Sowerby Bridge Report

Report of the meetings held at Sowerby Bridge Elim Church with Apostle Aje and Chantal Pelser - June 26th to 28th.

By Ann Unsworth

 Having arrived on Monday, Aje and Chantal were ready to get ministering. Although there had been opportunities to minister (at our home, house group and a bit of cricket coaching in school) it had not been an easy few days. Both Ethan and Cherie were under the weather and needed to rest. So there was much anticipation and excitement about this weekend. In fact, lots of things had been stirred up even before Aje and Chantal had arrived in Yorkshire. Aje and the family took a leisurely trip up to Sowerby Bridge checking out our finest service stations - fortunately they do make quite good coffee. George Gwynn and I left after work in torrential rain - British Summers!

Duncan and Beverly Curry, the ministers in Sowerby Bridge spoke later about the way they felt right at home with Aje and Chantal within half an hour.

That evening Chantal ministered on Colossians 3v16 - understand the word and understand the person. She then led us in a time of worship. Aje ministered from Ezekiel.

God ministered to several, one lady was prayed for and began to speak in tongues.

On Saturday Aje spoke on the cost of worship from 1 Chronicles 13. David did what was right in the eyes of the people - big mistake - and then got it right in v13, "consulting Him about the proper order". The Levites were to carry the Ark on an open shoulder signifying the need to subdue the flesh - get the basics right before you can worship in the congregation or on the stage.

Aje continued to teach on worship.

In the afternoon Aje taught on prophetic standards and we moved into prophetic teams. This was something I had experienced before when the team visited last year, but for many it was a new thing - and still very new for me. Each group testified that although apprehensive to start with God confirmed within the groups words for individuals and for the church. One word that was particularly important was an image waterfall where the flow was impeded by a large rock. Many individuals testified afterwards that God had spoken to them through the teams.

To conclude the afternoon Chantal gave us a breathing lesson - been doing it for 41 years and thought I was an expert!! She gave some practical advice for flowing in worship and then passed the mike around! Gulp - scary stuff! Duncan started us off and many sang out - even me! Chantal gently supported, guided and encouraged.

Time for a rest - a brief one - and then food and fellowship. It was great to see Duncan and Beverly, Phil and Ruth able to talk through issues and areas of concern.

When I first got to know Phil and Ruth, elders in the church, they were at the end. "Don't give us another system!" they said, "We've tried it all!" The joy and excitement within Ruth was a wonderful change to see.

 Sunday began with testimony and prophecy. Duncan shared the picture of the rock in the waterfall. He had a received a phone call from the lady who had first given this picture. She had been woken in the early hours with the interpretation - the rock is offence. Duncan spoke with authority. Aje shared that offence is a snare and illustrated this by making a trap with a chair and mike stand. It was a powerful and accurate image - yet brought in a gentle way. God brought breakthrough for at least one person and we pray that that will continue. Duncan shared that the lady who brought the picture had spoken something to him on Friday night from which he admitted he could have easily taken offence. Aje and Chantal spoke into the church and also specifically to Bev and Duncan.