuine joy, the humour and the generosity were a breath of
fresh air. A small group of fired-up Christians from across France had
organised the house conference, where folk gathered for the weekend to hear
from God, to be refreshed, encouraged and equipped.
God moved and we all jumped onboard, much like the kids, we all 'body surfed' the waves of the Spirit. There was so much laughter, dancing, spontaneous music and genuine love...and it was so natural. We felt as though we were taken back to the early Church as described in Acts! Andy preached 5 sessions between Friday night and Sunday morning and Heidi led in worship for all 5 session, and was delighted when some French folk joined in with the accordion, guitar and strong vocals. It was awesome!
We ate together, shared together and if anyone had a need, help was given...and the kids were involved and active in everything. It was beautiful. Full participation by all. We love the kids getting involved in the things of God. Aren't we called to be like children?
We can't recount the numerous miracles of restoration & healing. God is to be loved, praised and honoured through it all, so we've just dropped a few testimonies in as follows.
Testimonials
Andy and Heidi came to minister to us sight unseen. It was the first time we had met them, as they had been recommended by a mutual friend. They came and very quickly their hearts were open to us and demonstrated to us such humility of spirit and such tenderness that it brings joy simply to recall their meetings with us. Our group is very varied in age and their perspective walks with the Lord and yet they touched the heart of each of them. From playing hide and seek with the children, to praying with the hardest of hearts.
We are still receiving testimonies from those who attended the conference who have maintained their excitement over what God deposited in them via these two precious vessels. Bushfire is so appropriately named because they come with such a burning intensity that you are caught up in the passionate embrace of Jesus being around Andy and Heidi. All the while you are busy laughing and realizing how much fun the Lord is. Unbeknown to you you are being equipped and realizing that your destiny is within your reach and they give you true spiritual impetus to reach and race after it!
One word can be used to describe Andy and Heidi...CONTAGIOUS! Thank you both for making the road more clearer and for modelling such a beautiful walk before the Lord and before us. You are welcome here ANYTIME! Love Lucy
It's evident that Andy & Heidi are ministering not as man pleasers but unto the Lord. Andy preaches passionately the Word of God, emphasising that us believers should be out there doing the works by the Holy Spirit and more that was done in the Bible. I noticed the children in the conference were listening because they recognize real passion for the Lord as they weren't fake. Heidi ushers in the presence of the Lord with her singing and keyboard with much graciousness, one knows she's not up there to perform but to worship her Lord and bring others to worship Him also. She also encouraged other musicians to come up and play along side her and managed to do this even though they spoke and sang in another language, it was so lovely to see.
Andy and Heidi are able to relate to all ages and everyone was included and everyone seemed to feel their importance. They showed simply how to do some things and my daughters got prophetic words for people for the first time and I improved in confidence and when Andy was talking about healing and signs and wonders and prayed for an impartation, my hands got very, very hot and when I laid hands on people with others after that, a couple of people said they were set free from emotional bondages and those with pain in their bodies. Praise the Lord. Well, God Bless both of you and see you again, soon I hope! Love, Carole
