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Fresh Fires MInistries: A new look, but an old message
Patrick Keller
Lakeside Leader
An old message with a new twist is coming to the Gathering Place Church in Slave Lake on May 2, 3 and 4, courtesy of Fresh Fire Ministries from Abbotsford, B.C.
Guys covered with tattoos and multiple face piercings aren’t usually thought of as being on the business end of a sermon about the lord. If anything, they are typically on the receiving end of a lesson in godlessness.
Hollywood is fraught with these biker stereotypes; big, scary looking dudes who claim salvation usually to beat a long prison stay.
But like many stereotypes, at the centre is a kernel of truth.
In the case of Fresh Fire Ministries, preacher Todd Bentley contains that kernel of truth. In his late teens, Bentley was ‘saved’ from a life of crime, alcoholism and drugs, and even bondage. He claims that, with God’s intervention, he was spared a life in prison.
So immediate and complete was his conversion that within six months of his being discovered in Abbotsford, BC Christian circles, Todd Bentley was chosen to head up the newly formed ‘Fresh Fires Ministries.’ In just 10 short years, the church has grown astronomically, and does its work all over the world, from Africa and Korea to New Zealand and Mexico.
Bentley’s presence and delivery may be a sign of the times, but the Fresh Fire Minister’s message has the hallmarks of a traditional evangelist. A quick glance at the FFM website shows all manner of testimony, from the healing of glaucoma and groin trouble to depression and even irritable bowel syndrome.
Doctor Andrew Johnson of London, England says, “I was healed of my left rotator cuff pain and irritable bowel syndrome whilst in the crowd. The pain in my left shoulder has completely disappeared and I have a full range of movement. Regarding the irritable bowel - I felt a warmth go through my abdomen. I will wait and see how that goes but I am pretty sure that it is also cured. I am a medical doctor, so I can definitely say my left rotator cuff problem is absolutely healed.”
These strong words coming from a man of science make for powerful testimony.
The Leader spoke with Pastor Deano Young, of The Gathering Place church in Slave Lake about the upcoming event.
“I believe that from a ministry standpoint, this will be the biggest event that has ever come to Slave Lake. Todd will bring with him a crew of over 25 people, including his own band,” said the senior pastor, adding, “Todd’s ministry is unique in that it comes from a non-traditional background. He has been chosen as a mantle for God, and there is much proof of his supernatural ability to heal people and set them free from addictions and suffering.”
Locally, hotel phones are buzzing with folks looking to book rooms in advance of the event, which Pastor Young believes will bring upwards of 1,000 people per day to the local church. Every one is welcome to attend the free event, which Young hopes “will foster unity in our community.”
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