Written by: Kristi Taylor
Encounter Ministries is a Catholic ministry that exists to unleash the transforming power of the Holy Spirit and has partnered with the Archdiocese. The Encounter School of Ministry draws from the richness of our Catholic heritage and seeks to teach, equip, and activate disciples to demonstrate the love of God through the power of the Holy Spirit in their spheres of influence.
In reading Acts of the Apostles, have you ever wondered how the disciples could heal people in Jesus’ name, but we don’t see Christian disciples doing this today? When my mom (Karen Schemmel) was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I laid my hands on her head and prayed for her healing in Jesus’ name several times throughout the course of her 6-year illness. Even though my mom lost her ability to communicate, I could see this prayer touched her each time, as evidenced by the clarity in her eyes and the tears rolling down her cheeks. I trust God healed her emotionally or spiritually, even though we didn’t see an improvement in her physical health.
I attended Encounter’s Summer Intensive last July with a friend. On the healing night, we were taught a prayer model for healing people in Jesus’ name which we employed with each other. We witnessed several healing miracles that night. After some prayer reflection, God called me to enroll in the Encounter School of Ministry this year. I have grown much closer to Jesus, and I hear his voice more clearly for myself and for others (prophecy). Last week at my son’s baseball game, I prayed for the opposing team’s pitcher that took a hard hit to his knee and had to come out of the game. After my 10-second prayer, his pain level went from a 7 to a 4 and he could put more weight on it after testing it out. He looked incredulous and made a sign of the cross after his healing. Praise Jesus!
The Holy Spirit is alive and Jesus wants us to proclaim the Gospel, demonstrating God’s signs and wonders to build faith in those around us. “He who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to the Father.” – John 14:12
Interested in learning more? Consider attending Encounter’s Summer Intensive July 17-20, 2023 at Holy Trinity parish. Find more information by clicking the graphic above.