The Alice Saga by S. Roach February 2014

Tuesday, February 4th

So it was Tuesday night and Esther and I were cleaning the daycare in Montreal. We were filling in at the day cares for our son-in-law who was somewhere in the Bahamas soaking in the hot sun.

I was in the basement at the far end in one of the classrooms dry mopping the floor alone. As I swiff in under a table, all of a sudden there's this kid's voice that comes from under the table that says, "WELCOME BACK, IT's YOUR TURN!"

My blood ran cold! A chill went down my spine! I bent down and looked under the table and there was Alice!! Sorry Alice, but you scared the bejeepers out of me!!

I don't think Alice can talk any more!! Hope they don't ever find her batteries!! Oh, and I was able to find a fresh diaper in the nursery cabinet. It fit kinda tight! The ones I usually wear are bigger!!

Tuesday, February 11th

So last night I go to the daycare to clean and I make my way to the far end of the basement. I enter the last room and I look under the table for Alice. She is not there! I scan the room and then I see her. She is under one of the child's chairs just staring straight ahead.

She didn't even acknowledge that I was there. Not a WORD!! I say, "Hi Alice!" Still nothing! I said, "Are you still mad at me?" Still nothing!

I explained to her that she can't be scaring people in the night when people come into her room. I said, "Sorry, Alice." I think I saw a little tear in her eye.

I turn to leave the room to go get my mop and just as I walked out through the doorway I heard, "Meany!!" A chill went down my spine and I ran as fast as I could down the hall!! I don't know if I can do this until April! Please remember me in prayer!!

Thursday, February 13th

I suppose most everyone has heard by now that things did not go to well at the Day Care last night.

We arrived at 6 to start the cleaning. I was reluctant to go down into the basement due to the goings on that have happened the last couple of times down there. You remember Alice…..

I enter the basement knowing that my boss would not be pleased if I just skipped doing the basement. I avoid the long hallway as long as possible until finally, late in the night I have to make my way toward “that room” at the end of the hall.

I open the door. The room is in total darkness. You have to walk into the room to get to the light switch. I hate that part. As I walk into the room, suddenly the door slams shut behind me! Once again, I soil my droors!! Thankfully I have a proper pair of emergency ones on. I turn to grab the door handle and the door is locked tight! My heart pounds and an intense panic began to set in.

Just then the lights come on by themselves and to my astonishment the room is no longer a Day Care room. It has been totally transformed!! There is a desk by the end wall with one empty chair. There are two more small tables each with two child’s chairs a little closer to me, one to the right and one to the left and the rest of the room is full of children’s chairs neatly placed in rows. All the chairs are full of toys (that have eyes) of every kind and size you can think of. Seated at the two desks on the left and the right are three individuals. The desk to the left has one vacant seat. 

The room is extremely quiet, except for the sound of a dripping faucet.

Sitting in the chair beside the vacant seat was a Cabbage Patch doll with yellow yarn for hair. She turned to me and beckoned, “Mr. Roach, Come and sit!” As I walk to the front of the room to take my seat I look to the right and seated at the other desk was Alice and Miss Piggy. Alice refused to look at me. But Miss Piggy just glared at me!

The seat I had to sit in was very small. My knees were almost touching my chin. And the table was so short my feet barely went under it.

Once I was seated Ms. Patch whispered to me, “Relax, I’m your appointed Attorney. Just be quiet and let me do the talking.” I nodded. Then she said, “What’s that odor?” I just shrugged my shoulders and put my head down.

Just then G. I. JOE stood to his feet at attention and said, “All rise, Court is now in session, the Honorable Judge Kermit presiding!” I was the only one who stood.

In came a green frog made of felt and stuffed with who knows what. Judge Kermit took the seat at the front desk. To myself I said,” Aw c’mon…KERMIT? A FROG? Really? This can’t be happening!!”

Just then Judge Kermit asked Miss Piggy what are the charges? She replied, “On the 4th of February Mr. Roach stole Alices heart!!” Ms. Cabbage Patch shouted, “Objection Your Honor, that is just hear-say!” Judge Kermit retorted, “Over-ruled! Continue, Miss Piggy!!” “Well, Your Honor, we have an eye-witness and at this time we would like to bring Esther to the stand.”

Suddenly through the door comes Esther and makes her way to the witness stand. I said to Ms. Patch, “I can’t believe this is happening! My own wife is going to testify against me!?” She leaned over to me and whispered, “You can’t trust anyone these days!”

Miss Piggy began, “So on February 4th what exactly did you see, Esther?” She replied, “I saw Mr. Roach rip the batteries out of the chest of Alice! And throw them in the garbage!” Just then Miss Piggy reached into her pink purse and pulled out two double A EverReady batteries and said, “Your Honor I would like to enter “Alice's Heart” as exhibit “A”!!

As I sat there stunned with my knees now touching my chin, I knew I was convicted! There was nothing I could do but wait it out. I’m sure they could hear my sobbing down the hall. 

One witness that testified was this large doll only half dressed, with one eye, no arms and only one leg. After some more questioning including 10 more witnesses that testified against me, Judge Kermit said, “This session is adjourned until Saturday when I will make my verdict!”

Now folks I’m not sure what will happen this coming Saturday, But one thing I do know and that is that I’m in deep trouble!! If they send me away, would someone please send me some cookies! My Lawyer says depending on the verdict we will appeal!

Saturday, February 15th

The hallway was lined with many little strollers, three Barbie Corvettes, and even a Monster Truck. It was an indication to me that there were many who turned up for my verdict and sentencing. Sure enough as I enter the court room the place was full, wall to wall. I had even heard there were some who came from the Laval Day Care to see the ordeal.

I made my way to my seat beside my Attorney, Ms. C. Patch. She leaned over to me and said, “Everything will be alright.” The shaking in her voice let me know that she didn't have a clue what she was talking about!

At 10 sharp G. I. Joe stood to attention and said, “All rise, Court is now in session, the Honorable Judge Kermit presiding!” Once again I was the only who stood.

Judge Kermit began by saying, “After hearing the testimonies on Thursday regarding the case of Alice vs. Roach, I have come to a decision. But before I give the sentencing, Mr. Roach do you have anything to say for yourself?” I stood and said, Your Honor I plead for the mercies of the court that I be given another chance….” Before I could finish my sentence there were loud BOOOOO’s coming from everyone in the court room! Even the doll with one eye, no arms, and only one leg shouted to the top of her voice, “THROW THE BOOK AT HIM KERMIT!!” Judge Kermit slammed his gavel on his desk and in his frog-like voice shouted, “Order in the Court! Order in the Court!”

I slowly sat down realizing that I was about to be hung.

Judge Kermit then began to give the verdict and sentence. “On charges of ripping the heart out of Alice, I find Mr. Roach guilty as charged and hereby sentence him to 12…….” Before Judge Kermit could finish his sentence there was a very loud crash and the window behind the Judge broke into a million pieces. Everyone gasped as through the window came a flying individual dressed in red head to foot with a large red flowing cape and a bright yellow crest on his chest with a Dark Blue “L” in the center. 

It was Super Len!!

He landed right beside me and with his mighty strong arms around my waist he lifted me up out of my chair. Before I could say anything we were flying lightning speed out through the broken window. As we were leaving the room I heard Super Len shout, “Bye, Bye, Alice!! So long, Judge Kermy!! It’s Super Len to the rescue!!”

The next 20 minutes were all a blur! We crossed the Canadian/USA Border and after flying over 9 states and 5000 kms. I found myself sitting under a large pink and yellow parasol in Pasadena, California sipping Iced Tea with my besties, Hunter and Titus!! 

We are all in our swimming trunks and this afternoon we are heading to the Pacific to do some radical surfing!!

I’ll see you all in April!!! (Maybe)

As for the Day Care cleaning, I’m handing the job over to Shirley McLean Leiper. Don’t forget to empty the large white garbage container that’s under the “babies changing table” in the basement bathroom! Be careful it’s very heavy and…..it’s toxic!!! And watch out for Alice! She’s nothin' but a whiney trouble-maker!!

Toodle-loooo!!

PS: Some may think that I have embellished a little in this story.......Think what ya will! I'm in Pasadena sittin' in the SUN in my purple Speedos!! HAAAAA!!!!

On....Three Types of People

"Anybody can be with you in the castle, but you ought to
thank God for people who will be with you in your cave!"
Dr. E. Dewey Smith

Sometimes the most important revelations are the hardest to grasp, but when you do, it brings a peace that cannot be compared. One of the greatest, yet most difficult revelations was introduced to me in 2011. I am forever grateful for the Brother who shared it with me!!

There are 3 types of people that will come into your life. Whether it be into your family, your work, or your Church, you will encounter these three types of people. Read the Life of David and you will see that he encountered all three of these types.

1. CONFIDANTS  These are the people that are FOR YOU. They are close to you.  They love you!  When you get into trouble they will be right beside you. If you go down...they will go down with you. When you hurt, they hurt with you.  When you cry, they cry with you. When you laugh, they laugh with you. They want you to succeed.  They encourage you. They never degrade you or your dreams. Sometimes they get in your face but always in a positive way.  They have no other agenda but to see your dreams and agenda fulfilled.  When you do bad they will put their arm around you and comfort you. They will never discourage you. They love your vision. They love YOU!! They are FOR YOU!! Every Pastor, every boss, every husband needs Confidants!! From a church perspective, pastoring is so much easier when you pastor a Confidant!! Because they are FOR YOU!! 

The test to see: The next time something goes wrong in your life and you're in trouble, look around you and see who is beside you.

2. CONSTITUENTS  These people are NOT for you. They are FOR WHAT YOU ARE FOR. As long you are for what they are for they will stay with you.  If that ever changes, they will be gone in a heartbeat!  If someone comes along (example: another Pastor) with a bigger vision, they will drop you and follow them.  Be careful when you tell your vision to a constituent.  Sometimes they will hear your vision and leave you to fulfill that vision WITHOUT YOU!  REMEMBER:  They are not for you. They are only for what you are for.  

The test to see:  When you are happy about something that happens in your life...tell them about it and watch their reaction.  Often the reaction will be a sour one! Don’t be surprised, they are only Constituents.

3. COMRADES  These people are fighters.  They are NOT for you.  They are NOT for what you are for.  They are only AGAINST what you are against. They will stay with you only until the battle is over, because they are fighters.  They will fight until they see another battle that attracts their attention.  Sadly, in the church there are many, many, Comrades. They are wanderers. They are “Free Spirits”. They refuse accountability! But they love to fight!!  They will even fight you if there is nothing else for them to fight.  Usually they do not stick around very long. They don’t care about your vision.  They are only there as long as there is something to fight.  And they will only be with you as long as you are fighting what they want to fight.  You can’t build a business, home, or a church on Comrades. They are only scaffolding.  They are temporary! Sometimes they will toss some money in the plate....go ahead and take it while they are there! After the battle/work is done the scaffolding always comes down and they will be gone!! 

The test to see:  Stop fighting against something and watch what they will do.  They will fight you or someone in the church, even the Pastor or a family member because....THEY ARE FIGHTERS! 

Don’t be surprised when Comrades turn on you.   David had a hard time with comrades; He said, “I could understand if it was my enemy....but when it was mine own, mine equal that turned on me, it was almost too much to bear!”.  They will KICK you when you are down. Don’t be surprised when someone who looks like they are really connected and all of a sudden you look and they are gone.  Advice:  Don’t ever engage in a battle against them.  The outcome will always be the same.  If you win....they will leave.  If they win....they will still leave!!

Every church, every home, every business needs a fresh infiltration of Confidants (the first one)! You can build on people who are FOR YOU!! Seek out your confidants and build on them! You will find that they are the best foundation for what you are building!

I hope this helps you the way it has helped me!! SRR

ON….WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG?

I was only six or seven when Uncle Henry and Aunt Gerry came down to Friendship, Maine for a visit. It was summertime and Uncle Henry had this beautiful Cutlass Oldsmobile, a gold one with white leather interior, if I remember correctly. It had power windows and a radio with premium sound! There was a stick on the floor and even the steering wheel tilted!

The day they arrived, I had been suffering with such a terrible toothache in one of my back teeth. I remember dad saying to me, “Son, if you go brush your teeth real good it might help.” I did and it didn’t! He then told me to take a toothpick and dig into the cavity, perhaps there is candy or something in it causing the pain! I couldn’t find a toothpick, but I did find one of mom’s sewing needles. So I commenced to diggin’! HOLY LIGHTNIN’ PEEKER! WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION! DID THAT EVER HURT!! I apparently hit a nerve that sent shock waves through my little body! Then I had this real throbbing pain worse than before that lasted the rest of the day! I remember a voice saying to myself, “Don’t you ever let a needle enter your mouth ever again!! I was able to go to sleep that night with an asprin crushed and packed into the cavity.

When I awoke in the morning the pain was gone.

We had a wonderful visit with my Aunt and Uncle Gillen. I remember when they got ready to leave that dad said, “We’ll not be too far behind you because we are coming up to Mars Hill next week!” Aunt Gerry said you should let Stevie come with us and let him stay at our place. He’ll be able to play with Kerry and Sandy! I got all excited. Mom and dad agreed and before long I was jumping into that beautiful Oldsmobile. We didn’t get very far from Friendship when that tooth began to ache again. Aunt Gerry said, If it is still aching when we get to Mars Hill, I’m taking you to my dentist to get that seen to! He may have to give you a needle for freezing! HOLY LIGHTNIN’ SHIVERS!! I said to myself, I’M NOT GOING TO NO DENTIST! I’ve already experienced one needle and that was enough!! I don’t recall the tooth aching again or if it did I just ignored it and I certainly didn’t inform Aunt Gerry!

For many years I suffered with a lot of toothaches neglecting my teeth and not taking care of them properly! I brushed, but certainly not the way I should have. Mom and dad did take me to the dentist when I was in my teens and at that time I had a lot of work done. Cavities were filled and teeth were pulled but, none the less, I always dreaded my appointment day. On the trip from Hoyt to Fredericton to Dr. Wade’s office, I always prayed that the car would break down so I would miss the appointment. Needless to say my teeth have been left in poor condition for many years because of my dread of going to the dentist. Up until this year I continued to suffer from time to time and often just tolerated the pain. I am now 54.

This year all that changed!

Just in the last few months I have made five trips to the Dentist and next Tuesday I go again. I’m not sure how many more trips I need to make to get all this mess resolved. But what I do know, today, is that I have lost a fair amount of days of my life of quality living because of tooth pain! Since these recent trips I have said to Esther so many times, “Why have I waited so long?” Today all the bad cavities are gone and what I notice most of all is that now, with the cold weather, I can go outside in the cold and I feel NO PAIN!! This makes me so happy especially when I am plowing snow!

There are people who suffer so much pain needlessly! It may or may not be dental pain. It could be pain in another part of your body.  It could even be the pain of a broken heart or the pain of mental anxiety or sadly, the pain you feel when you see a family member walking a road to their own destruction with drugs and alcohol.

I remember the song, “What a Friend we have in Jesus” that talks about the peace we often forfeit, and the needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in Prayer.

I want to encourage you today to go to a place where there is freedom from pain! I’m not talking about the medicine chest! I’m talking about going to the One who was born in a Manger over 2000 years ago! His Word says that He came to earth and He suffered such pain and misery. And He did it in our place! He did it for YOU! Did you get that? HE TOOK YOUR PLACE!

I remember in the mid 80’s when Esther was so tormented with migraine headaches. They would literally disable her for several days leaving her so sick and weak until one day Mildred Moore, a lady in our church, came to the parsonage and said to her, Enough is enough! And she prayed a simple prayer saying, “Jesus you already took the pain for Esther when you went to the cross of Calvary and right now we accept what you did for her and we ask that she be healed in Jesus’ Name!” My wife will tell you that she has NEVER experienced a migraine since that day! And that was some twenty-seven years ago!

Here is the key…..You must decide to go to Jesus Christ just like I’ve decided to go to the dentist after all these years. Go with FAITH in His Word and declare it! Go ahead and speak His Word over your situation! “Lord Jesus…You bore this pain in my place and I thank You for doing that for me! And today, by the stripes that were laid upon your back…I KNOW I AM HEALED!!!”

You will be blessed when the relief from pain comes and you will say just like I am saying, “WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG?!”

Ten Reasons I Believe in Youth Camp

Written by Buddy Thompson
Virginia District Youth President

I recently read an article by Tommy Burchfield entitled “Why I Believe in Summer Camps” and it caused me to think back on my many years of camp experiences, not only as a camper, but what have observed in almost 20 years of working as a staff member of our youth camps.  As the school year finally draws to an end, the anticipation of summer vacation by the students cannot be overstated. Summertime fun - with no teachers and homework! Summer offers a large chunk of time to teenagers and children.  But along with the "lazy days" of summer comes a great opportunity to reach out to the real needs facing our Pentecostal youth.  This "opportunity" is what I call “youth camp.”  Youth camp is a prime time to reach teens for God and to solidify the youth in your church.  When I was a boy, camp was not optional – you went to youth camp. J

#1 - Youth Camp Is Evangelistic

I received the holy ghost at camp.  Many of you did, too.  Perhaps the greatest reason of all is the evangelistic impact it can have on the unsaved kids connected to your church. Christian Camping International (CCII) released an interesting statistic not long ago stating that out of all the evangelical pastors in america, 52% met Jesus at a summer camp.  How many of our Pentecostal pastors can say the same thing?  From generation to generation, summer youth camps have provided a way for kids to find a fresh (and often a first) anointing of the Holy Ghost. 

#2 Youth Camp Provides Growth
Youth camp is a training place where teens are "taught" to have fun the right way. Campers "see" that you don't have to be “cool” in order to develop a relationship. Campers "see" and "hear" a camp staff that displays Christ like character in serving without complaining. Campers "see" that those of the opposite sex are persons to respect as brothers or sisters in the Lord. Camp is a place where probably more is "taught" and "preached" through lifestyles than through the sermons.

#3 Youth Camp Provides Relationships
Some of the most long-lasting friendships are made at youth camp. They can start as soon as a camper arrives -- in those first few exchanges when trying to find a space in the dorms! Sharing the experience of youth camp together provides a springboard into a lifetime of fond memories with others. Email addresses, phone numbers, addresses are exchanged…with other Apostolic youth! Those are the kinds of relationships I want our church youth group to have. My friendships from camp are among the strongest that I have.

#4 Youth Camp Provides Encouragement
Do you have any idea how uplifting it is to a teenager to be with other teens who are also trying to live for God?  Campers from small churches get much needed fellowship.  Campers that are struggling find strength among the committed majority.  Campers that face complex issues at home find support among peers that care. After a school year that often includes rejection and ridicule for living by God’s principles, camp can be a tremendous dose of encouragement! 

#5 Youth Camp Ministers to the Entire Person
At camp, the spirit of the camper is nourished and fed with the anointed preaching of the Word of God. The camper's soul -- the mind and emotions -- is ministered to through the teaching of the Word and through small group meetings. The camper's body is ministered to through well-balanced, nutritious camp food (ok, ok – 2 out of 3 ain’t bad!). The group sports activities (basketball, softball, flag football, etc.) As well as individual activities (swimming, camp olympics, etc.) Make up for what lacks in the camp food. J 

(what would a youth camp article be without a shot at the camp food?)

#6 Youth Camp Is Fun
We laugh ourselves silly, play till we are wore completely out, swim in an awesome pool, and even have fun when we think we are bored.  What more can I say?

#7 Youth Camp Gives Momentum
Momentum is what carries a church youth group through to victory. It places the drive and focus back into a weary youth ministry. The momentum I am describing cannot come by the arm of the flesh. It can only come by the Spirit of God (Zechariah 4:6). The Holy Ghost ignites the flame with a simple spark and before you know it, the entire group is on fire for God. Time after time at the camp altar I have seen God put fire back in a lifeless youth group!

#8 Youth Camp Provides Tradition
Camp provides a "spiritual landmark" that every camper feels when they drive up the main road. They see the buildings where they were forever changed the last time they were at the altar. Exodus 20:24 states that if we build an altar, God will meet us there. Something very spiritual happens at a place where you have encountered God. That place becomes forever locked in the archives of your mind. I can still remember the “traditions” of my early camp years.

#9 Youth Camp Provides Bonding
There is nothing quite like the experience of having gone through a youth camp together with not only a friend, but also the church youth group. The bonding and acceptance that takes place tightens relationships within the group as well as the entire group itself. As the group gets closer, individual relationships grow and the love of God is permitted to flow freely. At camp, individuals learn not only to accept each other for who they are, but to truly love and care for each other.

#10 Youth Camp Provides Spiritual Commitments
Since mom and dad (and pastor) seldom accompany campers to camp, that leaves spiritual commitments and accountability up to each camper's own convictions. So, with each camp comes the challenge for each individual to grow with God on their own -- not on the coattails of mom, dad, or the youth pastor. Do all kids successfully meet this challenge?  Unfortunately not, but the overwhelming majority do.  Why keep your youth group from the opportunity just because of a few bad apples in the bunch?  You will be amazed at the growth you will see in most of your group, if not all of them.  Give them a chance to make some commitments that will last.

The long-lasting fruit of youth camp is a proven wonder, year after year. I have seen hundreds of kids grow into strong, committed Christians sold out to God. Will your youth be among that group this year?  The kids in our church will!  Load up…we are going to youth camp!

ON….RURAL QUÉBEC

I am convinced that almost anyone can build up a church in the city! When you have a large population to draw from, growth can often come quite easily. Create the right atmosphere with the right appeal and people will come!! But it takes something special to build up a church in a RURAL, sparsely populated, community!

Our daughter, Michelle, recently sent us a video and simply said, “It’s you dad!”.  

The video is about a couple who moved out of the city leaving behind a thriving city church and took over an old rural church on the verge of closing with only a handful of people. They weren't there very long until everyone left them!! It was like they were left standing alone! There was only he and his wife and the Lord. But they knew that God had called them to this rural community with only a population of 88 people and they decided to stick with it! Sunday after Sunday they would still go to church and the Pastor would conduct a service as though the church was full! One by one they began to lead new people to the Lord and one by one God began to fill the church again. It took some time but eventually they had 130 people in their church. Then the Lord directed them to replant churches throughout the surrounding rural communities. Today there are 13 churches that have been planted or replanted!! All of them are full!!

It is apparent that Esther and I have been called by God to Rural Québec! And it’s been an interesting ride!! Some, whom we thought were “with us” in the beginning turned away! And that’s okay!!  We have determined that this is where God has called us and we are determined to win people to the Lord one by one!! We covet your prayers each day that God will lead us to hungry people in rural Québec! I told our people this morning in church, “Wouldn’t it be a "first class slap" in the devils face if we could resurrect churches in all these outlying rural communities that have closed in the last 15 years! I began to list rural communities within just a few kilometers from us that have closed churches. Brownsburg alone has closed 7 denominational churches in the past 15 years!! I spoke of Harrington, Grenville, Calumet, Saint-Andre, Montebello. And those are just a few of the surrounding rural communities!! In years gone by, some of these communities had strong spirit-filled churches in them and today they are closed. Would you join your heart with ours as we endeavor to push back the darkness over rural Québec?  RURAL QUÉBEC….HERE WE COME!! IN JESUS NAME!!!!!

On....Paying Attention to the CHEVRONS

This is the Word the Lord showed me this morning while in prayer. Being a very visual person, the Lord showed me a “CHEVRON”.  

He clearly said to me, “STEVE, PAY ATTENTION TO THE CHEVRONS!” Since "chevron" is a word that I did not fully understand, I went to the dictionary for it’s definition.

chev-ron /SHevran/    Noun

Chevrons

1. A line or stripe in the shape of a V or an inverted V, often seen on the sleeve of a uniform indicating rank or length of service.
2. An ordinary line in the shape of a broad inverted V-shape
3. A directional symbol directing traffic in a particular direction usually for safety reasons.

Immediately, I understood that the Lord would have Esther and I pay close attention to the road ahead and that there would be clear markings (chevrons) along the way to direct us, especially over the next few months. I saw in my spirit that in the beginning it seemed that the chevrons were directing us to the left and to the right around obstacles like an obstacle course but the further we went the straighter the road became until the chevrons became a straight line pointing us straight ahead.

The definition also indicates an official ranking insignia worn on the sleeve of an officer. The Lord then reminded me of a Word that was given to us back in 1996 that God would place “KEY” people in our lives that would help us and support us in this great work in Quebec. It would be people with authority and wisdom who are sensitive to the voice of the Lord.

There are some amazing things developing as I write.

Then the Lord directed me to two verses of scripture:

Isaiah 42:16 And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

Deuteronomy 5:32 Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.  

In other words we must follow the direction of the Lord and stay on track with Him, paying attention to the chevrons.

Thank you for praying for Esther and I!

On....Re-Aligning for a NEW Season

So Esther and I are sitting here drinking our coffee and bouncing things off of each other that we have heard over the past two weeks. It has been an amazing two weeks!!

In the past two weeks we have been to two Ministers/Missions/Apostolic Conferences plus conducted our very first Young Adults Retreat at the campground. We attended the Missions Conference in Benton, New Brunswick and on Wednesday night God worked me over in a big way!! Then, this past week, we were at the Apostolic Conference in Gatineau, Quebec. Our hearts are full as we review what God is speaking to us regarding a "new season" we are entering. There is a major shift coming to our ministry. We have been in Quebec for 18 years and we have witnessed significant miracles that have boosted our faith in this journey. We are now positioning ourselves for the next 20 year stretch. Little by little the pieces of the puzzle are coming into focus and one by one we are placing them where they belong. We have been speaking with Godly leaders whom we trust for guidance and input and council concerning each and every step we are taking.

In a telephone conversation this morning, two more pieces of the puzzle have come into view and now we want the direction of the Lord to place them exactly where they belong.

At the Young Adults Retreat, our daughter, Estelle was speaking and shared an interesting illustration that spoke to my heart. She has a high-end digital camera for her photography business and she showed us her favorite lens that she absolutely loves. It has the capability to focus on an object, such as a persons face, and blur out everything else that is around it. So the end result is a finely, focused picture of the object with everything else in the background blurred so that it doesn't matter what is in the background...it's just a blur! Her thought was that we need to focus on what really matters and let everything else such as struggles and distractions that don't matter be blurred out! I have shared that illustration several times at our church since then. This morning I received an email with this photo that jumped out at me reminding me again of her words!!

Simple...yet still a confirmation!!

Yesterday morning I shared a message from my heart with our people entitled "Transitioning" and I encouraged the people to come along side of God's plan for our future together. As I gave invitation for those who needed prayer, those who desire to align themselves with God's plan, I was so blessed as a line of people coming for prayer filled the center aisle. As Bro. David Lyons, my wife and myself began to pray and speak into the lives of each individual, God gave specific Words to each of them. It was powerful!

When I awoke this morning I checked my emails and in my Inbox was an email of a prophetic word that was given recently. I immediately felt a check in my spirit that this Word is for us! 

Here are some excerpts from that Word:
"I Am Re-Ordering Your Path So You Can Finish the Race! Do not confuse the enemy's resistance with My assistance! The trauma that you have been in has caused you to stop short. Today is a day to take one simple step towards that line and you will see Me do the rest. Where the enemy has exploded with resistance I will explode with assistance, and through the equipping of My Name you will cross and the victor's cup will be waiting. So arise and shake off the confusion, arise and shake off the doubt, 'cause faith will allow you to take the step that will cause the Heavens to shift in a new way. A New Move. This is a day that I'm causing the movement to shift. I have a new movement that has entered the earth. The sound that is creating this movement is joining the present sound of My troop that is moving in the Earth. Judah (worship and apostolic leadership in My present congregations) will begin to move as I am moving. If not, the enemy will establish himself to lessen the authority of My Kingdom people in the Earth. My new move will not prevent but enhance and open the giving! Stand still and watch as the giving for your next season comes into place. My new move is opening up the way for this giving to be released for Kingdom missions. Release of supply will cause giving to come into place. Judah will come to a higher place in Me, and the enemy will be defeated. It's almost like you got to the end and God is now shifting you into the beginning in a way you've not been shifted before. And you will rerun and cross over in a way that you couldn't have crossed over in the last season. I must narrow your way and refocus that which you need to be focused in. I saw the Lord taking all the distractions and re-ordering it. The Lord said it would take a 40-day process to have it all reordered, but I would be able to get re-ordered so I could see the next end of what He was beginning. The Lord said, I am beginning something that will cause you to be established in a new way, and I'm beginning something that will help My people break forth by leaps and bounds. But I must narrow your focus so that what is now beginning you will be able to see the end clearly. For I reveal the end from the beginning. This is a time that I am activating the seer anointing in a whole new way. I'm going to cause you to see what you could not see in days past. For you have even had awareness of the activity of the enemy, but I am opening your eyes and activating the seer anointing so that you can see that there are more that are for you than there are that are against you. This is a new time, and you're going to see, even though there's been an awareness of the enemy. In this hour there will be such a new strength that will come to My people because this seer anointing will see the angelic activity and will see the presence of the Lord in a new way. So, watch Me as I open your eyes in a new way and cause you to see what you could not see in days past."

To all those who are praying for Esther and I, we encourage you to pray that God will continue to open our eyes to see God's full plan for us and this work. Please pray that God will continue to connect us with "KEY" people and if you have any encouraging words for us, we will gladly accept them!

We will keep you posted as to what God is doing as He unfolds things to us. We have an important announcement to share with you all shortly!!

Blessing to you all!!

Steve and Esther Roach

pastorsteveroach@gmail.com