Christian Prison Worker Forced to Quit After Quoting What Bible Says About Homosexuality - CHARISMA NEWS

A Christian prison worker felt compelled to resign after Bible verses he quoted during a chapel service provoked an aggressive response from prison authorities. (File)

Christian Prison Worker Forced to Quit After Quoting What Bible Says About Homosexuality

11/4/2015 CHRISTIAN CONCERN  charisma news

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A Christian prison worker felt compelled to resign after Bible verses he quoted during a chapel service provoked an aggressive response from prison authorities. An employment tribunal will hear this week.  

Rev. Barry Trayhorn, an ordained Pentecostal minister, started work as a gardener at HMP Littlehey in May 2011. He also helped on a voluntary basis with chapel services at the sex offenders' prison, at the invitation of the chaplain.   

Whilst leading worship at a chapel service in May 2014, Trayhorn spoke about the wonder of God's forgiveness for those who repent, quoting 1 Cor. 6:9-11 from memory. The verses mention a number of sins, including adultery, homosexual practice, greed and drunkenness.

Four days after the service, a complaint was made. Trayhorn was immediately barred from helping with chapel services. He was later told that his comments during the service were "homophobic" and breached national prison policy. He was notified that there would be a disciplinary hearing.  

In August, Trayhorn was signed off work with stress-related illness. 

Then, on Nov. 4, 2014, Trayhorn resigned from his job as a gardener, saying that he had been harassed because of his Christian faith and that it was impossible for him to return to work, given the way he had been treated. 

Two days later, a disciplinary hearing was held in his absence. Trayhorn was given a final written warning. 

Trayhorn is convinced that his involvement in chapel services provoked a hostile response from prison officials, leading to a series of issues being raised with him. 

A hearing in Trayhorn's case begins today at Bedford Employment Tribunal and is expected to last until November 10. 

Trayhorn is being supported by the Christian Legal Centre and will be represented by Standing Counsel Paul Diamond. 

'Daring to say what the Bible says'

Trayhorn explains: "I simply said what the Bible says. Prisoners need to hear God's word just as much as anyone else. If people come to a Christian chapel service, we cannot hold back the gospel truth that God forgives those who repent. 

"As I led the worship, I spoke about the wonder of God's love and the forgiveness that comes through Jesus Christ to those who recognize their sin and repent. I said that I am the worst sinner I know.   

"But that wasn't politically correct. The mere mention of homosexual behavior in the Bible verses that I quoted provoked complaint. I was barred from taking part in chapel services and trouble came my way. I was put under enormous pressure for daring to say what the Bible says."

'Gospel witness in prisons'

Commenting on Trayhorn's case, Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said, "It is astonishing that Barry was forced out of a sex offenders' prison for repeating what the Bible says about sexual behavior—during a chapel service—as he spoke about repentance and forgiveness. This is an important case. Freedom to maintain a clear gospel witness in prisons needs to be protected.

"No one should be denied an opportunity to hear what God has to say about the way to restoration, least of all those in prison for sexual offenses. We're delighted that Barry came to us and grateful to all those who enable us to support him and other Christians like him."

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Hanukkah - Light Drives Out Darkness - ISRAEL TODAY

Hanukkah - Light Drives Out Darkness

Thursday, November 05, 2015 |  Israel Today Staff

Both Jews and Christians celebrate their "festivals of light" during the darkest period of the year. Sunrises are really late and sunsets occur in the late afternoon already.

Light was created during the creation story when God spoke light into being to expel the drakness (Genesis 1:1 - 5). A parallel can be found in the Gospel of John chapter 1 where the Messiah is referred to as the light of the world.

The Jewish celebration of Hanukkah - literally dedication - is the remembrance of the rededication of the Temple after the Jewish priestly family revolted against the Hellenistic Seleucid occupation. They could not tolerate the continued oppression and persecution of the Seleucids and ultimately liberated Jerusalem and the Temple (in 164 BCE).

Jewish tradition tells of a miracle that occurred when, during the rededication of the temple, a small jar of olive oil was found to rekindle the Menorah in the Temple. The jar only contained enough oil to burn for one day but the Menorah miraculously burned for eight days until more oil could be produced.

The Jews celebrate this festival by lighting an increasing number of candles each day of the festival until all eight candles are lit. This year Hanukkah will be celebrated from the evening of December 6 until December 14. This festival celebrates the victory of light over darkness!

We often feel that we cannot do much as individuals in this world of darkness, but this story teaches us that it is important to let our light shine - whenever the opportunity presents itself - and if we all do this we will be amazed how we can affect the world around us.

Hanukkah is a festival with the focus on children and we would like to assist many children in Israel, that live in poverty and can only dream of all the joys of this festival, to share in the joy and celebration.

HELP US SPREAD A LITTLE LOVE AROUND AND BRING A RAY OF HOPE AND JOY TO THE EYES OF THESE POOR CHILDREN.

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Born-Again Christian Congressman Reaffirms Support of Jerusalem as Israel's Capital - BIN

Rep. Scott Garrett (Photo credit: Scott Garrett’s Facebook page)

Born-Again Christian Congressman Reaffirms Support of Jerusalem as Israel's Capital

By JNI Media November 4, 2015 BREAKING ISRAEL NEWS

“Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together, to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord.” (Psalm 122:3-4)

“I am a born-again Christian,” Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) said on the “Yishai Fleisher Show,” and as such, “every time I come to Israel … it is always an eye-opening and heartwarming experience to see the interrelationship between our two shared faiths.”

Garrett, who visited Israel with a bipartisan Congressional delegation last month, represents New Jersey’s 5th congressional district in the House since 2003. His district includes the northern-most and western-most portions of the state. Garret began his political career serving in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1992 to 2003. In 2007, Garrett led nineteen US lawmakers in introducing a bill in the House supporting a UN membership for Taiwan, which the US helped revoke under President Nixon. Garrett is a staunch supporter of US military aid to Israel and of the US friendship with the Jewish State.

The group with which the Congressman traveled included Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), Rep. Raoul Labrador (R-ID), and Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC). The trip was sponsored by the US based Christian organization Proclaiming Justice to the Nations and hosted by “Yes! Israel.” Garrett was accompanied by his wife, Mary.

“Ever since I’ve been in Congress I’ve supported the Israeli position on where their capital should be. I believe any sovereign nation has the right to make that determination,” Rep. Garrett told Yishai Fleisher. The Christian lawmaker introduced the Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act of 2013, requiring moving the United States Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Israel’s legal capital, Jerusalem.

“I’ve been under two presidents – President Bush and President Obama – and both have taken the wrong view [on Jerusalem],” said Garrett. “And the other problem is the US State Department, [has] always been the fly in the ointment, trying to prevent Congress from moving forward on that legislation. It’s a battle in the United States, and there are some of us who would take right side.”

The congressional fact-finding mission included briefings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, a strategic helicopter tour with the Israeli Air Force, a visit to the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, meetings with Israelis and Palestinians in Gush Etzion to discuss coexistence, a visit to the Gaza border city of Sderot, as well as tours of ancient Shiloh and Ariel University, and briefings with a range of lawmakers at the Israeli Knesset.

The congressmen also met with American expatriates and held a Town Hall meeting in Jerusalem that attracted around 200 Israeli-Americans.

“As a member of Congress, I certainly look at my trip from a geopolitical perspective, to see Israel as our one true friend in the region and how [our friendship] benefits the United States,” Garrett told Fleisher.

“On the other hand, I am a born-again Christian and I see the faith-based aspect to it as well,” he continued. “My wife and I very much appreciate that aspect of the relationship. Every time I come to Israel—I’ve been here several times now—it is always an eye-opening and heartwarming experience to see the interrelationship between our two shared faiths.”

Fleisher asked Garrett how it felt to be in Jerusalem – “a flowering yet embattled capital” — at a time of increased terror attacks.

“It seems that my history of coming here has been during traumatic, tragic times—during the bus bombing period, during the period when cafés were being bombed—and I’m here now when the knifing incidents,” he replied. “So I guess I have a track record. Unfortunately for the people that live here, you live under constant attack, surrounded by neighbors who do not appreciate that you just want to live in peace.”

Congressman Garrett served on the Iran Sanctions Committee in 2010. “We tried to have the toughest sanctions we could have on Iran,” he told Fleisher. “We tried to force Iran’s hand on the nuclear situation and we got pushback from the administration and State Department, who said, ‘No, no, we don’t want those tough sanctions in place, just give us more flexibility’ – a famous word for this president – ‘so we will be able to work with them.’ Of course we see now that as a result of giving the administration as much flexibility as we did, unfortunately, we ended up with the terrible nuclear deal that we’ve suffered under and will suffer under for the next decade.”

The Congressman agreed with Fleisher’s assessment that the Iran deal was “not really about the bomb but [about] the return of billions of dollars into the coffers of Iranian terrorists’ efforts.”

Garrett was one of only 25 members of the House of Representatives who voted against the so-called Corker legislation – the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015, which effectively allowed the State Dept. and the White House to hammer out the nuclear deal with Iran without interference from Congress.

“The Corker legislation prevented us from doing what the US Constitution actually required us to do, which was to approve an Iran deal or treaty, and at the end of the day we were not able to do that because we needed 218 votes in the House and 60 votes in the Senate to disapprove [the Corker bill]. By [passing the bill], we facilitated this administration to go forward with a bad deal on the nuclear portion and also to facilitate the undoing of what we were trying to do in 2010 as far as additional sanctions on the financial portion [went] as well.”

Fleisher pointed out that Iran subsequently signed a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin “powered by the money flowing into Iran, and this new axis includes Russia, Iran, Shi’ite Iraq, Shi’ite Syria, and Shi’ite Hezbollah in a united front.”

“They’ve been empowered for a long time by our administration,” Garrett replied, “but now it’s on steroids, if you will. To address this, we passed legislation in the House with regard to the releasing of the $110 billion to slow it down or put an end to it. In the United States there are number of legal claims from the past half-dozen years by Americans who have been injured by [the Iranian] regime, so the legislation would prevent any of that money from being released until all of the Americans claims against the regime have been compensated first, which I think is the absolute appropriate thing to do.”

Fleisher thanked Garrett for his support, adding, “I hope I will be able to shake your hand when the United States of America recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of the state of Israel and moves the embassy back to Jerusalem. That will be a great day.”

Garrett agreed. “I look forward to shaking your hand once again rather soon, and I hope it will be on that day.”

Facebook Photo of Praying Footballers Sparks Controversy - CBN News/Charisma New

Facebook Photo of Praying Footballers Sparks Controversy

11/4/2015 CBN NEWS  charisma news

Join us on our podcast each weekday for an interesting story, well told, from Charisma News. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.

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A Facebook photo of North Dakota high school football players praying on field is creating a controversy.

The post by a local Bismarck resident says the North Dakota State Activities Association said there can be "no prayers before the game."  The post has been shared more than 2,000 times.

The association says it has not issued a new rule banning prayer at sports games.

Executive Director Matt Fetsch said opening prayers haven't been held since the Supreme Court ruled them unconstitutional 15 years ago.

He also said prayers can't be broadcast over loudspeakers at postseason games because those games are sponsored by the association and not the home team.

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Is This The Most Important Prophetic Time in History? - JESSILYN JUSTICE, CHARISMA NEWS

Rabbi Jonathan Cahn

Is This The Most Important Prophetic Time in History?

11/4/2015 JESSILYN JUSTICE  charisma news

The Jubilee. 

According to the Jewish calendar, we're in the seventh Shemitah year. Historically, it's the year of getting back items that were once lost.  

"Here is this massive restoration," Cahn tells Jim Bakker. "... The seven Shemitahs, the 49th (year) ushers in this period of restoration." 

The best-selling author then asks what he calls the big question: Could Israel be part of this? 

Watch the video to find out. 

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The Powerful Prophetic Message of 'Woodlawn' - J. LEE GRADY FIRE IN MY BONES, CHARISMA MAGAZINE

'Woodlawn' is a must-see film. (Facebook)

The Powerful Prophetic Message of 'Woodlawn'

11/4/2015 J. LEE GRADY  charisma magazine

I rarely endorse films, and I don't get any benefit from movie companies if I do. But I loved the movie Woodlawn so much that I am telling everybody to see it before it leaves the local Cineplex. You will want to buy the DVD too, even if you aren't a fan of high school football. Woodlawn is the most unapologetically Christian film I've ever seen because it maintains an artful quality without ever becoming cheesy.

American audiences are starved for films with positive messages that reinforce Christian faith instead of mocking it, and Hollywood has noticed that faith-based movies are getting better. War Room has already made $66 million since it released in August. Other faith-based films are due out in the next few months, including The 33 (about the miraculous 2010 rescue of Chilean miners, due in theaters Nov. 13) and Risen (about an unbelieving Roman soldier who investigates the resurrection of Jesus, out Jan. 22, 2016).

But Woodlawn, produced by Andrew and Jon Erwin, gets my vote for the best Christian film of the year because its message has relevance far outside the walls of the church.  And it carries a prophetic message about the time we live in—which is really not that different from the turmoil of the early 1970s.

The film is set in 1973 in Birmingham, Alabama—at a time when local schools are required to desegregate. Racial tensions have reached the breaking point at Woodlawn High, a white school that suddenly must accommodate blacks. Students, parents, coaches and the school's principal are all on edge.

People who remember the era of desegregation may also recall that another movement was stirring in America. Time magazine called it the Jesus Revolution. In Woodlawn, the two movements collide.

The school's football coach, Tandy Gerelds (played by Nic Bishop), is trying to get his black and white players to get along, with no success. Then an unassuming evangelist named Hank (played convincingly by Sean Astin of Lord of the Rings) asks if he can give a pep talk to the boys in the school gymnasium. When he does, almost every guy on the team gives his life to Jesus.

"What just happened?" a baffled Coach Gerelds asks his assistant coach. Later in the film, Hank gives the answer: "This is what happens when God shows up."

The film is based on true events and focuses on the life of one student, Tony Nathan (played by Caleb Castille), who becomes the first black football player for Woodlawn High. When he stands in the gym with the rest of his players and becomes a committed Christian, he doesn't realize he's joined a spiritual revolution. But with the word "BELIEVE" scribbled on the back of his helmet, and his index finger raised high to proclaim Jesus as the "one way" to heaven, he leads his team to unexpected victories—not only against opposing teams but also against a vile spirit of racism that has pervaded Birmingham.

The movie gets a special boost from veteran actor Jon Voight, who plays University of Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. He goes looking to recruit Nathan to play for the Crimson Tide, and in the process is impressed with the young man's faith. After someone burns a cross in front of Nathan's home, Bryant pays a visit and tells him: "You know the difference between you and these people? They're cowards. And you ain't."

Woodlawn is 100 percent inspiration, but it never stoops to being sugar-coated—even when Coach Gerelds walks into a black church and tells the folks he has given his heart to Christ. You could show this film in a Sunday school class, but it has just as much appeal to secular audiences because the acting is first-class, the production values are masterful and the anti-racism message is as needed today as it was in 1973. It's similar in tone to Remember the Titans or The Blind Side, but neither of those films have this much heart.

The film also includes actual footage of a Billy Graham sermon at Explo '72, a huge gathering of young Christians that took place in Dallas and galvanized the Jesus movement. Those images reminded me that during one of the darkest times in American history—when white supremacists were bombing churches in the South and police were spraying black protesters with fire hoses—the gospel was being preached as the only means to achieve racial healing.

Historians have already proven that the young people who came to Christ during the Jesus movement eventually became the leaders of today's church. It was the most powerful move of God in our lifetime. For me, Woodlawn not only chronicles how God poured out His Spirit in one school in Alabama—it also reminds me that He can and will do it again.

J. Lee Grady is the former editor of Charisma. You can follow him on Twitter at leegrady. He is the author of several books including 10 Lies the Church Tells Women, 10 Lies Men Believe, Fearless Daughters of the Bible and The Holy Spirit Is Not for Sale. You can learn more about his ministry, The Mordecai Project, atthemordecaiproject.org.

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"I Chose Jerusalem For My Name" ✡ Sheep Descended from Biblical Flock Return to Israel - ISRAEL365

But I chose Jerusalem for My Name to be there, and I chose David to rule over My people Israel. II CHRONICLES (6:6) וָאֶבְחַר בִּירוּשָׁלִַם לִהְיוֹת שְׁמִי שָׁם וָאֶבְחַר בְּדָוִיד לִהְיוֹת עַל עַמִּי יִשְׂרָאֵל דברי הימים ב ו:ו va-ev-khar b'yi-ru-sha-la-yim li-hi-yot sh'mee sham va-ev-khar b'da-veed li-hi-yot al a-mee yis-ra-ayl

Jerusalem Inspiration “We didn’t declare Jerusalem to be our capital city,” Prime Minister Menachem Begin would often say. “King David declared it 3,000 years ago!” Jerusalem and Zion are mentioned over 800 times in the Jewish Bible, and here at Jerusalem365, we love sharing it all with you. Please help us continue by sponsoring a day! Together we can spread the beauty and significance of Jerusalem to more and more people around the world. Sponsor a Jerusalem365 newsletter and get a free devotional book! » Jerusalem Lights Up! Jerusalem is truly a sight to behold during this year's International Festival of Light. You'll see the city in a whole new light through these unique installments. Watch here » Sheep Descended from Jacob’s Biblical Flock Returning to Israel in Time for Redemption Gil and Jenna Lewinsky, a Jewish couple who met in Israel and are now living in Canada, claim to have a flock of sheep that descend from the Biblical sheep of the Biblical forefather Jacob. Read more » Dead Sea Purifying Mud Shampoo by Natural Sea Beauty This uniquely formulated shampoo is made with minerals and mud from the Dead Sea and the famous Tiberius Hot Springs. Perfect for people with oily hair! Get this Great Deal » Jerusalem Daily Photo Elad Matityahu snapped this photo of Jerusalem lighting up as the sun goes down. It's a sight not to be missed! See more photos by Elad Matityahu » Thank You Today's Scenes and Inspiration are sponsored by Peggy Morgan of DeSoto, Mississippi. Todah rabah! Sponsor a day and receive a free devotional book » “Jerusalem365 Gives Me Hope and Happy Encouragement” It’s great to hear from you and make new friends from all over the world. Please send mean email and let me know how you are enjoying Jerusalem365 (don’t forget to say where you are from!). Stay in Touch » Hello Rabbi Tuly, I live in South Africa and we know full well the trials of terrorism and crime here! Your Jerusalem 365 mail which comes into my mailbox every day (except Yom Kippur) gives me hope and happy encouragement, I so look forward to it and just love the pics which take me back to my visit in Israel,  all hopes and prayers for peace and prosperity and G-d willing ..next year ISRAEL  P.S. I hope your  babe grows strong and healthy best regards Barbara Wicks Blessing from Jerusalem, Rabbi Tuly Weisz RabbiTuly@Israel365.com

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"I Saw a Huge Rusty Plow Sitting in Many Churches" - Bill Yount, The Elijah List

"I Saw a Huge Rusty Plow Sitting in Many Churches"

Bill Yount, Hagerstown, MD 

The Elijah List

I saw a huge rusty plow sitting in the sanctuary of many churches. Its size filled the back of the sanctuary to the pulpit. Its pointed blade now dull, rested just short of the altar. The plow seemed ancient and out of place, like it should be in a museum. 

It struggled to remember the glory days when plowing was crucial in the Kingdom of Heaven, for without plowing there can be no planting, and therefore no harvest. The plow knew it was never meant to be in one place this long. (Photo via Pixabay)

Suddenly, a knock came pounding on the door of these churches. A knock so powerful that it shifted the huge rusty plow forward enough to touch the altar. I could then see that this huge plow was made up of the congregation as a spirit of intercession came upon it. The spirit of prayer shook the whole house as fresh heavenly oil began dripping down upon this rusty plow.

The Lord then spoke, "As in the days of old, I am returning to this house with great power to bring in the harvest."

Immediately, confidence came upon the plow as the congregation proclaimed, "I can do this. I can do that. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." A get-up-and-go had come upon us. A pioneering spirit was rising up to take us where we had never gone before: Outside to unknown territories and regions where awesome adventure had been waiting for us. We were about to make history.

Who Was that Knocking on the Door?

I asked the Lord, "Who was that pounding on the door of these churches?"

He said, "It's the lost knocking to get inside My house. But the huge rusty plow was taking up all the room and they couldn't get in. Not one of them. But now with My oil dripping on the plow and the shaking moving it forward to outside the house, a great harvest is guaranteed with acceleration. So much so that the plowman will overtake the reaper." (See Amos 9:13.)

(Photo by Robert Bartow "Harvest" via elijahshopper.com)

"Churches will be filled again with standing room only. People will line the streets to get in as that well-oiled machine moves outside of My house. I will continue to help by shaking the heavens and the earth, releasing My reverend fear into communities and nations. I will continue to get people's attention, for I want no one to be lost. My shaking alone will cause hardened children and grandchildren to run like prodigals into the arms of Jesus."

I used to think to plow the ground first was a long hard season, and then to wait for the harvest was another long season. But I believe this Scripture (Amos 9:13) is saying that the reaping will be in the same season as we are plowing. In fact, we will overtake the reaper. That's acceleration.

The plow was V-shaped, having two huge sides on it. The V-shape reminded me how geese fly and how they partner working together, going forward even in adverse winds.

He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. As thou knowest not what is the way of the Spirit...even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. Ecclesiastes 11:4-6

My Hand is Coming Upon Your Plow

"The blood, sweat, and tears that you have sown will now catapult you to find your joy and strength in the harvest fields: Crack houses, human-trafficking, in fields of addiction, and in the company of man slayers. Where fear abounds, you will discover you are well able to take down every giant in the land. For My hand is now coming upon your plow. I am releasing an electrifying jump start upon it. It is now unstoppable. Don't look back. Don't even look ahead. Look up, for I now go before you and I have your back covered."

Redemption is Coming Upon Your Fields

"Know that your labor until now is not in vain, and though in times past you were weary in well doing, you will be glad you didn't quit.For I am coming onto your fields of labor with redemption. New anointings and unctions will open up new ground and opportunities, for the earth is Mine. Joy will be found in the plowing along with the reaping." (Photo via Wikipedia)

I found this short sermon to be interesting by Charles Spurgeon:

"If a farmer knew that a bad year was coming, he would perhaps only sow an acre or two; but if some prophet could tell him, 'Farmer, there will be such a harvest next year as there never was,' he would say, 'I will plough up my grass lands, I will stub up those hedges: every inch of ground I will sow.'

"So do you. There is a wondrous harvest coming. Plough up your headlands; root up your hedges; break up your fallow ground, and sow, even amongst the thorns. Ye know not which shall prosper, this or that; but ye may hope that they shall be alike good. Enlarged effort should always follow an increased hope of success."

It's time to plow.

Bill Yount
Blowing the Shofar Ministry

Email: theshofarhasblown@juno.com
Website: billyount.com

Bill Yount has been a member of Bridge of Life in Hagerstown, Maryland, for the past 36 years where he is now an elder and a home missionary. He is currently an advisor at large for Aglow International. Bill faithfully served in prison ministry at Mount Hope for 23 years and now travels full-time, both in the U.S. and internationally, ministering in churches and Aglow circles. "Humility and humor" characterize his ministry as he brings forth a fresh word that is "in season," proclaiming the Word of the Lord! 

The shofar (or ram's horn) is often used in his meetings, breaking the powers of darkness over regions, churches, and households. The shofar represents God's breath blowing into the nostrils of His people, reviving them and awakening the lost. Many of God's messages, which Bill ministers prophetically, come out of his everyday life with his family and friends.

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