by Johanna Vickers Sabine County Reporter

There has been a great stir in Sabine County the past couple of weeks. And what began as a weekend revival for the Refuge in Milam has now turned into Sabine County-Day 20. Twenty? How is that possible? And just what the heck is going on? I’ve been asked to write a personal account, so I endeavor to do so. Well, let me first offer some context and be very transparent with you, dear readers. I am a Bible-totin’ member of this church. I have attended every single night of these meetings, which began on May 2, and I would tell you that I have been raised Baptist- first, Independent Fundamental Baptist, then Missionary Baptist and finally, Southern Baptist. To say I was hugely skeptical and uncomfortable with the direction my church was going would be a huge understatement. But I was challenged to seek God and pursue what scripture said rather than holding tightly to the traditions and beliefs I grew up in and I ask, that if you are also a critic and skeptic, you bear with me as I share my journey. Can I also ask that you pray to read this with spiritual eyes?

Contextually, in 2019 our church, New Hope, was dead. Please don’t be offended by that statement. We were averaging 15-20 consistently in Sunday services (and that may be an inflated number). We had dwindling tithes and offerings in our general operating fund and our pastor called together church leadership to pray about the possibility of closing the doors. That wasn’t his heart, but if God had brought him here to do that, he would be obedient. I remember that day. It was this exact time of year. We were replacing the roof on our home where a tree had fallen in a particularly bad storm (sound familiar?) And our pastor George Ross and his sons and father-in-law, Travis showed up to help. We joked about there being almost as many folks on that roof as were in the sanctuary on Sunday. Wow. What a sobering thought. We put down our hammers and nail guns, showered, and met with a few others at church to pray about direction for our struggling church.

Our hearts were burdened, saddened and heavy. After hours on our faces- and possibly the first fast my family had ever participated in together, we began to discuss what God had revealed to each of us. We wanted more. We were done playing church. We longed to see people healed, set free and delivered. And we knew that God wanted the same. He confirms His word. We were not meant to close the doors, but we were being called to repentance and change. This scripture became our mission statement. “So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20

God asked us to lay down our traditions and climb into the pages of His story. He asked us to fast and seek His face and be rapidly obedient. And put a desire in our heart for the families of our community- starting with the men. Camo Sunday was born from that request of the Lord and He also changed our name and confirmed with multiple members the vision he had for The Refuge. Men began to come and bring their families, more and more each week and the growth and giving was physical evidence of God confirming His word. He is so faithful. We walked in obedience those first two years and were rewarded, but God was not done stretching us... not even close. Remember we had prayed to see people healed, set free and delivered.  We didn’t want to come to church with a plastered smile, sing a few songs, hear a motivational speech and leave. We wanted to reconcile others to Christ and He wanted us to believe His promises were yes and amen.

I cannot tell you the hunger for scripture that was flamed in our hearts and the more we (individually and corporately) began to pursue his Word, the more the Word became alive and dwelt among us. And when the Word comes alive and cuts away at your hard heart, REVELATION COMES. We came to realize we did not take Jesus at His Word. We read of His Spirit and healing and power and miracles, but we didn’t believe it. Please don’t be offended by this revelation. I say that because if you had told me I didn’t believe God’s word, my Baptist heart would have been so very offended. But let me whisper this truth to you my friend... Faith produces fruit. James chapter two (read it all) says it this way, “Faith without works is dead.” It was quickly revealed that God was answering our prayer for more and stretching us. Talk about a crisis of belief... I personally had to come to the end of myself and lay down everything I thought I knew about faith. Over and over I found myself reading parts of scripture that were NEVER preached in my Baptist church. I dealt with some theology that was ingrained on my brain that straight up contradicted the Word of God. Why wasn’t the Holy Spirit taught? Why did we ignore chunks of the New Testament. And over and over- the Spirit stripped away religion from my eyes and replaced it with his Truth.

The next three years at The Refuge we set about seeking more of His word and truth. We went after the hard stuff... no more living on just milk, we were sharpening our teeth to tear into meat. The vision God showed our pastor got bigger and bigger. We were learning how to be the hands and feet. We were learning our identity in Christ- who He is and who He says we are. This revelation on identity changed everything. Power began showing up with healings and freedom as God delighted in confirming His word. We began to see faith rise up in people and all the while, growing in number and in gifts. The Lord has brought a core group of family together who stand in agreement and pursue a Spirit-filled life. We began discipleship classes and come together three times a week with close to fifty collectively in attendance... that’s not a Sunday number... that’s a week night, a Monday or Thursday. And Wednesdays are often as full or more full than a Sunday morning. Hear me- when you get serious about pressing in and pursuing God, He gets serious about meeting with YOU. He is so faithful.

That was a lot of backstory to explain how we ended up here- on Day 20 of Revival! Whew. Well, the simple answer is We cried out to God, dared to step out and walk by faith and began RUNNING in the Spirit. But I know that isn’t what you want to hear. You want to know why we all are falling out and acting like a cackling herd of hyennas. It’s ok. I am right there with you. I’ve asked every question. I’ve literally sat in a meeting and asked God to please not make me laugh again, because it’s quite annoying for my cheeks to hurt and my abs to be sore. Add worshipping without abandon and I feel like I am in 5 hour gym sessions instead of a proper church service. But I digress. Back to the question- What is happening at revival? Acts -Chapter Two- The 2024 Version.

Joy of the Lord

After the very first night of revival, I was invited to join Bro. George and Tessa for Sushi- we were going to take Roy and Melanie Fields (Run with Fire Ministries) to lunch in Lufkin.  My spirit bears witness with Sushi, and I was very curious about this long-haired evangelist, so I quickly agreed. We had some small talk in the car, and Roy asked did anything surprise you or stick out last night. I immediately answered- the laughter. I didn’t realize I would enjoy revival. His wife smiled at that. She knew what I didn’t- that first night was miniscule in the grand scheme of joy that we were in store for. You can go back and watch night one. It was a bit different for me. The initial praise portion was on video screens because Roy’s band didn’t travel to this small, four corners Milam Revival. That was different and I didn’t love it. As a member of our worship team, I began to wonder if we could maybe lead praise instead. More on that later. There was wonderful preaching. Lots of scripture that I was comfortable hearing by now. The gifts aren’t dead. Believers should be operating in power. But the message was peppered with humor- and that is definitely a love language for my family.

Night two, my pastor’s wife sat one pew behind Melanie and the two of them giggled a lot. I was across the room and seated with friends and a couple of times I looked at them and even said, “What is wrong with Tessa? She has her giggle box turned over.” To my wonder, my friend was giggling, too. And another friend said, “I don’t know what is so funny but their laugh is infectious.” I smiled a lot that night, but managed to keep my decorum. Again, I had no idea the joy the Lord had in store. For the next night or two random people chuckled, coughed and then got their selves back in order. (The very picture of stifling the Holy Spirit... that is exactly what we were doing.) A few times, Roy would encourage us to laugh. He told us that we were free to enjoy the presence of God and that joy was a part of his promise.

I can say, nothing prepared me for Thursday, Night 8. One of our college-age girls began to laugh after Roy prayed over her. I cannot describe the laughter, but I’ll try. LOUD. OBNOXIOUS. UNRELENTING. RAUCOUS. I confess I was a bit appalled. My mind did not enjoy this. I confess I prayed - oh Lord, please make that stop. (Forgive me, Lord) It was UNCOMFORTABLE. Yet at the same time, I found myself laughing with her. And when Roy said, you can have a drink as well. Out of your bellies will come rivers of life. I put my hands on my stomach and let go. Friends, I was overcome. I was drug from my pious pew (because my legs no longer worked; picture a drunk girl that decides she needs What-a-Burger at 2 a.m.)  and laid next to the sweet girl we now affectionately call Giggles. They did finally cover my belly. I can only imagine how undignified others may believe that moment was, but let me tell you. It was HOLY. It was HEALING. It went on and on and I don’t know the last time you tried to physically prolong a belly laugh, but YOU can’t do it. I challenge you to try- two minutes tops... this went on for at least 10. LOUD. RAUCOUS. When I tell you I am sore from the laughter, it isn’t an exaggeration. And others, so many others, have a similar testimony. I was able to calm down, but I had a come-to-Jesus meeting- And He asked me why? Why would you want to calm down the Joy I have given you? So many others have been healed these past few weeks with this Holy Spirit laughter. We have seen teens battling anxiety, suicide and depression who have laughed for hours. My son’s been healed from years of ear and sinus issues and yet the testimony he tells loudest and most often is about the joy that has healed his heart and mind. He has invited his friends. We’ve seen salvations. These kids are not making this up. They are also very reasonable youth, popular even. Prom Queen, Drum Majors, Valedictorians, Aggies. And they are coming for healing from some heavy hurts. How does that offend you? I get it, it’s uncomfortable, but it’s also Biblical.

“A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

“Then our mouth was filled with laughter And our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them” Psalms126:2 “But others were laughing and joking and ridiculing them, saying, “They are full of sweet wine and are drunk!” Acts 2:13

“I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever does not receive and welcome the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”Mark 10:15

Falling Out

I confess I really thought the falling out would be a bigger issue for me than anything. But that has changed. If you can stand in the presence of the Spirit of the Living God, then that’s great! And it isn’t about the falling, it never has been. It’s all about the power of God and your heart. You don’t have to fall. But here I am on Day 20, wondering why I ever questioned it.  And I think I’ve lost count of my floor time. One lady that I only met a few days ago has named me the “all-in girl.” I like that.  

First as a human, not as a Christian... I want to discuss the concept of falling. It’s how we describe love with our mate. I fell in love with him, first all at once, then slowly, over time, every day of our lives.  It’s how we describe a breakdwon. I fell apart. Consider these lyrics from Country singer Clay Walker.

So fall, go on and fall apart Fall into these arms of mine I'll catch you every time you fall Go on and lose it all Every doubt, every fear, every worry, every tear I'm right here Baby, fall (bonus points if you sang any of that)

This perfectly describes what I’ve experienced in my relationship with God. Complete surrender. It resonates on a secular level with my husband, but even more so for me spiritually. There is nothing weird about it. It is a beautiful surrender in faith. And I’ll let you in on a secret. There is more POWER in surrender than you could ever imagine. You are agreeing with God when you surrender all your head thinks and begin living out of faith.

But for those of you still struggling, here is biblical evidence of people falling out in the presence of God or His Spirit. (And I have more, but for the sake of space, I’m only going to list a few.)

“So Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and they fell on their faces. And the glory of the Lord appeared to them.” Numbers 20:6

“Now when He (Jesus) said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.” John18:6 “And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ Acts 22:7

One last note on falling out. My Pastor- 6’4” George Ross has fallen out thrice, and been on his face in worship more than that. His wife and sons have fallen under the presence of the Spirit. So have many others that are coming with an open-heart, seeking an encounter with Jesus. You know these people. They are the first ones volulnteering to help you. They pray for you, donate money to your causes. They are real people surrendering to God and going all-in. And many of you are criticizing them, calling them liars?

Seriously? You know who else fell out in Scripture. Ananias and Saphira.  This is how they are remembered in history. “But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. Acts 5:3,5 My point is, what are we keeping back from the Holy Spirit? How would our story be recorded in Scripture? Are we among the faithful? Are we seeking and pressing in? Are we operating in power? Laying hands on the sick and seeing them recover?  Where is our fruit?

Or are we sitting with the Pharisees and Saducees in their DEAD RELIGION, arguing the law and scriptures with the very WORD made flesh? Will we crucify him, again?

There is so much more that I have seen and I planned to write about all of it, but as you can see, I’ve run out of room. Here’s the bottom line- THE REVIVAL IS GOING ANOTHER WEEK. I encourage you to come check it out for yourself. I love you whether you come or not. That won’t change. We have seen people healed, set free and delivered. Praise you Jesus! Are you desperate for more? You were created for it.

The enemy wants you to be defeated, powerless, offended, wounded, isolated and exhausted.

The Spirit wants you full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such there is no law (or religion)  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:22,25. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8