Our college department at church took an annual short term missions trip across the border in Juarez, Mexico. It was a really long drive from Waco, TX and at the time made the journey in an assortment of vehicles that were borrowed.
Once we got there, we worked with local churches to do outreach and follow up counseling. On our night to go to the barrios at the city dump, we settled into a frenetic Pentecostal Style Praise session, over-driven by speakers and amplifiers that were turned up beyond their capacity. It was so loud it was hard to think, but the speakers were turned out towards the ramshackle community, and they streamed into the courtyard in droves.
During the praise, I got an image of something flowing down like heavy syrup from above, trickling onto the walls and onto the floor, pooling and coalescing. It was almost 'trippy' if not for the context and I was a bit concerned about telling anyone what I was seeing lest they questioned my sobriety and well-being at that moment, but the images became more vivid and the flow increased. Soon, I was seeing what looked like translucent vapors and cold flames waving languidly off some people, especially the leaders of our group and the local church.
Finally, out of curiosity and genuine concern for my health, I told my leader about what I was experiencing. Without missing a beat, he said that I was receiving a vision and should consider sharing it. As I grappled with my nerves, I did not realize that a nasty thunderstorm was brewing outside that had the potential of dispersing the eager crowd outside.
As I took turns on the microphone with the translator sharing what I was seeing inside, outside the dark burdened storm clouds split a short distance away from us then blew past on either side shedding some rain and sizzling lightning for theatrical drama, and leaving a distinct spot of clear sky overhead. I was oblivious to the scene outside until a few minutes later, when one of our team members came in excitedly with the news!
Not only did many choose to follow Christ's that night, many were healed, and filled with Christ's Holy Spirit. We left in wonder that God parted the clouds over Juarez that evening and illuminated those who chose to follow Him.
~ Shien, Elohim--"The Creator"
