As I heard more about the Pensacola outpouring, I felt led to do some research of my own. So I began looking on the Internet to see what I could find. I found pages that criticised the revival and pages that praised it. I came across O'Flare's page that archives some of Cathy's letters. It seemed that she was sincerely trying to answer the questions for those who wanted to know what was really going on at Brownsville. One letter that really spoke to me was the list of "rules" for the prayer teams. This list showed me that these people really wanted God to move, they didn't want people to see them, they wanted people to see God.

My husband, Bruce and I always go to Florida for our summer vacation, so we decided to spend a few days in the Pensacola area and check out Brownsville. If this was really of the Lord we did not want to miss out. And if it was not of the Lord, then we would know first hand, not just through rumors on the grapevine.

While Bruce and I were waiting by the church we discussed our "plan of attack". We decided that even if things did get "weird", we wanted to stay for the whole thing so that we could report on everything that happened.

We were careful to evaluate everything by God's Word, not our emotions and we paid close attention to all that was said and done during the service. We were impressed with the "instructions" that were given at the begining (like no photography during the service). Everything seemed very orderly.

The worship is different from what we are used to at our church, but God was there. We didn't know most of the songs, but they were all about Jesus. This time of worship really helps you focus on God, not the people around you, not the worship team. Jesus is the focus. Then there was a bit of a break, the offering was taken. I was impressed that we were told NOT to give our tithe - that is for our local church. But if we wanted to give an offering to the Lord, now was the time. Giving in this way is also a form of worship.

Then the preaching . . . Let me say this very clearly for those who may have heard reports of this revival being all emotion or sensationalism, or just plain fraud - the emphasis was on HOLINESS - getting right with God. It was not on "Lord bless me, or Lord bless my church, or Lord excuse my lukewarm life". It was on HOLINESS! God gave His all for us in Jesus. If we give Him anything less than all of us, we are not being holy.

The Lord convicted me and my husband of "pet sins" in our lives. Things that God says are wrong, but we tend to excuse - like speeding (the Bible says to obey the authorities over us), of not giving Him my very best in the mininstries He has called me to (teaching Sunday School), of not having time with Him daily to talk with Him and read His word. And more . . .

I am not an emotional person and neither is my husband, but we were both weeping at the altar confessing our sins before God. There was such a sense of Holiness. Everyone in the place had a choice - allow God to break you and remake you like the Son, or harden your heart against His call. The line was clearly drawn. No room for a watered down gospel here.

For those who may think that Steve Hill and John Kilpatrick are in this for their own gain or the gain of the church let me tell you that is definately not the case. If you are out to attract crowds you will not preach on the Holiness of God. You would sugar coat it, preach a health and wealth gospel, or something like that. Telling people to get rid of the sin in their life does not attract crowds! It is God's Spirit that draws the crowds.

Bruce and I went to all the services - the evening revival services and the morning teaching sessions. We were blessed by all the messages. It was so good to have people who would really preach the Truth, not some watered down version of it. I wish there were more of this bold kind of preaching and teaching. We encountered nothing that was in conflict with God's Word.

I am concerned about those who heavily criticise Brownsville. It is OK to question and to seek God for answers about this revival. But those who come against it with harsh criticism may find themselves coming against the very God they proclaim. Gang members were getting saved, drug users came clean, common church go-ers like me were getting rid of sin, and these people began going to church, serving God, and some even entered into the ministry. How can you say that Satan is the author of this? The tree is shown by its fruit.

Back home, Bruce spoke Sunday evening about our experience. He appologized to the church for not serving them as he should and asked for their forgiveness. He shared how God had convicted us of being luke-warm Christians. I think it is interesting that a couple of months later some men from our church came back with a similar message from Promise Keepers - repentance and holiness. God is cleaning up His church.

Thank you saints of God in Brownsville who serve day in and day out at Revival services and teaching sessions. Thank you for your humility, giving up all for Jesus, and for letting God use you all in this way. God is cleaning up His people. May the Bride of Christ once again be without spot or wrinkle.

In Christ our Lord, Amy Adams [email protected]