Empowered 21

Last week Steve Becker and I were in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We were selling our Bridge-Logos books in the Mabee Center of Oral Roberts University in connection with "Empowered 21"--an international gathering of Pentecostal/charismatic Christians who were celebrating the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the charismatic renewal.

Whether the renewal actually began at that time or not, it was in 1960 that Father Dennis Bennett, rector of an Episcopal church in Van Nuys, California, received the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues. This experience was reported in both "Time" and "Newsweek" magazines, so the news traveled all over the world.

It was a pleasure for me to be able to spend time with his widow, Rita Bennett, while we were in Tulsa. She is a very special lady. Bridge-Logos Foundation has several books by Dennis and Rita Bennett. Those powerful titles are:

• Nine O'Clock in the Morning by Dennis Bennett (first published in 1970)
• The Holy Spirit and You by Dennis and Rita Bennett
• The Holy Spirit and Your Workbook by Dennis and Rita Bennett
• How to Pray for the Release of the Holy Spirit by Dennis Bennett
• You Can Be Emotionally Free by Rita Bennett
• Heaven Tours by Rita Bennett

I highly recommend all of the above books. They are chock-full of spiritual insights and wisdom.

It was also good to see several other of our authors there, including John Mason, Jack Hayford, and Grant McClung.

Though the focus was on the members of the Renewal passing the torch to the younger generation, Jentezen Franklin reminded us that the "old pillars" need to get moving, too, and that in unity we can work together to build God's kingdom on earth.

Praise God for this opportunity to experience His presence in such dynamic ways.