Sarasota Church Newsletter

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Written by Harriet

A City of Beauty and Faith
Greetings, dear brothers and sisters in Christ! Sarasota is a city blessed with natural beauty, cultural vibrance, and a strong, faithful community. Whether you are a long-time resident or a visitor exploring our city’s artistic heartbeat, Sarasota is a place where faith and creativity walk hand in hand. From the famed Chalk Festival to the inspiring Sarasota Film Festival, there is no shortage of opportunities to appreciate the beauty of human expression. Yet, beyond these worldly pleasures, we know that our greatest joy and inspiration come from the Lord, who has blessed us abundantly in this city.

This month, we have been witnessing the powerful move of God in our church and throughout Sarasota. Hearts are being stirred, lives are being transformed, and the fire of revival is igniting among us. As we come together to worship, let us be reminded that God is working in ways we may not even see. He is shaping, molding, and leading us just as a skilled producer crafts a masterpiece—pausing at just the right moments, shifting the scenes, and ensuring that His perfect plan unfolds before us.

A Call to Embrace Our Unique Anointing
In our journey of faith, comparison often sneaks in and clouds our vision. But as we have learned, comparison is containing many—it limits us from stepping into the fullness of our calling. Let us not seek to emulate someone else’s gift or anointing but rather embrace the unique purpose God has placed within each of us. Scripture reminds us in 2 Corinthians 13:5 to examine ourselves, to walk in faith, and to recognize the power that is at work within us.

Kym, one of our beloved members, shared a testimony this past Sunday about how God led her to step into unfamiliar territory, much like Abraham when God brought him beneath the night sky and showed him the vastness of His promise. She had always admired the ministry of others, yet it was when she surrendered her desire to imitate and instead sought God’s direct guidance that she found her true calling. Today, she ministers to those who feel unseen, reminding them that God’s love knows no bounds.

The Power of the Holy Spirit in Sarasota
As we step into this new season, the fire of His purification is falling upon us. We are witnessing an outpouring of His Spirit like never before. Just as Jesus came to heal the sick and destroy the works of the enemy, so too is He raising up mighty warriors among us. Some of you have been facing trials—whether in finances, health, or relationships—but take heart, for God is at work! He is turning your trials into testimonies, your struggles into victories.

At our recent worship night, a powerful moment occurred. As we lifted our voices, the presence of God became so tangible that people were falling to their knees in reverence. Some were weeping, others were overcome with joy, and many received healing in ways they never imagined. One woman shared how she had been battling an illness for years, yet during the service, she felt the Lord tell her to stand in faith. The next morning, she went to her doctor, and to her astonishment, she was given a clean bill of health! Truly, nothing is impossible for our God.

A Message for Church Leaders and Pastors
To our dear pastors and church leaders, we encourage you to prepare for what the Spirit of God is doing. The coming days will not look like what we have planned, but we must remain open to His leading. Even those who feel unshakable may be surprised at the level of offense they encounter in this season, yet we must guard our hearts and fix our eyes on Jesus.

One pastor shared that he had been struggling with feelings of inadequacy, questioning if he was truly making a difference. But then, God spoke to him through a simple encounter with a young boy at a grocery store. The child, who attended his Sunday school, ran up to him and said, “Pastor, thank you for teaching me about Jesus. He is my best friend now.” That single moment reminded him that every seed we plant matters.

A Season of Restoration and Worship
We believe that Sarasota is entering a season of divine restoration. Just as we water our gardens and trust that the water will bring growth, so too must we trust that the seeds we have sown in faith will bear fruit. Our chapels, hospitals, and schools will be filled with testimonies of God’s goodness. The blessing is spreading to every branch of our mission, and we look forward to the great work ahead.

As we gather each Sunday, let us embrace prophetic praise—praising God ahead of time for the victories He has already secured. Whether you are facing uncertainty or standing on the mountaintop of breakthrough, know that you are not alone. God is moving, and He is faithful.

Closing Thoughts
Dear friends, let us not grow weary in our faith. Sarasota is more than just a beautiful city; it is a city where God’s presence is tangible, where hearts are being revived, and where the gospel is reaching every corner. As we look ahead, may we remain steadfast, bold in our faith, and unwavering in our commitment to follow where God leads.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may His light shine upon Sarasota, today and always.

In Christ’s love,
Harriet

The Winds of Deliverance: A Sermon in Tampa

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Introduction Tampa, a city of vibrant culture, natural beauty, and boundless energy, was the setting for an unforgettable sermon by Elodie. Standing before a congregation eager for God’s word, she spoke against the backdrop of Tampa Bay’s rolling waves, a reminder of the endless grace of the Lord. In this bustling city of 384,000 residents, where history and modernity intertwine, the message of deliverance and divine establishment rang clear.

Chapter 1: The Displacement of the Enemy

Elodie began her sermon by calling the congregation to declare aloud, “The Lord has shown me that many believers have been in a place of feeling like they were continually contending with the enemy.” The words echoed through the sanctuary, a powerful chorus of faith in the heart of Tampa. She continued, describing the cycles of battle that so many had been facing—cycles of fear, doubt, and oppression.

“But I saw,” she proclaimed, “with one fell swoop of the Lord’s hand, the displacement of the enemy was taking place!” A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd. “Where the Lord is displacing the enemy, He is now branding those territories with establishment. There is a deep-rooted fortification taking place in Christ, and in the freedom we find in Him.”

She encouraged the people to reflect on their struggles, the ongoing battles they had faced, and assured them that the Lord’s recompense was near. “My recompense,” the Lord says, “is far outweighing the battle and warfare you have endured.” The room was thick with the presence of God as people nodded, lifted their hands, and embraced the words of victory.

“God’s decree is this: ‘Yes indeed, it won’t be long now.’” The promise of breakthrough was not for a distant future, but for now! The Lord had been making room for increase, not for loss. Every battle had been preparation, and every delay had been a divine setup for an extraordinary comeback.

Chapter 2: Healing and the Power of God’s Word

As the Hillsborough River flowed steadily outside, Elodie transitioned into speaking about healing. “Jehovah Jireh,” she said, “is our provider. He sees ahead and provides before we even know what we need.”

She turned to Mark 1:41: “And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth His hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, ‘I will; be thou clean.’” This moment was a defining one in the sermon. “God is still the healer today! He is Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who heals.”

A woman in the front row wept softly, and Elodie’s eyes locked on her with compassion. “God’s Word is medicine,” she continued. “You thought the vision was over and gone. You thought His promises had fallen to the ground. But no—He was making room for something greater.”

The atmosphere shifted as the presence of the Holy Spirit became palpable. “These are the days of deliverance and a powerful move of God’s hand! The Lord is increasing the winds of deliverance upon His people. He is uprooting deep-rooted evil and injustice, and He is bringing forth justice by His mighty hand.”

She led the congregation in prayer, inviting them to release their burdens. “God is moving in unprecedented ways,” she declared. “You may have walked through fiery seasons, but the fire of the Lord is refining you, not destroying you!”

As the sermon neared its conclusion, Elodie spoke of strength. “The Living Bible says, ‘Your strength must come from the Lord’s mighty power within you.’ You don’t have to fight this battle alone. He is fighting for you. He is Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord our Victory!”

Conclusion: Taking Hold of the Promise

The final moments of the sermon were charged with expectation. “Be even more alert,” Elodie urged, “for how God will move. He will not be mocked by the pride of man. His justice is coming.”

With a final declaration, she encouraged each person to take hold of their breakthrough. “You are taking your place for such a time as this. Step out of apology and build boldly with God! He is establishing something new through you.”

As the congregation stood to their feet, worship filled the sanctuary. The wind of deliverance had blown through Tampa that day, and lives were forever changed. The city, with all its beauty and history, had witnessed a mighty move of God. For indeed, the Lord is still Jehovah-Jireh, Jehovah-Rapha, and Jehovah-Nissi. The God of provision, healing, and victory.

Eva’s Dream in Boca Raton

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Eva had never experienced a dream so vivid, so drenched in divine mystery. It was a warm evening in Boca Raton, the sky painted in hues of soft pink and gold as the sun set over the pristine beach. The palm trees swayed in a gentle breeze as she found herself walking through the historic streets, past the Old Town Hall, its Spanish colonial architecture standing as a testament to the past.

As she wandered, she noticed people gathering in Mizner Park, a place known for its elegance and luxury. But tonight, something was different. Instead of shoppers, there were people deep in prayer, their hands lifted to the sky, their voices a chorus of worship. Eva felt drawn to them, and as she stepped forward, she suddenly found herself transported to another place—somewhere ethereal, somewhere beyond the physical realm.

A great light enveloped her, and she heard a voice like a mighty roar—one word from it shaking everything around her. The sound of rushing waters and thunder filled her ears, yet she felt no fear. “Stay with My Word,” the voice said. “Remain in expectancy and faith. The battle has been fierce, but I am leading you through the door into new things.”

Eva looked around and saw people she recognized—family, friends, strangers from all walks of life—each standing before a door, hesitant yet hopeful. The voice continued, “Many have been stalled by fear, waiting for signs, but I say to you: step forward. I am making everything right again.”

She turned to see a man wearing white robes, His face shining like the sun. He extended His hand, and as she reached for it, she felt a deep peace fill her soul. “This is the time of fullness,” He said. “The miracles you have long awaited are here. The pruning, the shaping—it was all preparation for this moment. Do not be afraid. Speak My name, call upon My Spirit, and watch as I bring life to what was once barren.”

A book lay open before her, and as she looked down, she saw names written in golden ink. Some names shone brightly, while others were faint, barely visible. “These are those who have remained steadfast,” the man said. “But many have allowed the thorns of life—cares, riches, and distractions—to choke their faith. Tell them to return. Tell them to seek Me while there is still time.”

The scenery shifted again, and Eva found herself standing at the edge of the sea. The waves roared, yet beyond them, she saw a great city, its streets paved with gold, its gates wide open. “This is the promise,” the voice said. “My people have been living on the defensive for too long, but now I call them to advance, to walk in the authority I have given them. The enemy sought to kill, to destroy, but I am roaring My fire of revival—bringing dead things back to life.”

Eva watched as people emerged from the shadows, their faces lifted in awe. Some had been bound in chains, but as they stepped into the light, the chains fell away. Tears streamed down her face as she saw men and women she had prayed for, long thought lost, now running toward the presence of God.

“Do not elevate leaders beyond what they are,” the voice continued. “For it is My Spirit that works mightily. It is My name that has power. Every believer has been given this authority—tell them to use it. The fullness of My promise is here. The time to act is now.”

The vision began to fade, and suddenly, Eva was back in Mizner Park. The worshippers were still there, but now, she saw their faces illuminated, their voices stronger. A man beside her, once weary and burdened, now stood with renewed strength, proclaiming, “I will make room for the birth of what God has placed within me!”

Eva fell to her knees, overwhelmed. The presence of the Lord was so tangible, so undeniable. She could still hear the voice whisper, “You have been positioned in humility, and now, I accelerate you into a season of ascension. The old day has passed; the new has dawned.”

As she awoke, the morning sun streamed through her window. Boca Raton was just as she had left it, yet everything felt different. The dream still lingered in her heart, its message clear. She knew she had to share it, to tell those around her that the time of revival had come.

She stepped outside, the palm trees swaying gently, the city moving as it always had. But now, she saw it through new eyes—a place not just of history and beauty, but of divine calling. She took a deep breath and whispered, “Yes, Lord. I will speak. I will go.”

And with that, she walked forward, ready to step into the fullness of all God had promised.