January
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1 KJV
New Year’s Celebrations at Heritage: Over the New Year’s weekend, a refreshing spirit of unity flowed over the grounds, impacting the hearts of hundreds of Christians who came out to the celebrations. From the excitement of the New Year’s Conference hosted by MorningStar Ministries, to the beautiful peace-filled Candlelight Communion Service held in the Upper Room, the overwhelming presence of God was so evident that it felt a little like PTL’s glory days.
As Christians from all walks of life genuinely reached out to each other, the Holy Spirit infused the atmosphere. For whatever reason, these particular New Year’s services caused a few people to deem the weekend as a tangible sign that God is moving on the grounds in a powerful way.
There have been countless prophecies said over Heritage USA during the past twenty-five years foretelling of a full-circle restoration, triggering a revival that will spread throughout the country. As church goers on the grounds witness miracles of revived and restored lives, they are encouraged to keep praying for a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit. If the many ministries on the grounds would wholeheartedly make an effort to fulfill God’s will of coming into one accord, we may very well realize a “great awakening” and the fulfillment of all the prophetic words spoken over this land.
A heartwarming example of the effect the Spirit of God had on people during the weekend came from the compelling testimony of Bobby Riedel, who vacationed at Heritage USA as a boy. He wrote the following message after attending the New Year’s Conference at MorningStar and going to the Upper Room’s services. His experience says it all.
Below is Bobby Riedel’s post from the Upper Room’s facebook page:
“I have waited all my life to get into the Upper Room. As a kid going to PTL on vacation with my family, I always knew it was there, and all my relatives went…but at that age, all I wanted to do was go to the water park, the Recreation Village, or some other part of that wonderful place. I was serious about my faith as a boy, but I just never made time for the Upper Room…Man o man…what a mistake…everything happened and it was closed…I would visit the grounds over the years, and it was still closed, but I would always walk around it, pray, and visit the gravesite of Mr. Sara (I knew the family).
This past week, I finally got into the Upper Room…a dream come true. I always heard of the powerful stories: lives changed, healings, words spoken, people restored…Guess what? It hit me too the very first day I went in…Tears fell down my face, the Holy Spirit was so thick, and I am so proud to say that instead of being in NYC Times Square for New Years, I was at the Upper Room praying in the New Year and taking communion! The following day, a couple of people I was with came with me to the night service run by Pastor Randy Hill. Same spirit was in that place, and some of the gifts that the Lord has given me began to go into operation at my seat and with those I was with…Well, for those of you that were there, you saw what happened, and this is just the beginning.
We saw history that night at the Upper Room and I am so happy so many of you were there. I cannot wait till I come back, and I pray blessings on all of you on this page and that attend regularly. Thank you to all of you who have prayed, sowed, and laid down your lives…From the gardener to the prayer team…the worship ministry…those ministers who preached there, and to the MILLIONS of PTL partners…Thank you.”
On the 12th, the Upper Room Chapel started a weekly discipleship training class lead by Rev. Jason Goodnight, who is the “former director of the 24/7 Prayer Center of Charlotte and for several years has been ministering in the area of discipleship.” Each Thursday night starting at 6:30 p.m. Rev Goodnight will be teaching on discipleship; there will also be a time of worship and interactive ministry. EVERYONE IS WELCOME.
To stay current with the happenings at the Upper Room, check out their facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/62147692320/
Live streaming of the 6:30 p.m. Upper Room Sunday Praise & Worship service can be seen at: www.upperroomchapel.com.
For anyone new to our website, the following is a listing of most of the ministries that are currently on the grounds:
1. Renovatus Community Church, pastored by Jonathan Martin, gathers on Sundays at 11 a.m. in the former PTL TV Studio. For further information, check out their website at: http://www.renovatuscommunity.com.
2. Antioch International Church, pastored by Peter Wyns, is located in the industrial section just over the railroad tracks at 8180 Regent Parkway. www.lifeatantioch.org.
3. All Nations Church, pastored by Bonnie and Mahesh Chavda, is located at the former Fort Hope on Hammond Road. http://chavdaministries.org.
4. Fresh Fire USA, Evangelist Todd Bentley’s ministry office is located inside the Heritage Grand Hotel. www.freshfireusa.com.
5. World Outreach Center & Community Church – directed by John and Joanne Cava is located at PTL’s former Welcome Center near the old entrance to Heritage. Information about this ministry can be found on their facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/worldoutreachcenter .
6. Randy Hill Ministries – pastored by Randy Hill, who is part of The Broadcast Group, holds Sunday night “Praise and Worship” services in the Upper Room. www.randyhillministries.org.
7. The Upper Room Chapel is owned and operated by Mr. Russell James. The chapel is open for prayer on Saturday and Sunday. A Sunday night “live streamed” Praise & Worship service begins at 6:30 pm. For more information, check out their website at: www.upperroomchapel.com, or keep current with the happenings at the Upper Room on their facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/62147692320/.
8. The Barn Auditorium (Heritage Village Church) – As The Broadcast Group continues to refurbish the Barn Auditorium, the progress can be viewed on their facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/thebroadcastgroup?ref=ts. The workers and volunteers have done an exceptional job of restoring this historic landmark during the past year. Hopefully, they will soon announce when the Barn will officially open.
9. MorningStar Ministries/Heritage International Ministries “HIM” is located in the Heritage Grand Hotel. For more information on this multi-faceted ministry, check out their website at: www.morningstarministries.org.
10. The Jubilee Life Center Church of Charlotte N.C. – pastored by Bishop Charles Gibson is currently leasing the old Wagon Wheel Restaurant and former PTL Campground Registration Offices. For more information, check out their website at: www.hgjubilee.org
The following sites are related to Heritage USA and the PTL ministry:
Tour of Heritage USA is available at Ben Martin’s unique website:
www.heritage-usa.org. Experience a nostalgic walk down Memory Lane of the former Heritage USA grounds. You will be delighted with the inventive details Ben Martin has included in this interesting and colorful site showing what the PTL Ministry looked like back in the day.
The Heritage USA Museum is located off Main Street inside the Heritage Grand Hotel. This excellent project was started by Ben Martin and Clint Rogers a few years ago, and it continues to expand. Donors, including Pastor Jim Bakker, have given some of their personal possessions to the museum. Someday they hope to have a larger facility to house everything they are collecting that will show the history of the entire PTL Ministry.
Remembering PTL & Heritage USA, operated by Todd Barwick, is a good way to communicate with those interested in PTL’s past, present and future. http://www.facebook.com/PTL.Heritage. Todd also oversees the PTL Heritage USA group on Yahoo Groups: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeritageUSA/
The PTL Tape Vault is filled with short videos from the original PTL Shows. This popular facebook account can be accessed at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PTL- Tape- Vault /82965166609
Everything Heritage USA is another nostalgic PTL website that is being created by Jason Babcock of Jamestown, New York and can be found at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/never4getheritageusa
During the month, on the Jim Bakker Show, Pastor Jim continued to warn people of where we are on God’s timetable.
In one of his writings for the New Year titled, 2012 Arrives Amid Great Confusion, he stated his belief that if we turn back to God as a nation, we could “stay the hand of God and His righteous judgment of this nation, and lessen the misery of the consequences of our rebellion…” He goes on to say:
“At this time, however, the prophetic clock is still ticking away and the events preceding the Second Coming of Jesus will happen (are happening), just as it says and is foretold in Matthew 24, Luke 21, countless other Old and New Testament passages, and especially in the Revelation.
We are not going to change the prophetic unfolding of End Time events, but we can change what judgments are meted out and we have a choice how God deals with us individually and as a nation, based upon our responses to His warnings.
The economies and the governments of this nation and the world are falling apart, natural disasters are at an all-time high, and the whole of humanity is ready to plunge right into the doomsdays scenario that is presented in the Book of Revelation. Food could disappear off grocery shelves in a matter of hours. Electricity and gasoline may be completely unavailable. The world is on the brink of World War III. Iran and Israel are poised to unleash weapons of mass destruction at each other, not to mention the U.S., Russia, China, and others.
THE STAGE IS NOW SET for the arrival of the antichrist. We are on the very threshold of more calamity than the world has ever seen before.”
Read entire commentary at: www.jimbakkershow.com and click on “Jim’s Blog.”
The Barn Auditorium (Heritage Village Church): Look what God has done! God Bless The Broadcast Group (www.thebroadcastgroup.com) as they continue putting the finishing touches in the Barn, which is now inhabitable.
The Towers:
WBTV 3 TV News of Charlotte did a report about the ongoing Towers’ situation Below is the entire article (updated January 4th):
Money and legal battles have clouded the future of what neighbors call an eyesore.
However, those same residents around the tower say they may have found a loop hole in the system, and filed a petition on a little known county ordinance hoping the law will finally get something done.
Eric Kinsinger has called everyone from the county to the state house to try and get something done about the old PTL tower that looms over his neighborhood in Fort Mill.
“They have not done anything with the tower at all,” said Kinsinger.
When he thought all hope was lost, he found a county ordinance about unfit dwellings, dangerous structures or nuisances.
“It’s defiantly a nuisance,” said Kinsinger.
In short the ordinance reads unfit dwellings are unlawful if found in dilapidation, or unsafe to residents of the county.
“There are many things that it states that fits this building exactly,” said Kinsinger.
And he may be right. Back in June of this year people were caught trespassing in the tower. The sheriff’s report even called the building “dilapidated.”
At that time WBTV’s Trent Faris spoke with the Director of Safety at MorningStar Ministries who owns the tower he even said about the building was “A very dangerous environment.”
The county ordinance was written in 2002. MoriningStar took over the building in 2004 with plans to repair it and sell the apartments. So since the building is technically a dwelling it falls under the regulations of the ordinance.
The ordinance goes on to state if the owner can’t repair the property the county can take over and demolish it.
In 2010 the York County Council gave MorningStar a deadline to find the funding to fix the place up.
In June of that year the county found MorningStar in default of the agreement.
Since then the county and MorningStar have been going back and forth in legal battles. Kinsinger says the law is clear, and he’s contacted attorneys about it.
“They said they have to do something based on the way this Ordinance is written and if they don’t we can sue York County and we’re prepared to do so if we have to,” said Kinsinger.
Now that the petition is filed-the county must research and act within 30 days.
York County manager Jim Baker told WBTV the county has set a date of January 30th to discuss the future of the tower with MorningStar and a mediator, and if an agreement can’t be reached the county can take MorningStar to court.
However, Baker went on to say if that happens it could take even longer before the tower’s future is decided.
Article can be found at: The Towers
On the 30th – York County issued a press release as follows:
YORK COUNTY – MORNINGSTAR MEDIATION
York, SC – After further mediated discussions between representatives of MorningStar Ministries and York County, it was agreed that MorningStar Ministries will prepare a presentation for the York County Council meeting on March 5, 2012.
This presentation will detail a MorningStar proposal to improve and secure the existing building facade and the surrounding parking lot and demonstrate a financial commitment to make these immediate improvements. MorningStar will also propose a series of future commitment dates to complete overall building design, obtain full financing, commence and complete the building construction.
York County has committed to seriously and objectively consider the MorningStar proposal and determine by no later than the Council Meeting on Marth 19th 2012, whether this proposal is an acceptable resolution of the County’s concerns.
Should the proposal be found acceptable, it would become the template for an amended Development Agreement for completing the tower(s). If the Council rejects the MorningStar proposal, mediation will have ended in an impasse and both parties will be free to pursue any legal actions they feel appropriate to resolve their dispute. http://rockhill.wbtv.com/news/news/70982-york-county-morningstar-reach-agreement-now
Signs of the Times:
The Bible tells us in II Chronicles 7:14 that through repentance, humbling ourselves and turning from our wicked ways, God will forgive His people’s sin and heal their land. If we understood that America’s moral and financial problems, which are now arguably beyond human remedy, were caused by our country turning its back on God, we could as a nation and individually, humbly turn back to the Lord. In these unprecedented times when the world is seemingly out of control, the love of many has waxed cold and sin continues ratcheting upward, America has the ability to seek God’s forgiveness and spare our country from judgment.
Recently, on the Jim Bakker Show, Pastor Jim’s guest was Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, author of the current #1 best selling Christian book THE HARBINGER. (http://www.christianbook.com.) This “mind blowing” story explores the ancient mystery that holds the secret of America’s future.
Pastor Jim and Rabbi Cahn spent several hours going over startling revelations the Rabbi learned from the Old Testament about the meaning of the September 11th 2001 attacks on America. Over the past several years, Rabbi Cahn has exhaustively researched the biblical implications of the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in New York City from the ancient warnings that are found in the Book of Isaiah.
After Rabbi Cahn made appearances on the Jim Bakker Show, Sid Roth’s program, It’s Supernatural and had his book featured in Charisma Magazine, THE HARBINGER’s astonishing message quickly became the #1 best selling Christian book in America.
On one of Sid Roth’s programs It’s Supernatural, he did an in-depth interview with Rabbi Cahn on the message of THE HARBINGER: The entire TV program can be seen below:
On Friday the 13th,
S&P Cuts Ratings on France, Italy, Other European Countries
Standard & Poor’s downgraded the debt of nine European countries, including France and Austria, two large economies which until recently were thought to be strong…
S&P lowered by one notch the long-term ratings on Austria, France, Malta, Slovakia, and Slovenia, and by two notches ratings on Cyprus, Italy, Portugal and Spain.
The ratings firm affirmed long-term ratings on Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Each of the countries has been removed from S&P’s Credit Watch, where they were placed with “negative implications” in December. Full Article can be read at: S & P Ratings
During the month, our national debt ceiling was raised from $15.2 to $16.4 trillion. Presently, we are going into debt at the rate of $3 million per minute. Click on the following link to watch how fast America’s debt is rising: http://www.usdebtclock.org/
It is also being reported that America’s unemployment at 8.5 percent is more like 16.5 percent after factoring in people who quit looking for work or are underemployed.
On the 23rd, Unseasonal tornadoes and storms ravaged the South and Midwest;
Click on the following link to see video of the storm damage: Storms
On the 24th, the strongest radiation storm on the sun since 2005 caused a rare warning from the U.S. Weather Officials saying the people on earth would not be affected, but our satellite communication systems could be interrupted. As another rare precaution some polar flights were expected to be rerouted.
The following pictures from NASA and US satellites capture the massive explosion on the sun: Sun Storm
Romans 12:2 says: “Do not change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.”
We would like to take this opportunity to say “Thank you” for your patience as we continue updating our website. God Bless Graphic Designer Nancy G. Daniel for giving of her time and talents to make our Time Line possible.
For excellent Web and Print Design Nancy can be contacted at: www.nancyg.org.
February
“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
During the month, the seemingly endless Towers’ situation attracted more media attention and more controversy on the grounds. March 5th is the latest date in place for MorningStar Ministries to meet with the York County Council and unveil their final plan for completing the Towers. This particular meeting will be open to everyone.
On the 9th, MorningStar held an on-line Webinar for their friends and partners. David Yarnes, Executive Vice President of MorningStar Ministries, provided a short history on the Towers and stated that MorningStar intends to present a proposal to the York County Council on the 5th of March that will include a timeline and financing information for the full restoration of the twenty-five year old building. Upon an agreement with the county, the ministry will start by first fixing the Towers’ crumbling brick facade. www.morningstarministries.org.
Our local paper, The Herald, reported:
Owners of blighted Fort Mill tower to present plan ~ by Jamie Self
FORT MILL – The owners of a dilapidated Fort Mill Township high-rise will present a plan to improve the tower’s crumbling facade and, later, renovate the building, according to a release from York County Manager Jim Baker.MorningStar Ministries will present the plan, which will include a timeline for construction and a plan for financing, to the York County Council at its March 5 meeting, according (to) Baker’s statement, released Monday afternoon.Since 2004, MorningStar has planned to renovate the tower into a spiritually focused retirement community.
The group runs the MorningStar Fellowship Church, camps, a school and a conference center at the former Heritage USA site off U.S. 21 near the state line.The ministry entered a development agreement with the county that set forth deadlines for completing the tower.
The agreement calls for demolition if the deadlines aren’t met.The public presentation is the result of more than a year of closed-door meetings between MorningStar and York County, aiming to resolve, with help of a legal mediator, a dispute over whether the ministry should be given more time to make progress on the renovations or demolish the tower.
“York County has committed to seriously and objectively consider the MorningStar proposal” and will determine by no later than March 19th “whether this proposal is an acceptable resolution of the County’s concern,” according to the release.The York County Council can accept or reject the plan. A rejection will mean the two parties have reached an impasse and are free to pursue legal action to resolve the dispute. The Herald
The Upper Room ~ Work continues at the Upper Room and volunteers are always welcomed. This month a large cross was constructed on the property, and a “handicapped” walkway is being added to the Walk of Faith. For further information on ways you can help with the continuing work and maintenance of the building and the grounds, go to their website at: www.upperroomchapel.com and click on “Volunteers.” Also check out their facebook account for up-to-date information on all that is happening there: Upper Room on Facebook
On the 20th, the York County Council held its bi-weekly meeting. At the meeting, Eric Kinsinger, a resident who lives near the Towers, was given an opportunity to speak to the council about the situation. The following is a link to WRHI Radio Station in Charlotte, N.C. that did a report on the Towers that includes some of Eric Kinsinger’s comments:
Report
From the 23rd to 25th, MorningStar Ministries held an Advanced Prophetic Training Conference in the lobby of the hotel. The meeting was attended by several hundred people, and all the nightly services were streamed on God TV. Guests included Cindy Jacobs, Chuck Pierce and Rick Joyner, who spoke about “Knowing and Being Prepared for the Times” in which we live.
During the month on the Jim Bakker Show in Blue Eye, Missouri, Morningside’s Master’s Media students discussed their new venture into social media in order to reach their generation with the Gospel. These students are in the process of developing a new Internet network named Generation Now IPTV Network. www.generationNOWiptv.com.
Pastor Jim has talked and written about the upcoming generation, asserting that the way we evangelize, especially to the new generation, must be in a way the kids can understand. He recently wrote, “Most kids are not coming to church – they can’t relate to church. So we need to go get them. We need to find a way to reach them with Jesus, and it’s not going to be by traditional means. It’s going to be different – it’s going to be through social media and other web-related technologies.”
Jim Bakker is helping to accomplish the Master’s Media students’ goal by building a new TV Production Center in the Tabernacle, where the students are trained for ministry. The state-of-the-art studio will be outfitted with the latest video equipment and new TV cameras. Students will now be able to use their creative talents to produce Internet programs that will speak to the serious issues the new generation faces every day.
The Generation Now Network has also started a Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/generationNOWiptv
The Master’s Media students describe this project as follows:
“Generation Now is a brand new Christian TV network directed to young adults 18-30 years of age that deals with hard hitting issues including drugs, sex, alcohol, pornography, social acceptance etc. – The topics that are all around us today. Generation Now will be talking about these issues through sitcom’s, talk shows, testimonials, short skits, comedies etc.
The church today seems to be majoring in issues that the general public is not asking. Our goal is to major on the hard hitting controversial questions that you only ask your Pastor after a few tequilas! Welcome to …GENERATION NOW!”
Below is one of several U-tube videos the Master’s students produced that shows the construction work being done on the new Control Center.
Signs of the Times:
“You should know this Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the POWER that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT
A large portion of Jim Bakker’s writings from February 16th
“You only have to look around you to see that things are coming apart in today’s world, quickly! Every day we read and hear things that are pointing to dire days ahead. Sometimes I don’t even recognize this country in which we live. One news article I read today said that the ‘new’ American dream was renting a home. Remember when the American dream was actually owning a home?
But that issue is minor compared to what’s happening in our world at large. Governments are being overturned. Israel is fighting for her life. People are calling good things evil, and calling evil things good. In the midst of all that, we are seeing another thing happening which, unfortunately, we sometimes become complacent about. We’re seeing a rise in natural disasters, freaky weather, terrorist attacks – any of these things could put us in a life-threatening situation in a matter of minutes.
You may say, ‘Well Jim, hasn’t it always been that way?’ The answer of course, is ‘Yes.’ But keep in mind that these things are increasing in frequency and intensity, just like the Bible says in Matthew 24. When you see the increase…that’s the time to act. When you see the ‘birth pains’ getting closer and closer, you can be sure that the baby is coming. You better get to the hospital!
Remember that the people who were watching Noah build the Ark were scoffers. Why did they scoff? Why didn’t they act on the warning? They were busy with life as usual…building, marrying, and partying. It’s a sad thing when people hear the warning sound, but decide to ignore it. It’s sadder still, when Christians disregard the Bible’s warnings.
Yet, these same people will be calling out to God for help when Times of Trouble come. Bill Whaley, a recent show guest that specializes in self-sufficiency and survival techniques using everyday ‘junk’, said that the people who snub survival warnings are the same people who scream “God save me!” when things come apart.
Perhaps He will.
But God sent His WORD ahead of these things so that those who are wise will prepare. I am not the only one crying out with the warning. Many others are warning people as well. Even secular sources are warning people – so much so that the suppliers of emergency food and equipment can’t even begin to keep up with the demand…”
Jim Bakker www.jimbakkershow.com
On the 1st, a Bible School was bombed by the government of Sudan: Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham said of the February 1st tragedy, “Today our Bible school in Heiban in the Nuba Mountains was bombed by the Sudanese Air Force. No one was killed or hurt, but buildings were destroyed. Please pray for the safety of believers, and that God would intervene.” Since early August, at least four churches built by Samaritan’s Purse have been destroyed by bombing or burning, including Angolo Church on January 10th.
Click link to see a heartfelt interview Fox News did with Rev. Graham.
February 12th, CNN reported: “Greece cleans up after night of rioting – Athens, Greece – Anger over Greece’s austerity measures exploded in the streets of Athens early Monday as tens of thousands of protesters clashed with police in riots that left 106 police officers and dozens of civilians injured, according to police” – Click link for full story and video clip: Greece
On the 13th, CNN reported Moodys downgrades 6 countries – Moody’s cut the credit ratings of six European countries on Monday amid continued anxiety over the continent’s debt crisis and its sluggish economy.
Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain were all downgraded, while three other countries – Austria, France and the United Kingdom – had the outlook on their current Aaa ratings changed to “negative.” Click link to read full report: Moodys
During the month, Gasoline prices in America reached their highest “ever” for this time of the year. This sudden rise in gas prices could slow economic growth – See Video report by Fox News: Fox News Gas Prices
James 5:7-8 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.”
March
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 – Message Bible
The Upper Room: The new addition to the Walk of Faith has been completed and the entire walkway is now handicapped accessible.
Please continue your financial support for the Upper Room. Owner, Russell James, “dislikes” asking for financial help, but sometimes it becomes difficult for him to pay all the bills. Recently, the heat had to be turned off for over a week in the Upper Room because of a lack of funds. God Bless everyone in a special way who contributes to the maintenance and upkeep of this historic building. For information on how you can give, please go to the Upper Room’s website at: www.upperroomchapel.com and click the “Support” tab.
On the 4th, Pastor Randy Hill announced at the Sunday night Praise & Worship Service in the Upper Room that there will be a special Palm Sunday gathering held in the Big Barn Auditorium on April 1st. It will be followed by a weeklong reading of the entire Bible in the Barn.
Mary Yeary, a spokesperson for the Upper Room wrote about the event: “Get ready everyone! On Palm Sunday, April 1, 2012, a Campmeeting type Worship Music and Prayer Service will be held at the Big Barn Auditorium, from 2 pm until 8 pm. The Service will kick off a week of continual reading of the Scriptures in the Barn! We are expecting God to confirm His Word with signs following, as we gather to just love on Him! Pray for the Service and invite your friends to come. Everyone is welcome! Look for more information to be forthcoming from The Broadcast Group, Randy Hill, Russell James or other official sources!” www.thebroadcastgroup.com
Note: Though the Barn Auditorium isn’t totally finished, this week-long event is a step of faith by Pastor Hill. He believes these special services will spark a move of God that will bring a large ingathering of people from our local area and from around the country.
The first week in March brought even more tensions over the Towers’ situation. On the 1st, Rick Joyner held a news conference at the Heritage Grand Hotel to make it clear that MorningStar Ministries’ position is still to restore and finish the Towers. He also spoke of a possible lawsuit against York County for discrediting the ministry, which affected MorningStar’s ability to begin the renovations. However, Rick Joyner hopes that suing York County can be avoided if the county accepts their plan of restoration.
Click on the following link for full story: Law Suit?
This particular news conference spawned more articles in our local papers along with a few televised news reports from the grounds. There is a huge difference of opinion about the Towers’ future with seemingly no end in sight.
WSOC-TV of Charlotte reported “Heritage Tower owners pushing county for development approval” Fort Mill, S.C. – An ultimatum has been handed down to York County by the owners of an eyesore in Fort Mill. MorningStar Ministries is threatening to sue York County if the county does not agree to a new plan to fix up the old Heritage Tower. Video Report: Old heritage Tower Video Report
WCNC-TV of Charlotte (News channel 36) click on the Video Report on the Towers
On the 5th, MorningStar Ministries met with the York County Council to present their plan. The meeting was well represented by people on both sides of the issue. The final decision on the plan was to be made by the Council on March 19th.
On the 5th, WSOC TV of Charlotte did the following video report from the grounds: Owners Set to Present Renovation
On the 6th, our local paper, Fort Mill Times, reported –
Fort Mill ministry vows to York County Council it will finish PTL tower – MorningStar vows to York Co. Council it will repair tower ~ by Jamie Self
The owners of a controversial Fort Mill area high-rise asked the York County Council Monday night for its “trust” and five more years to transform the blighted tower into a spiritual retirement community.
With county approval, MorningStar could begin repairing the 21-story building’s crumbling façade in 30 days – reinstalling railings and balconies, painting faux bricks where real ones have fallen off, and removing unsightly debris, said David Yarnes, the ministry’s vice president.
The ministry also asked for nine to 15 months to submit site plans and engineering document. MorningStar wants until the end of 2014 to show proof of financing for renovating the tower completely. Construction would run from August 2015 to February 2017.
The proposal follows more than a year that the county and ministry have been tied up in closed-door legal negotiations over whether the ministry failed to uphold its obligations on the tower project.
Built by former televangelist and PTL founder Jim Bakker as part of the Christian vacation destination Heritage USA, located off U.S. 21 near the state line, the project unraveled in the late 1980’s after Bakker left amid a scandal.
Since 2004, MorningStar, which runs a church, camps, schools, and a conference center, has been restoring the buildings on the site, but the tower has sat untouched. When the county wanted to demolish it in 2007, MorningStar offered a plan to renovate it. The county approved the plan, but set deadlines for the ministry to show finances and the ability to finish the tower – or face demolishing it. Those deadlines have passed, county leaders maintain.
On Monday night, MorningStar leaders blamed the county for sabotaging its plans and driving away financial backers when it announced the ministry had defaulted on the agreement.
Rick Joyner, MorningStar chief executive officer and spiritual leader, said the ministry isn’t responsible for a “single day of delay” on the project. Last week he threatened to sue if county leaders reject the ministry’s plan.
Joyner said Monday they need to restore their trust in one another: “We’ve got what it takes to get this job done, but we can’t do it if we’re at war,” he said.
County Manager Jim Baker said after the meeting that ministry leaders left out many facts of their dispute, including the county’s repeated requests for proof of financing and willingness to give the ministry more time.
Ministry leaders said they have $700,000 in a bank account set aside for the immediate renovations but asked council members not to make financial statements public.
After the meeting, Joyner said that “short of the world collapsing,” the ministry will see the project through.
On whether anything could deter finding financing for the tower, Joyner said, “We’ve got fallbacks. We’ve got friends who could write a check” out of their personal accounts if necessary, adding that they’re trying to build a ministry, not a private business.
After the meeting, Councilman David Bowman of Fort Mill said he needs to review the proposal again. The county has until March 19 to decide whether to accept it.
Bowman was hoping to see more details, including photos and renderings, and was disappointed that ministry leaders spent more of their time “telling us how bad we are” then asking for trust, he said. He called the group’s accusations against the county “completely unfounded.”
Some neighbors of the tower asked the council to consider how much time the county has given the ministry and questioned whether the ministry could be trusted.
“In this case where there’s nothing concrete, you’ve got to judge the future by the past, “Dan Ritchie said after the meeting.
About three dozen people came out in support of the ministry. Richard Osgood had a deposit on a tower residence and worried he’d never see it finished when he and his wife learned about the renovated condos in the nearby hotel and moved in.
Seeing the tower complete “means a lot to our outreach around the world,” he said. It will provide a “training area where people can do what they would like to do for the Lord,” he said. Full article.
On the 8th during a taping of the Jim Bakker Show, Tammy Sue Bakker surprised her Dad when she visited him at Morningside in Blue Eye, Missouri. It was a precious moment to see Tammy Sue and Jim Bakker together publicly for the first time in many years. This was also the first time Tammy Sue visited her Dad’s ministry since Tammy Faye passed in 2007. What an incredibly miraculous moment of healing for the whole Bakker family.
Jim Bakker wrote shortly after the reunion:
“Today, March 8, 2012, I received the shock of my life when my daughter, Tammy Sue Bakker, came to Morningside and surprised me on-stage when she entered from the Green Room singing ‘The Blood.’
Tammy Sue has not been in the public eye for 8 years, but today her amazing anointing and her beautiful voice has never been more powerful! She may have been silent for a season, but her astounding voice is silent no more!
I believe with all my heart that God has brought Tammy Sue home to me “for such a time as this.”
My heart rejoices. Jim Bakker”
Note: The shows with Tammy Sue aired on TV March 28th – 30th. They can be seen on Jim Bakker’s website at www.jimbakkershow.com in the Archives section – The shows are numbered as follows #2038, #2039 and #2040. Click below to see a four minute U-Tube Video of the reunion:
Tammy Sue’s anointed voice is truly one of the most powerful of our time. It never ceases to amaze us how it does not matter where someone who carries God’s anointing ministers. Whether it’s from inside a church or in the middle of a desert, the anointing can completely change the atmosphere and impart hope and healing to hurting people. God bless Tammy Sue for stepping out to sing again. Heaven is on your side Tammy Sue! As soon as you started to sing, over eight years of prayer was answered in less than eight seconds. Praise the Lord!
On the19th, the York County Council rejected MorningStar’s request for more time to restore the Towers. The following is a portion of the article that appeared the next day in our local paper The Herald.
York County rejects request for time to fix old Fort Mill Tower ~ by Jamie Self FORT MILL – The York County Council unanimously rejected a Fort Mill ministry’s request to restart the clock on a plan to renovate a blighted high-rise.
MorningStar Ministries has had plans to renovate a 21-story tower on its property near U.S. 21 and the state line into a spiritually-focused retirement community since 2007, when the building, located in the Regent Park development was scheduled for demolition.
Built in the 1980’s as part of televangelist Jim Bakker’s Heritage USA spiritual vacation destination, the unfinished tower since has raised concerns among neighbors about its safety and appearance.
The county entered a development agreement with the ministry in the project’s early phases. It set forth deadlines for producing proof of financing and a commitment to seeing the renovation through and gave demolition as a remedy if deadlines were not met. Read the entire story at: Deadlines not Met
On the 21st, MorningStar Ministries responded to York County Council.
The Herald reported –Fort Mill Tower owners respond to York County’s rejection ~ by Jamie Self
The owners of a Fort Mill Tower will meet with their attorneys soon to discuss whether they’ll fulfill a threat to sue York County for financial damages related to a stalled plan to rebuild a blighted high-rise.
“We do want to have one more meeting with the lawyers,” said Rick Joyner, executive director and spiritual leader of MorningStar Ministries, which owns the 21-story former PTL Tower – built in the 1980’s as part of televangelist Jim Bakker’s spiritual vacation destination, Heritage USA.
The York County Council on Monday rejected the ministry’s proposal for fixing up the Tower’s exterior and its request for five more years to complete the renovations.
Council members said the ministry’s proposal still lacked the detail necessary to ensure it would be able to carry out the project.
The decision ended more than a year of legal mediation between the county and ministry brought on by a dispute over the terms of a development agreement. It set forth deadlines for financing and building the tower and offers demolition as a remedy should those deadlines pass.
If the mediator declares an impasse, both parties, according to their development agreement would be free to sue.
The county claims the ministry defaulted on its side of the deal when it failed to show proof it could finance and complete the tower renovation.
Earlier this month, Joyner and ministry leaders said they had a lawsuit “ready to go” to sue the county for “sabotaging” the tower project with public claims of default.
County leaders said there is still a chance to agree on a solution without taking the matter to court.
Joyner, who wasn’t present at Monday’s County Council meeting, said Tuesday the ministry feels confident it will win a case against the county and will have details to support its claims.
“We’re going to be able to prove very clearly every position we have,” he said. “I don’t see how we could lose this thing. It’s pretty much a slam-dunk case.”
Note: The Towers’ situation appears to have no imminent solution. The division on the grounds over the unfinished building has now become much more vocal, and battle lines have been drawn. May God’s will be done here at Heritage.
The late Pastor David Wilkerson’s prophetic words appear to still hold true when it comes to the completion of the Towers. Below is an “Excerpt” from our September 22nd 2010 commentary – See our “Archives” to read more.
In 1986, when the Towers was just a few months away from completion, David Wilkerson, Pastor of the Times Square Church in New York City, saw that the PTL Ministry had moved from the “Spirit” into the “Flesh,” and its message started leaning toward a “Prosperity Gospel.” While Heritage USA was exploding with success, David Wilkerson openly voiced his objections of the prosperity message and prophesied that because PTL lost its original vision, the Towers would not be completed as planned, and birds would be flying in and out of it until the ministry changed course.
MARCH 19th marked the 25th anniversary since Jim Bakker’s resignation from the PTL Ministry. As we have written before, the 1987 PTL scandal was a dark moment in the church. From March 19th and throughout the many months and years that followed, the world witnessed how callous most of the church world was towards Jim & Tammy Faye Bakker.
Jim Bakker failed morally, but so did the church by ignoring the whole Bakker family. In the end, Jim Bakker was found “not guilty” of fraud at a second trial in 1996 after being released from prison. Sadly, hardly anyone knows about that trial and to this day most of the church hasn’t forgiven Jim Bakker, leaving unhealed wounds in the Bakker family and in many PTL Partners as well.
For the most part, the new generation is familiar with Jim & Tammy Faye as ministers related to scandal. Most people do not realize that with their God-given vision for Christian television, they broke through the darkness of religion by bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ into the homes of millions of people worldwide. Jim Bakker created and hosted the 700 Club in the 1960’s, started the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) in the 1970’s, and went on to build the first Christian satellite network: at the time, the PTL Satellite Network was one of only four satellite networks in the world.
Jim & Tammy then built the mega-Christian retreat Heritage USA where millions of Christians frequented each year. Their many contributions to Christianity have seemingly all been forgotten.
We believe that someday, when the truth is uncovered, there will be a change of heart toward Jim & Tammy Faye and a public vindication for the entire Bakker family from the numerous false allegations they were bombarded with. Even if they did everything they were alleged to have done, which is far-fetched, it was and still is the church’s responsibility to restore.
Galatians 6: verses 1-3: (Message Bible) Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.
Because of the horrendous way the Bakker family was treated, many people lost faith in the church. Some concluded that if Jim Bakker, who has continually repented from his moral failure, cannot be forgiven and restored by the church, then what chance does the average person have when they do something wrong.
The reason Jesus went to the cross was to pay for the sins of ALL mankind with His blood. The Bible says in Romans 3:23 “For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God…” ALL is one of the biggest words in the Bible.
The worst part of the downfall of PTL is that the whole story of the PTL scandal and subsequent takeover by the late Rev. Jerry Falwell has yet to be told. Jim Bakker has often said, “When the truth is revealed of what really happened at PTL, it will rock the world!” For far too long many of the atrocities that were committed on the grounds of Heritage USA have been covered up, literally!
For example, the following excerpt from Tammy Faye’s 1996 book Telling It My Way (pages 218-219) tells an explicit and verifiable account of some of the destruction that went on at Heritage USA in 1987.
“Jerry Falwell’s steamroller flattened our lives and everything else in sight, but nobody had the courage to stop his plunder of PTL. Falwell ordered his workers to dig a huge pit and then buried thousands of my recordings, and books we had written, and Bibles with our pictures on them. They dumped all the inventory at midnight, thinking no one would see them, but their actions were secretly filmed by a camera crew as they covered the landfill with cement.
The pillage continued unabated. From the Heritage Grand Hotel, witnesses saw truckloads of furniture being hauled away, presumably to Lynchburg. It was beautiful, expensive furniture bought and paid for by the partners of PTL. Falwell forced all the employees into signing loyalty statements and warned them they could no longer correspond with us – or even say our names – or they would be fired. My secretary was among the first to leave. Claiming that he was just reducing costs, Falwell let hundreds of staff members go, only to bring in replacements from Lynchburg for every single one he fired.
One of the first people Falwell let go was my mom. She needed her job, and she pleaded with him to no avail. Losing her position broke my mom’s heart. Something went out of her after that. She was never quite the same. After she had raised eight children, that job had given her a new lease on life, and a new self-confidence and independence. With those two words – “you’re fired” – Jerry Falwell destroyed mom’s dream and her security. She would never have hurt him in any way.
But that was Jerry’s standard way of operating. In a decision billed as an economy move, Falwell transferred all mailing operations over to his brother in Lynchburg. Heavy sacks brimming with mail would arrive every day, and Falwell’s people would just take the money out and throw the letters away. Personal letters addressed to us were trashed, despite Falwell’s pledge that they would be forwarded. Even checks with our names on them were pilfered.
But this was just the beginning…” ~ Tammy Faye
“But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.” Matthew 10:26 NLT
During the month, we learned of a new Internet channel honoring Tammy Faye’s gospel music career that includes her signature songs and a few videos of her friends and her daughter Tammy Sue. The site is Tammy Faye Tribute’s Channel on U-Tube. It can be found at: Tammy Faye Tribute
Signs of the Times
Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Matthew 24: 7-8 NLT
From February 28th through March 3rd, tornadoes were reported to have ripped through fourteen states. The Weather Channel reported (www.weather.com) “Waves of tornado-bearing storms tore into America’s heartland this week, laying waste two towns, prisons, churches and trailer parks…”
On February 29th, CNN reported: Officials in the resort city of Branson, Missouri, were relieved an EF2 tornado, which damaged some of its marquee musical theaters, struck before the prime tourist season began. They said Wednesday the town was still open for business although tourists might have to change some of their entertainment plans. See video and full story at: Branson tornado
On the 3rd, 14 people were killed and several injured in the southeastern and central United States as 83 tornadoes swept across the country. Click link for details: 83 tornadoes
On the 8th, Fox News reported, “Beware of the flare: Giant solar storm heads to earth.” Click below to see dramatic video taken of the solar storms – Solar Storm
On the 14th, Fox News reported…Powerful quakes strike the coast of Japan. Almost one year to the day, Japan was struck by two powerful earthquakes – (magnitude 6.1 and 6.9) Full report and video – Japan earthquake
On the 15th, Fox News reported “Several houses were damaged and at least two destroyed in one southeastern Michigan community after a tornado touched down Thursday afternoon. The tornado was part of a heavy storm system of rain, hail and high winds that swept through southeast Michigan Thursday. Click on link to see video of the actual tornado – Damage
Note: According to some meteorologists, America is now on pace for another record-breaking tornado season.
On the 20th, CNN reported, Mexican officials were assessing damage Wednesday, a day after a strong earthquake left homes in ruins and rattled residents hundreds of miles away from the epicenter. At least 11 people were injured and hundreds of houses were damaged in the 7.4 magnitude quake, which struck midday Tuesday in southern Mexico near Ometepec, Guerrero. For full report and video click link: Mexico earthquake
“At that time, the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. Then all the peoples of the world will cry. They will see the Son of Man coming on clouds in the sky with great power and glory.” Matthew 24:30 NCV
April
“Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You’ve heard, of course, of Job’s staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That’s because God cares, cares right down to the last detail.” James 5:10-11 Message Bible
On Palm Sunday the 1st, The Barn Auditorium (Heritage Village Church) was opened to the public for the first time since the late 1990s. The inside of the 16,000 square foot building is still in need of a few finishing touches, but it’s an altogether amazing accomplishment. Dr. Dale Hill’s determination in purchasing the Barn along with the talents and contributions of many dedicated people made the miracle happen. What once appeared to be an unrealistic dream a decade ago is now a reality; the Lord made a way where there was no way…
A few weeks before the Barn actually reopened, several volunteers made a committed effort to clean the entire sanctuary. These volunteers also cleared away heaps of leaves and fallen branches from the surrounding heavily wooded landscape and they trimmed all the shrubbery around the building. The last details included installing carpeting and setting up several rows of chairs just hours before the service began.
Against all odds, at 2 p.m. April 1st 2012, the doors to the Barn Auditorium were officially reopened. Throughout the day a few hundred people came out to the greatly anticipated Praise & Worship Service. Pastor Randy Hill, Pastor Ron Lambright, guest speakers and a few worship teams all took part in the daylong event. Pastor Randy Hill’s expectations for a mighty move of God have been heightened as he continues to believe God for a great “Awakening” both in the church and on the grounds.
Pastor Hill will be leading a Praise & Worship Service in the Barn every Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m. The Broadcast Group plans to “live stream” the services at a date that has yet to be announced. Pictures of the Praise & Worship Service can be viewed on the Broadcast Group’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebroadcastgroup
The Upper Room (the heart of what remains of Heritage USA) is open every weekend. The hours are from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday & from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Sunday. People from the Prayer Team will be there on those days to pray with you or for you.
On Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. the Upper Room hosts a worship and word service pastored by Rev. Jason Goodnight. ALL ARE WELCOME. For the latest information about the happenings at the Upper Room, check out their website at: www.upperroomchapel.com or their facebook account at: PTL Facebook
New Churches on the grounds!
1) The Grace Church of the Carolinas founded and pastored by Dr. Randall E. Odom is moving to Heritage from their present location at the Charlotte Banquet Center. Their new address is 8160-C Regent Parkway, which is in a building owned by MorningStar Ministries.
This multifaceted church was established in 2009 by Dr. Odom, who is also a teacher and writes regular newspaper articles for The Fort Mill Times and the Carolina Gateway. The articles are focused on evangelism, Christian discipleship and raising awareness of Grace Church of the Carolinas.
Grace Church is moving on the grounds because they were hindered by the lack of availability at the Banquet Center where they met on Sunday mornings. For detailed information about the church, their statement of faith and their many outreach ministries, check out their website at: http://www.gracecoc.org/.
2) Elohim Christian Center, overseen by Abraham & Adriana Molina, is a church that meets on Friday nights at 7 p.m. in the Dogwood Room at the Heritage Grand Hotel. The Center’s telephone number is (803)-554-7685.
3) Iglesia Amanecer (Sunrise Church) –
This Spanish speaking church meets Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. and Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Dogwood Room at the Heritage Grand Hotel. Pastored by Tomas Becotte, the ministry’s services are in the Spanish language and the Sunday service is “live streamed.” For more information, click below:
Spanish speaking website: Iglesia Amanecer
English Translation website: Inglesia Amanecer English
Note: All in all there are now well over a dozen churches and ministries on the grounds. At the same time, there are now approximately two dozen subdivisions spread out over the 2200 acres of the former Heritage USA property.
The Towers: After last month’s barrage of media attention over the ongoing Tower’s situation, this month has been fairly quiet.
The 14+ acres in front of the Castle are being developed for more new homes: A large portion of the 14+ acres of land near where the Heritage Island Water Park once stood is being developed by Coulston Enterprises to make room for another subdivision. Adler Grove is the new subdivision’s name, and it will sit directly across the road from the Bexley subdivision that is presently being built on the land Recreation Village once stood on. Both the Heritage Island Water Park and Recreation Village are “gone with the wind,” or more accurately, “gone with the bulldozers…”
During the month, Charisma Magazine featured an article written by Pastor Jim Bakker calling attention to the biblical times we are living in, and why the recent publication of the best-selling book The Harbinger, written by Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, “hit home.” Jim Bakker also wrote about his imprisonment and his intense search for answers to why God allowed him to go to prison in 1989.
During his five-year incarceration, Jim Bakker studied God’s truths in the Bible and learned how wrong he was in accepting the prosperity gospel. He also studied the entire Book of Revelation, sometimes for 15 hours a day. He took each word of the Revelation back to the original Greek and Hebrew languages and discovered the relevancy this book has to our generation.
Charisma Magazine also wrote that Pastor Jim will be releasing a book this fall that will be an extensive study on the book of Revelation.
A portion of Jim Bakker’s article from April’s edition of Charisma Magazine:
“I had such a hunger to know Jesus more fully that I read and studied every word Jesus had spoken, as recorded in the gospels. For the next five years, I realized how wrong I had been in so many things – especially regarding the “love of money.” My life and theology was changed as I studied the entire Bible, culminating with the book of Revelation.
I studied John’s amazing Revelation from Jesus, one word at a time in the Greek, and came to the realization that this important last book in the Bible needs to be read and obeyed by the church now, with great blessing, not fear!
One of the most difficult and perhaps most avoided sections of Revelation is chapters 17 and 18, in which we discover that the Great Harlot – called “Mystery Babylon” – is destroyed in one hour. Everything about Mystery Babylon has to do with material things such as gold, silver, food and clothing. She is destroyed in one hour and the tradesmen and merchants will weep over the destruction of this great city that is the center of world trade (see 18:10-11).
One night in 1999, I felt I had received a word from God, so I quickly wrote down 31 things that were to come. One of those was a huge explosion in New York, and another at a major defense location in Washington, D.C. To the side of the paper, I wrote “Great Airplanes” and the word terrorism! In my dream I saw hoards of people running in terror. Remember, it was 1999, and I had no idea how such a thing might happen. But a year and a half later, watching on live TV, I witnessed the exact scene as if it were a rerun of a movie I’d seen before.”
To read the entire Charisma article, click on the following link: Charisma Article
From the 24th – 26th, Tammy Sue Bakker appeared on the Jim Bakker Show.
The three days Tammy Sue visited Morningside could not have happened at a more perfect time. From her anointed songs from bygone days to talking about the realities of life in today’s world, Tammy Sue reminded everyone of the awesome power of Jesus’ unconditional love for all people, no matter where they find themselves in life. She believes with all her heart that we serve a loving, caring, forgiving God – a God of a second chance who will never leave us or forsake us.
The unique anointing Tammy Sue possesses in both her singing voice and her ability to deliver a message of forgiveness and hope is truly a gift to the Body of Christ. She is blessed with a double portion of God’s grace and love. Without a doubt, Tammy Sue will once again bless millions of people as the Lord leads her back into ministry.
Check out when Tammy Sue’s visit will be aired on TV at: www.jimbakkershow.com.
To view Tammy Sue’s first appearance on the Jim Bakker Show in March, Click below:
A Special Recognition: Congratulations go out to the Remembering PTL & Heritage USA facebook Group and the PTL Heritage USA Group on Yahoo!
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Todd Barwick and his forerunner Tim Sanford for these two groups that were created for people who still have an interest in Heritage USA and the PTL Ministry. During the past decade, Todd’s high standard of excellence in monitoring and sharing information with thousands of people from around the world is praiseworthy.
God bless Todd Barwick and Tim Sanford’s faithfulness in maintaining the original PTL Heritage USA group through some very tough years. Todd Barwick was also instrumental in keeping the petition to save the Upper Room in the forefront when there was a real possibility it was going to be torn down. The Lord greatly used Todd and Dorothy Wilson, the woman who started the petition in 2009, to help the cause. Thankfully, Russell James purchased the Upper Room in November of 2010. God Bless you Todd and everyone else involved in creating and keeping these groups active.
The Remembering PTL & Heritage USA facebook page is an excellent way to communicate with those interested in PTL’s past, present and future. http://www.facebook.com/PTL.Heritage.
With the help of co-moderator Rick Olson, Todd continues the PTL Heritage USA group on Yahoo Groups: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeritageUSA/
Signs of the times:
For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again. In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones. Matthew 24: 21-22 NLT
During the month, on the Jim Bakker Show, one of the guests was Pastor John Kilpatrick, the overseer of the 1995 – 2000 Brownsville revival in Pensacola, Florida. Below is a portion of the commentary from Morningside’s blog on what Pastor Kilpatrick had to say about the times in which we live:
“One of the prophetic visions the Lord has given to Pastor John Kilpatrick involves the New Madrid fault line and an earthquake that he believes is tied to how this country deals with Jerusalem. He said that if America promotes the dividing of Jerusalem, he believes we may pay a great price in this country by being divided ourselves – by a supernatural earthquake.
Pastor Jim said that God doesn’t want those days of Revelation to come upon us unaware, to which Pastor Kilpatrick added ‘those days are not coming anymore – they’re here!’ He went on to say that this is the horsemen generation, – not the footmen – in reference to Jeremiah 12:5 we read, ‘If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with the horses?
In days of old, the footmen were men of war running into battle on foot. The horsemen were above them on horseback with heavy shields and deadly weapons and they were a formidable group. Pastor Kilpatrick went on to say that this references the fierceness of the battles in the last days for the Christian. He shared that the spiritual warfare is proportional to your anointing or blessing – small attack, small blessing – large attack, large blessing.”
To read the entire article, click on the link: Jim Bakker: John Kilpatrick
Note: As of the 30th of April, the United States Geological Survey reported that there have been over 7,500 earthquakes worldwide in the last 30 days alone.
Click on link to keep track of these escalating quakes: Earth Quakes
On the 4th, CNN reported “Dallas area surveys damage after tornadoes…” Click link to read the full story and see dramatic pictures and videos of the powerful tornadoes, including truck-trailers actually being tossed in the air by the sheer force of the wind. Tornadoes
On the 9th, CNN reported U.S. sees warmest March in recorded history, NOAA reports: A staggering 15,292 warm temperature records were broken, (7,755 record highs and 7,517 record high overnight lows), according to Chris Vaccaro, spokesperson for NOAA. “That’s tremendously excessive. The scope and the scale of warmth was really unprecedented, Vaccaro said.” Click link for full story: NOAA
On the 11th, CNN reported “Tsunami watch lifted after two big earthquakes – Jakarta, Indonesia – A massive earthquake struck off the coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra on Wednesday afternoon, triggering a tsunami watch for the Indian Ocean, which was later canceled…A second large quake, with a magnitude of 8.2, occurred off the west coast of Sumatra about two hours later, the USGS said.” Click link to see full report and video: CNN Earthquakes
On the 17th, Fox News reported: “The sun erupted in an amazing solar flare today (April 16th) unleashing an intense eruption of super-heated plasma that arched high above the star’s surface before blasting out to space.” See spectacular pictures: Fox Pictures
On the 25th, Fox News reported: “From giant fireball over California; tiny meteorites…..”
See the following slide show of the unusual event. Fox Slides
May
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8 KJV
Heritage USA Museum: The Heritage USA Museum is located at the Heritage Grand Hotel in a large hallway just off Main Street. The museum has grown in popularity over the past few years as founders Clint Rogers and Ben Martin continue doing an extraordinary job of turning the hallway into an impressive place of tribute to the PTL Ministry. Some of the treasures include gift items PTL offered to their partners, Tammy Faye’s record albums, PTL ministry books, souvenirs, beautifully preserved pictures of the grounds, and a variety of memorabilia displaying the many facets of the ministry.
See museum Slideshow below-click on picture to advance:[flgallery id=3 /]
As it expands, Ben Martin hopes to someday move the museum to a larger location to accommodate everything they continue to collect. A larger facility will afford people an opportunity to better understand the enormity of PTL’s outreach. Donors, including Pastor Jim Bakker, have already given several items to the museum from their personal possessions.
If you would like to donate any PTL items to the museum, contact Ben Martin at: bmartinwestwood@gmail.com
The Upper Room: Young Olive and Palm trees were planted earlier this month at the new “little Garden of Gethsemane” that is being developed at the Upper Room. The tranquil garden designed by Russell James is a work in progress, with more additions to come. Reminiscent of Israel, Russell James’ vision is to recreate some of the landscape found in Jerusalem and around the Jordan River, which will result in a beautiful, inspirational place for meditation and prayer.
The Upper Room is open on the weekends from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday, and from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Sunday.
People from the Prayer Team are always available during those hours. The Upper Room is an inspiring place to visit because the ‘peace’ of God is there perpetually.
On Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. the Upper Room hosts a Worship & Word Service pastored by Rev. Jason Goodnight. ALL ARE WELCOME.
For the latest information about the happenings at the Upper Room, check out their website at: www.upperroomchapel.com or their facebook account at: https://www.facebook.com/PTL.Heritage#!/groups/upperroomchapel/
During the month, Pastor Randy Hill continued holding Praise & Worship Services in the Barn Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday evenings. Pastor Hill also ministers on his uplifting website at: www.randyhillministries.org.
The Broadcast Group (www.thebroadcastgroup.com) hopes to “live stream” the Praise & Worship Services at a date that has yet to be announced.
For more information on the Barn’s renovations, check out The Broadcast Group’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/thebroadcastgroup .
During the first two weeks of the month, the Jim Bakker Show aired highlights from the April 17th-18th seminar ‘Further Harbinger Mysteries Revealed’ that was held at Morningside Ministries in Blue Eye, Missouri. At the seminar Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, author of the best-seller The Harbinger, brought new insight and understanding to the mysteries of the Harbinger.
Pastor Jim believes the message Rabbi Cahn has concerning the Harbingers is one of the most important teachings he has heard in his 50 years of broadcasting. Both Rabbi Cahn and Jim Bakker agree that we are living in the last days leading up to Jesus’ return, but neither one knows just where America will be as the days play out. Rabbi Cahn also taught about other mysteries found in the Bible that are not included in his book.
Speaking to a full-house at Morningside, the Rabbi explained that the point to the message of the Harbingers is they are warnings sent by God to save a nation – not destroy it. These warnings from the Lord are directed to a nation that has been consecrated to God, and then turned its back on Him. Rabbi Cahn explained there are only two nations that have been formally consecrated to God – America and Israel.
Click on the ‘Archives’ section of the Jim Bakker Show to watch the programs at: www.jimbakkershow.com.
Click on below video to watch a few minutes of Rabbi Cahn’s teachings from the Jim Bakker Show
Note: Rabbi Jonathan Cahn is President of Hope of the World Ministries, Senior Pastor and Messianic Rabbi of the Jerusalem Center/Beth Israel in Wayne, New Jersey. His teachings are broadcast daily over hundreds of radio stations throughout the United States and the world. Rabbi Cahn’s website: http://www.bethisraelworshipcenter.org
Following Rabbi Cahn’s seminar, the Jim Bakker Show aired several programs featuring Tammy Sue Bakker’s second visit to Morningside. All in all, the programs aired in May were some of the most anointed Jim Bakker has produced. Below is a medley of Tammy Sue singing worship songs at Morningside.
MorningStar Ministries: A special event called Freedom Congress 2012 will be hosted by The Oak Initiative on Saturday, June 2nd. The Oak Initiative is described by MorningStar Ministries as “a grassroots movement to Unite, Mobilize, Equip and Activate Christians to be the salt and light they are called to be by engaging in the great issues of our time from a sound biblical worldview. Started by more than 300 Christian leaders from across the spectrum of the Body of Christ, within months of its founding, The Oak Initiative had a presence in all 50 states and more than 164 nations as of June 2011, with Oak gatherings and Oak Chapters springing up rapidly.”
Rick Joyner, Founder and Executive Director of MorningStar Ministries, and the President of The Oak Initiative, will be hosting the Freedom Congress 2012 with the following guest speakers:
Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Oliver L. North – Colonel North is a decorated combat Marine, #1 best-selling author, the founder of a small business and host of War Stories on the FOX News Channel.
Lt. General (Ret.) William G. (Jerry) Boykin – General Boykin served our nation for 36 years. He was involved in virtually every major U.S. military operation from 1970 to 2007, and has commanded some of the military’s most elite special operations units including the Delta Force and the U.S. Army Special Forces Command.
U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) – Senator DeMint was elected South Carolina’s 55th senator in 2004 and quickly established himself as one of the most effective conservative leaders in Washington D.C.
Dr. Stu Weber – Dr. Weber is a much-in-demand speaker and the author of such best-selling books as Tender Warrior and Four Pillars of a Man’s Heart. Prior to his years in ministry, Stu served in the U.S. Army where he was awarded three bronze stars as a Green Beret in Vietnam.
Click on the link for more information: Freedom
The Towers: There is still no public information about the fate of the Towers.
Signs of the times:
At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. THEN if my people who are called by MY name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will FORGIVE their sins and RESTORE their land. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 KJV.
During the month, Bishop Anne Gimenez, a long time friend of Jim Bakker, was a guest on the Jim Bakker Show. Widow of well-known Pastor John Gimenez, she came to minister and to announce The National Call to Prayer that will be held at Independence Mall in Philadelphia, Pa. on September 28th & 29th of this year. Named ‘America for Jesus 2012′, the two-day interdenominational Solemn Assembly will include many nationally known Christian leaders, inspirational music, and a special youth rally.
Much like the 1980 Day of Prayer held in Washington D.C. that drew almost one million people together to pray for our nation, Bishop Gimenez believes this event could be “Part of a movement to return America’s eyes to God.” The National Call to Prayer is expecting thousands of people to gather together and pray for our country’s future.
Please check out the following website for details and dramatic video: http://afj2012.org/
Christian leaders from all across the country believe that America’s problems are spiritual – not political, and this Solemn Assembly could be a turning point for America…
June
“First, I tell you to pray for all people, asking God for what they need and being thankful to him. Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God.”
1 Timothy 2:1-2 NCV
On Saturday the 2nd, The Oak Initiative and Freedom Congress 2012 joined forces to bring a timely message to members of The Oak Initiative and MorningStar Ministries. Hosted by Rick Joyner, founder of The Oak Initiative, this special event was held in the lobby of the Heritage Grand in combination with a MorningStar Partners’ gathering. Rick Joyner formed The Oak Initiative because he believes “Christians should be the salt and light they are called to be by engaging in the great issues of our time from a sound biblical worldview.” He also believes that if America turns back to the Lord, our country can overcome the difficult times we are in and experience a “Great Awakening.”
Keynote speakers at the Freedom Congress included Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Oliver North, Lt. General (Ret.) William G. (Jerry) Boykin, Dr. Stu Weber and U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC). As each of these accomplished men spoke to the hundreds in attendance, a few shared their personal insights about the overwhelming problems which are currently plaguing America and the world. Their love for God and country was obvious, and their shared belief that it is still possible for America to solve its overwhelming societal, political and economical challenges encouraged a lot of people.
Check out The Oak Initiative at: www.oakinitiative.com.
On the weekend of the 9th, MorningStar held graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2012 which included the Comenius School for Creative Leadership (K-12), MorningStar College of Theology and MorningStar University. God Bless and strengthen all the graduates as they follow the plan God has for their lives.
To learn about the variety of educational programs MorningStar Ministries offers, check out their website at: www.morningstarministries.com.
Note: MorningStar will be closed the month of July. Their purpose for taking this yearly sabbatical is “to give everyone on staff and in the congregation a special time to seek the Lord, to get closer to Him, and their families. It is also an opportunity to visit other congregations to get to know other members of the body of Christ, which are also our family.” They will resume services on August 5th.
From the 20th – 23rd, MorningStar Ministries hosted a major interdenominational Youth Conference. Named MOVEMENT 2012, the event was held in the lobby of the Heritage Grand, and all four days were packed out with young adults from MorningStar’s Youth Group as well as a variety of Youth Groups from across the country. By the end of the conference, there were reportedly over 100 people (young and old) who were baptized. This younger generation of conference goers is “on fire” for the Lord and they are hoping this gathering is just the beginning of a movement that will continue expanding.
The Amphitheatre: For years the Amphitheatre has sat in great disrepair. Thousands of cars drive by the old open-air theatre every week, but it seems to go unnoticed as weeds and overgrown shrubbery surround the landscape. In close proximity to the Amphitheatre, there are three new subdivisions under construction, the Crown International Campgrounds (formally PTL’s Praise Hollow Campgrounds), the Big Barn Auditorium, the Upper Room and the TV Studio. Hopefully, the Lord will call on someone to salvage this historic theatre where countless lives were saved because of the powerfully anointed Christ-centered productions that were performed there by the PTL Ministry and Narroway Productions.
The following rendition of ‘Bethlehem Morning’, sung by PTL singer Toni Bogart, is one example of the exceptional productions the PTL Singers, Orchestra, and staff produced at Heritage USA in the 1980s.
Upper Room Chapel: Russell James has been busy this month working on a variety of projects, which included building eight sturdy new benches and placing them in the Garden of Gethsemane and other serene places on the Upper Room property. This newest addition will afford comfortable year-round outdoor seating for visitors to pray, reflect, or meditate while experiencing the presence of God.
The Upper Room is open weekends from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday, and from 1 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. People from the Prayer Team are available at these times.
It is also open on Tuesday evenings from 6 – 8 p.m. for those who want to pray for the Charlotte area churches.
Many church leaders on the grounds are praying for revival, and this prayer meeting could possibly be an opportunity for some of them to pray together corporately. As we have written before, the greatest revival started at the Upper Room in Jerusalem 2000 years ago and maybe this prayer gathering is a prophetic sign.
On Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m., the Upper Room hosts a Worship & Word Service pastored by Rev. Jason Goodnight. ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
Note: It is because of the donations of those who support the Upper Room Chapel that help make the additions and upkeep possible. Moreover, miracles of healing, deliverance and salvation are happening there. Just the fact that the building has been restored is miraculous! God Bless each person in a special way that contributes to the upkeep and improvements of this historic landmark.
For information on how you can help financially, please go to the Upper Room’s website at: www.upperroomchapel.com and click the “Support” tab.
Learn more about the happenings at the Upper Room on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/upperroomchapel/
All during the month, Jim Bakker continued making preparations for the huge July 4th celebration at Morningside Ministries in Blue Eye, Missouri. This year will be especially exciting because Tammy Sue Bakker will be there. Tammy Sue has recently moved to Morningside, and as Jim Bakker explains it, “Tammy Sue has finally come home to me!”
Morningside Ministries describes its July 4th Celebration as follows:
“July 2nd – 6th, 2012 will be the most amazing week of guests and seminars in the New Jim Bakker Show history! Philip Cameron and the girls from Stella’s House will be joining us once again along with Tammy Sue Bakker, Kevin Shorey, and many more! The Master’s Pastor’s Choir, Voices of Glory, Gloria Elliott and Bill Ballenger will be filling Grace Street with music!
This year’s celebration will also feature Survivor Seminars and Demonstrations! St. John Holloway will be putting the Fuel-Less Generator to the test and Bill Whaley “The Junkman” will be turning trash into survival treasures! We will also have several Survival Trailers on display and open for touring.
On July 4th enjoy good food and fellowship at our Partner Picnic followed by a concert at 7 p.m. with The Rankin Brothers. We are blessed to have Tammy Sue Bakker and The Gloryland Pastor’s Choir who will be singing also!
Make your reservations early to be here for this very special event! This week will also mark the Dedication and Grand Opening of the Wilderness Campground and Showerhouse so be sure to get your camping spot reserved…”
For more information, or to watch the shows “live streamed,” check out Morningside’s website at: www.jimbakkershow.com.
Signs of the Times:
Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape. But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you WON’T BE SURPRISED when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 NLT
During the month, Jim Bakker sent out a newsletter to his partners concerning the times we find ourselves living in. The following is an excerpt from his letter:
“At the beginning of this year, there were many messages preached about the prophetic times we are living in and how important it is to be prepared. God has given us these warnings throughout the Bible and especially in the Book of Revelation so that we could be prepared like Noah and Joseph were prepared in long-ago times of trouble.
So here we are now with almost half the year gone! Perilous times are proving themselves to be happening right now in our news headlines every day. Israel is on war alert, the economies of the world are crashing, and there is terrorism and violence everywhere. There are too many signs to mention in this letter, but if I know one thing, I know that NOW is the time to get ready for anything!
People need to be ready in the event of job loss, a failure of the Social Security system or a weather related catastrophe. It would only take one major event to interrupt the food supply and render our fragile system of delivering food to the grocery stores useless! Be prepared! Don’t be forced into an antichrist system just to be able to eat!
God has shown me something big is about to happen!…
…Sometimes, I get tired and I’ll just tell you honestly that I really feel like retiring when things get so difficult. But I can’t quit! God didn’t call me to be a quitter – He called me to be a Watchman, and a Watchman has to keep watch and then he has to shout out a warning when there is danger ahead.
At the beginning of 2012, many warnings went out and many pleas to prepare were echoed throughout the prophetic circles. Don’t get complacent because the Bible says that we need to be awake and alert! (Mark 13:33) It’s time now to act. This could be our last full year to get our houses in order…” Jim Bakker www.jimbakkershow.com
The Below News Reports are but a few of June’s History Making Events:
The following story and amazing pictures from June’s edition of National Geographic Magazine reveals the effect on the Earth from a severe solar storm. The subject of solar storms has been brought up lately by major news organizations because there have been a few strong storms on the sun in recent months. Click on link for story and pictures: Solar Storms
On the 21st, Fox News reported: Moody’s downgrades 15 global banks – Moody’s Investors Service cut Morgan Stanley’s MS-1.69% long-term debt rating by two notches, in a move that stands to raise expenses at the securities firm but spares the company from the deeper downgrade that many on Wall Street had feared.
Click link for full story: Moody’s Downgrade
On the 23rd, Fox News reported: Tropical Storm Debby formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday interfering with oil and gas production and putting officials on alert for flooding and strong winds from southern Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle… It was the first time four tropical storms have been recorded before July 1 during the Atlantic hurricane season since record keeping began in 1851. Click on link for full story: Tropical Storm Debbie
On Sunday the 24th, Mohammed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood received 52% of the votes in the Egyptian Presidential election, making him the first democratically elected Egyptian president in history. THE JERUSALEM POST reported: Morsi says he’ll review peace treaty with Israel – In an interview with a news agency believed to be linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, Egypt’s new president-elect, Mohammed Morsi, has said he plans to “review” the country’s 1979 Camp David Peace Treaty with Israel.
Click link for full story: Muslim Brotherhood
On the 25th, Fox News reported: Spain asks for bail-out from EU – Madrid- Spain has made a formal request for a loan to help clean up its troubled banking sector, the Economy Ministry said Monday. Click link for full story: Spain Bailout
During the month, Colorado wildfires continued to spread – The Weather Channel reported on the 28th, “A raging Colorado wildfire destroyed an estimated 346 homes this week, making it the most destructive fire in the state’s history officials said. Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach said city officials assessed the damage and that the number was subject to change. See full story on the following link: Colorado Wildefires
We pray that the Lord brings comfort and hope to the many people who have been affected by these tragic events. Amen
July
“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” Matthew 5:11-12 NLT
MorningStar Ministries was closed for the month of July.

New construction on the grounds
During the month, new home construction forged ahead on the grounds. Summer is usually the time of year when older PTL Partners or their “grown children” stop by to visit Heritage USA while driving through the area on their way to another destination. Naturally, some of them have a difficult time navigating around the grounds when confronted with the new configuration of roads, and the increasing number of subdivisions.
PTL Partners and vacationers, who visited Heritage USA when it was in its prime, are typically surprised and disappointed by the way it looks now. On the whole, Heritage bears little resemblance to what these older and younger generations remember. It is only by the grace of God that most of PTL’s famous landmarks remain intact.
A look back ~ During the 1980’s when millions of people visited Heritage USA, it was dubbed the “second most famous address” in the country – right after the “White House.” It wasn’t long after the PTL Ministry moved into the township of Fort Mill, South Carolina that the town’s post office was overwhelmed daily with an enormous amount of mail generated by the PTL Club TV broadcasts that reached into 120 countries on the PTL Satellite Network.
As a direct result of PTL’s great influence and popularity, thousands of visitors who came to Heritage USA fell in love with the ministry and the beauty of the south. This gave way to many of them actually moving to Fort Mill expressly to work for the PTL Ministry. Thousands of other visitors found a great place to relocate, retire, or simply flee the cold weather and high taxes of the north. Heritage USA caused such a burst in Fort Mill’s population that it helped put the quaint “mill town” on the map.
Back then, the only movie theatre in town was closed, needing major renovations, and most of the shops on Main Street were behind the times. Because of Fort Mill’s sudden population growth, a building boom followed, which included an impressive new Post Office in the center of town, an exceptionally equipped Firehouse, and the construction of several state-of-the-art schools to accommodate the growing number of families moving into the area.
Home builders soon discovered a gold mine because of the need for so many new homes and apartment complexes. As thousands of new residents arrived, Fort Mill prospered. Eventually, the town became known as a beautiful, safe haven to raise a family. This incredible rate of growth spread into the nearby towns of Pineville, North Carolina and Rock Hill, South Carolina as well.
At first, the distinct difference between northern and southern accents produced some challenging conversations. There wasn’t a pizzeria within 20 miles, and not many southerners were big fans of Chinese food. As we learned about Barbeque and Sweet Tea, the native Fort Millians became fond of Pizza and Egg Rolls. Since then, Fort Mill has become a friendly melting pot for all people and has just been honored by the popular Family Circle Magazine as one of the “top ten best towns for families.”
On July 3rd, The Rock Hill Herald reported – Family Circle names Fort Mill one of Top 10 best towns for families. The article by John Marks reads as follows:
FORT MILL – Population and school enrollment trends tend to suggest that Fort Mill is a nice place to raise a family. One magazine is going a step further than simply suggesting it.
Family Circle, a family magazine with 19 million readers, lists Fort Mill among its “10 Best Towns For Families” in the August issue, which is on newsstands now. The listing is, according to the magazine, a “roundup of perfect places to call home” and was formed after a survey accounted for items like “affordable housing, good neighbors, green spaces, strong public school systems and giving spirits.”
Joining Fort Mill are the communities of Bay Village, Ohio; Vail, Ariz.; Lake Oswego, Ore.; Fishers, Ind.; Ballwin, Mo.; Louisville, Colo.; Longmeadow, Mass.; Zachary, La. and Oak Park, Ill.
Fort Mill Mayor Danny Funderburk said the Family Circle listing “confirmed for America what Fort Millians have known all along.”
He added that “We’re fortunate to live in one of the very special places in the county” and that “The Town of Fort Mill is extremely proud of this accolade.”
The online detail at familycircle.com describes “a place where random acts of kindness are the norm.” Mentioned are the transplants who found small-town charm, the strangers who helped a stranded motorist during a “freak snowstorm,” the valedictorian now enrolled at Harvard University and the neighbor who shares her garden’s yield.
Noteworthy in town are its strong school district amid rapid growth, the locally-created S.C. Strawberry Festival and the police department’s Do The Right Thing program that awards students who make selfless choices.
A main achievement was the “great schools” ranking, a perfect 10 matched by only three fellow honorees (Bay Village, Lake Oswego, Vail).
“I am pleased that the school district can contribute to the outstanding quality of life enjoyed in Fort Mill by providing an excellent public school option to our citizens,” said Dr. Chuck Epps, superintendent of the Fort Mill School District. “The schools are proud to play a part in this well deserved honor for the town.”
A New York City research firm helped assemble a list of 3,335 cities and towns with populations between 11,000 and 150,000 for the study. About 1,300 of those communities with high concentrations of median incomes between $55,000 and $96,000 were selected. Communities best meeting the “family-friendly criteria” from low crime rate to health care and green space were selected to form the top 10.
This article can be found at: Fort Mill
July 4th at Morningside Ministries in Blue Eye, Missouri: Despite an unbearable heat wave that blanketed the country, hundreds of Morningside Partners attended the weeklong July 4th Celebration. Hosted by Jim & Lori Bakker, this year’s celebration included dedicating some major additions to the 600 acre retreat.
Blended in with all the great music and the many special guests, a new Showerhouse and in-ground Pool were dedicated along with the expanding Wilderness Campgrounds. Also dedicated was a new ‘helipad’ that will enable a Medevac (medical evacuation) helicopter to quickly transport emergency cases to nearby hospitals.
On the 4th, Jim Bakker dedicated the high-tech Master’s Media TV Studio. This new studio was constructed inside the log Tabernacle behind Morningside’s main building, and is equipped with the latest technological advances.
The “Generation Now TV Studio” was created for the Master’s Media students to produce TV shows for their generation. Morningside Ministries reported, “The youth-oriented internet TV network will begin producing shows immediately and then build a 24 hour online network in the near future.”
To learn more about Generation Now TV, click on: www.generationnowiptv.com
The following is from a statement written by the Master’s Media students:
“We believe in the new breed of young people dedicated to win the world for Jesus through all means of broadcasting. We believe it’s in their DNA. Morningside Master’s Media is committed to setting the pace in “hands-on” training for this generation in Christian broadcasting.
Our mission is to build into this chosen generation a foundation of love, hope, integrity, purpose, courage and responsibility that will carry them into greatness for the Kingdom of God. Morningside Master’s Media means just that – a commission by the Master, Jesus, as stated in Mark 16:15 “And he said unto them Go you into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
For information about the Master’s Media School, click on below link:
Media School
Special Concert by Tammy Sue Bakker:
On July 6th, the last night of the celebration at Morningside, Tammy Sue performed her first concert since she was at Heritage USA when she was just fifteen-years-old. At her request, a Communion table had been set up in front of the stage beforehand in order for anyone wanting to partake in Communion during the concert could do so.
After Pastor Jim welcomed everyone, the Master’s Choir led by Pastor Cedric Hayes sang a medley of inspirational songs, electrifying the atmosphere. Then Tammy Sue gracefully walked onto the stage to spontaneous cheers and applause from the enthusiastic audience. She opened her concert by first sitting in a chair, removing her shoes and then asking people to join with her in removing theirs. It was soon obvious that everyone there was standing on “holy ground.” Tammy Sue then said humbly, “Tonight is not about my return to the stage or the music or anything, – Tonight is all about celebrating Jesus.”
As she began to sing, the Spirit of the Lord consumed the room. Many people were immediately moved to tears as they became overwhelmed with God’s unmistakable presence. As the evening progressed the concert turned into a time of worship and praise, and when it ended people joined in with Tammy Sue as she did a heartwarming “happy feet dance” before the Lord. She even had her dad dancing before the Lord!
Below is a video of Tammy Sue as a teenager singing at Heritage USA in 1985
Note: All the shows from the July 4th Celebration at Morningside were “live streamed” on the internet and aired on TV during the month on the Jim Bakker Show. To see these special shows when they are posted, click on the “Achieves” section on Jim Bakker’s website at: www.jimbakkershow.com. The whole 4th of July Celebration can also be purchased on a set of DVDs offered by Morningside Ministries.
Great pictures from the July 4th celebration can be viewed at: Gallery
The Barn Auditorium: The full restoration of the Barn is progressing nicely. The Broadcast Group has recently put the final touches in the lobby. It looks beautiful! Plans are in the works for some special events to be held there in the near future.
To see the lobby’s beautiful transformation, click on the following link to The Broadcast Group’s facebook account: Theater
Signs of the Times:
“Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.” Matthew 24:12 NLT
During the summer months, the Jim Bakker Show is producing programs on the subject of Bible Prophecy. The speed with which the end time events are happening has caused Pastor Jim to believe “that the players are moving on the stage of life” in order for the end time events to take place, and he has devoted the summer programs to helping people understand what to expect in the near future.
The “Summer of Prophecy,” began with John Shorey, author of The Window of the Lord’s Return 2012 -2020, holding a weeklong conference on Grace Street from July 16th – 20th. Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, author of the Harbinger, will be at Morningside July 31st – August 1st. From the Prophetic Ministry the following ministers will appear on the show during the summer: Larry Randolph – August 2nd, Bobby Conner – August 22nd – 23rd, Cindy Jacobs – August 28th – 29th, and Rick Joyner – September 5th- 6th.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Does Pastor Jim Bakker agree entirely with all his guests’ opinions on the show? No! However, he gives each one a platform to talk about the things they have in common as well as their differences. They reason together in an open forum.
The Bible speaks about Paul and Silas going into the town of Beroea to preach. In Acts Chapter 17 verse 11 (TLB) the Bible says, “The people of Beroea were more open minded than those in Thessalonica, and gladly listened to the message. THEY SEARCHED THE SCRIPTURES DAY BY DAY TO CHECK UP ON PAUL AND SILAS’ STATEMENTS TO SEE IF THEY WERE REALLY SO.”
The best way to know if someone’s statements are true is to see if their words line up with the Bible. The way to know if a prophetic word is true is to see if it comes to pass.
The Below News Reports are a few of July’s History Making Events:
A killer storm started July off with an unexpected inland hurricane or “derecho” hitting the east cost of America causing 12 deaths and three million people to lose electrical power. This particular type of hurricane cannot be predicted.
On the 2nd, Fox News reported: Storm blackouts drag on, commute troubles ahead – Washington – Millions of people in a swath of states along the east coast and farther west went into a third sweltering day without power Monday after a round of summer storms that killed more than a dozen people.
Click link for full story: Storm Blackouts
On the 3rd, Fox News reported: This summer is ‘what global warming looks like’ – Washington – Is it just freakish weather or something more? Climate scientists suggest that if you want a glimpse of some of the worst global warming, take a look at U.S. weather in recent weeks. Horrendous wildfires. Oppressive heat waves. Devastating droughts. Flooding from giant deluges. And a powerful freak wind storm called a derecho. These are all the kinds of extremes experts have predicted will come with climate change, although it’s far too early to say that this is the cause.
Click link for full story: Global Warming
On the 17th, Fox News reported: Historic drought to bring higher food prices, experts say – The historic drought baking the nation’s breadbasket is about to hit American consumers where it hurts most – the supermarket checkout. “Prices are going to go up,” Justin Gardner, assistant professor of agribusiness at Middle Tennessee State University, told the Christian Science Monitor. “The only question is when.”
Click link for full story and Video: Drought
“For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again. In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones.” Matthew 24:21-22
August
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them ALL. Psalm 34:19 KJV
On Sunday the 5th, MorningStar Ministries held its first church service since their July sabbatical. During the morning message, Rick Joyner stated he is confident that the earth will soon experience another great wave of Revival and then reminded his congregants of a 1987 vision he received.
In MorningStar’s Word for the Week – (The Path of Life, Week 31) titled A Tsunami Wave of Revival Is Coming, Rick Joyner wrote about this second wave of revival –
Below is a portion from his writings:
“As I have mentioned before in the Vision of the Harvest that I was given twenty-five years ago, I saw two waves of revival coming upon the earth. The first was the greatest move of God in history for gathering people to the Lord. That wave of revival began just a couple of years after I received this vision. More people came to Christ during that move than had come to Him before in all of history. I was also shown a period of relative spiritual quiet before an even bigger wave of the Holy Spirit swept across the earth. That wave is now approaching, and it will be the biggest move of God on earth of all time.
I saw this second wave of revival coming like a tsunami. When a tsunami approaches land, the water first starts to recede. Many were killed in the last great tsunami because they marveled at the water going out and began to walk out on the ocean floor. Then they were caught by the wave. I interpreted this that it would appear that Christianity would seem to be in retreat around the world just before the greatest move of God of all time would break upon us. Don’t follow the water receding, but get to the high ground!
The high ground I am addressing here is to trust in the Lord as your Provider, your Healer, your King, and your Judge, and do not fall to putting increasing trust in human governments. The most powerful, stable governments in the world are very shaky, terrified, and desperate. All that has not been built upon the Lord’s ways will soon crumble. Even so, at this time, the kingdom of God is growing. Build you life on His kingdom and His ways. Trust in Him, not man, and you will never be shaken….” Rick Joyner
Click on the following link to read the full article: http://www.morningstarministries.org.
From the 16th – 18th, MorningStar Ministries hosted another Oak Initiative Summit. Rick Joyner wrote the following commentary about this particular summit: “Every Oak Summit has been a marker, a demarcation point, but this one is shaping up to be exceptional. I spend much of my life in conferences, but there may not be another place where the depth of insight into the important issues of our times comes with such a strong biblical worldview.
Oak Summits are a powerful time of interchange and fellowship with high-impact people who are resolved to know the times and to make a difference in them. This is truly a rare and treasured fellowship. Those who come will be stretched and deepened, but also empowered with vision, understanding, and the encouragement needed for navigating and leading others through these times.”
Guest speakers at the Oak Summit included Lt. General Jerry Boykin, Marc Nuttle, and Janet Porter, founder and president of Faith2Action, to name just a few.
Click below link for details about each guest speaker: http://www.morningstarministries.org/other-events/oak-initiative-summit-0
On the 26th, Pastor Peter Wyns of the Antioch Church* invited Sid Roth to speak at the Sunday morning service. Sid Roth is the author of They Thought for Themselves and hosts the Christian TV program It’s Supernatural! Sid Roth’s ministry statement on his website, www.sidroth.org/ is that he desires “to reach out with the good news of the Messiah, ‘to the Jew first’ (Romans 1:16). This is not just God’s historical order for spreading the gospel, but also His eternal spiritual order. When we follow this ‘law of evangelism,’ God opens a supernatural door to teach Gentiles as well. God’s heart is to reach all people. His strategy is ‘to the Jew first.'”
In the 1980s, the PTL Ministry gave Sid Roth, founder of the nationally syndicated radio broadcast Messianic Vision, a television presence on the PTL Club in order to reach Jewish people with the gospel. Eventually, he became a regular on the PTL Club, and he and Jim Bakker remain friends to this day.
Click on the following link to view a short video message from Sid Roth. http://www.sidroth.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sid_messagefromSid
*The Antioch International Church is located on the grounds at 8180 Regent Parkway. Their website is: www.lifeatantioch.org.
Upper Room Chapel: The Upper Room Chapel is open weekends from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday, and from 1 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Dedicated men and women from the Prayer Team are available during these hours.
On Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m., the Upper Room hosts a Worship & Word Service pastored by Rev. Jason Goodnight. EVERYONE IS WELCOME.
On Tuesday evenings from 6 – 8 p.m., the doors are open for those who want to pray for the Charlotte area churches. Church leaders in the area are praying for a revival in America, and this prayer meeting could be a perfect opportunity to pray together corporately. As we have written before, the greatest New Testament revival started at the Upper Room in Jerusalem 2000 years ago and perhaps this prayer gathering is symbolic of how it will happen again.
Note: It is because of the donations of those who support the Upper Room Chapel that help make its upkeep possible. Moreover, miracles of healing, deliverance and salvation are happening there. God Bless each and every person that contributes to this historic landmark.
For information on how you can help financially, please go to the Upper Room’s website at: www.upperroomchapel.com and click the “Support” tab. Learn more about the happenings at the Upper Room on their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/upperroomchapel/
A look back – Tammy Faye’s Legacy: When PTL Partners remember Tammy Faye, they think of her uplifting gospel songs and dedicated work ministering to millions of people who watched the PTL Club in the 1980s. They also remember her strong, upbeat personality, trademark eyelashes and heartfelt tears that she so often shed, especially after the collapse of the PTL Ministry.
The combination of all those characteristics defined Tammy Faye’s larger than life persona. To this day she evokes emotions of compassion or criticism from both the church world and the world at large. She would often say, “People either love me or hate me.”
One of her major attributes was in fact considered to be somewhat of a “fault” by some religious people. The “fault finders” disagreed with her genuine love for all types of people. Despite the harsh criticisms she endured, Tammy Faye saw people’s need for the Lord and she did her best to show them His unconditional love.
In an October 2003 interview Tammy Faye did on Evangelist Benny Hinn’s TV program, This Is Your Day, Benny Hinn asked about her stand on the Gay issue. Speaking passionately Tammy said,
“Well, I believe that Jesus loves everyone and I believe the way you win people to Jesus is with love; not through criticism and not through judging them. And we have agreed, the gays and I, to disagree. They know my stand. I preach the gospel of Jesus…I have one woman shows all over the country and I preach the gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere I go. Everywhere I go.”
Benny Hinn then asked, “And their response?” Tammy answered emphatically, “Their response is, ‘Thank you for letting God be a part of our lives.’ That is their exact words. They say, ‘The church won’t allow God to be a part of our life.’ And no one can be delivered by the power of God unless God is a part of their life!” (Read more of this interview in our October 2003 Archives)
Many church goers became critical of Tammy Faye as she reached out to the Gay Community in the mid eighties when the Aids epidemic broke out in America. On the PTL Club, she openly ministered and cried with those afflicted with the incurable Aids virus. Of course she did not agree with the Gay lifestyle, but she loved them.
Tammy Faye genuinely felt compassion for hurting people. It did not matter if they were Hollywood stars, the homeless, the alcoholic, the drug addict or the imprisoned; she believed that God loved them and He shed His blood on the cross for everyone.
“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’” Matthew 25:31-36 NLT
A good example of the unconditional love Tammy Faye possessed for people was during the PTL years when she made it a yearly priority to visit the Alabama Women’s Correctional Facility at Christmastime. Below is a video of one of those visits. If you watch this with the eyes of your heart, you won’t see the makeup, eyelashes or tears – you’ll only see Jesus’ love flowing from her to whoever she ministered to.
This is Tammy Faye’s legacy –
Signs of the Times:
“At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 NLT
From September 28th – 29th, forty days before the Presidential election, there will be thousands gathering at Independence Mall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for a National Solemn Assembly named 40 Days to Save America. This is a national call to prayer, fasting and repentance.
In their advertisement, the organizers state; “Our Nation faces multiple crises – pending economic collapse, moral disintegration and international terrorism. Our religious freedoms and survival, as a nation, are at stake. Join us September 28th as we launch 40 Days to Save America!” Over 60 pastors and leaders including Ann Gimenez, Lou Engle, Ron Luce, Alveda King, Gloria and Kenneth Copeland are coming out to this huge event. To learn more click on: www.AFJ12.org.
On the 8th, NOAA (National Ocean Atmospheric Administration) reported: – July 2012 was the Hottest Month on record: In more than 117 years of records, July 2012 stands alone as not only the hottest on record in the lower 48 United States, but also the hottest of any month on record in that time span. To put it another way, July 2012 was the hottest of more than 1,400 months that we’ve gone through since 1895. Click link for full story: NOAA
On the 9th, USA Today reported: Drought worsens in key states. St. Louis- The latest U.S. drought map shows that excessively parched conditions continue to worsen in the Plains states that are key producers of corn and soybean crops. Click link for full story: Drought
On the 11th, The Jim Bakker Show’s Revelation News blog reported on an article from the USGS science for a changing world as follows: “A rise in Earthquakes in California and Alaska continued into a second day.”
Click link for full story: Bakker Blog
On Saturday the 11th, Two major back to back earthquakes of magnitudes 6.4 and 6.3 (with 60 aftershocks) struck Iran leaving hundreds dead and thousands injured. CNN reported: Tehran, Iran – The death toll from a pair of earthquakes that jolted Iran on Saturday has escalated once again, state-run media reported Monday. At least 306 people have been killed and 3,037 injured in the two quakes in northwest Iran, Press TV reported, citing the country’s Health Ministry.
Click link for full story and pictures: Iran Quake
On the 20th, an eleven-mile stretch of the Mississippi River was closed. Fox News reported: Memphis, Tenn. – Nearly 100 boats and barges were waiting for passage Monday along an 11-mile stretch of the Mississippi River that has been closed due to low water levels, the U.S. Coast Guard said.
Click link for full story: Mississippi River
On the 27th, hundreds of small to moderate earthquakes shook California. Fox News reported: Earthquake swarm puts California town on edge. Brawley, Calf. – A series of small to moderate earthquakes that shattered windows and knocked trailers off their foundations is putting this small farming town east of San Diego on edge as they continue to feel jolts that scientists said could last for days.
Click the links for full story and video: Swarm of Quakes and
Quakes
On the 29th, Hurricane Isaac slammed into the Louisiana coast, seven years to the day that Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. Damage reports are still coming in. Click on below link to see the scope of this hurricane from space:
Isaac from Space
For up-to-the-minute details about Hurricane Isaac, click on the Weather Channel link at: http://www.weather.com/news/weather-hurricanes/isaac-interactive-history-20120823
September
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:26-29 KJV
From the 5th – 6th, Rick Joyner was a guest on the Jim Bakker Show at Morningside Ministries in Blue Eye, Missouri. Rick Joyner and Jim Bakker are longtime friends and they spent hours discussing a variety of issues during the two days Rick was there. Morningside was able to make several programs from their discussions, which were scheduled to be aired on the Jim Bakker Show during the month. All the programs with Rick Joyner can be seen in the Morningside Ministries’ “Archives” section at: www.jimbakkershow.com.
Below is an excerpt from Morningside’s Blog recounting Rick Joyner’s visit:
“Rick spoke on a range of topics from economics to weather to Revelation to the direction he had from God to help Pastor Jim Bakker after he was released from prison.
On the issue of economics, Rick brought some very staggering realities to light along with a fresh perspective.
Recalling the news headlines regarding Greece’s dire economic situation, Rick said, ‘We are not far behind Greece. We’re going down the same road.’
‘We’ve hit the debt wall. We are now buying two-thirds of our own debt,’ Rick said he read recently in the Wall Street Journal. He also said that the IMF research on U.S. debt states that it is far beyond the $16 trillion that is reported, it is more like $50-$65 trillion.
‘There are Kingdom economics,’ Rick said. ‘We live based on that which will not be shaken.’
No matter the condition of the world’s economic systems, Rick reminded the crowd, God will always be on His throne and nothing is going to happen that doesn’t advance God’s ultimate plan of salvation and redemption. He reiterated the importance of remembering the Good News.
‘The good news is that the King is coming back!’ Rick declared to a roar of approval from those in attendance.
However, Kingdom economics also include an element of tribulation, but he said that in every tribulation there is a door to the Kingdom there! He encouraged everyone, ‘Don’t waste your trials! Ask the Lord where the door is to the Kingdom!’ In referring to the uncertain times we are living in where everything seems to be shaking, Rick made one of the most profound statements we’ve heard. ‘It’s not the end of the world! It’s the beginning of the Kingdom!’ Now that’s Good News.”
To read the entire blog, click on the following link: Rick Joyner and Jim Bakker
On the 10th, the Upper Room’s owner, Russell James, was a guest on MorningStar’s TV program Prophetic Perspectives on Current Events. Dave Yarnes, Vice President of MorningStar Ministries, interviewed Russell about what led to his purchase of the Upper Room, and how the building has since been restored to once again be a place of prayer and ministry.
Russell did a good job detailing the history of the Upper Room while explaining its current use and his goal to one day have it opened 24 hours a day – 7 days a week, as it was throughout the PTL years. During the interview, he shared stories about people experiencing miracles of healing, salvation, breakthroughs and deliverance from discouragement upon visiting the Upper Room. He also shared an inspiring message of implementing “faith” in our trials because it is on the “strength of faith” that we can be healed. He prefaced his remarks saying, “Christ Jesus is the solution” to the many problems facing this generation.
Toward the end of the interview, Russell said something that seemed to surprise Dave Yarnes when he brought out a revelation that few people realize. He brought to light the fact that, “Every building that was built here at PTL that was geared to ministry is still standing, every one of them. Every one of them but one is in operation today. And I believe before the end of the year somebody is going to purchase it, begin to restore that and have ministry there again.”
To view the program, please click on the following link:
Interview
Or you can go to MorningStar TV’s “Archives” and click on the September 10th program The Legacy and Restoration of the Upper Room on the former PTL grounds. MorningStar Ministries’ website is: www.morningstarministries.org.
Note: Following the purchase of the Upper Room in November 2010, Russell James had it up and running within a few weeks. At a special Celebration Service held there on December 1st of that year, he formally dedicated the restored building naming it the Upper Room Chapel.
Upper Room Chapel: During the month, the heavy black medal posts and chains that bound off the Bible verse at the foot of the staircase leading to the entrance of the Upper Room were removed. Last year, when Russell James learned that the chains around the Scriptures on the Walk of Faith and the one at the foot of the steps were put there by the people who purchased PTL in the early 1990s, he did not incorporate them into the new Walk of Faith that he created in 2011.
The only Scripture that remained chained off was the one at the foot of the Upper Room’s stairway…until this month! God Bless Mary Yeary for capturing the moment Russell took the last chains off.
The original Walk of Faith that held sixteen individual Bible verses etched in rose colored granite plaques and set in different stations along the walkway was partially destroyed in 2005. That year bulldozers broke apart and buried a portion of the Walk of Faith while clearing land next to the Upper Room to make room for the construction of a bridge over Sugar Creek connecting the Heritage property to Pineville, North Carolina.
Russell eventually found all the Scriptures; a few of them were actually unearthed just below the new bridge. He has since designed a new Walk of Faith that circumnavigates the Upper Room, and added an extra feature by making the walkway handicapped accessible. The new Walk of Faith now makes it possible for anyone to go around the whole walkway.
Years ago, when Jim Bakker created the Walk of Faith, he had the Scriptures placed in the walkway so that people could stand on the Word of God to build up their faith before entering the Upper Room. Millions came to the Upper Room and many were healed and found the Lord by just walking down the walkway. Since the chains appeared around the Scriptures in 1992, at the grand opening of “New Heritage USA”, more people than we can count have been saddened when seeing them, including Jim Bakker. But people began praying over the chains, believing they would be removed.
By Russell’s removal of the last chains, he symbolically tore down another stronghold that holds back the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on this land.
May God continue to bless Russell for all he has done and continues to do to keep the Upper Room Chapel a holy, peaceful place for all people.
For information on how you can support the Upper Room, please go to their website at: www.upperroomchapel.com and click the “Support” tab.
To see more pictures of the Upper Room and learn more about the happenings there, check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/upperroomchapel/
Upcoming Special Events on the grounds of Heritage:
From October 4th – 6th MorningStar Ministries will host its annual Harvest Fest Conference and Festival in the lobby of the Heritage Grand. This year’s conference will be especially exciting because Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke will be one of guest speakers. Reverend Bonnke has led over 55 million people to the Lord worldwide, and he is considered one of the most effective ministers of our time.
For information about the Harvest Fest Conference, contact MorningStar Ministries at: www.morningstarministries.org.
On November 2nd at 7:00 p.m., The Broadcast Group will host Pastor John Hagee in the Barn Auditorium. Pastor Hagee will be speaking about his new book The Power of the Prophetic Blessing.
There will also be a concert given by Canton Junction.
The cost is $5 and REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
To register by phone, call 1-800-854-9899 or go online to http://www.jhm.org.
A look back – October 19th 1996 is a day which will live in Heritage USA’s dramatic history. On that day, Jim Bakker preached a message in the Barn Auditorium at Heritage USA during Rick Joyner’s Harvest Conference. At the time, Rick Joyner did not own Heritage and rented the Barn Auditorium from then owners Malaysia United Industries.
Pastor Jim preached this message after he had been released from prison for over two years, had been found “not guilty” of fraud at a second trial*, and it was the ten year anniversary since losing the PTL Ministry.
*On July 22, 1996, shortly after completing his book about “The untold story of his journey from PTL power to prison and beyond”, a federal jury ruled that PTL was not selling securities by offering Lifetime Partnerships at Heritage USA. The jury’s ruling thus affirmed what Jim Bakker contended from the first day he was indicted and throughout the writings in his 1996 book I WAS WRONG.
Below is a 1996 video featuring the last minutes of Jim Bakker’s message in the Barn Auditorium, concluding with an insightful word from Rick Joyner about what the future held for Jim Bakker and his family. There is also an excerpt from our book “Listen To Me!” describing a portion of that meeting.
Excerpt from “Listen to Me!”
Thankfully, God’s timing is perfect and, on October 19th, He miraculously broke through our darkened world with a ray of hope. That morning Joyce LeBaron telephoned to tell me that Jim Bakker was going to preach in the Big Barn Auditorium at 2:00 P.M. Rick Joyner, pastor of the MorningStar Fellowship Church in Charlotte, was hosting a conference at Heritage USA that week and asked Jim to be one of the speakers.Joyce went on to say Tammy Sue was with him, and his appearance had not been publicized because Rick Joyner did not want reporters making a media circus out of the services. An author and prophetic speaker, Rick Joyner corresponded with Jim while he was imprisoned, and they met for the first time in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Joyce knew about the conference because, at the time, she was giving a helping hand to Mom and Pop Bakker. As soon as Pop Bakker told her Jim was going to speak, she felt compelled to phone me. This certainly was surprising news, however, she added that only the people who were registered for the conference could attend.
Even so, since each service was being taped, Rick and I drove to the Big Barn Auditorium early that evening and were able to buy the two videos from the afternoon meeting. As soon as we came home, I called Joyce and asked her to come over. Christine happened to drop by that night, too, so we all sat down to watch the videos together. Although Jim Bakker conducted Uncle Henry’s Memorial Service at Heritage USA in February of 1995, this was the first time he had been invited to deliver a message in his former church in almost a decade. In fact, as we watched the opening portion of the service, it was hard to believe that he was preaching in the place where so many influential people had vowed to keep him from ever doing again.
When the praise and worship ended, Rick Joyner stepped to the platform and introduced Tammy Sue. By that time, Tammy Sue had matured into an accomplished Christian artist who was ministering throughout the country. This was obviously a profound moment for her because she broke down in appreciative tears when the entire congregation spontaneously erupted in loud applause.
After composing herself, Tammy Sue openly shared some of her deepest feelings about how much the Lord meant to her. Then, with her incredibly anointed voice, she sang about God’s mercy and love, both of which had sustained her through some very difficult years. With lyrics that echoed God’s timeless grace, many people were moved to tears. When she finished her last song, everyone stood to their feet shouting, clapping and praising the Lord for His unmistakable faithfulness.
Then, Rick Joyner caught everyone off guard when he cordially, and nervously, introduced Jim Bakker. As the cameras immediately panned the audience, we watched some surprised expressions on a few of the people sitting there. With the congregation cheering him on, Jim Bakker humbly ascended the steps, warmly greeted Rick Joyner, and then stood at the pulpit marveling the enthusiasm of the huge crowd. Considering all that happened to him during the past ten years, I realized the enormity and the sheer impossibility of that moment. I wondered, “Does anyone else realize what a miracle this is?”
Jim Bakker began his testimony by talking about some of the terrible times he had lived through since 1987. He asked everyone there to forgive him for causing hurt to the Body of Christ. Immediately someone yelled out, “You’re forgiven!”, and that is when he seemed to become more at ease with the crowd. Sounding confident, he asked everyone to open their Bible to the sixth chapter of Daniel. In the recesses of my mind, I remembered that chapter was important to me, but at that second I could not remember why.
As I listened to him describe the nervous breakdown he suffered in the courthouse during his 1989 trial, he loudly declared, “If you’re not insane before they put you in an insane asylum, without the grace of God, you will go insane!” Understandably, those words got my attention. I was shocked learning about the private details of his public breakdown. Jim Bakker carefully described the dehumanizing events he endured after breaking down inside the courthouse, and the nightmarish trauma of being kept inside a prison psychiatric hospital. Listening to his experience was upsetting, but he had to tell it and people, like myself, needed to know that life doesn’t end after a trauma.
He also spoke about some of the lessons he learned since losing PTL, pointing out that no one is exempt from tragedies, failures or God’s correction, as it is all a part of life’s journey. He said he was wrong to have preached a gospel of “prosperity,” and put himself down for doing so. Speaking more confidently than ever before, he told everyone that he lost everything in his life, but not to feel sorry for him because he now had a deeper relationship and knowledge of Jesus Christ. He wanted everyone to understand that even though we sometimes feel that the Lord has abandoned us when we are going through trying times, God promises, “I will never, never fail you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (TLB)
“We are already in the sixth chapter of the Book of Revelation!”, was another profound statement. Loudly voicing, “It’s later than you think!”, Jim Bakker commanded everyone’s attention. He said he studied the Book of Revelation in prison and researched “every word” in the English, Greek, and Hebrew languages. Sometimes he devoted sixteen hours a day to studying the complicated book, which explains what will happen on the earth as we approach the Lord’s return.
Putting man’s doctrines aside, he found out for himself that tribulation times were upon us, and God sent him back, “from the grave” as he put it, to warn Christians to come back to their first love as perilous times lay just ahead. He also proclaimed that Jesus made it clear that, “Above all, we are to love God—not money!” He went as far as saying, “Jesus has nothing good to say about money,” and confessed that he spent half his ministry teaching people how to get rich!
Jim Bakker concluded his message talking about God’s faithfulness, passionately reiterating Jesus will never, in no way, not at all, by no means, in no case, nor at any time, ever leave or forsake anyone! All at once, refreshing streams of truth swept through my mind as I grasped hold of the truth that even though I failed God and assumed that He was no longer involved in my life, in actuality, He never left me. Heavy weights of self-imposed guilt and condemnation suddenly lost their grip as I was gently ushered out of a world of deception.
A biblical message about long-suffering and the end times weren’t popular subjects to preach about. Yet, his statements shed a great light on my circumstances, especially how forsaken I felt. I surely wasn’t living a victorious life, and I had all but forgotten about the Lord’s return by then. God used Jim Bakker’s revealing testimony to bring balance back to my thinking. In contrast to my defeatist attitude, Jim boldly proclaimed that while he studied the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, he couldn’t find one godly person who lived a “charmed life.”
God was speaking directly to my circumstances as I drank in every word. I actually felt the Holy Spirit rise up inside me. The voice of the Lord, which I assumed I would never hear again, broke through my thoughts with one simple word, “Listen…” The word was so distinct it startled me.
The totality of the message was so extraordinary that Jim Bakker left the platform to thundering applause. Rick Joyner stepped to the pulpit and stood captivated as he gazed at an audience who were still cheering and shouting. Visibly delighted over the whole meeting, he confidently stated:
“This truly, I believe, has been a historic day. That message had to be preached in this place, right here in this place. God is going to use this place and He is going to use that man and his family as a testimony of His power of redemption. God is in the redemption business. I tell you, we are all to be benefited from our God wanting to restore and to redeem.”
Signs of the Times:
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Matthew 24:6
On the 30th of August, Jan Bish, Columnist and Middle East Analyst for Morningside Ministries reported:
“The Iranian threat escalates as Tehran installs 350 new centrifuges in their underground bunker at Fordow. Enrichment of uranium to a fissile concentration of 20% continues to be a high priority.
It is an easy step to upgrade from 20% to the 90% needed for nuclear bombs. This facility is buried deep inside a mountain located near the holy Shi’ite city Qom, hoping that its proximity to a holy place will protect it from a foreign attack. Iran indicated that they might allow diplomats visiting Tehran for this week’s Non-Aligned Movement summit to inspect the Parchin military base, as a publicity stunt of course.”
To read the entire report, click on link: Iranian Threat Escalates
On the 31st of August, The Jerusalem Post reported: ‘PM tells US ‘time has run out’ on Iran diplomacy’ – Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu got into a diplomatic shouting match with US Ambassador Dan Shapiro over US President Barack Obama’s handling of Iran’s nuclear program, saying, “time has run out” for diplomacy, Yediot Haharonot cited a source saying on Friday. To read the full story, click on the following link:
Time has run out
On the 4th, the U.S. debt crossed the $16 trillion mark for the first time in American history – Fox News reported: U.S. Debt Tops $16 trillion: So who do we owe all that money to? – The Treasury Department reported Tuesday that the national debt had topped $16 trillion, adding fuel to Republicans’ criticisms of President Obama’s deficit spending just as the Democrats are kicking off their national convention.
To read full story, click on following link: National Debt
On the 11th, The U.S. Embassy in Egypt and the U.S. Consulate in Libya were attacked killing four Americans. CNN reported on the 13th: Violent protests erupt at embassies as U.S. seeks killers – The United States faced violent protests outside embassies in Egypt and Yemen on Thursday, even as it was deploying warships as part of the hunt for those behind the deadly attack against U.S. personnel in Libya.
To read report and view video of these events, click on the following link:
Embassy Attacks
On the 23rd, Fox News reported: Pastors pledge to defy IRS, preach politics from pulpit ahead of election – More than 1,000 pastors are planning to challenge the IRS next month by deliberately preaching politics ahead of the presidential election despite a federal ban on endorsements from the pulpit.
To read entire story click on link: Pastors and IRS
October
Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away. Who can comprehend the power of your anger? Your wrath is as awesome as the fear you deserve. Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. Psalm 90: 10-12 NLT
From the 4th – 6th MorningStar Ministries hosted its annual Harvest Fest Conference & Festival inside the Heritage Grand. This particular conference drew one of the biggest crowds of the year because of the exceptional speakers and worship teams. At each service, the huge lobby of the hotel along with its three imposing balconies was filled with conference goers.
Powerfully anointed messages from Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke* and Pastor Isaiah Saldivar so impacted the congregation that it sparked renewed commitments to the Lord and to spreading the Gospel. Deeply moved by the whole conference, Rick Joyner declared it to be a profoundly historic gathering.
*Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke has dedicated much of his life to preaching the good news of Jesus Christ worldwide, and has won an astounding 55 million souls to the Lord. This beloved man of God has actually preached to over a million people at one gathering! It would seem impossible to gather millions of people in one area and have peace and order while experiencing the Holy Spirit’s presence, yet this is a real phenomenon that occurs when he is out on the mission fields.
Below is a short video of Rick Joyner introducing Evangelist Bonnke at the conference and showing some of the unbelievable meetings where millions were in attendance. This extraordinarily humbling video must be seen to believe:
All during the three day conference, the brightly lit sidewalks of Main Street were filled with visitors enjoying shopping, eating some flavorful food and mingling with friendly strangers. Venders set up display tables offering a wide variety of merchandise, including unique oil paintings, ornate artwork and a variety of keepsakes from the farthest parts of the world.
MorningStar University set up an information table for those interested in obtaining degrees in theology and other specialized areas of ministry. Missionaries and students were on hand from several nations, including Costa Rica, Haiti, Denmark, South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria to share some of the struggles and rewards of being on the mission fields. These selfless individuals willingly put their lives on the line for the Gospel in some of the most dangerous regions of the world.
Rick Joyner’s wife Julie set up her annual “Christmas Shoebox” campaign, hoping to once again raise enough funds to fill three thousand shoeboxes with toys and basic necessities. All the filled shoeboxes will be donated to Rev. Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse ministry in Charlotte, North Carolina for distribution to needy children.
To purchase the complete DVD set of the Harvest Fest Conference, or to learn more about the ministries offered by MorningStar Ministries, click on the following website: www.morningstarministries.org.
During the weekend of October 13th, the Jubilee Life Center Church pastored by Bishop Charles Gibson held an October family festival. The church is located in the former PTL Wagon Wheel Restaurant and PTL Registration Building. Named the “Rock Tober Fest”, the outdoor event filled the large parking lot with people young and old who came out to enjoy a day of great music, good fellowship along with some fun entertainment and games for the children. The celebration was open to everyone.
To learn more about the Jubilee Life Center Church, please check out their informative website at: www.hgjubilee.org.
PTL’s AMPHITHEATRE: After sitting idle and partially dismantled for the past eight years, Heritage USA’s old Amphitheatre is being demolished.
Originally, in 2005, when Coulston Enterprises obtained the property, they were going to weatherproof the Amphitheater by adding a domed covering. They renamed it Crown International Amphitheater and it was to be used for Christian concerts and events. Unfortunately, the project was never completed and now the property will be developed for commercial use.
This is a tragedy because the Amphitheater and the property it’s on were “dedicated” to the Lord. These are the moments that try our faith, but we will continue to pray for God’s will to be done. It’s never too late for a “change of heart.” Keep in mind the miracle of the Upper Room.
The “Remembering PTL & Heritage USA” Group at: www.facebook.com/PTL.Heritage is a good way to connect with people interested in the situation at the Amphitheater. For over ten years owner Todd Barwick has done an excellent job in connecting those who keep up with PTL’s past, present and future.
Special Events on the grounds of Heritage USA:
A New Church Service has been added to the Upper Room! On Sunday October 21st, the first of a regularly scheduled church service was held in the Upper Room. Russell James recently announced that from now on there will be a weekly Sunday morning service held there at 11:00 a.m. Pastored by Bishop Ron Lambright, this “surprise blessing” is welcomed news for many people in the area.
For more information, click on the Upper Room’s facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/upperroomchapel/
The Antioch Church located on the grounds at 8180 Regent Parkway is hosting an End-Time Prophecy series. The series started on October 10th and will continue for six consecutive Wednesday nights.
For further information, check out their website at: www.lifeatantioch.org.
On November 2nd at 7:00 p.m., The Broadcast Group will host Pastor John Hagee in the Barn Auditorium. Pastor Hagee will be speaking about his new book The Power of the Prophetic Blessing. There will also be a concert by Canton Junction.
The cost is $5 and REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
To register by phone, call 1-800-854-9899 or go online to http://www.jhm.org.
For information of upcoming events at the Barn Auditorium, check out the Broadcast Group’s new website at: http://thebarnatregentpark.com
On November 7th at 7:00 p.m.,
The Artists Music Guild and Upper Room Chapel are presenting a night of great Gospel music at the Upper Room located at 8409 Regent Parkway, Fort Mill, S.C. The Upper Room will kick off the annual Artist’s Music Guild’s convention that is being held at the Heritage International Ministries Conference Center (Heritage Grand Hotel) from November 8th – 10th.
Here are some of the people who are performing at the Upper Room: The Weaver Believer Band, Epp Mevin Walls, the Armouraires Quartet, Patrick Quick and The Travelers and John Tracy Wilson. Please come out and enjoy the music.
For more information, check out the Upper Room’s facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/upperroomchapel/
November 8th – 10th, The 2012 Artists Music Guild Convention and Heritage Awards announced “it will hold its annual convention and the inaugural music awards from November 8th – 10th at the legendary Heritage USA. Many of your favorite musical and television celebrities will be on hand to help mentor the Guild artists. Please make your plans to be there!
The four day event will culminate on Saturday the 10th at 6:30 p.m. with special performances by: Christy Sutherland, The WBT Briarhoppers, Betty Jean Robinson, the Platters, Richard Kiser, Terri Gibbs, David L. Cook, the Dunder Chiefs, the PTL SINGERS and many more.”
For information or to purchase tickets call #615-469-1595
To make Hotel reservations please call #877-446-3836.
The Upper Room: On Saturday, December 1, at 1:00 p.m., the Upper Room will be celebrating the second anniversary of its miraculous reopening. The celebration will be held in the Upper Room with special music provided by Wayne Stewart. Guest speakers will be Bonnie and Richard Steel, who were the first couple to be married in the Upper Room August 20, 1982. All are Welcome!
Check the Upper Room’s facebook page for more details at: Facebook
The Towers: On the 4th, our local news channel CN2 reported a new situation surrounding the ongoing Towers’ dilemma. The newest concern is that the old PTL Towers might not have the proper lighting on it to warn airplanes. It was brought out at the October 1st, York County Council Meeting that the Towers is not in compliance with FAA regulation regarding lighting on the top of the 242 foot building. Rick Joyner has not been contacted by the FAA and told a CN2 reporter when interviewed, “I am a pilot and used to be a corporate pilot and fly professionally and so I am very sensitive to air safety, of course. Whatever we need to do to that building to make it safe, and if it needs any type of special lighting, we’re happy to do it.
The unwavering effort of many residents on the grounds to get closure to the fate of the Towers is understandable. Reaching an agreement has actually become frustrating for those on both sides of the argument. Lawyers from MorningStar and York County are negotiating “behind closed doors” with no immediate answer in sight. As we have written before, it’s as if time has stood still on the construction of the Towers ever since the day work stopped on it in the late 80’s …
A look back ~ the old PTL Shows
Recently, Jim Bakker has been sharing his heart about the 15,000 hours of original PTL shows (the entire PTL library of videos), which was auctioned off a few years ago and purchased by the Shrine of the Holy Spirit chapel in Branson, Missouri.
Pastor Jim considers the library of the old PTL Shows his life’s work and sincerely wants to have them back. The videos were taken from the PTL Ministry during the 1987 scandal, stored in a church in Charlotte for several years, and then a bank put them on the auction block when the church ran into financial problems.
The huge library of tapes is being digitally re-mastered, and Jim Bakker will have some access to them, but he believes all the PTL shows should be returned. Some of the programs that he would like everyone to see again include interviews with Rev. Billy Graham, Presidents Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush.
Moreover, back in the day the PTL shows brought the Gospel to a worldwide television audience resulting in multiplied millions of people coming to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. It would be a great act of kindness by the new owner of the PTL Library to restore back to the Bakker family their life’s work.
Without a doubt if these shows were aired, the same anointing that won millions of lost people to the Lord years ago would happen again because the videos will never lose their anointing. We can pray for God’s will to be done in this difficult situation.
Signs of the times:
Then Jesus told this story: “Look at the fig tree and all the other trees. When their leaves appear, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, you will know that God’s kingdom is near. I tell you the truth, all these things will happen while the people of this time are still living. Earth and sky will be destroyed, but the words I have spoken will never be destroyed.” Luke 21:29-33 NCV
These are just a few of October’s news reports dealing with end time events:
On the 8th, The Jerusalem Post reported: IDF attacks Gaza targets in response to rocket barrage. The IDF (Israeli Defense Force) struck targets in Gaza from the air and land on Monday in response to a barrage of more than 30 rockets and mortar shells fired by Hamas and Islamic Jihad at farming districts in the south.
To read full story, click on link: Defense Article
On the 10th, Fox Business News reports that S&P has downgraded Spain’s credit rating to BBB, just above “junk”. New York – Standard and Poor’s on Wednesday cut Spain’s sovereign credit rating to BBB – minus, just above junk territory, citing a deepening economic recession that is limiting the government’s policy options to arrest the slide.
To read full story, click on link: Government Policy
On the 16th, CNN news reports that a 4.6 earthquake was reported in Maine. The U.S. Geological Survey revised its report of Tuesday’s earthquake to magnitude 4.0, down from a preliminary magnitude of 4.6. The epicenter was pinpointed 4 miles west-southwest of Hollis Center, Maine, at a shallow depth of 4.2 miles.
To read full story, click on link: Earthquake
On the 18th, BBC News reports- Greece hit by new general strike over austerity: Thousands of people protested across Greece on Thursday against the next round of spending cuts, required in return for another bailout installment.
To read full story and view video, click on link:BBC News Report
On the 21st, The Jerusalem Post reported – We’ll build Jerusalem like they built London, DC. Responding to international censure of Gilo building plan, Netanyahu says Israel “will place no limits on construction in our capital.”
To read full story and view video, click on link: Jerusalem Post
On the 25th, Hurricane Sandy, a 900 mile wide hurricane said to be one of the biggest storms in recorded history threatened the East Coast. The Weather Channel reported: The ingredients awaiting Hurricane Sandy appear to be coming together to create what forecasters are calling a “monster combination of high wind, heavy rain, extreme tides and maybe snow that could cause havoc along the East Coast just before Halloween next week.”
For up- to- date coverage of the storm click below: Record Storm
Hurricane Sandy’s death toll hits 75, as tales of tragedy and heroism emerge from devastation – Fox News reported: The death toll from superstorm Sandy is up to 75 and expected to keep climbing as workers comb through floodwaters, rubble and fallen trees in more than a dozen states affected by the 900-mile-wide weather system.
Read entire article at: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/10/31/superstorm-sandy-death-toll-on-rise-as-recovery-begins/
On the 28th, USA Today reported: A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the west coast of Canada, but there were no reports of major damage. Residents in parts of British Columbia were evacuated, but the province appeared to escape the biggest quake in Canada since 1949 largely unscathed…The National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas of British Columbia, southern Alaska and Hawaii, but later canceled it for the first two and downgraded it to an advisory for Hawaii.
Read the entire article with video at: USA Video and News
Jesus said, “When these things begin to happen, look up and hold your heads high, because the time when God will free you is near!” Luke 21:28 NCV
November/December
So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT
On the 2nd of November, the Barn Auditorium’s parking lot overflowed with cars and buses as over 2400 people enthusiastically arrived to see Pastor John Hagee and enjoy the music of Canton Junction. Pastor Hagee made an appearance at Heritage as part of a tour for his latest book The Power of the Prophetic Blessing.
Because of the extra seats that needed to be brought into the Barn when the ticket sales exceeded everyone’s expectations, it was noted that this particular meeting represented the largest number of people ever gathered together in the history of the Barn Auditorium. The event was deemed a miraculous success, especially to those who understood the unlikelihood of the building being restored and filled to capacity with so much life.
During the 1980’s when Heritage USA was in full operation, for convenience and safety purposes visitors parked their cars in the huge parking lots around the Heritage Grand Hotel and then rode in trams to get around the grounds. Given the amount of people The Broadcast Group believes will be coming out to future events, more parking spaces will become a necessity!
For information of upcoming events, check out The Broadcast Group’s new website at: http://thebarnatregentpark.com.
On the 10th, the Artists Music Guild culminated its second annual convention Saturday night in the lobby of the Heritage Grand Hotel with a formal “black tie” Awards Ceremony. The Guild showcased a variety of popular vocalists and musicians; some of the very best in gospel music. From Betty Jean Robinson singing her classic song, He is Jehovah, to the upbeat comedy of host David L. Cook and funny antics of Trina Jeffrie a/k/a “Sister Cantaloupe,” it was an all around enjoyable evening.
A small sample of the Music Guild’s award recipients were Christy Sutherland, Betty Jean Robinson, Barbara Mandrell, Richard Kiser, Terri Gibbs, David L. Cook and Russ & Sandy Hosey. A few of the PTL Singers were there to sing back-up vocals as well. The ceremony was filmed by CN2News and CBS and will air at a later date.
For further information, contact The Artists Music Guild at: www.ArtistsMusicGuild.com.
Note: The PTL Singers are scheduled to have a PTL Singers and Orchestra reunion in the fall of 2013. The originally scheduled reunion was put on hold, but it now appears that this time it will happen.
For details, check out the PTL Singers and Band’s facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/227621813924542/ , or contact The Broadcast Group at: http://thebarnatregentpark.com.
The Remembering PTL & Heritage USA Group has also been posting messages from the organizer of the event and can be found on facebook at: www.facebook.com/PTL.Heritage
During the month, the demolition of PTL’s Jerusalem Amphitheater brought out mixed emotions on the grounds and from around the country! The demolition marked the end of an era when salvations were a constant at each production that was held there on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
God willing, the land will be used again for ministry.
WCNC reporter Tony Burbeck of NBC Charlotte did a heartfelt report on the Amphitheater’s demise. Below is his article along with a sobering video of the demolition in progress.
Posted on November 8, 2012 –
Mixed Emotions as Former Amphitheater demolished – by Tony Burbeck
FORT MILL, S.C. – Crews are demolishing the old PTL outdoor amphitheater in Fort Mill, where thousands of people watched plays and listened to concerts during the heydays of PTL and Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker.
The amphitheater also served as the site of plays by NarroWay Productions.
Demolition started a few days ago and is expected to finish next week. People are pulling over in cars to take a look or snap a few pictures before it is gone for good and the hole in the ground is filled in.
David L. Cook with the Cook Family Singers performed at the amphitheater as a kid.
“It’s like a little piece of your heart being broken,” Cook said, after watching some of the demolition. “To be at the amphitheater singing, to go out there and be part of the passion plays and things that went on there, it’s just a wonderful part of your memories and your history.”
Rick Drury grew up watching PTL. “My mom and dad were religiously watching it,” he said Thursday while watching demolition crews crush concrete. Drury now lives at the campground next to the amphitheater and says it’s an eyesore that needs to go, regardless of its ties to PTL.
“It was an eyesore, there was graffiti, it actually was dangerous,” he said. “You’d see people walking around up there in flip flops with broken glass and stuff laying around, and it’s been like that for years and years and years. No, I’m not sad to see it go.”
The property owner says he’s not sure what will be built in the amphitheater’s place.
Several neighbors also want to see the PTL tower torn down. Morningstar Ministries plans to spend millions to renovate it, but York County says Morningstar is in violation of a five year development agreement, which includes repairing it or tearing it down with their own money.”
Another Church has moved on the grounds: Genuine Praiz Christian Fellowship Ministries was established in 2004 and has recently been holding services at 10 a.m. in the Grand Cafeteria at the end of Main Street inside the Heritage Grand Hotel. Pastor Bryan N. Cropper describes the church as “Equipping God’s People for Everyday Living – A Church On Purpose.”
There is no website for the church as of now, but they do have a facebook page at: www.facebook.com/genuinepraiz.
During the month, on the Jim Bakker Show, Rabbi Jonathan Cahn returned to share more end-time mysteries he has uncovered in the Bible. In some circles, Rabbi Cahn is considered a biblical “Indiana Jones” because of his mind-boggling discoveries. His bestselling book THE HARBINGER has sold nearly one million copies since its official release on the Jim Bakker Show in January. He has also been nominated for a Grammy for the audio version of THE HARBINGER.
The following is an excerpt from Morningside’s blog about Rabbi Cahn’s visit:
“The topic then turned to the election and Rabbi Cahn explained that God will send warning after warning, many harbingers, to a nation who is departing from God to warn them to turn back to Him. Pastor Jim asked the Rabbi if “Hurricane Sandy” had any part of “The Harbinger,” and the Rabbi replied that storms like Sandy don’t usually come in November, and they don’t usually come to New York City and New Jersey. During the storm “Sandy” the Hudson River actually poured into the Ground Zero site where the Freedom Towers are being built (bigger, better and stronger) to replace the World Trade Center buildings brought down in the greatest Harbinger this nation has ever experienced. The pattern in “The Harbinger” is one of defiance to God’s warnings.
Yet, the pattern of defiance in the choices America is making remains the same. The Rabbi and Pastor Jim discussed how they believe that the reason “The Harbinger” came out in 2012 was because this is a pivotal year for this country. Rabbi Cahn explained that 4 years ago, not all people knew the choices they were making when they chose a candidate to lead America, but this time they knew and chose to move in a direction away from God.
Though pundits and pollsters attempted to explain the demographics of the people groups who voted in this 2012 election, Rabbi Cahn said that it’s not about people groups! It’s about America turning away from God, and with every new generation, the country is shifting and changing. Rabbi Cahn declared Christians in America reached – went over – a tipping point as it no longer has political influence. This is what America voted for – and it’s an advance toward apostasy and judgment.
The Rabbi warned that there will come more shaking, or Harbingers, if the nation continues on this path. He also admonished the Christians to be light to the darkness that is blanketing this country. He recalled how Peter and Paul lived in an anti-Christian culture but they were bright lights in a dark world. He said we cannot be intimidated into silence…”
To read the entire blog, click on link: Jim Bakker Blog
During the month, Jim Bakker announced the soon release of his long awaited book TIME HAS COME. This exhaustively researched narrative centers on the times in which we live and the prophetic signs concerning the Lord’s return. Pastor Jim has worked tirelessly for several years studying the Book of Revelation, which he considers a mandate from the Lord, and then penned the dramatic results.
The differences of opinion surrounding the subject of the “end times” continually causes misunderstandings and arguments in the Body of Christ that muddy the waters with the end result bringing so much confusion that few people want to discuss the matter. This timely book will dispel confusion, bring peace to its readers and answer the most basic questions about the second coming of the Lord in the simplest way.
Citing Scriptures from both the Old and New Testament, Jim Bakker attempts to clear up some of the misunderstandings about the end times. He does not claim to know everything, but his twenty plus years of researching every word in the Revelation of Jesus Christ has brought him to a place of incredible understanding.
Signs of the times:
Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” 2 Peter 3:3-4 NCV
On the 6th, Fox News reported: Voters devastated by super storm Sandy – many of whom were left homeless and broke – doggedly made their way to makeshift poles even as they tried to rebuild their lives, with one saying her right to cast a ballot “is the only thing I have left.” Click on link to read full Article: Sandy Victim
On the 8th, Fox News reported: A 7.4 magnitude earthquake rocked Guatemala on Wednesday, killing at least 48 people in two provinces as it toppled thick adobe walls, shook huge landslides down onto highways, and sent terrified villagers streaming into the streets of this idyllic mountain border with Mexico. One hundred people were missing, and hundreds were injured. Click on link to read full Article: Earthquake
On the 13th, as tensions continue to mount in Israel over rocket attacks from terrorists in the Gaza Strip, The Jerusalem Post reported: PRC video claims to show missile strike on IDF small jeep. A video released by Gaza terrorists on you-tube on Tuesday purporting to show Saturday’s missile attack on an IDF Jeep patrolling the border with Gaza. The attack began the latest escalation with terror groups in Gaza, and led to over 120 rockets being fired at southern Israel. To view video and read Report, click on link: Defense
At the end of November, a fragile cease-fire between Hamas and Israel was brokered by the new Egyptian President, Mohammed Morsi – Time will tell if this situation brings about a real peace agreement or this is just a “pause” in between the ongoing battles in the Middle East.
The Jerusalem Post reported on the 28th, After eight days of pounding each other from the air, a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas was declared in Cairo. The streets of Gaza filled with celebrating people, yet 70 percent of Israelis polled have expressed their (often virulent) opposition to the agreement.
For the complete in-depth story, click on the following link: Opinion
DECEMBER:
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 KJV
The Upper Room: On Saturday the 1st, the Upper Room held a Celebration Service commemorating the second anniversary of its reopening. Russell James hosted the service, which included special guest speakers Bonnie and Richard Steel*, who were the first couple to be married there on August 20, 1982. The couple shared their testimony of how they met at the Upper Room while it was being constructed, fell in love, married and are the proud parents of eight children!
*Richard Steel was the man in charge of the construction of the Upper Room.
Jim Garvich, the man from Georgia who restored the Upper Room from 2002-2004, spoke for a few minutes about how the Lord led him to Heritage USA and then put it on his heart to restore the building when it was almost beyond repair.
Russell also introduced his lovely daughter Courtney, who is now one of the officials of the Upper Room. She will be helping her dad with its operation, and has been given the honor of being named the Upper Room’s photographer. Courtney is a good choice; for starters she is smart, personable and is a natural at handling a camera. She will surely be a blessing to everyone.
During the service, Russell listed the improvements and additions made to the Upper Room over the past year, and then he spoke about his future plans which include:
1) Along with the new flowers, trees and bulbs that have already been planted this year, he will be creating a special Aunt Susan Rose Garden because of her love for roses. Aunt Susan and Uncle Henry Harrison were the beloved couple that conducted services in the Upper Room during the PTL era. They have since gone on to be with the Lord, and establishing a rose garden is a beautiful way to honor their legacy.
2) Another parking lot will be added to the far side of the Upper Room in the months to come. Russell doesn’t see the new homes being built right next door as a drawback, but rather as new families the Upper Room can minister to.
3) The Upper Room’s Prayer Team, headed by Bishop Ron Lambright, will continue to make sure that when the Upper Room is open on the weekends, there will always be someone available to pray with visitors.
4) Russell is also going to put out periodical news briefs about the happenings at the Upper Room. To receive these updates, go to http://www.upperroomchapel.com. Then click on the”contact” tab and put your name, address and e-mail address in the message section and send it back. You will automatically receive the news briefs, plus he suggests keeping up with their facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/groups/upperroomchapel .
Click through below picture slideshow:
During the month, the Castle next to the Heritage Grand Hotel is in the process of being cleaned out. The surrounding property is also being cleared of all the overgrown weeds and debris. There is no official word yet as to what the building is going to be used for, but the improvements are a welcomed sight!
The Towers: The fate of the Towers is still uncertain, but MorningStar does not plan to take it down. Their desire is to see it through to completion, and hopefully there will be an amicable agreement struck between York County and MorningStar Ministries.
Upcoming Special Events:
MorningStar Ministries will hold its annual New Year’s Conference from December 29th – 31st in the lobby of the Heritage Grand Hotel.
Speakers include retired Lt. Gen. W.G. Boykin, Rick Joyner and a special unnamed guest. Music will be provided by William Matthews, Susie Willis Yaraei, Molly Williams and David Vallier.
Rick Joyner says of this conference: This is a unique conference for seeking a prophetic word for the coming year as well as personal words of direction for all who come. These words have not only proven accurate, but critical for the times. Each one (conference) has not only been growing in intensity and excitement, but also importance. Expect a clear trumpet call at this one.
For more information about the conference, go to their website at: http://www.morningstarministries.org.
The Upper Room Chapel will hold another Candlelight & Communion Service on New Year’s Eve at 11:30 p.m. EVERYONE IS INVITED. This is one of the most beautiful services of the year and it is a good way to start the new one.
To keep current with the happenings at the Upper Room check out their facebook account at: http://www.facebook.com/groups/upperroomchapel
Morningside Ministries in Blue Eye, Missouri: Jim Bakker will be hosting a New Year’s celebration and church service from Morningside starting at 7 p.m. CST, and it will be “live” streamed. He says the Lord has given him an important prophetic message for the New Year of 2013.
For more information, click on Morningside’s website at: www.jimbakkershow.com.
NOTE: If any church or ministry on the grounds would like to have their services mentioned on this website, please contact us at: www.legaseepublishing.com .
As 2012 is coming to an end, we are reflecting on all that has taken place on the grounds this year. Perhaps one of the best moments of the year was the reopening of the Barn Auditorium. And one of the worst moments was the Jerusalem Amphitheatre’s destruction. This is about the best way to describe the diversity of events that happened during the year. Before we put 2012 into the Archives, we are leaving it up for a while so you can take another look at all the changes.
On the worldly scene, the continuing downturn in the economy and lack of jobs has forced some families into selling their homes. Actually, there are about as many new homes being constructed on the grounds as are in foreclosure or for-sale. Rick Joyner put it this way, “It’s the best of times and the worst of times.” Ministries are struggling also, and most Christians are praying fervently for a “Great Awakening in America.” There seems to be more questions than answers as to what will happen to America. Be mindful that when we’ve more questions than answers, and the answers are not enough, there is JESUS.
We would like to take another opportunity to “Thank You” so very much for visiting our website during the year. We sincerely wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe and peace filled New Year despite all of the extraordinary challenges in today’s world. God willing, we will be back with January’s update in 2013.
We would also like to thank you for your patience this month as we combined November and December’s Updates. God Bless Graphic Designer Nancy G. Daniel for giving of her time and talents to make these updates possible.
For excellent Web and Print Design Nancy can be contacted at: www.nancyg.org
The below video is our way of reaching out to you with a song that speaks to all hearts at this time of year.
Much love to everyone with showers of God’s richest blessings in the coming year,
Rick & Chris (from the grounds of Heritage USA)
www.legaseepublishing.com.