Invasion - by Steve Kanode

Firestarters joined forces with a group of Jr. and Sr. Highers and their leaders for their "Invasion" meeting. We were impressed with the level of spirituality we found there. I thought, "Maybe they should be ministering to us." Anyway, Jen felt the Lord directing her to speak on suffering as a christian. So after a time of worship, she led that discussion. Then we spent time praying for them individually. Some also received prophetic words and prayer for healing. They are a great group. We look forward to meeting with them in the future.

Chapel at Manheim Christian Day School ~ by Alicia Kanode

A group of us from Firestarters led middle school chapel this morning at Manheim Christian Day, where Sean and Jen’s children attend school. Sean talked about God’s Father heart of love for us, specifically from Romans 8:14-16. He asked the kids to share some movie characters that they like and then drew a parallel between those characters and God – that knowing “about” a person is not the same as “knowing” a person. In the same way, we can know all the Bible stories and still not know the God who wrote the Bible.

The rest of us who went also shared testimonies of the ways in which God had revealed His love to us and encouraged the kids that they can also experience God’s love. Sean allowed time for the students to pray and connect with God in that way. Then Sean and Diane led them in the song, “Father, I Adore You.”

As the students left the room, Sean and Steve told each one individually that God loves them and has good plans for them. Father, let those truths sink deeply into each of their hearts!

Firestarters at HDC ~ by Alicia Kanode

As always, we were looking forward to ministering again at the Harrisburg Discipleship Center (Eastern Mennonite Mission’s training center for Youth Evangelism Service teams). We were very blessed to have the volunteer staff from HDC pray for us before we led the training session Sunday night. We were then able to pray for the staff, as well, while the YES team participants listened to worship music.

At 7:30, we joined the larger group of students. Sean taught briefly about the prophetic and then we had a panel discussion, so that the participants could hear different perspectives from numerous Firestarters staff members. After explaining about prophetic ministry, we split into groups to allow the YES team members and HDC staff to practice hearing from God and ministering prophetically to one another.

It was a really fun experience to watch these young people (some of whom had been scared by the prophetic when we started) step out and share what God was showing them. I especially enjoyed when more than one person received the exact same picture or word for someone. It was a neat confirmation for all of us that they really were hearing from God!

After spending some time in small groups prophesying and praying for each other, we came together again and shared testimonies. It was so exciting to hear how God encouraged these young people. One of my favorite testimonies came from a girl who is gifted in art. She had become discouraged with her ability and decided not to pursue further education in the area of art. One of our team members who had never met this girl before received a word for her about art and encouraged her to allow God to use that gift in her life. She was so encouraged that this word actually changed the possible direction of her life as she looks to the future!

IGNITED at Landisville Camp Meeting ~ by Steve Kanode

I had been looking forward to this event for some time. I had a sense of expectancy that God was going to “show up”. To avoid a potential misunderstanding, I will explain, “show up,” briefly from my perspective. I acknowledge God’s omnipresence. He is everywhere all the time. But for God to, “show up,” means His manifest presence. It means to experience Him. It is somewhat like the difference between knowing someone is on the same property with you, even though you do not see them and having them come and give you a big loving bear hug.

My work day was pretty crazy. Due to the many distractions, my feeling of expectancy was minimal at best at the actual start time of the event. In my head I was hoping, but the feeling of expectancy was gone.

Sean and the worship team led us in a time of praising and honoring God. There were several testimonies of what God has been doing in people’s lives.

Jen shared about the culture of death that seems to be pervading our nation and how what once signified something to be avoided (skulls, crossbones and skeletons indicating something is poisonous or deadly) is now popular in toys and fashion. In the midst of the darkness, God wants His people to bring the message of light and life and hope that are found in Him.

One of the testimonies was of how God had healed a person’s spouse of cancer. That same person who gave the testimony about their spouse experienced God’s presence and the healing of their hand. The injury was somewhat similar to the feeling of hitting one’s funny bone, but it occurred in their hand and affected their fingers. Later in the evening God again met them and they experienced Him in a new and fresh way. Others received prayer ministry as well

We praise God for what He did and what He will do! Be blessed!

Ignited at Landisville Camp Meeting ~ by Alicia Kanode

We had a blast at the latest Ignited event! It was held at the Landisville Camp Meeting, which provided a gorgeous backdrop to what God was doing! One could sense the Spirit’s presence there, bringing freedom in worship, speaking words of encouragement, and filling His people in new ways!

Sean and the band led worship almost the entire time, with a few intervals for sharing or to just be silent. Sean said at the beginning that he expected God to be speaking through all of us. It was neat to see multiple people step forward to share a prophecy, a verse or a word of encouragement that they felt the Lord had put on their hearts.

There were also opportunities to receive ministry, both in the realms of physical healing and a fresh baptism of the Spirit. It was wonderful to see the Lord bringing healing and touching His children! Toward the end of the evening we invited leaders to come forward as a sign that they welcomed the Spirit’s work in their own lives and in the realms in which they led. That was also a special time, as God blessed those individuals.

Thank You, Father, for Your Presence among us! Without You, we are nothing. We give You honor, glory and praise!

Steve Kanode

Firestarters joined the Landisville Camp Meeting revival services on Thursday and Friday. The evening services were adult oriented with the worship being led by Sean and Austin. They did a great job of leading worship and had the pleasant surprise of being joined impromptu by a Conga drum player.

Firestarters staff also helped on Friday morning with their Vacation Bible School. They did a puppet presentation. Below is a testimony from the week.

“The program director of Landisville Camp Meeting called today to testify that a little boy who was at VBS told his mother and his grandmother emphatically that he invited Jesus into his heart during the puppet show Firestarters did on Friday morning. When asked if he understood what this meant, he made clear that he understands it and explained that he has decided to b a Christian & is very excited & serious about his decision!”

We praise God for all He did at the Landisville Camp Meeting!