What's Happening At AWM

Judy Gonnerman's Call to Missions

2012-02-09T07:00:02Z

CBC graduate and full-time missionary, Judy Gonnerman, on the mission field in Kyrgyzstan. Here she stands with young ladies modeling dresses donated by ministry partners. (Click to enlarge)Charis Bible College graduate, Judy Gonnerman, has been serving the Lord as a full-time missionary since she finished her studies at CBC-Colorado in 1999. Judy and her husband, Bob Gonnerman, were born again and baptized in the Holy Spirit in the late 1970s. A short time later, the couple heard Andrew speak in Kansas City, Missouri; both appreciated Andrew's down to earth ministry and were excited to learn more about God's love and grace. "Like many people, we had not heard much about God's grace and Andrew's teaching had a defining effect on our lives," said Judy.

Bob Gonnerman and the team he traveled with to Russia in 1997. In this photo they were in Murmansk.
(Click to enlarge)The Gonnermans both held secular jobs into the 1990s; Bob worked as a stock broker and a postal employee, and Judy worked in the health insurance industry. Judy retired from her job in 1992, choosing instead to be a stay-at-home mom and to homeschool the Gonnerman's twin, seven-year-old sons, Joshua and David. They settled their family on a farm in northwest Missouri where they worked, raised their family, and served a small rural church. All the while they continued to listen to Andrew's teaching.

Judy remembers hearing contemporary Christian music artist, Carman, sing the song, Lazarus, Come Forth in the mid 90s—only she heard the words, "Judy, Come Forth." Map of Russia indicating the location of Murmansk. (Click to enlarge)After listening to that song, the Lord began to speak to Judy that, like Lazarus, God had something more for her life. "Lazarus was in Abraham's bosom, which was a good place to be, but God had a better plan for him. In the same way, what Bob and I were doing was a good, but He had a better plan for our lives," said Judy.

In pursuit of what the future held for them, the Gonnermans turned their attention more fully to the things of God. In 1996, after listening to Andrew for nearly two decades, they worked their way through the CBC Correspondence curriculum for first-year students. In 1997, Bob and Judy, 63, and The Gonnermans (right) in Ufa, Russia. (Click to enlarge)51 respectively, moved their family to Colorado Springs to attend second year classes.

During the Gonnerman's second semester in Colorado, Linus LeFever, the CBC missions director at the time, asked Bob to consider going to Russia to help start at CBC extension school. Bob joined a short-term mission team and went to Russia. While he was away Judy would often say, “Bob is God's sheep and he knows His voice—the voice of a stranger he will not follow.” When Bob returned, and announced that he thought they should go to Russia, Judy had to remind herself that Bob knew His voice. "As a faith person, all I could do was gulp, smile, and say, "Okay," Judy recalled.Flying home. Bob in the airport in Portugal as the family headed back to the US a year and a half after his ALS diagnosis.
(Click to enlarge)

Judy was unable to visit Russia prior to making a final decision about serving there; she simply put her faith in God and trusted her husband's decision. The Gonnermans sold all their belongings and moved their family to Russia to assist in the launch of a new Bible college. Judy fell in love with the Russian people and has always been glad she took those steps pf faith.

Things went well for the family for their first year or so on the mission field; however, in the summer of 2000, Bob was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease) a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Bob's doctors advised the Gonnermans not to stay on the field. Considering that the doctors also said there was nothing they could do for Bob, the couple chose to continue to serve God.

Judy and her two sons, Joshua and David. (Click to enlarge)Determined to continue their work, the Gonnermans headed to Murmansk, Russia, but because of Bob's condition, the pastors they were assisting asked them to leave. Due to their love for the Russian people this was a hard time for the family. The Gonnermans turned their attention to Portugal where they helped another couple start a Bible college. They spent another seventeen months there before Bob became too weak to continue. "All Bob wanted to do was teach the Word. He taught his last lesson on April 15, 2002; we flew to the States on April 28 and he flew home to Jesus on May 10," said Judy.

Judy with Charis Bible Training Center students. Many of these are also university students in St. Petersburg. (Click to enlarge)Fifteen months later, at the age of 57, Judy and her boys headed back to the mission field in Russia where they joined Carrie Pickett at the CBC extension school, Charis Bible Training Center. Judy said, "It was like coming home to be reunited with old friends."

A short time later the boys returned to the States; Joshua to go to college and David to serve in the United States Navy. While Judy did travel to see them off, she returned to Russia knowing her work there wasn't finished.

In 2004, Judy was part of a CBTC mission team that went to Kyrgyzstan, and the Lord began to speak to her about a ministry there. Reluctant to move several thousand miles southeast, Judy at the children's home in Kyrgyzstan. (Click to enlarge)Judy made tentative plans to relocate in 2007. Circumstances and God's timing allowed her to stay in Russia an extra year. During her extended stay, the Russian Visa laws changed, making it necessary to leave Russia three out of every six months. This worked out perfectly for Judy as she was able to work and minister in both places. For Judy it proved to be the best of both worlds.

Today Judy still balances ministry in both locations. In Kyrgyzstan she works in a children's home and has also taken the opportunity to minister in many churches and to church leaders. In Judy teaching at CBTC in St. Petersburg. (Click to enlarge)St. Petersburg, Russia Judy steps in for Mike and Carrie Pickett during their three month visa rotation. While at CBTC she teaches and is involved with the foreign student groups.

Judy said one of her greatest joys is to see the Word of God change people. "There is nothing more wonderful to me, than to go back to some place I have ministered previously and hear their testimonies," said Judy. "The purpose of my ministry has always been to be where God wants me and be available to do what He wants, and that is still true. Teaching, hospitality and giving have always been a part of this, and as long as I receive God's provision in finances and health, I hope to be able to keep ministering to the body of Christ for years to come," Judy said thoughtfully.

Healing Journeys Reunion with the Deckers

2012-02-06T07:00:40Z

In December of 2010 we posted a story called, The Breath of Life, in which we shared the healing testimonies of the Decker family, Tom, Lesley and Mary. The story shared the family's struggle to overcome Asthma and celebrated their victory over the life-threatening lung disease.

Last summer, Andrew had the opportunity to meet with the family at a special Healing Journeys Reunion held at The Sanctuary in Woodland Park, Colorado. A full decade has passed since Lesley and Mary Decker received their healings. Be sure to watch the interview below as the Deckers share with Andrew how the Word of God transformed their lives back then and what the Lord is doing in their lives now.

Nancy Eurell—She's Already Got It!

2012-02-02T07:00:56Z

Nancy Eurell was set free from the agonizing pain of arthritis when she received a revelation of what Jesus had already done for her. (Click to enlarge)When Nancy Eurell was in her late thirties she could barely walk. She had suffered with tremendous lower-back pain since her teenage years. Nancy had dealt with her pain for so long that she considered the pain to be a normal part of walking. She had tried many things to find relief, including making regular visits to a chiropractor, but nothing completely relieved her symptoms. Nancy was a born again believer and a seasoned worship leader in her church in Sweden, but she was unaware that Jesus had already provided everything she needed to receive healing. At the age of 38, Nancy turned to medical doctors for answers.

When she finally sought medical help, doctors were shocked to find that both of Nancy's hips were completely worn out and in need of replacement. The doctors informed her that it appeared as though she had been born with congenital dislocation of the hip, a condition normally detected in infants. The condition had gone undetected and appeared to Nancy has been the worship leader in her church for years. Prior to receiving her healing she could be found sitting as she led. (Click to enlarge)be the root cause of her back pain and discomfort while walking. Add to this the additional finding of arthritis in both hips, and Nancy quickly agreed to have hip replacement surgery.

After surgery Nancy had a new lease on life. "For the first time in my life I could walk without pain! It was wonderful!" exclaimed Nancy. Unfortunately the relief and freedom from pain was short-lived. Nancy began to experience pain in other areas of her body; her shoulders, knees, hands and neck. As pain began to ravage her body, simple tasks became time consuming. The act of standing up straight in the morning became a long process. "The pain just seemed to get worse. I was stiff and the pain Nancy after hip replacement surgery. (Click to enlarge)was getting unbearable," Nancy remembered.

Continuing to feel more incapacitated each day, Nancy returned to the doctor. She was told that she had severe arthritis throughout her entire body. Nancy's doctors prescribed pain killers, anti-inflammatory medication and, in an effort to maintain the flexibility she did have, Nancy's doctors also challenged her to stay active.

At the age of 50, Nancy had finally had enough of the pain and man's wisdom and she turned to the Lord. She had always believed in a miracle-working God and had even seen others receive miracles during her time as a worship leader, but she said, "I did not know how to 'get it' other than asking and waiting for healing." Nancy went forward for prayer many times at church and began to study the Scriptures.An X-ray of Nancy's hip after her surgery. (Click to enlarge)

In January of 2011, during her quest to understand healing, Nancy came across Andrew's Gospel Truth program on television. After watching she visited the AWM website and downloaded Andrew's teachings and program podcasts to her iPod. Nancy would then listen while taking her daily power-walk. She listened to You've Already Got It over and over until she got it. "As I listened to You've Already Got It, it finally sunk in that Jesus had already provided healing for me and that I already had it in my Spirit. I started thanking [God] instead of asking. I must have listened to it 50 times, until I was completely convinced that healing was already mine! I knew I had it, there was no longer any doubt of what God's word says! I started speaking to the pain to go in Jesus name. I spoke words of life to my body and joints and spine," declared Nancy.Nancy directing the church chior (note the crutches in the background). She says of leading worship, "I'm Jesus biggest fan and love to lavish my praises upon Him!" (Click to enlarge)

As Nancy made her stand in the physical for what she knew was hers in the spirit, she still had some pain. Despite her revelation and her new confession, she chose to seek a second doctor's opinion. Nancy remembers the day she had new X-rays taken; she felt particularly well (pain free) on the day of her appointment. After approximately one week, Nancy was given the results from her new doctor. He told her that he could not find anything at all wrong with her back. Offended, Nancy became angry. "He treated me as if I was a hypochondriac! It took me about three weeks to realize that I had been healed—completely healed!" Nancy exclaimed.

Nancy has found freedom from the pain that once held her captive. Once it was a project for Nancy to stand upright, now she is able to run comfortably. (Click to enlarge)Nancy told her husband, Per-Olof, that she thought she had been healed. She went on to explain that her pain continued to decrease daily and that the doctors couldn't find anything wrong with her. Amazed she began to share the news with her friends. And, by April of 2011, Nancy was completely and totally pain free. "I realized that the confession of the word through faith was the bridge that caused the manifestation of healing that I already had in my Spirit into the physical realm," Nancy said.

Not only can Nancy walk pain free today, but she's given up power-walking and taken up jogging as her choice of physical exercise. "Through Andrew's teaching I was completely convinced that God wanted me well! Actually, it was the teaching You've Already Got It that really caused me to have a revelation of the Word of God and what I have in Christ! I am so blessed and so thankful to Jesus for his great love and mercy!"

Andrew Interviews Connie Weiskopf

2012-01-30T07:00:23Z

In November, 2010 we shared the story of Connie Weiskopf's introduction to the unconditional love of God and how the Lord had touched her life. The story chronicled the guilt and condemnation that had plagued Connie for decades, revealing that since her adolescence, Connie's life had been anything but carefree. Over the span of time shared in the story, she had been raped multiple times, terminated three pregnancies and she had gone on to battle breast cancer as an adult. But, after her introduction to Jesus and Andrew's teaching, Connie's life was transformed.

Today we are happy to share a video update to Connie's story. Last summer, Andrew had the opportunity to sit down with the Weiskopfs at the Healing Journeys Reunion held at The Sanctuary. Watch the video below as Connie and her husband, David, share with Andrew, in their own words, the miraculous turnaround they have witnessed in their own lives and the lives of many others as a result of receiving the Gospel Truth.

For more information about Connie and her ministry visit Connie Weiskopf Ministries.

Andrew Meets with Lance and Gerri Weldgen

2012-01-26T07:00:10Z

In December of 2011, we posted an article about Lance Weldgen's faith-inspiring story of his victory over fibromyalgia, his journey through Charis Bible College and his call into full-time ministry on the mission field in India. Today we are happy to share a video update to Lance's story. Last summer, Andrew had the opportunity to sit down with the Weldgens at the Healing Journeys Reunion held at The Sanctuary, the future home of Charis Bible College in Woodland Park, Colorado. Together they had a chance to remember all that the Lord has done for the Weldgens and the body of Christ as a whole.

Watch the video below as Lance and Gerri share, in their own words, the miraculous turnaround they have witnessed in their own lives and the lives of many others as a result of receiving the Gospel Truth.

For more information about Lance and Gerri's ministry visit their website: Son Ministries International.

Andrew and the Moores: A Healing Journeys Reunion

2012-01-23T07:00:21Z

In July of 2010, we posted a story titled: 'Moore' Faith in God's Word. The article features Alan and Debbie Moore and their testimony of triumph over a life-threatening crisis. After a long shift at work, Alan had gone outside to work in his yard. It was a hot summer day in Texas, but Alan didn't plan to exert himself. A short time later Alan and Debbie Moore sharing their testimony. (Click to enlarge)Debbie felt led, by the Lord, to go outside as well. As she exited the house she found Alan lying on the ground—unresponsive with his eyes flittering. Debbie raised her voice and began speaking the Word over him, praying in the spirit as she ran to call 911. Alan had suffered a major stroke, and according to the doctors one third of Alan's brain was destroyed.

Today, Alan is alive and well, working for Andrew Wommack Ministries and attending Charis Bible College. At the Healing Journeys Reunion held last summer, Andrew had the opportunity to sit down with Alan and Debbie, to discuss Alan's miracle and how it has affected their lives.

Andrew with Alan and Debbie at the lodge on the The Sanctuary campus in Woodland Park, CO. (Click to enlarge)During the interview, the Moore's were quick to credit the outcome of their situation to the Lord, to the truth of His Word and His faithfulness to uphold it; they are grateful for the choices they had made in the past to prioritize studying the Scriptures together. The revelation that Debbie had received from the Word and from studying Andrew's teachings on Spirit, Soul and Body, Effortless Change, Harnessing Your Emotions and the Christian Survival Kit were so deeply rooted in her spirit that when she was faced with this crisis, her default reaction was based on the Word. Debbie's calm and purposeful reactions to the doctor's evaluations and prognosis of Alan's circumstances surprised even Debbie, but her reactions revealed what had been planted in her heart. It was her choice to stand her spiritual ground instead of responding carnally (Romans 8:6) that led to the miraculous turnaround in Alan's physical situation.Debbie sharing the thoughts she had as she made her choice to stand on the word.
(Click to enlarge)

It occurred to Debbie early in the crisis that if she focused on what she saw in front of her, in the natural, she was going to get natural results. "I was going to have a sick husband, I was going to have someone in a nursing home—if he lived... I just thought no, no, that's not what God wants—that's not what Jesus died for. And so, I just got a hold of what Jesus did on the cross and the covenant that I had, and that's what I stood on," recalled Debbie.

Nine days after Alan was brought to the hospital by helicopter, unconscious, paralyzed on the left side of his body, unable to swallow or speak, Alan was discharged and walked out of the facility.

The Moores had begun planting the word in their hearts several years before their crisis. (Click to enlarge)The Moores had been planting the seeds of God's word in their heart for about three years prior to their crisis. Instead of being overrun by worldly media, they had chosen to focus their free time on the Word, listening to teachings that fed their faith and reading the Scriptures. Their choice to step away from typical American culture may sound extreme, but the results speak for themselves. "People need to recognize that you can't wait until you are in the middle of your storm to start getting into the Word," said Andrew. He went on to say, "You can't get the miraculous results we are talking about by playing church and being religious."

The Moores have seen the healing power of God manifest in such a tremendous way that one would think that their testimony is proof enough to persuade even the most Dr. Chunduri looks at the images showing the damaged areas of Alan's brain.
(Click to enlarge)power-doubting believer rethink their ideas about healing today—sadly this isn't the case. Many skeptics have challenged the Moore's with comments ranging from suggestions that Alan was misdiagnosed from the start and never had a stroke, to the medical profession not being sure about what functions the right side of the brain actually performs—anything to distance themselves from the truth that Alan's healing was of God.

Alan's neurologist, Dr. Chunduri wrestled with Alan's recovery as well. With his thirty year medical reputation on the line he had Alan retested after his healing, to make sure he had not missed the diagnosis. He didn't miss it, and he has continued to be amazed by Alan's miracle of faith. Beyond recognizing Alan's healing, Chunduri, a Hindu, Dr. Chuduri and Alan. (Click to enlarge)asked the Moores to lay hands on him in prayer as he struggled with his own physical issues. The Moores did, and have since shared the Gospel and Andrew's materials with him.

Because of their experiences, the Moores left their jobs in Texas and moved to Colorado Springs to attend CBC. They desire to be able to help other people receive the revelation and understanding they have received and have sought to be better equipped to minister these truths effectively.

"We want to be the ones that raise people from the dead, see blinded eyes healed, but you don't do that if you're not just tenacious about what you believe," said Debbie.

For more on the Moore's faith-building story be sure to read our original post and watch the video below.

Charis Bible College's School of Healing

2012-01-19T07:00:56Z

CBC staff member, Carlie Terradez, holds the mic as Richard Bishop shares his testimony of victory over severe symptoms of a diabetic blood complication as a result of the prayer and ministry at the School of Healing. (Click to enlarge)Late last winter, Charis Bible College fostered the birth of a new branch of ministry at the Colorado Springs campus when they opened the doors of CBC's School of Healing. The weekly program is an answer to many prayers and operates under the leadership of CBC's School of Worship Director, Daniel Amstutz.

While the doors of the School of Healing officially opened in March of 2011, the concept was conceived in the heart of CBC's Director, Gary Luecke, in 2009. It came to Gary's attention when he was hired as the director of the college that Andrew was being asked to pray for people between classes. He was not being asked by the students necessarily, but by visitors traveling from afar, seeking personal ministry and healing. Andrew made every attempt to meet the need, CBC Director, Gary Luecke.
(Click to enlarge)but the frequency of the requests grew beyond the capacity of Andrew's on campus schedule. Andrew and Gary discussed ways to allow more time to minister to those in need—even if Andrew was off campus.

Gary sought the Lord about what it would take to establish a healing program at CBC. He envisioned a place where students were specifically trained in all things related to healing, about ministering healing and about how to receive healing. As Gary prayed, he knew it would take a special person to come along to develop the program, and he waited on the Lord.

Daniel Amstutz leading worship.
(Click to enlarge)In the fall of 2010, at Andrew's request, Daniel started leading worship once a week at CBC. Daniel progressively became more visible on campus, filling in as a guest speaker and leading worship more frequently. Eventually, Gary offered Daniel a full-time position as the Director of the School of Worship. Daniel remembered their conversation and said, "Gary got a smile on his face at one point, and turned to me and asked, 'Do you have any interest in directing a healing school?'" To which Daniel replied, "'That is a ministry that is very dear to my heart; one that I have been active in for quite some time, and one that goes hand in hand with worship ministry. Yes!'"

Carilie, who has witnessed the manifestation of healing in her own life, shares her revelation with those in attendance in December 2011.
(Click to enlarge)When Daniel joined the CBC staff in 2011, he invited students interested in being trained in the healing ministry to come to an initial training session. To his surprise, 175 students showed up at the first of six meetings on how to minister to the sick.

After teaching the first four sessions, Daniel invited Gospel Truth Seminar Prayer Team Coordinator and healing recipient, Carlie Terradez, to join him as an instructor. Jumping at the opportunity, Carlie agreed and taught the two remaining training sessions.

A CBC student shares her testimony of standing on God's word and speaking to her body and circumstances until her healing manifested. (Click to enlarge)Since those early days, the School of Healing has grown and the new branch of CBC is bearing fruit. "Every week we are seeing amazing things happening as people are receiving healings of every kind and miracles that are not only changing their lives personally, but the lives of their friends and families," shared Daniel enthusiastically.

News of the School of Healing and its fruit has become public through a variety of AWM and CBC outlets, and people are visiting the school from across the United States. Some visitors have traveled from other countries just to be a part of the School of Healing.

CBC students participate in the prayer ministry line at the School of Healing. (Click to enlarge)The school, which is free to all and open to the public, meets weekly on Thursday afternoons from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the CBC campus auditorium. Each session opens with a time of worship, usually lead by Daniel and a team of musicians, then testimonies of God's goodness are shared, followed by teaching. The afternoon program culminates with a team of students ministering healing to whoever comes forward to receive.

"Healing School is not a church, but it is family. It's a safe place where people come and are always welcome; they are loved and ministered to for as long as is necessary. Some only come one time; Six months after receiving prayer at the School of Healing, Suki Mihalko shared her testimony of victory over lung cancer. (Click to enlarge)they receive their healing and go home. Others come weekly; they are growing spiritually and physically," said Carlie.

Miracles are witnessed at the School of Healing every week, not because of some special anointing or because the ministers are experts, but because signs and wonders follow the teaching of the Word. "Our goal is to draw people into relationship with Jesus so that they learn that everything they need comes from that relationship. This makes the School of Healing unique; we are discipling people, not just praying for their problems," said Carlie excitedly.

"There is nothing that you need to have completed to attend. Just come believing and receive what Jesus came to give. We will love on you and walk with you through your healing journey," said Daniel.

For more information about the School of Healing or to watch a session via live feed, be sure to visit charisbiblecollege.org.

CBC Mission Teams Visit Santiago

2012-01-16T07:00:38Z

Second-year CBC students performing a skit in a park in Santiago, Dominican Republic. (Click to enlarge)A group of second-year Charis Bible College students, including student teams from across the US, the UK, and Kenya spent the first week of December in the Dominican Republic. The group, led by CBC instructor, Dr. Delron Shirley, was hosted by full-time missionaries, Tim and Trena Johnson, at the Casa Grande Centro de Misiones Internacional mission compound in Santiago.

The schedule for the week was packed with hands-on ministry opportunities including a children’s crusade, a visit to a feeding center where the team helped serve lunch to the children in an impoverished community, and a pastors’ and leaders' conference. The students ministered at a children's crusade called Kids Camp. 200 kids attended the event. (Click to enlarge)The students took the lead in each event performing puppet shows, original student-written dramas, sharing testimonies, preaching, and praying for those who responded to the end-of-service altar calls. Although none of the student-missionaries spoke Spanish and most of them had no previous experience working with an interpreter, they had no problem communicating the love of God and the almost-too-good-to-be-true-news of the gospel with the audiences.

The bond of love between the students and the people was clearly visible and was particularly noticeable at the kids' crusade where the children’s bright faces enthusiastically One of the larger churches the group visited. The pastor of this church was offered a Major League Baseball contract in the United States, but turned it down to serve the Lord.
(Click to enlarge)displayed their joy during the student performances. Their enthusiasm could also be seen as the CBC students prayed for the children and handed out candy as they left the meetings.

Each outreach was highlighted with salvations, and the manifest power of God through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Even on the team's free day, when the students took a break to explore their surroundings, they made time to share the gospel with the local vendors leading at least one to Christ.

During one morning outreach, the team performed their skits and Tim Johnson preached a wonderful This is a church in one of the poorest neighborhoods the students visited. (Click to enlarge)message to the people in the park. More than 20 people, mostly young men, received Jesus. At the conclusion of the morning's event, the Holy Spirit drew one CBC-Colorado student, Leesa Hamilton's, attention to a scantily clad young woman. Leesa noticed the young twenty-something as she stood off in the distance, scowling as she watched the ministry taking place. "I felt the compassion of Christ for this girl. I knew that prostitution was a great source of trade in that city, and that she was dressed like someone in that profession," recalled Leesa. With her heart and eyes set on the young woman, Leesa approached. She wrapped her arms around her and felt the woman stiffen up. Leesa Joy Southworth (left) shared her testimony through interpreter and host, Trina Johnson. While in the Dominican she also received her calling from the Lord. "God captured my heart and spoke to me and said, 'Here.' I not only believe I'm going back, but I can't wait until God returns me to these precious people," said Joy (Click to enlarge)maintained the embrace, and she could feel the love of God flowing out of her right into the young woman's heart. "I felt her body begin to relax and receive. When I finally let her go, I looked into her face and smiled at her, and she smiled back at me," said Leesa. Although she admitted she doesn’t know what God said to her through their embrace, Leesa knew for sure that God had touched the young woman. "I knew He was telling her just what she needed to hear, Leesa said confidently.

Clearly, based on Leesa's fond memory, the heart changes realized during this CBC second-year mission trip weren't limited to the Dominicans. Some of the team members testified that they had received divine directions for their future ministries and even the call to missionary work during this trip.

Andrew and the Scotts Remember Their Victories

2012-01-12T07:00:56Z

In October 2010, we posted a story titled: The Lord Looks at the Heart. The article is about Audrey Scott and the miracle she received at birth. After a normal, healthy pregnancy, Audrey was born with major cardiac problems; she was missing one half of her heart, one rib and all the major arteries flowing from the heart to the lungs. Andrew and 4-year-old Audrey Scott. (Click to enlarge)Audrey's mother, Jamie, spoke the Word over her tiny newborn, and she and her husband, Tom, stood in faith that their baby would be made whole. One week later, the couple took their beautiful, perfectly whole and perfectly healthy baby girl home.

Recently, Andrew had the opportunity to sit down with four-year-old Audrey and her parents, to discuss Audrey's miracle and how they were able to withstand the attack of the enemy.

Audrey's mother, Jamie Scott
(Click to enlarge)Jamie recalled her introduction to Andrew's ministry five years before Audrey's birth. Like many believers new to Andrew's teaching, she had questions about what she was learning because it was different from what she had been taught in church. As her eyes were opened to the truth of God's Word, she began to gain her own revelation, but she still had questions. After reading Andrew's book The True Nature of God, the Word truly came alive for Jamie, and her understanding soared.

Audrey's dad, Tom Scott.
(Click to enlarge)The changes in Jamie were visible to Tom, but because of his religious upbringing he didn't understand how her perspective could have changed. Initially, Tom rejected what Jamie was sharing. Because of his own errant belief that God sovereignly controls everything, the two had strong discussions about Jamie's shift and revelation. Eventually, Tom was able to listen to what Jamie was telling him and think through his opposition. Realizing he had been denying the truth with his religion, he took some time and planted the Word in his own heart.

The Scotts, as they shared their recollections, on the set in Woodland Park, CO. (Click to enlarge)The two continued to plant the seeds of God's Word and it produced an unwavering faith; that is why the Scotts were able to withstand the enemy's attack on their family. Like Tom, many people are taught that God controls everything sovereignly, so when faced with a crisis situation like the Scott's, they think their problems must be from God. If that's the way the Scotts would have been thinking, chances are Audrey would not be alive today. Thankfully, their hearts were prepared; they had been renewing their mind to the truth, and they chose to side with God and His goodness.

Andrew listening to the Scotts tell their story. (Click to enlarge)During their meeting, Andrew made the point that he didn't even meet the Scott family until Audrey was three years old—long after the miracle took place. Andrew went on to point out that it wasn't anything he did or a special anointing that made the difference in Audrey's life, it was God, and the truth of His Word, and the faith that the Word had produced in the Scott's lives. They stood on the revelation they had received, believed God and received a miracle.

Audrey's healing has provided Jamie and Tom with many opportunities to minister to others. Because of their testimony, Tom is now bolder in the communication of his faith. He is able to share God's true nature with those living with doubts about God's goodness. The Scott's first hand experience allows them to minister the truth effectively.

For more on the Scott's faith-building story be sure to read our original post and watch the video below.

Jamie Wommack Answers CBC Students' Questions

2012-01-09T07:00:45Z

Andrew and Jamie Wommack have been in ministry together for more than four decades. Although Jamie travels with Andrew and shares the platform with him during Gospel Truth Seminars ministering through music and song, more often than not, she leaves the speaking to Andrew. Recently however, Jamie addressed the students at Charis Bible College, answering a number of questions the students had previously submitted. In the video below Jamie shares a portion of her own testimony, and about four-wheeling through life with Andrew and full-time ministry. Be sure to watch—you will be blessed.

CBC South Africa Graduation 2011

2012-01-02T07:00:28Z

Carlynne stands with CBC-South Africa's first graduating class! (Click to enlarge)In 2003, Carlynne Kotzè left the familiar surroundings of her home in South Africa, and her successful life in the secular workplace, to pursue the Lord's leading to attend Charis Bible College in the United Kingdom. Carlynne saw, first hand, the Lord's provision and faithfulness to His word as she walked through the double opened doors before her (Isaiah 45:1-3) in the UK.

After successfully completing the CBC program in Walsall, England, Carlynne returned to South Africa to launch and direct a CBC extension school. Now, two years later, Carlynne and her ministry efforts are bearing fruit; CBC-SA celebrated its first ever commencement ceremony in November of 2011 with 12 students graduating from the school in Heidelberg.

Andrew Wommack Ministries Director of World Outreach, Wendell Parr, was on hand for the graduation ceremony. Wendell oversees the expansion of the Charis Bible College ministry and the development of the extension school campuses in the United States and abroad. "It was an exciting event," Wendell said of the first graduation ceremony in South Africa.

While many aspects of her job as director of CBC-SA are fulfilling, Carlynne truly enjoys watching the process of renewal that takes place as students grab hold of the Word. She also takes pleasure in being able to watch as ministry gifts come alive in her students. "The best is to see their gifting to start to manifest. For a while, I can see what they have not yet realized— that I love!" exclaimed Carlynne.

Opening procession (Click to enlarge) Carlynne (left) receives flowers (Click to enlarge)

Master of Ceremonies, Charles Hopkins
(Click to enlarge) AWM World Outreach Director, Wendell Parr
(Click to enlarge)

Gail McFie, Second-year representative
(Click to enlarge) Wendell presents Michelle Moyo with her Diploma
(Click to enlarge)

Wendell, Junaid Esau and Carlynne (Click to enlarge) Carlynne, staff and students (Click to enlarge)

Marilyn Vyzourek: Rescuing the Lost and the Least

2011-12-26T07:00:43Z

CBC graduate and founder of Gospel Shelters for Women in Colorado Springs, Marilyn Vyzourek. Photo courtesy of CBS Denver (Click to enlarge)In the mid nineteen-nineties, Marilyn Vyzourek and her husband, Paul, were living contently in Kansas. In May of 1995, however, a single conversation changed the direction of their lives forever. Friends of the Vyzourek's brought up the topic of speaking in tongues. Having come from a conservative church background, they didn't knowing much about the gift of tongues, so the couple gave Marilyn and Paul one of Andrew's teachings on the subject. This was the Vyzourek's introduction to Andrew's ministry and it marked the beginning of a new season in their walk with the Lord. After listening to the message, Marilyn and Paul Marilyn walks with one of the many women she has ministered to through her Gospel Shelters for Women ministry. (Click to enlarge)were baptized in the Holy Spirit and received the gift of tongues, and by August of 1995, the Vyzoureks had relocated to Colorado Springs and enrolled in Charis Bible College.

During his first year at CBC, the Lord led Paul to bring sandwiches to the homeless and needy in the Springs. With the assistance of one of Paul's CBC Instructors, Don Krow, and several fellow classmates, Paul and Marilyn steadily served the homeless community. It was out of these efforts that a food pantry ministry was birthed.

Liza's Place in Colorado Springs.
(Click to enlarge)Initially the food was stored in a closet at the AWM headquarters, but in 1996, after Marilyn joined Paul as a student at CBC, the couple took a step of faith and founded Springs Rescue Mission (SRM). More than a food pantry, SRM became a parachurch ministry set up to serve and help the hungry, homeless, struggling, indigent and addicted in the Springs, by ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of each person.

The Vyzoureks graduated from CBC's two-year program, Paul in 1997, Marilyn in 1998, and Marilyn was ordained in 1999. Marilyn giving the ladies from Covenant Presbyterian Church a tour of the Hope Home facility. Hope Home is a 10-bed facility serving women with co-occurring disorders. (Click to enlarge)She credits her time at CBC with helping her identify who she is in Christ and for recognizing the call on her life to minister to the forgotten and the lost. The couple also learned what unrelenting faith is all about. "It was one step at a time, without knowing what the next step was—a lot of faith in God's leading," remembered Marilyn.

Paul and Marilyn remained at SRM until 2000, when they moved to New York City and established another rescue ministry called, New York Metropolitan City Mission, part of which remains active to this day. After getting the ministry off the ground, the Vyzoureks returned Marilyn and staff during a GSW graduation ceremony in April of 2011. (Click to enlarge)to Colorado and rejoined the staff of SRM.

In 2002, the Lord led Marilyn to launch a new, non-profit rescue ministry focused on homeless women and women recently released from incarceration in Colorado Springs. Prompted by her passion for society's rejected and an unfortunate tragedy, Marilyn opened a transitional housing facility called, Liza's Place under the ministry name, Gospel Shelters for Women.

The unfortunate tragedy, which led to the naming of the facility, occurred on September 10, 2001 Because Marilyn believes that it is only through Jesus Christ that the human heart can be healed, group Bible study is a mandatory part of the rescue mission programs. (Click to enlarge)when 39-year-old, Liza Chavez, a woman whom Marilyn had been helping, was murdered on the streets of Colorado Springs. Liza was an alcoholic and had served time in jail for several non-violent crimes. Upon release from jail, Liza found herself without a support system, living outside, and sleeping in local parks and under bridges in the Springs. Although Liza faced an uphill battle to create a stable existence for herself, Marilyn said she was anxious to turn her life around. The night before Liza was killed she called Marilyn and said, "If you don't have a women's home for me to go to and get off of these streets, I would just as soon go to be with Jesus." Marilyn formed the shelter in response to the need for a safe, supportive home environment for women like Liza.Mighty women of God celebrate another graduation in June of 2011. The women are transformed as they go through the program. (Click to enlarge)

Gospel Shelters for Women, which now includes two rescue programs, the second one called Hope Home, provides housing and structure for the women it serves and teaches them about God's love. "At Gospel Shelters for Women we have devotions and a Bible Study in the morning and a Bible Study at 7pm. Many of the teachings are things that we learned at CBC. We also teach Discipleship Evangelism and many of Andrew's other teachings," said Marilyn.

While introducing the women to Jesus and equipping them spiritually is foremost on Marilyn's mind, her vision for rescue includes practical life skills and workplace training as well. As Gospel Shelters for Women Thrift Store in Colorado Springs provides a place for the ladies of Liza'a place and Hope Home to learn business skills as part of their training. (Click to enlarge) part of the program, the women learn how to take care of themselves, manage and budget their finances, and they also develop marketable business skills while working at the Gospel Shelters for Women Thrift Store.

Marilyn is many things to many people, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a business manager and a minister, but at her core she, like Jesus, is a lover of people—especially the lost. In Marilyn's own words rescue ministry is, "Ministry to the least, the last and the lost; men or women who are homeless or about to be homeless if not for your help."

"People turn their back on the poor because they do not understand them and they judge them. Most of these people have an addiction which hides the hurt and pain of the past," said Marilyn. She considers her work to be her calling and her ordination to be like a marriage vow. Marilyn works diligently to fulfill both. If you would like to know more about Marilyn's work or help support her efforts, visit the Liza's Place website.

National talk show host Glenn Beck.
(Click to enlarge)Special Note: Marilyn's mission statement: "To help homeless and previously incarcerated women with programs of restoration through the Love of Jesus, Bible truths and self-discipline," is boldly posted, front and center on the ministry's home page. Marilyn has never hidden the ministry aspect of her efforts. Recently, however, the shelter's emphasis on sharing God's Word caused a stir in the media. In early November, Marilyn's ministry made local and national headlines, when her organization lost State and Federal funding for refusing to make the Bible study components of the programs "optional." The story even caught the eye of well-known American conservative political commentator, Glenn Beck, who not only supported Marilyn's refusal, but made a large donation to help offset the lost funding.

Pam and Hazel "Walking" with Authority

2011-12-19T07:00:59Z

AWM employee and faith-filled believer, Pam Pearson.
(Click to enlarge)Pam was introduced to Andrew's ministry in 2007, when she heard him speak at New Life Church in Colorado Springs. After listening to his message, Pam picked up Andrew's book, You've Already Got It, and began receiving his messages via the ministry's free CD program. Several months later she found Andrew's daily Gospel Truth television program. As she listened and watched she began to broaden her foundation in the Word and was emboldened to walk by faith.

During the same year, Pam spent three months in Illinois visiting her 93-year-old grandmother, Hazel Polen. Pam introduced Hazel, a born again believer for more than 50 years, to Andrew's ministry and she began to watch the Gospel Truth on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). Grandmother and granddaughter continued to listen to Andrew even after Pam returned to Colorado.

This is how Pam found Hazel in the hospital after breaking her second hip. Hazel had decided to refuse all treatment. (Click to enlarge)In 2009, Pam was hired by AWM and she continues to serve the ministry today. After becoming an employee, Pam and her husband, Jim, also began their first year studies as Charis Bible College Correspondence students. Pam's foundation continued to be strengthened.

In August of 2010, Hazel fell and broke her hip. By the end of November it was evident to those around her that Hazel had lost more than her mobility to the injury; she was also suffering with diminished mental capacity. It turned out that Hazel had suffered an infection during her stay in a nursing home for rehabilitation after her release from the hospital. Symptoms of Hazel's infection surfaced as dementia and confusion. Although her infection was Hazel and Pam the morning after Pam spoke life over her grandmother's body. (Click to enlarge)treated with antibiotics, the confusion remained. Because her mental symptoms did not leave when the infection was medically treated, Pam discerned that Hazel was suffering from more than physical problems, her battle was spiritual.

Six weeks later, still struggling with persistent confusion, Hazel fell again and broke her other hip. In mid December Pam traveled to see her grandmother, and what she found troubled her. Although Hazel had been admitted to the hospital, she was refusing all medical treatment. At the age of 96, she had given up. "Although I had never known her to give up on life, Grandma wanted to die," Pam said.Pam and Hazel at the rehab facility. (Click to enlarge)

Unwilling to yield to the enemy's attempt to steal her grandmother, Pam stayed at Hazel's bedside. She stood on the Word that she had learned and used the authority she had been given in Christ to rebuke the spirit of infirmity. As her grandmother rested, Pam used her laptop to play Andrew's Healing Scriptures CD. As the sound of Scriptures and soft music filled the room, Pam prayed and listened. As she did so, Pam heard the word being quoted from Psalm 116:8-9, "For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the LORD in the land Hazel during her stay at the nursing home. (Click to enlarge)of the living," her heart jumped. "I stopped the CD, grabbed my Bible and began declaring it over [Grandma]. I spoke it all night. I read it to the nurses. I told it to anybody that would listen—that God had promised us He would keep her feet from falling and that she would walk in the land of the living," said Pam.

The next morning when Hazel woke up her first words were, "I feel better." As nurses examined her it became obvious that Hazel's mind had cleared. "She correctly expressed to the nurses, who I was and where I lived. She had her right mind back!" exclaimed Pam.98-year-old Hazel at home, making breakfast in her kitchen. Proof that one can stand against the expected maladies attributed to old age. Jesus' name is above all names!
(Click to enlarge)

After a short stay in the hospital, Hazel returned to the nursing home for rehab. Contrary to the Scriptures Pam had prayed, doctors predicted that Hazel would be confined to a wheelchair. Today, however, 98-year-old Hazel lives on her own in a two-story house she shares with her nephew. Hazel lives on the second floor where she continues to bathe and dress herself and prepare her own meals. She navigates her quarters, "walking before the Lord" with the aid of a walker.

Pam gives God praise for Hazel's miraculous recovery and she is thankful for the time she has spent studying the Word during her CBC classes. Her foundation in the Word Hazel and her great-great grandaughter, Anabelle. December 2011.
(Click to enlarge)allowed her to rightly discern the issues her grandmother faced and she was able to minister to Hazel effectively. "The Holy Spirit brought to my mind that the spirit of infirmity had to be cast out, and that is how she regained her mind. Formerly, I would have dismissed such a thought as silly, but thanks to the CBC courses, I was able to identify thoughts and actions that I classified as God’s spiritual activity as opposed to hysteria or superstition," said Pam.

2011 Fort Worth Gospel Truth Seminar

2011-12-15T07:00:21Z

Andrew ministering at Calvary Cathedral in Ft. Worth, Texas during the final GTS of 2011. (Click to enlarge)In early November Andrew and his Gospel Truth Seminar team moseyed down to Fort Worth, Texas to hold a GTS at Bob Nichol's Calvary Cathedral. Andrew's topic for the weekend was The Fear of the Lord. Before those in attendance could bristle at the thought of Andrew teaching that believers ought to be fearful, he clarified that the fear he was going to teach about was a reverence, an honor, a respect and an awe of God. He noted that the word fear is used more than 600 times in the Bible, and more than half of those are used in a positive way.

Prayer ministers including students from CBC Colorado and CBC Dallas were available before the start of the service. (Click to enlarge)After opening Thursday evening's meeting with Proverbs 3:7, "Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil," Andrew turned to a passage of Scripture from Isaiah 11. He acknowledged the fact that the chapter opens with a prophesy about Jesus, and that twice in the first several verses, the Scriptures indicate Jesus' own "fear of the Lord" and His delight in it.

"This is not talking about a dread, a terror or condemnation. You know, you need to rightly divide things. I admit there is a negative use of the word fear, and again because of the society we live in, we nearly emphasize things to the negative Jill and Charlie LeBlanc leading worship. (Click to enlarge)every single time. But there is a positive use of fear; there is a Godly type of fear, and it's talking about a reverence. Jesus, here was not terrified of His father, but He was in awe of His Father," Andrew said. He went on to associate the word fear with the words trust and honor as found in Proverbs 29:25, "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe."

As he taught, Andrew pointed to the discrepancy in some believers' lives, saying that many Andrew opening the five session seminar defining the word, "fear."
(Click to enlarge)put their faith in the Lord for eternity, but in this life they do not have a fear of God. They fear external worldly things because they're so plugged in to the natural world. This fear causes believers to assume the attitude of the unbelievers. Andrew went on to encourage people to reverse that trend in similarity, "You can fear God, and the fear of God will promote you and bless you."

Andrew opened the final session on Saturday with these remarks, "I have been teaching on the fear of God, and I think it's been powerful. I think it's a timely word; not only for every individual but for us as a culture. I believe this is really Andrew meeting and ministering to people in the lobby before the meeting Friday morning.
(Click to enlarge)important—it could change people's lives. This is the kind of thing you don't hear very often, sad to say. People just need to hear about the fear of God and putting God first, honoring Him above everything else."

Part of Andrew's team for this conference included a busload of Charis Bible College student from Colorado. The Colorado students joined fellow CBC-Dallas students as prayer ministers for the weekend-long event. According to one prayer team leader, "The students were grateful for the opportunity to minister, and they buzzed with excitement as they recounted the miracles they saw and the lives that were changed!"

A woman struggling with hearing loss, who had been waiting in line to receive prayer from Andrew, suddenly chose to step aside to allow the wheelchair-bound person behind her to move ahead. The person in the wheelchair would be the last person Andrew had time to minister to that evening. As the person rolled by in their wheel chair, the lady, who had stepped aside, received a miracle A woman who received her healing from deafness while in line to receive prayer, shares her miracle with Andrew.
(Click to enlarge)and her hearing was completely restored—without receiving prayer!

For some, Andrew's message of God's unconditional love and grace is hard to swallow. During one session at the GTS, there was a woman who was particularly challenged by Andrew’s teaching about fear. The Holy Spirit ministered to her through Andrew's words and revealed to her that she had an unhealthy fear of man. A short time later, after a prayer minister shared more Word with her, she was able to receive from God unhindered. She was amazed as pain left her body. The women's thumb, which she had severely cut a few weeks earlier, was restored. Feeling and movement returned to the thumb as a nerve she had severed was supernaturally repaired.

Watch the video segment below to catch Andrew's introduction to his series The Fear of The Lord.

CBC Mission Team Visits Argentina

2011-12-12T07:00:03Z

CBC Colorado students performed many skits for the people of Argentina. (Click to enlarge)In early November, Charis Bible College-Colorado sent its first team of the 2011-2012 academic year to the mission field. The group, students ages 17 to 89, led by CBC Director, Gary Luecke, had the opportunity to minister in several cities in Argentina. The Colorado team was hosted by full-time missionaries and CBC graduates, Joe and Nancy MacQueen. The MacQueens are the founders of Charis de Dios (Grace of God) Ministries in Buenos Aires.

Hosts, Nancy and Joe MacQueen, of Charis de Dios Ministries and future directors of the CBC extension school slated to open in Argentina in March of 2012. (Click to enlarge)Joe and Nancy organized a number of outreach projects and local church ministry opportunities for the students. The team was invited to minister and teach in Pastor Jonathan Ravello's church, Palabra de Fe (Word of Faith) in Buenos Aires and Pastor Jorge Ovando's, Iglesia Bautista (a Spirit-filled Baptist Church) in the city of Lujan. In addition to sharing at many church services, the students also hosted parties for local children, evangelized in area parks, and hosted an assembly at a local school.

The team performed lively skits in parks, churches and schools, sharing the life and love of Christ. Here Jesus and Peter walk on the water. (Click to enlarge)The teams dramatic performances touched the hearts of the Argentenian people inside and outside the church. (Click to enlarge)The lively children's parties included many games, musical fun and skits. "They did a really neat skit for the kids going through the whole life of Jesus – it was really well done. Then they gave the salvation message and many kids accepted Jesus," said Nancy excitedly. She also shared that, "Pastor Jorge, who had been very reluctant to allow a female to teach in church, was absolutely 'blown away' and humbled by the teaching 17-year-old Brittanie did at one Wednesday night church service in Lujan.

Jeanne, CBC's 89-year-old student missionary, seen here teaching through her interpreter, ministered with love and boldness to everyone she met whether they spoke English or not—including Catholic priests. (Click to enlarge) 17-year-old Brittanie shared a powerful teaching in Lujan. Pastor Ovando had been reluctant to allow a young woman to minister in his church, but he was pleasantly "blown-away" and humbled by her message. (Click to enlarge) At CBC foreign mission trips are viewed as a valuable part of the student's ministry training. Their primary focus during these second-year trips is to share the almost-to-good-too-be-true news of the gospel with as many people as possible during their seven to ten day stay on foreign soil. The experience abroad gives students' a refreshingly new perspective of the world and provides abundant learning opportunities unavailable otherwise. With

Prayer ministry at Palabra de Fe. (Click to enlarge)The students leading worship at Iglesia Bautista in the city of Lujan. (Click to enlarge)regard to her experience in Argentina, CBC team member, Jill Tomlinson said, "I learned that it is great to have expectations, but that ultimately it is God's decision how He wants to manifest Himself to us and to the world. Our trip was all about His love... that was our message everywhere we went and that is what we experienced ourselves."

Jill's husband and CBC student, Jimmy Tomlinson shared, "I experienced God's love flowing between fellow believers who have never met one another in person and yet share the connection we have in Christ, and I was able to see first-hand how the Body of Christ can work together in ministry (even with language barriers) in displaying His love to others."

"Jesus said in Matthew 9:37-38, 'The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.' This is so true. The people were so open and hungry for Jesus. The Love of God I saw, changed my life!" exclaimed CBC student, Lisa Bradley.

From their wide range in ages to the gifts with which God had equipped them, this was a diverse group of students. "The diversity of their gifts was received with great warmth from the beautiful people of Argentina. It seemed like the students chosen to minister at the various services were ordained by God as their messages, testimonies, worship, etc., seemed to always be right on, and they blessed many people," said Gary.