It’s so exciting to see some of what God is doing around our territory. The Lord called us to Mississippi several years ago. We have loved being here, but have hated some of the derogatory concepts many have had concerning our beloved land. There have been many mistakes, and I am sure that some embarrassments have been deserved. However, God has known some things about our region that others have not. For instance, according to statistics, Mississippi is considered the “most religious” state in the union. Certainly, everyone who makes up that category doesn’t walk in all that God has for them, but for that stat to be, there have to be many hearts at some level desiring a relationship with their Creator. Then – and this a great one – Mississippi is the number one state per capita for giving! You think back to Cornelius, the centurian in Acts 10, and you realize how significant giving is to God. As you look at all the stats, most of the surrounding southern states have similar findings. As a group we are very much alike.
Do you remember that as a man sows he shall also reap? Well, we are beginning to see some tips of the harvest. In the next few blogs, I would like to share some of them. One of my favorites involves a small town in Alabama, right across the Mississippi line. Hamilton, Alabama is becoming quite famous. I had heard that “something was going on there,” but the first time I had a close encounter was about 5 years ago. I attended a ladies’ conference in the Huntsville area and heard Karen Wheaton’s story for the first time. Karen is known to many for her beautiful singing voice and for her extravagant worship. She has served with many ministries – Frances Hunter, Marilyn Hickey, and Benny Hinn. She has also been a part of the Trinity Broadcasting Network’s family where she ministers regularly.
Several years ago, while in the peak of her worldwide singing career, Karen returned to her small, rural hometown for a visit. She came for rest and refreshing, but what happened to her was much greater. As she rode through the streets on a Friday night, Karen observed many young people in the empty parking lots throughout the town. They were “hanging out,” sitting on or leaning against the hoods of their cars – as they do in small towns across our nation. They seemed so aimless. As her heart broke with the heart of her Father, Karen wept over their lack of purpose. She was deeply aware of the fact that many of them had never met Jesus personally. They were totally adrift.
That night a seed was planted in her heart to do something about it. She felt God’s call to start a ministry there in that small town for these young people. Thus ” The Ramp” was born. It took a lot of energy, faith, and money to pull things together for such an endeavor. People just didn’t do such things in small, rural towns. But when God is the planner and provider, the impossible becomes possible.(www.theramp.org)
At first, balancing her new found ministry with her international career, Karen began the process. After some time at that, she left her fulltime position with the international ministry, and focused primarily on her new work. What has transpired could only be done by the hand of God. Karen started a praise team – and I do mean praise- with young people who wanted to dedicate their talents and time to worship God. She named the group “Chosen,” as they were truly chosen by God for the ministry. She also recruited Damon Johnson to move with his family from California to be the pastor/teacher in leading the services. Then there was the building , a beautiful auditorium to hold large crowds for the youth conferences which would come.
It’s been about 13 years since the first stakes were driven. Their conferences now are booked about a year in advance, and the weekend meetings are usually standing room only. Many of the young who comprise Chosen have testimonies of deliverance from drugs, alcohol, prostitution, pornography, and suicide. Many were abused or abandoned as children, sometimes giving them even more significant appreciation for having God’s hand in their lives. It seems that the more radical their deliverance, the more radical their praise. Any heart would be energized for Jesus after an encounter with these young people.
Karen is President and Executive Director of The Ramp, but others have joined the mission. Damon Thompson moved from California with his family to serve as a regular evangelist and teacher at the conferences. Damon desires to see believers equipped to fulfill their current, immediate destiny of carrying revival. He also longs to see spiritual fathers raised up that will develop mature sons to become voices of awakening.”(http://www.damonthompson.com)
Other major ministries have relocated to Hamilton also. Eddie James, world-renowned music minister, has moved to Hamilton and expanded Dream Life, a ministry to troubled youth and young adults. Eddie James often leads the worship at The Ramp, but he travels also. As he travels internationally, he often takes some of those from Dream Life to sing and dance with him in radical praise. (www.ejworship.org) Then recently, Dutch Sheets Ministries moved from Colorado Springs to Hamilton. Dutch Sheets, whose vision and ministry stir up awakening and reformation in our nation, moved to the small town because of its spirit of awakening which is uncommon in our country. He believes that this region of the south, which at one time was extraordinarily dry in spirit, has now become a forerunner in awakening. (http://www.dutchsheets.org)
Wow! It’s truly amazing what God can do when we yield ourselves to His plan and His purpose. I hope you check out the websites I’ve mentioned here. You will be motivated to pursue those dreams the Lord has placed in your heart. It’s true that you can’t accomplish those things alone, but through prayer and persistent pursuit, His grace and favor will be there for you too. Be blessed and let’s keep moving forward.
