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Recently, the Messengers small group of Fusion planned a barbeque at the park for a Friday night, but the Lord had other plans. Friday came and so did the thunderstorms. The barbeque had to be canceled due to the weather, but that did not stop any of us from getting together at Reggie’s (one of our leaders) for dinner and a movie, or so we thought. Everyone showed up at Reggie’s with food, drinks, deserts, and anything else imaginable. The fellowship is always filled with peace, joy and wisdom. This time was no different! A few people had come to fellowship with us from other groups, and boy, were they in for a treat! We had no idea that rain could turn a Friday night barbeque at the park into an amazing night filled with the Holy Spirit.

After eating dinner, blankets were stretched across the floor, couches and chairs were occupied, and everyone was ready to start the movie. The group got into a deep conversation (as normal), about the Lord and his amazing works. One of the members decided to share her testimony while waiting on the movie to begin. This in turn, sparked desires in other people to do the same. One testimony lead to another, and conversations developed into messages from the Lord. Sharing testimonies opened up the door for the Lord to remind many individuals of things from their past that they had not remembered before. It also allowed people to recover from things that had previously been bothering them by sharing it aloud.

Now, it seems that the enemy didn’t like this one bit, as he had been trying to distract us and mess up the night in various ways. One way was by using the neighbors. We had one neighbor blocked in by accident, and he came banging on the door. Another group of neighbors stopped a group member while he was pulling in, trying to start an argument or fight. We prayed for the neighbors along with the children in the room and each other. Unfortunately, the enemy struck again when another member was about to tell her testimony.

She was struggling with a migraine and feeling sick. A couple of people went to check on her and as soon as she stated what was going on, we decided to pray for her. Laying hands on her and praying out loud with the whole group brought about deliverance from spirits that she had been dealing with, such as rejection. The Lord gave her strength to tell her testimony, which in turn brought about the need for deliverance in another group member.

Each person was actively taking authority over spirits that were not of God, walking with the power of the Holy Spirit. The truths that were being spoken aloud were too much for the enemy to handle. We reminded him that Jesus Christ died on the cross and shed his blood for us! He died for redemption of our sin, for our healing and our deliverance. He died for us to have a personal relationship. We showed that our God lives inside of us by the Holy Spirit (TAKE THAT!). Both of these group members were delivered that night… well, it was actually the morning by the time we finished. Not only were they delivered and filled by the Holy Spirit (so the spirits have no place to come back and reside), but they also received rest.

By this time it was roughly 3am and we were praising the Lord through music. Everyone joined together to pray for covering of each and every one of us and over the children once again. After prayer, one of the ladies mentioned while leaving that her hand was hurting and tingling. One of the leaders of The Messengers prayed for healing over her and they both received it. The next morning, that leader got a text message stating that she had been healed.

PRAISE THE LORD! GOD IS SO GOOD! A Friday night barbeque being rained out turned into two deliverances, a physical healing and many emotional and spiritual healings through testimony.

Black Shirts with white designs and bright green letters stating “FUSION ON TOUR” speckle each train car that takes off from the Doraville train station heading to the Atlanta Airport. A group of thirty people, split up in five different groups, all with the purpose of spreading the love of the Lord. Equipped with bags filled with bottled waters, hearts overflowing with God’s truth, the Holy Spirit and boldness that only the Lord himself could provide. As the train departs, anticipation gets stronger.

On a normal day, the door opens and many people rush on the train, find a seat, and get occupied with various things – men and women with headphones in their ears listening to various types of music, students doing homework and many eyes closed while leaning up against the window. The only noise heard is coming from the train tracks and walls being scraped at random times throughout the trip. The good thing is, this was no normal day. This day was made by the Lord, for the Lord, and it’s time for people to know and understand; so let’s take it back.

The doors open and many people rush onto the train hearing, “Good evening,” and “How are you?,” along with other questions and statements directly to the individuals. Each person trying to find a seat, scrambling around before the train takes off. As they find their seats, they are greeted with a bottled water and many kind words. If they had an empty seat and were welcoming of a neighbor, the seat filled up fast for conversation. Many were still trying to sleep, do homework or listen to their iPod.

Brayden goes from person to person giving hugs from God, which lifted many spirits and opened some hearts that were not welcoming to begin with. Ken, Celara, Dee and myself listened to different individuals, giving them a genuine ear that wanted to hear how their day was or what was going on in their lives. Some didn’t open up completely, while others broke down; one girl coming back to the Lord after hearing what He desired for her. Even after the water was out, we went from person to person and checked on them, telling them that God loves them. As the people got off, we told each one to have a blessed night and anything else that was on our hearts.

Being able to see the love of our Lord was a blessing in itself. To see the smile on others’ faces and gain understanding of the selfishness that plagues our society was something that couldn’t be taught by lecture, only by actions. This was just a small glimpse of what they should be seeing and what we ourselves should be doing and seeing. The Bible states that we are to first love the Lord, then, to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Those are just basics and most haven’t been doing that right. So how can we, as Christians, go about claiming the Lord without having the basics down?! Fusion on Tour has begun, and it is time to be doers of the word, not hearers only. It’s time to look in the mirror and see what God has in store for us and what Christ would have done. It’s time to see Christ in our mirror and know that we are getting closer and closer to being just like Him. ~ Lauren W.

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But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (James 1:22-27 NKJV)

I am not even sure where to start this story. I was raised in a Catholic church and had all the intentions in the world to become a missionary and nun for God. When I was 16, I met a boy (which was not in the original plan) and ended up pregnant at 17. We did not stay together and I ended up getting involved in some very abusive relationships. I lost custody of my daughter in 2002.

In 2003, I had two abortions and was considered an alcoholic and drug abuser. I tried to commit suicide three times over the course of two years. In 2005, I became pregnant a fourth time, and this time I refused to have another abortion. His father left when I was six months pregnant, and I tried to commit suicide (for the last time) by taking a whole bottle each of [a prescription sleeping aid] and [a narcotic painkiller] right after. Praise God there was no harm done to my wonderful son or myself.

In 2007, one year after moving to Atlanta, I was introduced to Fusion and Victory. I got saved, baptized in water and the Holy Spirit, and I thought that all my struggles were over. But later that year, I started drinking again, and in 2008, I became once again an alcoholic and drug abuser. I lost custody of my son and I fully believed and wanted to die…

But, June 8, 2009 was the last time that I had any alcoholic drink or drug. I went into Wellspring Living with the full support and help of Victory. After being there for six months, I am now serving on the Greeters Ministry and the Connection Ministry, and I have already planned to go on at least two mission trips, as well as to Mexico for the Mission Internship in September. I am also allowed to see my children once a month and to call them every week. I cannot thank God enough for saving my life and restoring my faith, family and friendships. ~ Twyla W.

If you’re a regular attender at Victory, we’d love to have you share your story about what God is doing/has done in or through your life at VWC. Click here to submit your story.

In case you haven’t heard, throughout the summer, Fusion, our 20-somethings ministry has left the building and is taking it to the streets, engaging the community as Jesus would! Just because they aren’t having formal services doesn’t mean they’re just kicking back for the summer. No, through Fusion small groups and social justice projects they’re sharing Jesus with our community in real and practical ways, reaching out to neighbors, helping people in need and shining the light of God’s love into dark places. Check out these video blog posts highlighting some of what God’s already been doing in and through them:

And that’s not all! Check out the Fusion Blog to see what else is has been going on.

Plus, the summer’s only half over! There’s a lot more to come!

Day 1

Victory has a full house many times a year, but never quite so electric as when over 1,400 teens pressed into God’s presence through worship at Jesus Culture. The room shook with the sounds of passionate worship as teens ready for worship cried out for His heart and His presence.

On the first night of Jesus Culture, Benny Perez brought the message. His first words to the group were, “God said, I’m going to begin to pour things in – My Spirit, in unusual ways – and pour things out – things you’ve been carrying. God is doing a work in not just this generation, but in anyone who wants Him.” He admonished the teens that God has an appointed time and an anointing that we don’t expect. He is always looking for a young person upon whom to release an anointing. The Lord wants that young person to rise to become more powerful – rise in purity, rise up to become a revivalist. He reminded us that the anointing in our lives rises as we give it away.

This generation has been through more brokenness and pain than any generation, but God is saying, “Rise up!” God wants to lift us up by His grace and by His anointing. If we think we can do it, then it would be all about us. But when we know we can’t do what is before us, then it’s all about Him.

Day 2

Cries of “Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty” reverberated across the sanctuary on Thursday night as over 1,500 teens gathered on the second night of Jesus Culture. The room shook with the release of hunger for God’s glory. Nothing quite compares to seeing a sea of young people crying out to God with all their hearts – on their feet and on their faces, hands raised towards the heavens. Every seat in the house was full – as were the aisles and the floor – and all ready to meet God in worship.

As the evening went on, teens testified of healings from scoliosis, asthma, paralysis and other conditions. Story after story was told, igniting faith for healing in the room. Speaker Scott Thompson shared the testimony of his life. The he shared that God has called us to break chains off a generation, and He wants to use us to do it.

Thompson also said that in the natural, we might all know someone, or even be someone, who people would think could never get saved. But Scott’s challenge for us was to never give up on the people in our lives. Our prayers are powerful and change lives. Our presence changes the lives around us. nd God’s love never gives up.

Day 3

On the final night of Jesus Culture, the place was primed for the miraculous. About 800 teens had spread across Atlanta that afternoon to pray for people out in the community, expecting God to meet them at their point of need. And meet them, He did! After another powerful time of worship, many shared testimonies of healing and God-encounters. These young people found out through experience that as they listened for His voice and obeyed, He would come and validate His Word in their lives through miracles. Banning Liebscher, the Director of Jesus Culture and the evening’s featured speaker, began by sharing three Scriptures: Jn. 6:1-13, I Tim. 2:3 and Psalm 2:8; and then continued with a little history about the Mount Hermon conference, which began in 1886 with D.L. Moody and others to raise up volunteers for missions. Beginning with just 100 students, that conference saw over 20,000 missionaries sent onto the field by 1945.

Then, Liebscher related a word from Cindy Jacobs about God releasing a new student volunteer movement. In this day and hour, God is again stirring up an increase in young people who will give their lives for revival. Those who are a part of this volunteer movement must:

1. Connect with the heart of God – I Tim. 2:4. This movement is motivated by and connected to taking care of God’s heart – He has desires, dreams and longings for people. God intends to give the nations of the earth to His Son, and the heart of the Father longs for that to come! We are not on our campus or job to make good grades or to make money but to take care of God’s longings! John 4 reminds us to lift our eyes and see the fields are white unto harvest – see the things that He sees and be moved by what moves Him.
2. Understand that God’s plan is to partner with us to carry out His plan. We must come before the Lord with whatever we have and say, “Here’s my life – use it for your will” We can either spend our lives on ourselves or spend it on God; but we have to decide. Many of us don’t ever fully give ourselves to God because we are overwhelmed by the need. One of the things that is killing the church is the lie of insignificance. The spirit of intimidation tries to speak smallness and insignificance, to try to get us to sit down and shut up. But, when we bring our lives to God, He has the ability to take what we bring and multiply it.
3. Count the cost – Luke 14: 25-33. Jesus requires it ALL. He says, “You may feel that you don’t have much, but I want all of it.” He requires everything. So the issue is this: Is my heart completely His? If we are going to be agents of change, our hearts must be completely His. We must cross the point of no return – when we no longer have any option but to follow him.

That night, the altars were full of young people saying “yes” to God’s call, having their lives marked for revival because of that commitment. All over the building, people were healed of various ailments, and young people were ready to go out and do what God has destined for their lives.

Perhaps the summary of the three days lies in the words of one of the musicians, “I am royalty. I have destiny. I have been set free. I’m gonna change history!” Hundreds young people are eager to jump into God’s plan. Just imagine what’s going to happen!

Click here to see more pictures.

On February 11, 2009, we were pleased to welcome author David Batstone and musician Brant Christopher. Together, they shared with us a message of freedom.

David Batstone is the founder of Not for Sale, a campaign to end slavery in our lifetime. Brant Christopher is a musician who has partnered with Not for Sale, helping to spread the word that human trafficking and slavery is a modern day reality.

During this special service, David Batsone delivered a powerful message of freedom for the captives. Eyes were opened as David shared with Victory the disturbing fact that 27 million people are currently enslaved. Yes, 27 MILLION! And this is not just in other countries, it’s happening in our own backyard – right here in the “land of the free.” Children and adults are being sold as slaves to a perverse world – a world full of evil, greed, lust, and spiritual deadness. David not only informed us, but empowered us with the wisdom, knowledge and truth necessary for us to do our part to end slavery. As Isaiah 61:1 says: “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor…to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” (NIV)

Brant shared his heart for the issue by putting music to his words – playing guitar and singing songs that portray the unsettling emotions associated with human trafficking and slavery. Brant’s music seized our hearts and caused them to be sensitive to the issue at hand. Brant unselfishly used his musical talents for the greater good of all. Brant is a great example of how we all can use our gifts to raise awareness of this issue.

We are truly grateful to David and Brant for bringing this relevant and urgent message to Victory. As a result, many were challenged to take responsibility, take action, and take the message of freedom to all who are oppressed.

Taina Brown had this to say about the event:

I had heard [Batstone] speak on the cause last year at a Fusion service and, since that time, had developed an interest in joining the anti-slavery movement. The Fusion band had led us into a time of worship and there was a sense of expectancy in the room. There were those of us who had already been involved as modern-day abolitionists on several different levels, and there were those who were new to the movement and unsure of what to expect from the night. Interweaved with the backstory of Not For Sale and what we as average citizens can do to combat the terror of human trafficking, was music by Brant Christopher and visual images presented on the screens. It was a very creative presentation that gave us information and also touched the human soul at its core through the different types of media that were present.

An abolitionists is defined as someone who favors the abolition of any law or practice deemed harmful to society. How many of us would actually say that sex trafficking and human slavery is something that we favor? At the end of the night, we were encouraged to take action. Not by signing up on rescue teams or traveling abroad to places where it’s right before our eyes, but by signing up to be informed, by writing letters to major companies which deem it un-profitable to buy things like chocolate and clothing not made from slave labor, and by getting the word out. We were challenged to live differently, work differently, shop differently. We are no longer ignorant to this issue, and to do nothing is to turn a blind eye.

Christ did not die in vain! The true reality of our times is that ALL are free! Not a select group, class, race, or gender, but ALL. Freedom! Shout it from the roof tops! Proclaim it to the captives! “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36, NIV). ~ Alex Hogan

For more information on “Not for Sale”, check out their website: www.notforsalecampaign.org