The Best Investment

by Leslie Royalty
Nov/Dec 2010

It seems as though people are tirelessly on the lookout for the best investment. We crave the new, untapped gold mine of opportunity where demand far exceeds supply and returns are guaranteed to be exponential. Seeking the most secure and lucrative return, no one can afford to lose, especially in today's economy. In response, I believe God beckons us with an opportunity to make the most worthwhile investment imaginable. One that you will never regret, that produces multiplied and eternal rewards.

It's the next generation. I truly believe the most valuable investment that is guaranteed to produce fruit that lasts is to be found in the future generation. The only way for the church to endure, for the works of God to continue, is to pass it on. A frequent topic of prayer and discussion here at CHM concerns the importance of passing on the knowledge and practice of healing prayer to the generations to come. Francis and Judith, along with all of our staff and board members, long for this ministry to thrive far beyond the lifetime of its current leaders and participants. In fact, that's a foundational aspect of our mission here. We exist so that Jesus' ministry of healing would spread and take deep roots in churches, families and beyond; so that the gift of healing would be imparted to future generations! However, in order for this to happen, they must first be introduced to Jesus' healing and experience Him for themselves.

Recently, we have been really encouraged by a seemingly increased number of college students and young adults attending our schools and conferences. Especially this past summer, it has been wonderful to have a few more young adults joining us from all over the country—including California, Kentucky, South Carolina and, of course from right here in Florida! Their presence with us has been such a mutual blessing. For them, it has been a very significant part of their journey with Jesus. I will let a few of them explain in their own words.

"My experience this summer at CHM was more than I could have ever asked for! I got to learn about, experience, and see God touch lives so gently yet with power. I learned about how I can be used by God to pray for others in a very deep way. God also met me while I was at CHM where I received some inner healing from my past. He has equipped, changed, and released me to pray for the sick and hurting people I encounter in my life every day. I would not trade my experience at CHM for anything." — Ben Dickey, CSU Fullerton

"Through receiving ministry myself and listening to the teachings at CHM, I really feel like I now understand what it means to be a young, spirit–filled Christian living in a God–starved society. I'm so grateful CHM hasn't given up hope on the younger generations! Instead, they have received us as we are, and shared the heart of the Lord with us." — Mattie Dodds, The College of Charleston

Knowing each of these students, I can personally attest to the transformation and growth that has taken place. It's beautiful! Not only have these and others received more personal healing, but they have grown stronger in their relationships with God, gained greater Biblical and self–understanding, and have stepped out in more confidence to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in ministry.

As always, the blessing has been entirely mutual! On our end, it is incredibly rewarding to see their contagious passion and hunger for the Lord. Simply having their fresh perspective and fervor has brought a new wave of vitality, emphasizing again the reason this ministry exists! For me personally, it has confirmed God's calling to invest in the younger generation. Ever since leaving college four years ago where I had been involved with on–campus prayer ministry, my passion for young adult ministry has been mostly lying dormant within, as I quickly became the youngest person here. But having these students around has renewed this call from the Lord to pour into and come alongside the next generation. And this call is not just for me! All over Scripture God commands the current generation to "tell of his works" to the next. A wonderful professor and mentor of mine from college often proclaimed Psalm 71:18 as a life calling, saying, "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, 'til I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come."

Now you certainly don't have to be old or gray to proclaim God's power to the next generation; this is a call for all of us. And there certainly is a need! Many, if not all, young adults grapple with serious issues, such as brokenness of identity and relationships, wounds from the family of origin or from trauma. That's not to mention the myriad of cultural temptations and pressures that lead to addictions, disorders, and deep emotional pain. Also, young adults generally tend to be very open and in such a ripe and critical time of formation—discovering their identity and making crucial life decisions. What a perfect opportunity to reach into their lives and help them encounter Jesus!

So what does this look like? This doesn't mean that everyone is necessarily called to active young adult ministry. Each of us can play different roles depending on our gifting or situation. The most natural way to do this is of course to share this ministry with the young people in your lives, whether children, grandchildren, friends or church members. You can do this by walking alongside them in their spiritual journey, encouraging them to seek God, to receive healing themselves, and to grow in His gifts and ministry to others. Another very practical way to support them is to help financially sponsor them to attend conferences or ministry opportunities, such as our School of Healing Prayer^®. Also, if you do not have any young people in your life, I invite you to pray and ask the Lord to bring some. In different seasons of my life I have had a few significant mentors who have immeasurably influenced my development as a person and connection with Jesus. I say this to encourage you! You never know the impact you can have on another simply by modeling, loving and being available to listen and pray. Finally, if you have young people in your life who are not open at this point, do not underestimate the power of intercessory prayer! Keep it up and take heart that God is at work!

I invite you to join me in praying for the next generation, echoing Paul's prayer that "…the eyes of [their] hearts may be enlightened in order that [they] may know the hope to which He has called [them], the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe!" — Eph 1:18–19 NIV

Leslie Royalty is in charge of Prayer Minister Care at CHM.