For 30 odd days now a chap called Tod Bently has been leading meetings every night and miraculous healing is taking place in people in their thousands. Reports of Cancer, MS, Alzheimer’s, Schizophrenia, broken limps, bad backs etc, etc etc, all being healed. Last night we saw teeth turn to gold, herd reports of limbs growing back where stumps were before, and even of two people be raised from the dead.
People have got out of wheel chairs, the deaf can hear, the blind can see it’s simply incredible.
But this is not the standard healing services were the leader gives a call and people come up one by one to be healed. No, healing is just breaking out during the meeting. More than that, people are being healed around the world via the TV broadcasts and over mobile phones. Those who have been healed then make there way to the front and give testimony. I’m normally a massive sceptic of these big ‘revival’ sessions but there is something different going on here.
There has been some very bold prophecy coming out that this is going to spread world wide, with whole cities coming under this healing cloud and people coming to Christ in there thousands.
Last night there was a Church of England vicar who was charged with the task of bringing the ‘fire’ to this side of the pond. I didn’t get his name or where he was from but I await news with interest.
I’m not sure I understand the theology of what is going on but it does seem that God is moving and I say bring it on.
Has anybody had an experience of this outbreak?
You can catch the latest online here at ustream or every night at 7pm on God TV (they have cancelled their schedule to cover this for the foreseeable future).
DetailsRob Borley
May 6th, 2008
24 Responses to “Lakeland, Florida; Healing Revival”
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May 8th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
It looks pretty amazing to me! Certainly people are getting healed and saved so that has to be good! As far as coming to ‘this side of the pond’, a guy called Trevor Baker from the Revival Fires in Dudley has been over to Florida and is now holding meetings in Dudley which mirror those in Florida. Amazing things are happening there too, and set to continue as someone from Todd’s team is coming over to get involved in the Dudley meetings next week.
May 10th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
I have done some interim evaluation of the Lakeland Revival and Todd Bentley and my interim conclusions are posted on my website here:
http://www.newchristian.org.uk/lakeland.html
May 10th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
@Kirsty: I shall look out for what is happening in Dudley with interest. Please do update us.
@Brian: Thanks for your post. While, as I mentioned above, I don’t claim to understand the theology behind what seems to be happening I’m a long long way from declaring it not of God. It maybe be different in style to what you are used to; the use of the word “Bam!” may only be an entertaining or annoying side-show depending on your point of view but it is still strangely compelling. Jesus himself faced similar criticism in the wake of his healing ministry; “He cast’s these demons out by the power of Satan” etc… So it’s hardly surprising that the same accusation is leveled at Mr Bentley and his Team. I would suggest that we take some time to weigh it with God, to look at the fruit it produces, and not be quick to sow the seeds of disunity.
Let’s pray for all involved that people will be blessed and Jesus name will be lifted on high.
May 10th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
please mr bentley i am writing because i am not able to go to lakeland and i need healing for my son who has high blood pressure and just heard is diabateic he is only 19 years old hes name is mario i beg please if someone could pray that my sons health improves and my terrible pains all over but my son please
thank you for these healings i wish you would come to were i live in miami or near my area i wanted to have healing for my son bad.
god bless thank you
May 15th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Interesting you mention this Rob, because i was watching some of this on the God Channel on Tuesday night, and i have to say that although i didn’t sit through the whole 3 hours, what i did see was quite a challenge to me.
I do understand where Brian is coming from, i do believe that we have to take these things with an open hand and an open heart. At one stage, the worship leader was talking about Todd Bentley and said that “50 years ago, he would have been kicked out of church”, because of how he looked! Maybe some people would want to kick him out of church today, who knows?!!?
But the point is that throughout the message, the thing that Todd kept coming back to again and again was having a ‘hunger for God’, and a ‘hunger for Jesus’. His message focussed on having a complete desperation to know and connect with the presence and the heart of God. That can’t be a bad thing, and if we are on the verge of a widespread move of God amongst nations, then as Bob says, bring it on.
May 16th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Dear Brother Rob Borley,
please have warm greetings from KENYA.
Please you are kindly invited to be our guest speaker in a spiritual here in Kenya .I hope to here from you soon.
We are very much interested in your website.
ACTS 26:I8 IS YOURS TODAY
May 17th, 2008 at 7:27 am
Brian (comment #2) has an opinion worthy of further reading. See Nicole Adams’ posting on Brian’s site for an accurate description of what to expect at a “Todd Revival”.
May 18th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
I am from Peterhead in Scotland. One of my Senior Pastors has just got back from Lakeland, and another 9 people from my church return on Wednesday next week. We just had the most amazing service today where my Senior Pastor imparted what he had received to everyone else there, and God turned up and the atmosphere and the presence of God was amazing. I truly believe that revival is coming to the UK!
There are many sceptics about this outpouring, and many very strong critics, most of them basing their criticism on Todd Bentley. Let me make one thing clear. God used murderers in the Bible to do amazing things for him. God uses imperfect people. Todd Bentley is an imperfect man, like all of us. Todd Bentley makes mistakes. Todd Bentley HAS made mistakes and will CONTINUE to make mistakes. But that is NOT what all this is about - its not about Todd Bentley. So all these critics should get over themselves - and remove the plank from their own eye before slamming someone else! GOD is doing something and that is all that matters - whether some things are said or done wrongly, so what - its going to happen no matter what because we are all imperfect - focus on GOD and not criticism and you will start to see more clearly!
May 19th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Scott it’s really exciting to hear your testimony. Please do keep us updated…
May 20th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
I’m getting so confused about all of this now. I’ve read Brian Johnson’s report and that made me scared. But then Dan Bevan’s comment did sound positive. I need to hear this Todd Bentley speak and this whole thing needs an immense amount of prayer and continual discernment worldwide.
May 21st, 2008 at 9:38 am
James, i would encourage you to have a listen to this guy. Maybe i should have clarified before, i could only comment on the part of the meeting that i saw. To be honest, i didn’t see it all, so i can’t really comment on the rest. But what Todd Bentley seemed to be stressing to the entire congregation was the need for a hunger for God. I found that really encouraging, as for his ’style’, that’s a pretty subjective thing, but i did find him pretty engaging to listen to.
But, as is always the case, it does divide opinion.
May 28th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Probably the most comprehensive series of UK articles and links on Lakeland and Todd Bentley is this site:
I also came across this “offstage” amateur video today:
http://www.newchristian.org.uk/lakelandvideo.html
May 29th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
If you are in doubt go there and see it for yourself
It was my experience with Benny Hinn. I havent been to the conference with Todd Bentley yet, and i wont judge it . But when he comes to Europe i will see it whats all about. I hope Jesus 
May 30th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
The late Derek Prince warned that this type of ministry (if not centred on Christ, and him crucified), leads to confusion and then division. I pray this will not happen, but I fera we are already straying into this territory (just scan the internet for evidence of this).
To be honest I am feeling more and more isolated in my church, which is absolutaly full on for Lakeland. It’s a bit like the invasion of the body snatchers - every time I turn my back someone else in the congregation becomes a “BAM! Come and get some!” fanatic.
The most worrying aspect is the lack of any willingness at my church to test anything - and these are spirit-filled Christians of many years. There is also a distinct lack of God’s word being spoken and honoured at the Lakeland meetings. Also I would say that some of what I see on the internet from Lakelnd is silly, flippant and frankly demeaning to God’s Holy Spirit. Does anyone really think this will have a major effect on Joe Public other than giving them even more reason to think we are certified loons?
Finally, when are such healing ministries going to do proper medical assessments of claimed healings? Otherwise its all hearsay and to be honest rather unconvincing to the skeptical public. More accountability in these healings please Mr Bentley!
May 31st, 2008 at 8:16 am
Don’t you see that it comes from the father’s heart
his heart is crying for the healing of his body
the church need his healing compassion
don’t you see that the church is sleeping and sick ,yes she is
I know that in France we need His healing onction His power coming from His amazing heart !!!!!
God uses Todd Bentley
He is a great God a creative God
Who is like Him ?
he looks after someone who beleive in His Divine Person
I want Him I’m thirsty for this
and it’s just the beginning of His Majesty reveal on earth
be ready for His Glory Amen
June 3rd, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Further to my earlier posts, I have added new items to my Lakeland Page, namely a very enlightening booklet by Art Katz “The Anatomy of Deception”, also an item by Rev Susan Cummings “Through The Gate of Surrender” which points out some truths we tend to avoid about what Jesus really asks of us:
http://www.newchristian.org.uk/lakeland.html
June 6th, 2008 at 10:11 am
I came across this blog while looking up signs of revival,having heard that it is breaking out in Fraserburgh Community church. I have been watching the Florida outpouring for weeks on god.tv and that’s the best thing to do before criticising what is happening. The scriptures are read out at some meetings, to help folk open their hearts and receive what God is doing. Medical evidence is being gathered to back up the healings we see at the meetings.Todd has spoken about why he says “bam”, it’s a puzzle to him,too,he said! He said maybe it’s a declaration of God’s dunamis power being released into the person’s body.I recommend everyone read his book Journey Into the Miraculous, to understand his background.God will use anyone who is hungry to see a release of His power here on earth. Let us be hungry,too! The revival fires have started to break out in the UK, praise God! Check out Dudley, and also Craigavon Pentecostal church in Northern Ireland - they have an amazing daily blog,written by Pastor Joe Corry. Blessings to everyone on here.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I’m amazed that people fall for this and I HAVE watched Todd in action. He see’s it “in the glory” and he bams it into existence (not). As if the word “bam” was really Gods modern day vocalbary!
Anyway I am not here to draw attention to the word BAM! Todd calls out to the crowd with a ‘word of knowledge’ similar to those in the psychic world. Jesus nor the desciples used such methods.
I watched with interest as Todd shouted…”there is soneone here, dont know who, but someone who needs healing in their eye due to a tumor” …..Up steps a woman with one eye with all the faith in the world. Yet she steps off with the same problem, yes she was ’slain in the spirit’ but while the Holy Spirit is said to have bammed her, He certainly had nothing more for her. This is NOT a critism of the Holy spirit but of the bamming techniques of men eager to move Gods hand and yet not eager to test the spirits.
How sad that Christians are so hungry for God that they will put Gods word down and surrender to any form of mystiscm. If YOU are really hungry for God then pick up his word and see this for what it is! Men must not live on bread alone.
No doubt Todd is genuine, he was genuine when he prayed for the woman with one eye and nothing happened. He was genuine when he prayed for all those who had visible deformaties and nothing happend.
Defend it as much as you like but please be prepared for the accountability that comes with it, especially when unbelievers mock God because of the gullibilty.
June 10th, 2008 at 2:31 am
I also am feeling rather alone in my Church mainly because of this Todd Bentley thing, but also because of the leaning towards “Word of Faith” teachings and related herecies.
I believe The Lord gave me a personality that will always test before blindly accepting every teaching that is introduced, and i give Him thanks for it even tho it has caused me to feel very alone in my Christian experience. This is not to be interpreted as a sob story, rather an encouragement to those of similar mindsets to no that they are not alone!
I will continue to test Todd Bentley and his theologys as instructed from scripture, and make no appologys for doing so, until i am satisfied that this “move of God” is genuine, and this is most certainly NOT the case to date.
June 11th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Hi,
I stumbled across this page while Googling “Lakeland Revival”.
I, along with a couple of friends, attended the Revival/Healing meetings so that we could weigh it.
Having spent some time chatting to some of the interns it’s really clear that all the time have a great love of God and Jesus.
They are very concerned, although it’s not shown on TV, with getting evidence to back these healings up and they encourage everyone to go and get checked out.
Having got back I’ve got a deeper passion for God’s word and seeing Him move mightily amongst all the nations.
Dave
June 15th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Visit and read Reachout trust article on their website.
Christians in the west are looking for the next “fix”. It’s all about me, heal me, fill me, bless me, but don’t send me trials and tribulations, nor persecution and chastisement. Don’t be Lord (sovereign) in my life but do bless me Lord. That’s why Western christians lap up this stuff.
If Todd Bentley was too challenge people to spend the airfare on the poor or fly to a mission field. If he said this Christian walk is tough and if you want more of God’s blessings the way will get tougher.
That’s the Bible view according to Paul. bring it on!
June 17th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
As a tired RME teacher I find it refreshing to hear that people are hungry for revival.
June 18th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
@ Willaim. I agree with you, but I saw one hectic meeting on the Tv where he challanged people to become missionaries and to be prepared to pay the price etc. He shared his heart and it was very touching/moving/inspiring.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:26 am
I would just add this:
We are told to be imitators of Christ.
Try to imagine Jesus, walking around Galilee shouting “Bam!” ans kicking old ladies. Try to imagine Jesus getting tattoos. Try to imagine Jesus having conversations with dead people. Try imagine Jesus inviting self-confessed homosexuals on to the platform. Try to imagine Jesus getting a prophecy wrong.
Can’t imagine that?
Then the “Jesus” preached by Todd Bentley is NOT the same Jesus we read about in the Bible.