Monthly Archives: November 2016

Spiritual Leaders

I had my feet up on the couch while eating a sandwich in front of the TV, when the phone rang. After the call, I made a cup of chicken broth, covered it, took it to the car, and prayed all the way to the orphanage. We had an emergency. I entered the bedroom and saw a pale-faced girl with listless, glazed eyes. She had the appearance of one who had died. I kept hearing the word death in my mind, and I knew we needed to get into spiritual warfare.

Within the orphanage, we had a small group of dedicated intercessors, comprised of eight girls and some adults. I asked Gerber and Yonith to call them to the casita. When they joined us, I told them that we as spiritual leaders needed to pray and follow the Lord’s leading. “Elena has some female problems, but there is something deeper going on here. I don’t know what it is, but God can reveal what we need to know.”

Having refused to eat or drink anything, Elena surprised me by emptying the cup of broth. The team prayed aloud over her, and Elena responded with a tight smile. Still hearing the word death in my mind, I asked if anyone had anything from the Lord. Josselin came forward and told Elena that she might not feel important, but she was to all of us. We all nodded, mumbling “amen” as Josselin continued with words of encouragement. Tears dripped down Elena’s cheeks. Josselin moved back to the group and said, “I feel something very strong here.”

“Is it a good strong or a bad strong,” I asked.

“It’s a bad strong,” she replied.

“It’s the spirit of death,” I replied, as I rubbed my hand on Elena’s icy forearm. Her skin felt hot moments before, but it suddenly turned cold like an icicle.

“Josselin, would you lead Elena in prayer and come against this using the authority Jesus gave us? Elena needs to speak against this spirit, commanding it to leave in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Immediate action took place, and I could feel the warmth return into Elena’s limbs.

One of the team said that Elena needed to make a confession, and when she did, she would be healed. The lady didn’t know anything specific, but Elena admitted that she did need to confess something. Wanting to protect her privacy, I suggested she choose someone she trusted, and they talk through this. Surprisingly, she chose me.

“Mama Carroll, I feel like I’m not important to God anymore, so I haven’t been giving Him any attention. I have shut Him out of my life.”

With a swift reply, I explained that the Lord had put her on my heart three weeks ago. “If God didn’t care, why would He put you in my mind so strongly? Elena, where would you be if you weren’t living with us?”

“In the streets.”

“With all the girls who live in the streets, why did God pick you to live with us? His plan for you is a great plan, and you are in training for His purposes.”

We prayed after she confessed her sin and then rejoiced together. “Okay, mi amor, you need to eat and rest so you can go to school tomorrow.”

After saying good-night, this bundle of life bounced up the stairs without any assistance.

With great joy, I thanked the team of prayer warriors for the victory we saw in Elena. We encourage the girls in the orphanage to walk in spiritual leadership, and I saw it happen that night.