Carlos Garcia
Arriving at the retreat I didn't know what to expect, but I was open to receive what God had in store for me. When I first glanced at the topics in the retreat handbook I started thinking certain topics had a bigger hold of my life than others. Fortunately for me I had no idea what I was talking about, the areas I thought were my weakest I had the most confidence and the areas where I felt the strongest is where I had the most struggle. During the "Orphan's Heart" teaching, I kept hearing the word "excuses" as in stop making them, go and be bold for His Kingdom and my family. The area of "Guilt, Shame, and Condemnation" illustrated how the enemy was using my past to discredit me and hold me back. Thankfully the veil over my eyes was removed and I see clearly now... I see myself differently and I am worthy to be called a Child of God and I am equipped to share with others to bring glory to the Lord. I received restoration from my impure past and look forward to making my marriage stronger than it has ever been. I realized I had a predatory spirit as a result of being a victim of abandonment and neglect as a child. I had to grow up fast and I lost a lot of my childhood. Yes, the things I went through as a child made me stronger as an adult, but they also suppressed my emotional and spiritual growth which had held me back until this past weekend. Like God said through my Anointer... "I'm a survivor". Tears of joy, forgiveness, and freedom, rolled down my face. For me Cleansing Stream was like a spiritual bootcamp and pep rally rolled into one. I sang, laughed, and cried, but most importantly I GREW. Cleansing Stream allowed me to break the ties of my past that were hindering my spiritual growth. The best part was when I looked into my wife’s eyes and vowed to be the husband and father God has called me to be and together we will bring our family and others to know the love and forgiveness that only Jesus can provide. Thank you for this ministry!!!