“Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them. So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel” (Matt. 15:30-31).
The little Baptist church had invited me to hold meetings. The church was truly seeking God. Even though I was ordained a Southern Baptist minister, most of the churches where I had been asked to speak were non-denominational. Somehow I had found favor with most churches. That’s not always an easy task.
As the morning service was nearing an end, I told the people that if they had a need of any kind that God was greater than that need.
About that time an older woman stood up. Grabbing the arm of a thin old man next to her, she yanked him to his feet. The old man had what looked to be about a half box of Kleenex wadded up and pressed against his face. The Kleenex was mostly blood red.
With a loud voice the woman began to speak. “Last night Herman got a nose bleed. He couldn’t stop it. It bled all night and into the morning,” she said. “As he was getting ready for church this morning, he bled on his church shirt. He had to change but we came anyway. His nose has been bleeding during Sunday School and church and it is still bleeding now. Can God stop it?”
The sanctuary was quiet. The old man and woman almost looked comical standing up with the big wad of Kleenex on his face with his head tilted back.
I simply stretched my hand toward him and said, “In the name of Jesus, be healed.” The flow of blood immediately stopped.
I slipped out the side door in order to make another appointment that afternoon before returning to the evening service. Little did I know that the town was buzzing with the news of Herman’s healing.
That night when I returned, the church was packed to capacity. Everyone who was at the morning service had returned that evening, bringing with them everyone they could get to come. A deacon in the church told me that he had never seen that many people in the building as far back as he could remember, even on Christmas.
The point is this. Programs, pulpit pressure, guilt and condemnation will never fill the church. When people are taught the good news and experience the gentle move of God’s Spirit, then our buildings won’t be large enough to handle the crowds.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.