Lakeland revival

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The Lakeland revival or Florida Healing Outpouring is a current Christian revival began on April 3, 2008 when Evangelist Todd Bentley of Fresh Fire Ministries was invited to Ignited Church in Lakeland, Florida by Pastor Stephen Strader. Bentley was originally supposed to be in Lakeland for only 5 days. However, due to the many healings being reported and the belief that God was working in a mighty way in Lakeland, he decided to stay and continue holding the revival meetings there.

In its infancy, there is much controversy and many questions about the revival within the Christian community. While many have traveled long distances to experience the revival, there are others who are skeptical of it primarily due to the fact that the teachings of Todd Bentley seem more to reflect the Latter Rain Movement of the 1940s. Furthermore, Bentley encourages visitations with angels in his meetings.

Those in favor of the revival argue that God is clearly at work there as there have been many signs, wonders, and miracles present. Revival proponents argue that the movement is bearing much fruit as people are being inspired to go into the streets and testify of the power of Jesus Christ. Those opposed to the revival are also worried about some of the strange manifestations. There is additionally concern about the claims of Todd Bentley to have had a visitation from Jesus in the flesh, and who further claims to have been to heaven where he conversed with the apostle Paul as well as several other dead saints.

While there is much controversy over the revival, it appears to be going strong and it does not seem that it will be stopping anytime soon. The revival has already changed venues on three different occasions and is being broadcasted live on GOD TV.

Contents

[edit] Media reports

The Ledger newspaper [1]in Lakeland, Florida recently wrote of the revival on April 25, 2008 “The revival has become something of a phenomenon in Pentecostal circles worldwide, thanks to streaming video of the services on the Web site God TV [1]. People have been driving to Lakeland from other cities and states and even flying in from other countries just to attend the services.”

Tampa Bay News (WTSP Channel 10) also recently visited the revival-style meetings, with the news reporter Melanie Brooks actually appearing on stage (much to Bentley's surprise) with a testimony of healing from a migraine headache she was experiencing only minutes before, including nausea now gone. An article appeared on their website[2] and a televised report was broadcast [2] in late April, 2008, discussing the rapid growth of attendees from all over the world.

MyFox News [3] in an article entitled "Modern-day revival catches fire Lakeland" reports that revival meetings intended for just a couple of days have gotten so large, the revival is expected to continue for at least another month.

The Province,[4]a newspaper closer to his hometown, ran a multiple page article titled “In Search of a Miracle” discussing large numbers of people showing up “The lineups often stretch down the street. Hundreds of people, waiting for a miracle.”, and briefly discusses claims of healing that have yet to be substantiated (this current phenomenon is fairly new) and people's hunger and desire for more “spiritual stimulus”.

Tampa Bay Online, an NBC affiliate [5] also followed up with a televised article on the phenomenon, as well as an indepth interview of 15 minutes talking of the large numbers being reached by mass media,and a claim of a totally blind man being healed as well as claiming documented healings taking place. Bentley refers to people being hungry for the Supernatural like never before, citing Oprah Winfrey's show having a segment dedicated to just such interests. [6]

Tampa Bay Online, an NBC affiliate gave the following report: [7]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Faith-Healing 'Outpouring' Overflows Venue. The Ledger NewsPaper (2008-04-25). Retrieved on 2008-05-03.
  2. ^ Revival Healings. Tampa Bay News. Retrieved on 2008-05-03.
  3. ^ Modern-day revival catches fire Lakeland. Fox News. Retrieved on 2008-05-03.
  4. ^ In Search of a Miracle. The Province Newspaper (2008-04-26). Retrieved on 2008-05-03.
  5. ^ Todd Bentley. Tampa Bay Tribune (2008-05-01). Retrieved on 2008-05-05.
  6. ^ Todd Bentley Interview. Tampa Bay Tribune (2008-05-01). Retrieved on 2008-05-06.
  7. ^ Todd Bentley Interview. Tampa Bay Tribune (2008-05-09). Retrieved on 2008-05-09.

[edit] External links

[edit] Online video streaming

  • UStream - full coverage of all meetings (Flash video), and clips of past highlights
  • God TV Online - requires a user registration, only selected coverage
  • God TV Windows Media Streams - USA network, Europe network (high and low quality available)
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