Matthew 28:19-20 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

I saw Steven Wiegman standing near the entrance to the courtyard where the team was seated. He was on duty as a temporary "cleaner" for the hostel in which we were staying, but you could tell that he was more interested in the worship music that Pastor Frank was playing on his guitar than anything else that he was doing. I thought about excusing myself from the table and going over to invite him to join us, but before I could he had drifted back into the building to continue his chores.

Up to that point, Steven was just one of the many new faces that I had encountered on the first day of my journey across the Globe to a place called Amsterdam. Later that evening as our team set up the "cross" on the bridge in the middle of the Red Light District, our paths would intercect once more with a more deliberate outcome.

I knew absolutely nothing of this man's testimony when he joined me on that span surrounded by drugs, prostitution and alcoholism. Little did I know that this was "his life" just a couple of months prior to oour meeting. He had ran these streets and had been a player in both the drug and prostitution industry.

Our conversation that night was not about his past though---but about his future: a future of power, truth, and victory. I shared with him my testimony of being filled with the Holy Spirit and being "endued with power from on high to be a witness." I shared with him how Jesus promised to send us a "Comforter--the Holy Spirit" who would us into all truth as well as give us the strength to overcome and serve our Lord with all of our hearts.

This was what he had been searching for, and there above the murky canal a well spring sprung up in the soul of this man as he received the promise of the Father! Over the next few days we would spend several hours together, sharing testimonies, breaking bread together, and discussing the Word of Truth.

The following is Steven's testimony in his own words:

Steven Weigman (37) never believed in God. He believed only in himself. Working in several European countries as a DJ to serve as a cover for his acts of fraud, drug dealing, and prostitution--this "dead end" would eventually lead him to God.

The first time that I everthought about my sins was after I quit with several dark activities and ended up on the streets without money. Because of the season, all of the Hotels were fully booked--except for the Shelter Jordan Hostel where there was one bed available!

My social money was not scheduled to be in my account for four days, but the receptionist miraculously lent me the money himself! Politely, I listened to his story--but had no intention of ever paying him back. He passionately told me the story of God Almighty (that is what he called "His God"---God ALMIGHTY) which took away my argument as to who might have created his God.

The receptionist introduced himself as Ryan Fishel of Las Vegas, Nevada USA. I began a conversation concerning the casinos because gambling was one the sins that I felt would keep me from ever coming to God. He told me of Adam and Eve making the wrong decision and of sin coming into the world.

Ryan shared that "all had sinned" but here was one solution. God had sent His only Son to this earth to die for us and if we would repent and put our faith in Him--we would be saved. This sounded too easy to me--but I just couldn't come up with any arguments concerning what he had told me. Rayn prayed for me and then I went to bed.

Laying there in bed I wondered what anyone would help me. I would have never done so. I suddenly realizedthat I had always been a bad person and out of curiosity, I started to read the Bible for myself. I also decided that I was going to pay Ryan back the money that he lent me.

My last day in the Shelter I was reading the Bible and was thiking about what I would do for the next two days without any money. I felt really bad and said to God, "What should I do now?" I looked up after saying that and noticed that there was a sign shich said they were looking for a cleaner in the Shelter.

I have now spent two months working at the Shelter and the young volunteer Christians have changed my mind regarding how I think about Christianity. Because of their compassion I began to see the Bible as more than just a book. Each time I would open the Bible to read a page or chapter--my questions would be answered!

It is clear that I have a lot to make up for with God and my family, and with the people I have always used. I havea feeling that I should help people in need and open up a home for them to have a safe place to be while sorting out their lives. They could see how God has changed my life! I don't know how it will happen, that's God's responsibility--I can only pray for that and hope.

I gave Steven a RAVEN shirt and he immediately went and put it on. To me it was just a shirt--but to him it represented being a part of something that represented Jesus. Looking at him I thought of other men who have "come up through the ranks" over the years and are now powerful men of faith and dynamic preachers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Men like Pastor Alex Hill, Pastor Thomas Derrick and Pastor Todd Bohn. These men too found themselves desperate and without hope---until the mercy and grace of God showed up!

Steven wants to be a part of Raven Europe and to continue his discipleship and growth in Jesus. Please be praying for him. In the top picture I captured him out witnessing to a man just outside of the hostel. I could hear his voice from my third floor window and leaned out to discover him sharing Jesus Christ! That is what its all about!

Acts 1:88 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."

As I cleaned out my backpack from the ministry trip to Amsterdam, I was reminded of the above scripture in regards to taking His Gospel to the "ends of the earth." Pulling out my passport, train ticket stubs, subway passes, airline reciepts, boarding passes, business cards and a hand full of Euro coins, I realized that the "ends of the earth" part is much more attainable than I ever realized.

Growing up in the Texas Panhandle my "end of the earth" was often limited to an away game for sports or a trip to my aunt' s house in New Mexico. Never did I view far away places as something that would be in my future. I had a small vision that had been cultivated in a small city and there had been placed but small responsibilities upon my life. Things certainly change.

Why are you where you are? That sounds like a funny question to be asking. Many times the answer is just simply, "This is just where I was raised." The reason that I found myself spending many years in the Texas Panhandle was because someone else made the decision for me to live there! When my family moved from Southern California to Texas when I was still in grade school--they never asked me if I was going with them! It was a given that I was going (there's not much else a seven year old can do).

But as I grew (and especially in the Lord), my world also grew and has continued to grow along with the vision that God has given me for both my personal life and the ministry that He has called me to as well. It is a ministry without borders, limited only by the faith to simply hear, go and obey. Leaving Amarillo in 2003 and moving to New Orleans was certainly a "stepping stone" in this process. We were forced to move beyond the cozy-confines of familiarity and forge new spiritual territories for the Kingdom of God.

I can't help but think of the words of Jesus when He said, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country." He spoke of Himself and the opposition that He faced in His own city. It goes on to say that there were not many miracles done there because of the unbelief. Familiarity breeds unbelief. That is why we endeavor to "sterilize familiarity" so that it will not reproduce unbelief, complacency, and religiosity.

RAVEN Ministries is committed to "going into all the world and preaching the gospel to every creature." We won't make excuses for our obedience to the call that He has entrusted each of us with. We'll just keep diving into new places and new challenges and in pursuing after new horizons. Jesus is coming back soon you know. We want Him to find His servants "so doing" when He comes.

Comfort zones are a lot like school zones: things move way too slow and there is generally nothing happening around them anyway. In our efforts to cut down on risks and provide a safer enviroment we have brought the work of reaching our world to a virtual standstill as we sit staring at the flashing lights of fear, doubt, and unbelief.

Revelation 5:9 "And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation."

Being approached by a group of Chinese students in Dam Square was certainly not what I expected as I held up the cross in the middle of thousands of midday pedestrians. "We're Christians!", exclaimed the young lady who would serve as the groups spokeperson. Each of these young Chinese Christians came and literally "clung" to the wooden cross that we had carried into the plaza. "Can I carry it?" asked a young man. You would have thought he had discovered a missing treasure by his enthusiasm. (Perhaps he had)

We spent the next 45 minutes praying and ministering to one another and made plans for our next time together. First, next summer back in Amsterdam as they bring a group of born-again Chinese to our 1st Annual Raven Amsterdam in the Summer of 2007 and then in Beijing,China in 2008 for the Olympic Games! Networking the Nations!

They are waiting for us to show up my friends: Both the lost and those in the Body of Christ who have been starving for encouragment, fellowship and vision. I'm going. Do you want to join me?

Amsterdam: We are GOING BACK

REPORT: We will be returning to Amsterdam with a Raven Team next Summer (July or early August) and would love for you to join us. We are expecting to take at least 40 from the states and then connect with another 40 or so from Europe for a week of storming the strongholds of the enemy and taking back all that he has stolen! Pray and consider being a part of a history making opportunity. I will have detailed information in the coming months so that you can make plans early to be with the Team.

I was so blessed this past Spring when I visited my friend, Pastor Frank Gresham's church. While in services that Sunday at the Jesus Centre he announced that a team would be traveling to minister on the streets of Amsterdam in August if anyone desired to go with them.

I immediately knew that I was to join them on this international outreach--and later Melanie told me, "I felt that you would be going with them as soon as it was announced." The "Team" that went included those that had been to the city on other occassions: Pastor Frank, Capt. John, and Nancy Alonzo (of New Orleans) and three of us who would be traveling to XXX City for the first time: Myself, Sharon and Audrey.

We arrived at the Orlando International Airport seperately and I made my way to the ticket counter ahead of the remainder of the team. Upon being called up to the ticket agent I was advised that my flight to Amsterdam had been cancelled and I would be booked on another airline that was actually leaving earlier that the original flight. They would be giving me a $200 voucher for future travel and there would be no additional interruptions.

As Pastor Frank and the team made their way to through the line I advised them that we would all be changing planes and that they were alos compensating us for the trouble involved. I went off to the new airlines counter to get checked in...but the team never arrived! I ended up making my way to the gate area to await our departure and found the team already there---waiting to board the FIRST plane that was supposedly cancelled!

They told me that the first plane was never cancelled---just overbooked---so the airline had to divert a number of passengers elsewhere! That elswhere ended up being Dusseldorf, Germany for 1/2 of the day upon my arrival in Europe! I took in in stride and just chalked it up for another opportunity to share Jesus in the nation of my dad's great-grandparents.

Upon arriving in Dusseldorf I was able to spend several hours sharing Jesus and giving testimony to the other people waiting in the airport and took full advantage of the captive audience that had been presented to me! Pastor Frank and John met me later at the Amsterdam airport to connect with the team for a night of ministry in the Red Light District.

This city is ripe for revival! I immediately got a "vision for this place" and spent our off-hours walking throught the streets and asking God for His heart for this trip and for future missions into this land largely devoid of Christianity. It was almost like a "recon" mission to gather the necessary information to bring in the "invasion force" at a later time. I discovered that in this City of unplowed fields--that the resistence to the Gospel message is nothing like it is in the United States. Here most people have never heard the Gosple of the Cross! They have not been spiritually innoculated to the point of being "resistant" to the genuine article. It was refreshing to be able to take a person from "The beginning to the end of God's plan for man" right there on the streets!

This was no "shotgun" salvation weekend--this was New Testament styled ministry that demanded the manifestation of this text: 1 Peter 3:15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" The team was amazing in taking people from the "promise to the prize" right in the midst of this wickedness!

From contending with those brought up in the pseudo-faith of Islam to "birthright" Catholics who had never personally stepped foot in a church building, to those who exposure to Jesus has been limited to casual obeservations of Hollywood productions--we had then all---and had an incredible time of bringing them to the knowledge of the truth of God's Holy Word!

Before you ask, I'll tell you: The "women" picutred above are not "women" at all, but rather men who have mutilated themselves and have been given over to vile affections. Because things such as prostitution and smoking marijuana are not against the law in Amsterdam--there is not the "crime" or "violent" association with them that is prevailent in the US. These men and women are put on display like furniture for sale behind windows along the streets. The "red" lights indicate woman (mostly young girls) and the "blue/purple" lights as see above indicate transvestites.

We literally spent night after night just outside of these brothels witnessing to people on the streets and to the men who would go in and out of them! My heart was broken as I thought about the fact that these girls are someone's daughter, niece, sister or friend--who has been caught up in this practice that always produces a destructive end. Pray for these girls because I found out that many of them are acutally "sex slaves" who have come from other countries and do not have any way out---apart from a miracle of God.

Trust me--none of the things in the Red Light District of Amsterdam are about drugs, sex or alcohol---they are about SIN, plain and simple and it's destructive and damning power over all who have not believed. Someone has got to be a light shining in the darkness. Jesus died for them too.

Sharing the Message of Salvation with the Nations of the Word

Simon, visiting Amsterdam from Germany, came from a largely agnostic family. He is a twenty-six year old, university educated man who I met "on the bridge" as we witnessed one night. It was such a blessing to see his reaction as I spoke the Word of God to him. He was awestruck as the Holy Spirit was moving and ministering to him. I asked him, "Do you feel that? That's the Holy Spirit dealing with you." It was as he was afraid to blink in fear that the tears pooling on his lower eyelids would flow down his cheeks! It was such a blessing to have the opportunity to pray with him.
Saba is a man who came from Bosnia and is now living on the streets of Amsterdam. We first me when he came into the internet cafe' begging for money. I helped him that day and was able to witness to him briefly. The next day I ran into him again (which is amazing considering the crowds of people). He told me that he was sick with a sore throat. I prayed for his healing and the next day (here we go again) I ran into him once more and he testified that he had been healed!
This was an amazing story as I apprached this young man to share Jesus with him. Come to find out he was from a town about 30 minutes away from where I was raised a child in Southern, California! He was now attending a fashion merchandising school in London. He had once felt a deep call upon his life, but had abandoned it after serving in the military for a couple of years. I was able to take him to the Word and pray for him.
Another neat story! Nathan works as a petroleum engineeer in Kazakstan (formery in the Soviet Union) for a month at a time--then goes home for a month (to Houston, Texas!) He had just been in town a short while when we converged on "my bridge." He shared that he was the victim of a theif while waiting for his train. They took his laptop, passport, and the cash he also had in his bag. He too had once felt a strong call to the children/youth ministry. I ministered to and prayed with him at length--and then had him pray for a young man that came up to talk!
Jarron is sixteen years old and came to talk to me night after night. He has been hooked on marijuana for the past four years (since he was 12!) and spends each day going to the coffee houses (where they don't sell coffee--but various types of pot). I was able to share the Word of God with him in depth and present the plan of salvation and pray with him on several occassions.

Jose Ayala: Nov 22, 1989 - Aug 26, 2006

While ministering in Amsterdam I received the unfortunate news that a young sixteen year old man that we had led to Jesus had been murdered execution sytle near his home. On January 7, 2006 Pastor Terry Shuff of Raven MidWest and I joined Pastor Rudy Gonzales of Raven West Coast for an outreach in the gang infested area of Santa Rosa, California called "Papago Ct."

The reason for our being at Papago to begin with was because of the compassion of a little girl, Maddie Gonzales, who challenged her parents Rudy & Lori to be not only hearers but also doers of the Word of God. Even though the Gonzales family and the Raven Team who join them on the streets of this crime ridden neighborhood have faced much criticism and opposition in their quest to bring the love and truth of Jesus to this area--they have continued to carry groceries and Gospel to the families that call this place "home."

It was on our trip to Northern California that Pastor Terry and I first had the blessed opportunity to meet Jose and two of his friends there on the street that afternoon. As I look back to that day, I am so grateful that our mission and motivation was not limited to "making friends" or "building relationships", but instead to preach the Good News of salvation to the lost and dying. In Pastor Terry's own words, he describes the events that were chronicled in heaven, on our heats and minds, and fortunately by the camera lens that captured the images that afternoon.

(Above) Pastor Terry shares the Truth with Jose (behind the vehice), Sergio (center) and Edgar (behind Pastor Terry)

"I was going through the area inviting people to come to eat when three kids came over a six foot fence not far from me. They had their backs to me and did not know I was near them. I was caught by surprise at how they all came over the fence so quick, but I wanted to be the first to speak so I yelled "HEY". I don't know why, but that is what came out of my mouth! All three turned to look at me with a "what does this guy want" look on their faces.

The next thing I said was "guys, I've got a question for you" walking towards them. "What" they inquired? I said "If you were to die today would you go to heaven or hell"? All three laughed and said, "Oh, we'd go to hell." A holy boldness suddenly rose up in me as I took control of the conversation. I said, "You guys might think that is funny but, it is not alright with me for you to go there".

The smiles left their faces as they started to intently look at me. I described to them that they would have all five of their senses in hell and went into detail on each sense. I told them that this would be for eternity and that life here is a blink of an eye compared to eternity.

I then said guys I would really like it if you would come over and have something to eat. Their reply was "we might come over a little later" and at that point I had not asked to pray with them. I was really thinking that I would not see them again. They walked off and so did I.

It was close to an hour later when they showed up and it was such a blessing to see them. I immediately went over and started talking to them. As we continued to minister to them the tears began to well up in their eyes. I remember Jose being the one that laughed the most at the beginning, but I believe that it was an embarrassed and nervous laugh because he knew that the gang lifestyle he was living was wrong.

As we explained to them that there was no magic in a prayer and that this was all about changing their lives and living them for Jesus I then prayed for them. I remember the joy on their faces and I also remember the nervousness they talked about because they were still going to be living in that same area. They were still very happy and at that point; changed young men!"

Praise God for the opportunity to share the life-transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ with these young men that day. Tonight as I make this entry, I hurt for Jose's family but rejoice that his name was written down in the Lamb's Book of Life that afternoon as he was given the only thing that brings salvation--the message of Jesus Christ. Good works and good intentions will never serve to rescue a sould dangling perilously over an eternal hell--the Gospel alone was designed to deliver soul-saving faith to the heart of a person.Not long after that meeting with destiny in Papago Court this past January, Sergio (pictured above) was attacked and stabbed seven times in the neck and face near his home. Upon his release from the hospital he stated that even though this happenedto him, he was never going back to his old life. He later moved with family to Mexico to escape the gang related threats to his life following his conversion to Christ.

I cannot help but view the condition of the "church" in comparison to these two young men's lives. They not only surrended their lives to Jesus, but also put their physical lives on the line as well. Many in the church whine and complain about their plight or circumstances as if they plan on spending eternity in this temporal enviroment. Let this be a lesson on the frailty of life and the urgency of this hour.

The next time that you think you have a good excuse for not sharing your faith with someone or the next time you believe there is "plenty of time" to go preach the Gospel--consider Jose and Sergio--one losing his life and the other risking his--and someone willing to put eternity in perspective for them both--before it was too late.

More so now than ever, I realize the enormity and urgency of the great task that God has called this ministry to across this nation and beyond. Stand with us--lives and souls are at stake.

Blessings,

Pastor Troy D. Bohn

RAVEN MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL, INC
119 S. Palmetto Ave #152
Daytona Beach, Florida 32114
(386)682-4141

Observations of Amsterdam

Psalm 144:14 "...Happy are the people whose God is the Lord."

Most people are well aware of the policies, politics and practices of the Nation of Holland and especially those of the city of Amsterdam. This beautiful Dutch city located on the coast of the North Sea is known for its "tolerance" of deviant ideas and prinicples (ie. same-sex marriage, legalization of marijuana and prostitution) One would think that allowing people to "do whatever they want" would make them the happiest people on the planet--but what I found was exactly the opposite!

Once I arrived back in the States and began to preview some of the pictures that were taken by the team, I noticed once striking similarity amongst them--very few people ever smile! Another thing is that when we would say, "Hello" to a person that more often than not we were met with a sinister or at best a very reluctant "hello" in return.

This is especially interesting in light of the manner in which satan and this world attempt to lure people into the snare of sin.

Modern culture is rife with such misguided slogans as: If it feels good, do it and Live and let live. Yet, in a Nation who has espoused this type of ideology and in a City where the offical flag (above left) is marked by "XXX" those who live daily within the borders of this "Great Land of Feedom" appear less than a shining example of happiness, joy and contentment.

As a teenager growing up I often got upset when my parents wouldn't allow me to do "whatever I pleased-whenever I pleased." I thought that they were trying to systematically ruin my fun and as a reuslt- my very life! "How unfare!" I would often exclaim when not allowed to join friends on a night out. "You just don't want me to be happy!" was another proclamation that I would declare.

Proverbs 29:15 tells us, "The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother." If the consequences of a child without correction are the shame of a doting mother, what then the consequences of a City or Nation allowed to throw caution to the wind and partake of whatever they would desire?

I think a picture is certainly worth a thousand words and the faces of the above inhabitants of this "Unrestrained Culture" most assuredly tell a tale of the fruit of unrighteousness in the City of Amsterdam.

Proverbs 14:34 "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."

Raven: Amsterdam 2006

(Above) Amsterdam is obviously a very beautiful city; rich with classical European architecture and stunning views, but there is a very obvious spiritual oppression upon this City. Many of the local believers that work in various Christian ministries such as: The Shelter Christian Hostel (where we are staying) and the "Cleft" ministry to the homeless and the community expressed such deep gratitude for the team coming in and bringing with it a "Fire!" We took out one young man with us the past couple of evenings to a bridge in the Red Light district with crosses. He was so hyped! by the whole experience and said, "This is what it is all about!" He is from Holland.
(Above) One of the many canals that run throughout the City of Amsterdam, providing both flood support and a means of transportation. These streets are lined with sex shops (pornographic films, etc), brothels, and coffee shops (that don't sell coffee---but various forms of marijuana). These places exist much like a Denny's restaurant or a BlockBuster Video Store would in suburban America. They are literally EVERYWHERE you look in this section of the city. While this is certainly a disturbing and disgusting condition--it does provide us a ripe fishing ground for the ministry of Jesus!
(Above) This is one of the many "coffee shops" where people flock to in order to get "stoned out of their minds." We have met many "Americans" who have said they moved to Amsterdam because smoking pot was legal. Many of them are just mentally "burned out" after having succomb to the seduction of this tool of satan. We have been offering them the REAL HIGH and have had many opportunites to preach and pray for them as well.
(Above) Just a typical street. You will have a sex shop, then a bakery, a restaurant, three windows with prostitutes behind them, then a souvenier shop...etc. Having lived and ministered in New Orleans for several years, makes me wonder how long it will be before places such as Bourbon Street--take it even further because they stand unchecked and unchallenged by the Body of Christ.

(Report from Friday Night) Last night was just an amazing time! I was going to try to include some pictures that I had taken but a pickpocket stole my camera. (I have since had to go a back up route!) While it was not a good thing to have my $300 camera stolen, I sure would have loved to have shared with you the 25o pictures that I had taken (many of them the dozens that we have ministered to and led to Jesus). Perhaps the thief will see the images and get convicted and get saved--$300 would be a small investment for a soul! (I already had a person walk up to me and hand me $100 and say, "That is to help replace the camera the devil stole!)

We took our place on the bridge spanning the canal that runs the length of one of the main thoroughfars in the Red Light District. This location is surrounded by brothels, marijuana cafe's, night clubs, and a drug dealer every 20 yards! We set up our cross and immediately started drawing them in! You cannot image the impact that a cross standing in this place has--fortunately this place has not grown so oblivious to the image of the cross. In America every thug has a 14ct Cross-"Bling" draped around his neck and the cross has been reduced to fashion pieces, tatoos, and earings---but not here! It is still the SPECTICLE that it was 2,000 years ago when Jesus hung and died upon the one atop Mt. Calvary!

From about 8:00 PM to the time we departed at 1:30 Am it was "Non-Stop Holy Spirit". The Atmosphere is so different because many have never heard the true Gospel and the people who have the most to say about Jesus are the Muslims (who call him Asa and show more respect for Him and His name than most American Christians!)

Stephen - is a man that came to the Lord following a heavy drug problem. He has been living on the streets, but has had relatively no fellowship and no close relationships since coming to Jesus. He joined us on the bridge and we began to talk. I just began nto "disciple" him and speak the Word of God to him. He spoke of spending his life in Amsterdam and the struggles that he has had in the enviroment--but his determination to never go back to that life! I shared with him about the Holy Spirit and how that he came to empower the believer for service and for worship. I asked him if he would like to recieve the Holy Spirit and he said that he did. We prayed right there in the middle of some of the most wicked things you could imagine--but BOOM he got HIT by the power of God! We are meeting today for a late lunch to talk some more and to try and get him connected to some people here locally. Pray for him!

Ron - is a middle aged man who has battled sever depression. His countenance was so down as he talked with one of the team. We had previously met him earlier in the week when we helped feed the homeless and needy at a local outreach center called "The Cleft" and he was very downcast then as well. I began to share with him concerning the Joy of the Lord being our strength and that "in His presence is fulness of joy." I told him that happiness is temporal and circumstranial, but that joy was eternal and supernatural. He allowed to pray for him and BOOM he got HIT and you could slap the grin off of his face! The peace and the presence of God was so strong that Sharon (the team member standing there with me) got hit as well!

Razi - was a 22 year old Muslim whose parents were born in Pakistan, but he was born and raised in the UK. He shared with me about losing his mom to kidney disease when he was 15 years old and how hard it has been to cope with that loss. He said that "He was a Muslim, but had really grown away from it all and was searching." I had the chance to spend a good deal of time revealing to him the REAL Jesus (not the mere mortal of Islam) and you couold just see his openess to the Word. He asked for my card so that we could correspond. He told me, "I don't nned any of these things (the sex, drugs, etc) and I just want to go home because I feel so out of place)

Patrick was a thirty something year old man that John and I were able to minister to! He looked over as we stood there with the cross and called him over by saying, "Hey! Do you need some prayer?" He hesitated but slowly walked over. When asked him name he said, "Patrick" to which John replied, that's cool, like St. Patrick who was responsible for taking the Gospel message to Ireland. This "Patrick" immediatey grabbed the marijuana cigarette from his maout hand through it on the ground saying, "I am DONE with this stuff!" Come to find out, he was a backslidden and struggling Christian who had been involved in the ministry! He said that he was ruching through trying to catch a bus--but just had to stop. As I prayed for him the fire of God fell and he began to pray in tongues!

The whole night was just incredible as we had drug addicts empty their pockets and toss their drugs in the canal. I had a dru dealer whom I have ran into 5 times! this week came over to me and hug my neck! We have prayed and witnessed to members of the local mafia. In short--we have seen Jesus do EXACTLY what He said He would do if we simply obeyed His word to GO and preach the Gospel---and that is save and transform lives!

We'll be back at it today and tonight and covet your prayers for us as well as our families back home.

Blessings,

Pastor Troy

JESUS IS LORD: Amsterdam

Joesi- I stopped this man from Suriname (South America) last night and began to share Jesus with him. He was a backslider that had walked with the Lord years ago before being ensnared by the cares of this world. As he would offer an "excuse" for his sin, I would provide the "Word" on how he could be set free. As I would share the Word with him, you could see a deep conviction setting upon him. His eyes would gloss over with tears and he would grow silent. I was able to pray that the strongholds would be broken off of his life and like the Prodigal son he would "come to himself" and realize that he had a place to return to in his "Father's House."

David- A man of mid-forties stopped as he saw the cross standing on the bridge in the Red Light District. He was curious as to what we were doing---so we told him! He was a mariner who had ported there in Amsterdam for a couple of days. He docked to "party" in Amsterdam, but his plans "ran ashore" when his sink was sunk in the presence of the Lord! We prayed and gave him contact info.

Bro. Grampon was walking along the canal and I noticed a "cross" necklace hanging from his neck and plus he was wearing an "old school" Kangol hat exactly like mine! I yelled out--certainly NOT expecting the response that I got--"Hey, Preacher!" To which he turned around in the midst of the crowd to look my way. I went up to him and found that he was a minister, originally from Africa but now in Europe and establishing an "Army of God" there in the city. He had just returned from ministering in Romania. He walked me to their church building and we prayed together there and he invited us to come ANYTIME to preach on the streets with him!

Nick was drawn to the cross and the spectacle of the team standing around witnessing and praying with people. He approached and obviously wasn't from Europe--he was from North Carolina and was a pilot for AirForce One. He was there flying several congressman on a tour of Europe and this was their latest stop. I didn't recognize the politicians. We were able to share with him and then pray for him before he left. We said, "Tell President Bush that there are some crazy Christian people out there praying for him." To which he seriously replied, "...I will..he is a very Godly man." PTL that we were able to witness to and share Jesus with someone that regularly has contact wit the President of the United States!

Josh was a young man in his early twenties that we encountered there on the streets. He began to tell of his life and shared that he was in some trouble with the law because he had sex with a 13 year old girl and her parents had found out. We used that as a means to take the consequences of sin to him and reveal the true bondage that he was under. He did allow us to pray with him after spending about an hour talking to various members of the team.

Marcus Camby the 7 foot tall center for the Denver Nuggets (NBA) came walking by our table as we broke for lunch. The locals looked at him as just a "very tall man" but as soon as I saw him I recognized the face and soon it came to me that it was Marcus Camby. Two of us got up from the table and followed him down the street where we were able to by-pass his small entourage and spreak with him.

These are just a few of the lives being changed, transformed and affected by the preaching of the Gospel here in Amsterdam! Thank you so muc for your love, prayers and support!

Blessings,

Pastor Troy

Raven International: Amsterdam Report

There is just no doubt about it...we have got to bring a RAVEN Team to Amsterdam in 2007! This place has been "tailor-made" for the ministry that God has called us to do: Reaching the lost in the most sin-filled and godless places on earth!

I can allready see dozens of RAVEN's ministering JESUS to the people coming here for the legalized prostitution, marijuana, and illicit drug availabity--the only thing NOT being offered in abundance on the streets of the Red Light District is THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. That has got to change!

You have probably heard me quote from two of the great men of faith: Charles Spurgeon and John Wesley. These are tow men who took the Gospel to Europe in their generation and laid the foundation of the Word of God for all who would follow.

Spurgeon said, "If sinners be damned, let them leap to hell over our bodies. Let them go with our arms around their knees. Let no one go there unwarned or unprayed for."

Wesley said, "Don't just go to them that need you, but to them that need you the most."

These are two principles that Raven Ministries always endeavors to stand by. We are determined to through out the life-line of salvation to all that would receive--we want to make it "hard to get to hell" on our watch. And not only that, but to through the life-line to the most desperate, despised, and demonically oppressed peoples of the World!

We have the answer and the answers name if JESUS.

The past few days here in Amsterdam have just brought a greater reality of the devices that enemy uses to ensnare people. These images are probably troubling to some of you: Pictures of prostitutes on a Christian website! YES--that is exactly what you are seeing. THAT is the stark reality of the things that satan has utilized to destroy people...and I am not talking about the men who would go into a brothel, but instead the young women who have literally be ripped from their countries, their families, and their hopes and dreams and have been made to sell themselves like a piece of furniture on display in a window!

Those girls are someone's children! They are someone's sister or friend! THeY are the victims of NOT ONLY the devil "going about like a roaring lion seeking who he may destroy" BUT ALSO the victims of a SLEEPING CHURCH who has locked themselves away in the cozy confines of dead, dry religion and have allowed the devil to run roughshod over this world!

Sure, go spend a week in a five star hotel in Central America and call it a "Mission Trip" because you taught a Sunday School class to a few childrend before you were "off to shopping" or "soaking in the sights." If YOU can in all good conscience stand one day before a Living God and declare, "YES Lord I have done all that you asked"--then YOU do that--but God has called me to Go unto ALL the world and PREACH the Gospel that they may be saved!

There is no time to "make friends" or "live out my life" in front of the street pusher trying to offer me xstacy or cocaine--there is time though to deliver the WORD OF GOD under the anointing of the Holy Spirit and watch this man tremble a the presence of the Lord!

There is no time to "casually" deal with the godless heretic who would deny all that is holy, righteous, and sacred in a crowd of people--but here is time to stand like the prophets of old in the midst of a wicked and perverse generation and lift up one's voice and declare "Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!"

"Whom shall I send? And whom shall go for Me?" is the question asked by God in Isaiah chapter and our answer is the the same as his: "Here I am send me!"

Message from the Streets...of Amsterdam!

It is about 12:45 in the afternoon her in Amsterdam as I take a quick break at a local internet cafe' here in the Red Light District of Amsterdam. (It is six hours earlier on the East Coast, so Melanie is getting Kayla up and ready for school)

I arrived here in the City late yesterday following an unscheduled stop in Dusseldorf, Germany. I was the only member of our team that got switched to a whole different airline before taking off from Orlando on Monday! So I am told that I will have to go to Germany before switching to another plane (and airline) and then flying back across Europe to Amsterdam! Raven Germany...hmmm.

Well it all worked out as a "Divine Appointment" as the airline gave me a couple of hundred dollars towards my next flight and I had the chance to witness and share Jesus in yet another country! As I sat in the airport and testified of the ministry that God has called us to with a Dutch couple on their way home from visiting their son in the States, many ears were listening to our conversation as I told of the power of God saving and transforming lives across the USA and abroad. I have given out many of our business cards to people desiring to see what we are doing and get more information about the ministry.

Upon arriving yesterday, we got situated at the Hostel where we are staying at: this one is a "Christian Youth Hostle" adjacent to the Red Light District. While it is Christian owned/operated, it is open to anyone with jsut a few rules--no drinking, smoking, etc.. You dont have to be a "Christian" to stay there and it is obvious that many of those staying are not. There were a group of 60 Palastinians that checked in just an hour or so ago!

NEWS FLASH!...as I was typing the last sentence a man named "Saba" appraoched me asking for money to eat. He was from Bosnia and was on the streets here. I shared the Gospel with him and then prayed for him! This is as "Capt. John" one of the team members said, "A target-rich" enviroment!

Last night as we made our way through the Red Light District, my heart was broken by the hundrds and maybe thousands of young girls who have been enticed and trapped into a life of prostitution. Those represent someone's daughter, sister, niece or friend. Let's pray for sweeping revival to break loose in the brothels and streets of this city inundated with sin and godlessness.

About every ten feet weencounter someone offering us drugs...and we offer them a different type of HIGH---the Holy Ghost! One man, "Ali" a muslim, offered me "cocaine" and I was able to share the Gospel with him and pray with him as well. One family from England that we met asked about the meaning of my "Raven Shirt" and I told them that it meant that I "casted out devils, healed the sick, raised the dead and brought hope to the hopeless in Jesus name!"

Their young 14 year old daughter asked for prayer for her hurting grandmother and just melted under the presence of God and began to weep uncontrollably. God is so Good!

We're hitting the streets again right now and believing for the hand of God to move mightily! Pray for us!

Blessings,

Pastor Troy

Pastor Terry & Eileen Shuff- Raven MidWest

It was just awesome having Pastor Terry & Eileen Shuff of Raven MidWest with us here in Daytona Beach for the past six days. We had some wonderful times of ministry, study in the Word of God, witnessing to the lost and enjoying some great time of fellowship with our brother and sister in Christ!

These guys are doing such an amazing job in the MidWest region and it was such a blessing to have them here working with us a few days as well. Melanie sure enjoyed the company and "hanging" with Eileen and Kayla always has a great time with "Uncle" Terry and "Aunt" Eileen. They were even here this morning to see her take off for her first day at her new school!

URGENT: Prayer Request

(Above) Deb Waddell of Raven West Coast

It is 12:45 AM here in Florida and I just got a call from Raven West Coast Director, Pastor Rudy Gonzales. O nthe way home from the Sunday Night Raven Gathering, they recieved a telephone call that Deb's mom was in the hospital having suffered a heart attack.

The report is that she is doing okay right now. Please join with us in praying for her complete and total healing and that there will be no lasting ramifications from this attack. We serve a God who is more than able and has already bore the stripes upon His back for Deb's mom! We'll keep you posted as the reports come in.

Deb is such a vital part of our West Coast ministry and we know that this is just an attempt by the enemy to disrupt and distract her from all of the wondrous thing that God has for her in this critical hour.

"We stand together in faith for the healing and restoring of Deb's mom. We declare, that by the Blood of Jesus, she is made whole. We speak to her heart and complete circulatory system to come in line with the Spirit of God and a creative miracle to take place in her physical body in Jesus' name! Amen"

Saturday Night "Church in the Surf" Daytona Beach

(Above Clockwise from Top) Melanie, Eileen and Kayla set up the table with the hot Red Beans & Rice with Smoked Sausage (can you tell I lived in New Orleans!) Young streets kids sit around on the sand eating while we share the Good News of Salvation! "Lurch" samples the "grub." This young man is 26 and is going through many personal struggles--he keeps coming back and wanting to spend time with us to hear the Word of God! Please pray for him!
(Above Clockwise) Melanie looks up as I "snaek a snap shot!"; Eileen sits and ministers to John and Angle, who are on the streets and just arrived here in town. We all commented on just how sweet Angle was. This is someone's baby daughter that has gotten caught up in the enemies trap. She was so grateful and said to me, "Wow, I was wondering howwe were going to eat tonight!"; Pastor Terry is joined by "Top Team Member and My Right Hand Girl on the Streets" Kayla Bohn!; Pastor Troy and Kayla kneel and pray with Kevin, 17 (in blue) and Stephen, 16 (who needed prayer for a learning disability).
(Above Clockwise) this young lady (15) and young man (12) are regulars out on the streets of Daytona Beach. We were able to feed and minister the Word of God to them both--and just love em' a little as well!; Pastor Troy with (r) Billy and Chris (middle). Chris asked for prayer for his dad who is no longer able to work because of a back injurty--then I shared the Word with him and he knoelt there in the sand and prayed for Jesus to come into his life!; Pastor Terry & Eileen stand with "The Motley Crew" of "Pug", "Liberty", John, and Angel that they spent time ministering and praying for there on the Boardwalk; Pastor Terry (who is a big fella himself) with a group of BIG kids that stopped by to eat with us as we shared the Word.
(Above Clockwise) Pastor Terry with Jesse. Pray for him! He has been on his own since he was 14, after spending three years in a juvenile unit. His dad was in prison and his mom leftwith another man. He was continuously telling us, "Thanks for talking to me. I really need to hear this."; Pastor troy with Stephen and Kevin out in the "Church in the Surf." Kevin had gotten a tattoo of the 10 commandments on his shoulder (turns out that the artist on knew 9 of them though!) I asked him "Why the 10 Commandments?" He said, "I just figured it was something that I needed to start living by."; Eileen prays with Lurch for freedom and deliverance; Mary Ashley and Jimmy. They are both homeless and she is also a diabetic. We prayed and ministered to them and I talked to here about getting off the streets and gave he my card to call if she ever decided to return home to here family and needed help.

A Tale of Three Cities

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way- in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only." Charles Dickens

While Dicken's wrote A Tale of Two Cities describing events surrounding the French Revolution, Raven Ministries wrote another chapter of A Tale of Three Cities surrounding the Spiritual Revolution that is taking place on the streets of this nation through our coast-to-coast ministry teams.

Dicken's description of his day and age highlighted the two extremes facing those living in that era: "The Best of Time, the worst of times; Age of Foolishness, epoch of belief; Season of Light, season of darkness..." We have found that the conditions of this world have changed little in the past several hundred years--and if anything--the gap between the two has widened with a cold, compromising middle entrenching itself in the ever increasing void left behind.

This past Friday Night our Raven Teams took the BEST of TIMES, THE EPOCH of BELIEF, THE SEASON of LIGHT and the SPRING OF HOPE into three cities stretched from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf Coast and all the way to the Atlantic. While our locations may have been seperated by thousands of miles and three time zones...our messages were all the same: "Jesus Christ is the only way, the only truth and the only life and unless you repent you will (as Dickens so ably said) "go directly the other way."

At each location we saw: the hungry fed, the homeless and outcast loved and ministered to, and the Gospel of the Kingdom preached to a lost, dying and hurting world. At each location we saw: receptive hearts, hungry souls, and desperate situations with only one hope and one answer: Jesus!

This Tale of Three Cities is only the beginning of the task that the Lord Jesus has set before us as a ministry. In the next year we are believing the Lord Jesus to raise up and establish teams that will simultaneously be taking Jesus as the steets of every major city and reagion of this Nation on a regular basis. The time is short and the hour is NOW.

Raven: Daytona Beach, Florida

(Above) Pastor Troy D. Bohn, Kayla Bohn, and Pastor Terry Shuff "open the church service" of the Streets Friday night along the Boardwalk in Daytona, Beach Florida. This Raven "Soul Patrol" would spend the next several hours ministering to young homeless kids, college students and burned out junkies---with Jesus being the message that brings light and life to every situation!

(Above) Pastor Troy and Pastor Terry with Patrick and Devin, students at Bethune-Cookman college in Daytona Beach. We had an awesome time ministering and "discipling" these two young men out on the Boardwalk. The were both very attentive to the Word of God and demostrated a genuine heart and desire to "take it to the next level" in relationship to serving Christ. They knelt there on the sidewalk with us to pray before we parted ways and took my number so that they could call me to come to the house for dinner and to "bust open the Word together!"

(Above) Pastor Troy prays with three young men off of A-1-A in Daytona Beach Friday night. One of the young men (Jesse) was 16 and had been "immancipated" as an adult since he was 14. His dad was thrown into prison when he was just 8 and his mother (a crack addict) soon left with another man. He stayed with his grandmother, but soon found himself involved with drugs and served 3 years in a juvenile detention center. He works for a local cement contractor and lives on his own. He was very humble and open to the Word of God. He is set to be contacting me next week when I return from ministering in Europe.

(Above) Pastor Troy confronts "Ron" who approached us for money on Thursday night. He was a "Catholic" who said that he could do "anything that he wanted" because he was "Born a Catholic" and that he worse thing that would happen is that he'd have to spend a little time in "Purgatory" before heading off to heaven.

I gave him the scripute concerning these erroneous teachings and was able to pray with him before he once again slipped into the night.

RAVEN EAST COAST MINISTRY REPORT

We are excited! God has been opening doors for RAVEN East Coast over the past two weeks. We have some great times of ministry coming up. I met this past week with a local pastor in the York, PA area and we are excited about what the Lord is doing. Some dates to pray about.

August 26th:

I am meeting with this local pastor and the York city school system to discuss how we plan to use several of the local school facilities for outreach over the next year.

September 30th:

Outreach from 1PM to 7PM in York, PA in an area called "The Jungle." This area of South Western York has been plagued with drugs and gang activity for years, but recently it has escalated with several drug related murders.

October 14th:

Outreach in Westminster, MD (Labeled the "heroine capital" of the USA). An average of 5 teenage heroine overdoses a week occur in this area. A local organization has put together "Taking Our City Back." An effort at uniting the community against the drugs and dealers. RAVEN has been asked to have a presence at this function.

October 20 - 22nd: RAVEN Gathering in Amarillo, TX.

December 16th:

RAVEN is gearing up for our first annual "Christmas in York" outreach. In conjunction with "Eagle Christian Ministries," RAVEN will be supporting a facility this year that plans on serving 1200 meals to the local depressed neighborhood of South West York.

These are the major dates that we have just recently scheduled. I will be meeting later this week to schedule more events/outreaches.

Obviously, with all that God is trying to accomplish, we are going to need workers, supplies and prayers.

We are so excited at what God is doing and can't wait to see HIS glory shining in York, PA.

With HIS Love,

Pastor Sam

***From Pastor Troy: Pastor Sam & Lucy are really kicking things off with Raven East Coast this Fall and neen any help that might be available to assist in the launching of some of these outreach. Can any of you help? Here's how: 1) If you are in the area (or can easily get to the area) plan on joining them to assist in one of the scheduled outreaches. 2) Provide financial resources to help get it launched (Melanie and I are sowing the first $100 - I'll send it to them in the mail today) 3) Pray for THEM and the work that God has called them to!

If your desire to help out by joining them for an outreach-- contact Pastor Sam at pastorsam@riveroflifecog.com If you desire to make a financial investment in souls to Raven East Coast--send it to the main office with Raven Eat Coast in memo.

Raven International 119 S. Palmetto Ave Suite 119 Daytona Beach, Fl. 32114 or your can send through PayPal and we will fotwad to them.

Join Us October 20-22, 2006

REPORTS FROM THE FRONT LINES

Pastor Don Eskine of Raven New Orleans reports that Jesus is "Alive & Well" on the streets of the Big Easy! Friday night the team ministered in the French Quarter and ended up rescuing an ex-stripper from the streets. She is a woman that Pastor Troy had witnessed to last year. They were able to minister the Word of God to her and see the hand of God move powerfully.

Saturday Night Bro. Don preached at the "Tent", otherwise known as the Church Without Walls Under Open Skies! Five men who had come from Texas to find work cmae to the tent and ended up giving their lives to Jesus as he preached the Word and expounded on Romans chapter 5!

Pastor Terry Shuff of Raven Midwest reported to me from the streets of Elkhart, Indiana on Friday night. He called while standing oout in front of a local bar---just where I want our Raven leaders at (where the need is!) He had to let me go as patrons that he had previously witnessed to were coming out. We need some Raven Midwest'ers to commit to hitting it on Fridays with Bro. Terry!

On my last visit to Indiana I was astounded at the amount of drug and gang activity in a community this size. We have been given a mandate to take the Gospel to the lost and dying of this generation and this City is prime for a move of God. Help!

Pastor Rudy Gonzales of Raven West Coast reports another powerful night of outreach in the Papago Ct. area of Santa Rosa, CA. This neigborhood once known as the center of gang and drug violence, is now seeing revival break loose as hundreds are being fed (both physically and spiritually) each week. This past Thursday there were (12) who stepped forward to give their hearts to Jesus! Hey thats the number of disciples that Jesus chose!

Keep Bro. Rudy and the West Coast team lifted up in prayer as they face as much opposition from the local liberal church as they do from the devil!

Join Pastor Troy

for Thanksgiving in Canada!

@ ACCELERATED IMPACT

Conference on Evangelism

New Life Centre - London, Ontario

November 23-26, 2006

PROFILE: Pastor Sam Croghan

Pastor Sam Croghan, RAVEN East Coast's Director, is the "real deal." Maybe this is because he has been through and experienced many of the exact same things in his life that those he is reaching are having to deal with---and now knows that victory is only found through Jesus Christ.

Pastor Troy first became aquainted with Pastor Sam and his wife, Lucy, about ten years ago in a Christian Chat room on the internet. Their regular online conversations continued for many years until they were finally aboe to meet face-to-face in August 2005, just weeks before Hurricane Katrina would rip through the Gulf Coast.

During their visit to New Orleans they joined Pastor Troy and the Raven Team in ministering in the French Quarter of New Orleans and it felt as though they had always known one another. They were definitely of a kindred spirit in wanting to see the lost and dying touched by the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and determined to see the Body of Christ break free from the bondages of dead, tired, powerless religion.

Pastor Sam would return to the Gulf Coast following the distaster and work in ministry/relief in Mississippi and then the whole family (including son, Josh, and daughter, Meghan) would join Pastor Troy and over 100 Raven's from around the Nation for their 10th Annual Mardi Gras Outreach in New Orleans.

In addition to their overseeing the establishment of RAVEN East Coast, Pastor Sam and Lucy also serve as the pastors of River Of Life Church in Hanover, Pennsylvania. This is a Church that they have planted and pioneered to reach into the South Eastern Pennsylvania area. With a heart after Jesus and a passion to reach and minister to the lost, Pastor Sam is a tremendous asset to Raven Ministries and the Body of Christ at large.

PROFILE: Evangelist Brandon Romero

Brandon Romero, Director of RAVEN Albuquerque, has truly stepped into a Timothy role in relationship to the ministry. Just as Paul prayed over the young minister Timothy in 1 Timothy 4 to "Stir up the gifts that are within you" so has this young man of God endeavored to see the things that God has entrusted to him "stirred up" that he might take the Gospel in power to the lost and dying.

As Pastor Troy's nephew, and the oldest son of a praying mother--Brandon had Godly examples and much intercession covering him all of his life. Even with this he found himself in bondage to rebellion and the many vices associated with it. After several close calls that could have cost him his life, he decided to enlist in the United States Army where he would find himself in basic training at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma.

It was during this time that the Holy Spirit truly began to deal in this man's life. Attending a church shepherded by Spirit-filled Pastor, Sgt. Michael Whitaker, Brandon found himself face-to-face with all the things that he had attempted to run from and soon repented and turned his life back over to Jesus Christ.

Since then, God has blessed him with a beautiful wife, Christy and a wonderful son, Cole and they live and minister in the Albuquerque area. Bro. Brandon has an incredible testimony of being "once dead and now alive" like the Prodigal Son and utilizes the lessons that he has learned to minister to many that find themselves in similar situations.

Whether he is preaching the Gospel and feeding the homeless on the streets of Albuquerque, witnessing with the team on Bourbon Street, or taking the Gospel to the multitudes of New York City--this servant of God does so with faith, compassion, and the certainty that the same God who rescued him is still in the business of restoring the brused, broken and forgotten!

PROFILE: Pastor Alex Hill

Pastor Alex Hill serves as the Associate Director of Raven Ministries International, Inc. and is currently based out of the Austin, Texas area. A tireless soul-winner, a powerful preacher of the Gospel and an anointed servant of the Lord Jesus--this man of God exists for one purpse: To Stampede the Gates of Hell and rescue the lost and dying from eternal destruction.

Having served with Pastor Troy since the founding of Raven Ministries in 1996 and having also served with him as an associate pastor and elder of local churches---he truly knows and walks in the vision of RAVEN: Restoring A Vision & Evangelizing Nations.

Born and raised in the Texas Panhandle, Pastor Hill came to Christ after having suffered several personal setbacks and the possibility of serving jail time as well. Following his conversion to Christ, he never looked back; preaching in prison tent revivals, on streets corners, helping to establish inner-city outreach ministries and serving in the local church.

In 2004 he and his wife, Holly and their three young children joined Pastor Troy and Melanie in New Orleans to establish a RAVEN outpost there in the city. Preaching the Gospel to the lost and dying in the French Quarter and Bourbon Street and the local housing projects become his staple. Then in August of 2005 he had his home and all of his families possessions wiped out by Hurricane Katrina.

Never detoured by circumstances, he and the team went "mobile" and saw hundreds come to the Lord Jesus through a momentous revival and relief effort along the Gulf Coast. He presently assists Pastor Troy in overseeing the operations of RAVEN International and preaches regularly throughout this nation in churches, revivals, conferences, and "on the streets."

You can see his complete biography by going to: www.PastorAlexHill.blogspot.com

PROFILE: Evangelist Terry Shuff

Terry Shuff, Director of RAVEN Midwest, is the epitome of a New Testament disciple; "Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus." This is the heart of this man who was radically saved and delivered from alcohol and drugs in 1994.

Since 1998 Terry has been involved in outreach, soul-winning and ministering the Word of God with boldness and power. In 1999 he met Pastor Troy and the Raven Team while ministering in the French Quarter of New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Over the years, they stayed in touch and God built a blessed relationship that resulted in Terry being ordained as an evangelist through Raven Ministries and taking the role of Director for our Midwest Division.

Terry and his wife, Eileen now leads teams into Detroit, Chicago, Gary, Indiana, Benton Harbor, Michigan and the whole Michiana area. From ministering in churches to taking the love of God and the testimony of Jesus to people on street corners, outside of bar rooms or in housing projects--these guys are intent to make it hard for anyone to go to hell on their watch!

In addition to his duties with RAVEN, Terry has also served in a juvenile treatment center and is now the "Campus Pastor" for the Crossing Alternative School in Goshen, Indiana and Eileen has spent many years as a licensed drug abuse counselor.

From coast to coast you will often find Terry preaching the Gospel, feeding the hungry, and reaching the lost with Pastor Troy and memebers of the Raven Team!