Written by: Acts Church
Article source: JOY! Magazine
THE ENCOUNTER
In June, apostolic leader Peter de Fin had a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit, greatly impacting his life and Acts Church. Arriving home after work around 15:30, he felt prompted to continue writing his sermon notes on the Holy Spirit. Sitting in the lounge, with one daughter making tea and another nearby on her phone, he suddenly heard the sound of droplets falling on his shoulder, audible and weighty, moving from left to right. Initially uncertain, he looked up anticipating a leak in the ceiling, however, it was completely dry. When he glanced down at his iPad, there was a droplet of water on the screen. In that moment, he realised he had encountered God.
We believe that this encounter affirms that God is coming – like a mighty wave – and we, the Church, need to be expectant of the “latter rain” (Hos 6:3). The promise of the latter rain is intimately connected to the promise of God’s divine order, resembled by the number 10 in the Bible. We believe that these are the two overarching pieces of evidence of this supernatural move. This is a call for the Church to seek intimacy with the Holy Spirit and prioritise communion with God. The Lord is preparing to rain upon His people, and the Church must be open and ready to respond.
Tammy and Peter de Fin
ELIJAH AND THE ABUNDANCE OF RAIN
Drawing from the Biblical story of Elijah who, through prayer, initiated a drought and the return of rain (1 Kings 17:1; 18:41-19:8), the Church is in a time of preparation, akin to Elijah’s actions, where persistence in prayer is required (1 Kings 18:42-46), as we wait for the outpouring of God’s Spirit in its fullness (Acts 2:17-18).
At Acts Church, we have initiated a 24-hour prayer chain, inviting our entire congregation to commit to 30 minutes of daily prayer in a time slot of their choosing. This call to fervent prayer is rooted in the anticipation and participation of Spirit’s outpouring.
TIDE NIGHTS
Every Wednesday evening at 18:30 at our main campus in Glen Austin, Midrand, we have “Tide Nights”, which are services dedicated to pursuing the manifest glory of God. Scripture encourages believers to seek and ask for God’s presence, especially in times of spiritual rain (Zech 10:1). The name “Tide” was chosen to reflect the rising wave of God’s glory across the world. Parallel to the outgoing and incoming tide, there is a mighty wave of God’s presence – an end-time move of His Spirit. Everyone is welcome to join these supernatural evenings. Acknowledging the current challenges facing individuals and families, these services involve intimate worship, prayer, teaching, and ministry, as we trust God for breakthroughs in healing, deliverance from oppression, bringing direction, and meeting needs that exceed human resources.
A MIRACULOUS BUSINESS TURNAROUND
One of the families in our church shared a powerful testimony of how God transformed their family business, Divine Freshly, after a decade of setbacks during which they faced instability, worked tirelessly with limited results, moved locations frequently, and dealt with inconsistent clients. Despite the progressive disappointments, they persevered, keeping their faith alive.
Their breakthrough unfolded on a significant date – the 10th year, in the 10th month, on the 10th day – when an international investor, whom they had only met once, noticed their business. After discussing their vision, the investor offered substantial support, providing funds for a new workspace and the necessary certifications to operate at a larger scale. The family was able to secure a previously inaccessible warehouse, fully equipped to meet all compliance requirements. Remarkably, clients arrived soon after, ready to partner with them. Throughout this journey, they leaned into prayer and faith, participating in Tide Nights, prophetically declaring restoration. Divine Freshly now stands as a testimony to God’s faithfulness, with their 10-year struggle having turned into a season of divine order. They expressed their gratitude, recognising this turnaround to be a fulfilment of God’s promises spoken over them.
THE SIGNIFICANT NUMBER 10
In the Bible, the number 10 often signifies divine order, completeness, and establishing God’s authority, frequently appearing when God sets a standard or establishes His covenant with His people. This testimony of breakthrough happening on the 10th day, in the 10th month, in the 10th year, aligns with this Biblical theme of order and completion. The timing suggests that God was actively involved in arranging every detail, bringing structure and stability where chaos and struggle once existed. This pattern of “10” in this family’s testimony is a powerful reminder that God is a God of miracles and a God of divine timing and order. This also marks, prophetically, how God is bringing order to His Church through this divine move. This testimony is just one of many that continue to emerge each week.
IMPACTING THE NEXT GENERATION
Peter is incredibly excited to witness what God is doing with the younger generation. Children, teenagers, and young adults are experiencing profound, supernatural encounters – several of them being moved to prayer and worship for extended periods. God is raising a “David generation”, one unafraid of modern-day giants, armed to bring them down. This new generation will know their God and accomplish mighty works in His name (Dan 11:32).
COME EXPERIENCE WHAT GOD IS DOING
We warmly invite you to be a part of what God is doing in the life of Acts Church. You are particularly encouraged to attend our Crossover New Year’s Eve Service, taking place at Gallagher Estate
(19 Richards Dr, Halfway House, Midrand, 1685) on the 31st of December, 21:30. This is a special opportunity to experience God’s supernatural presence with Acts, as we transition into the new year.
This article is featured in the December issue of JOY! Magazine, which is now on sale nationwide! Pick up your copy from any leading supermarket, or read a digital version of this issue here: https://joygifts.co.za/product/joy-magazine-december-issue-2024/
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Date published: 09/12/2024
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