Heaven YES, Hell NO

 Thursday February 25, 2022. It seems like a random date but it was actually unforgettable. That was the day I'd begin my newest job judging at dance competitions and attend an actual church service after about two years. 

One day during prayer service Pastor Jonathan Shuttlesworth, Revival Today Church, mentioned that he would be resuming his evangelistic endeavors and the first meeting would be in Jacksonville, FL! Immediately I knew I had to be in that meeting. Straightaway I headed to the grocery store to buy lemons (lol). My only goal was to get cash back to give the man of God. Evangelist Kofi, also of Revival Today Church had shared countless testimonies and stories surrounding honor and faith during morning prayer broadcasts. Getting this money out was a no-brainer. 

As is turned out, I had the most clutch schedule for judging that weekend. Landing in Jacksonville on Friday and not having to working until Saturday freed me up to do whatever I wanted. From the time my car got me to the hotel to getting another car for the meeting, time seemed to be moving quicker than I wanted. However, I had up my mind even if it meant leaving my sushi in the middle of the bed on a hotel towel I was going to church. Full of excitement I set my expectations before God. Not only was I looking forward to hearing the jokes in person but to receive an impartation from the powerful man of God. Two things were for certain. I wanted to have hands laid on me in prayer and I desperately wanted to be in the anointing that would be present. Guys, I felt like I was in a Ted Shuttlesworth book (The Camels are Coming). The presence of God was in the building! Everyone was standing, hands were lifted and sweet praises were being rendered unto God. I could feel the expectation of everyone in the building. It was amazing! I forgot to mention I planned on leaving the hotel at 6 because I NEEDED a seat up front. I was not breaking my YouTube streak to have nosebleed seats at a Jonathan Shuttlesworth meeting. So, my car picks me up at 6:30pm and I encouraged myself that it would all be fine. I arrive and the church is small. I laughed. God really cracked me up because at that very moment I KNEW Pastor Jonathan would see me from any angle. From that moment things only got better!

Let me start by giving props to the RT team. There were only a few representatives but you could feel them. By that I mean they were pure excellence. I sat at the end of a back row closest to the door so when they all walked in I was hype and inspired at the same time. How does your camera guy walk into a place that anointed? lol, it was amazing! The time comes for Pastor Jonathan to speak and I am already full of joy. The more he spoke the more full I became. I literally smiled like a crazy person because I couldn't believe I was there. I knew God had something great for me and nothing could convince me otherwise. Pastor Jonathan spoke on the rapture and got hype. Naturally I said, as I do at home when he revs up "THE DEVIL BACKS OFF TODAY FOR FREEEE IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST" because the word got really good! Something extra happens when you are physically in the building, receiving that anointing and hearing the word of God my faith was ignited and my intentionality was deepened. People need to know that Jesus is returning and salvation is mandatory to reign with Christ. 

As the service goes on I think to myself "I hope he prays for everyone.. He kinda always does that.. Nooo don't close out yet". As Pastor Jonathan goes back to the podium he leans over and says "I'm going to lay hands on everyone here". I was like "whaaaat!" God was showing out at this point. But truly, our faith pulls on God and brings manifestation to us. Our faith puts testimonies in our mouths. PJ mentioned how he knew people had come with [faith and] expectation. I was beyond grateful because I wouldn't have been able to make the Saturday Night Miracle Service. The entire church went outside as directed and we all had hands laid on us. I ended up leading the line somehow. Pastor Jonathan slapped my head (lol) and the Holy Spirit was present. I heard heavenly languages, crying, soft singing and laughter that seemed to never expire. It was incredible. I was also bit by a mosquito and that was the only time I let one off of the hook because I was having the time of my life!

When we returned inside it is time for offering. By that time I had asked God three times how could I put this money in Pastor Jonathan's hands. I just knew I was going to have to sit in the back of the church until they'd turn the lights off on me looking crazy talking about giving the pastor money. As they passed out envelopes I was a little confused. I purposefully took out $40 to touch Pastor Jonathan's hands. I passed the Revival Today envelopes down my row and kept faith because I KNEW what I wanted to do. God didn't orchestrate everything that happened up until then to leave this part out, was my belief. It turned out after service there was a line of people waiting to speak with Pastor. I leaned over and saw him sitting in a chair. I was so grateful because this was my time to shine! Unsure if I should open up with a joke or prayer (LOL) my only goal was to not bore him. He talks to thousands, maybe millions of people and I wanted my moment to stand out because I was giving from my heart. With the money I wrote a note on a hotel sticky sheet. When my turn came it was great! We chatted a bit and he actually knew who I was. That was pretty wild being that I just started rocking with RT during 21 days of fasting and prayer. When God repositioned my life to begin the 21 days I quickly realized how He was realigning and elevating my life and rank in the spirit. That Jacksonville meeting was a cherry on top!

I wanted to blog this to be a contributor. Months and even years from now people will read this and come into "contact" with yet another powerful man of God. Just as Jolynne Whittaker introduced me to Jonathan Shuttlesworth and he has brought me into the knowing of Dr. Rodney Howard Browne, Aimee McPherson, Bishop Oyedepo, Tiff Shuttlesworth, Ted Shuttlesworth, and he has brought me into more knowing of A.Allen, R.W Shambach and more through his books, I want people to read about Evangelist, Pastor Jonathan Shuttlesworth from my words and have an encounter with Jesus Christ. What a great man of God!

When he accepted my offering after our conversation, he received it with humility. The look on his face was full of gratitude. I was just blessed being able to give any gift to a servant of the most high God. Pastor Jonathan took the folded money and said "I receive it" and then "Here, take this". He took my right hand and blessed me, my year and my finances. I walked away so grateful to God. He exceeded my expectations.

As I headed to the edge of the road waiting for yet another car, full of God's goodness and faith on fire, my driver pulled up blasting 2000s R&B music and made it even more awkward because he let down the window to ask my name and then I had to open the door to get in😂😂😂

I echo the statement I made from my heart January 1, 2022. I never knew I could know God like this.