Spirit and Truth Ministries has had an on-line presence with this web-site and many fellowship and inspirational groups since 2000. For most of the 32 years I have been a Christian my calling has been in the area of intercession and nurturing the spiritually hungry as well as encouraging the emotionally hurting. Ultimately I believe God is leading me into another stage of ministry that will include writing and singing more songs.

As I was reading in Colossians which is my favorite book of the Bible, the Spirit showed me a renewed vision for Spirit and Truth Ministries. In chapter 4 verse 6 it speaks about our speech being with grace. My favorite word is gracious. Our words are to be seasoned with salt. To me this speaks of flavor and verse 5 was speaking about those who are not Christians. They need to see that we are different. Salt flavors food and salt will make our words season their lives in a good way. The rest of verse 6 is about knowing how to answer each person and I know the Spirit will speak through us as well as pray through us. Now verse 7 really spoke about my ministry specifically as Tychicus was a faithful minister and servant in the Lord who knew the circumstances of those he ministered to and comforted their hearts. My heart was so full because this is what my hearts desire is to do for the many who are hurting. 

I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts…Colossians 4:8 NKJV 

When I was reading about David being in a cave in 1 Samuel 22 it was verse 2 that spoke to me the most. I looked it up in many translations.  I then saw the vision of 400 people that I know or will come to know who are also in distress, in debt or discontented. I saw that like David that the Spirit was showing me how to get out of the cave and help these others out of their caves by being also like Tychicus (in Colossians 4:8) a faithful servant and minister who knowing these people's circumstances, I will now be used to comfort their hearts. I am still seeking God about this new assignment and am on fire about it.

And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him.1 Samuel 22:2

Now for the history of Spirit and Truth Ministries. The name actually started when my maid of honor and close friend, Audrey  talked about starting a Christian bookstore in Fredericksburg VA. She was a Word person and I was all mercy back then. I would cringe when I thought she was too harsh with the customers and she would call me sloppy agape but we loved each other and still do. I did publish a letter while I still lived in Fredericksburg that was very different than the prayer letter that I would later publish. In the Waynesboro/Lyndhurst area of Virginia I was involved in home prayer meetings, women's groups and started publishing a monthly prayer letters in 1992. We had a prayer room and library in Waynesboro, Virginia in the early 1990s (see photo below). Our on-line ministry groups grew from a handful of ladies who joined together on our first ministry group starting 7/21/00 to up to 12 ministry groups and an on-line church by 2007. We thank God and intercede for all who have been members on any of these groups. You will find the links to the current groups on the home page of this web-site. I also e-mail to up to 50 mostly ladies each month as well as posting to the groups and most recently I am on Facebook and share scriptures and other comments on there.

Our prayer is that anyone involved in this ministry will accurately represent our Father God and His Kingdom and follow Jesus, becoming more like Him as His Spirit empowers us. To God be all the Glory!

With Christian love, blessings, praises and prayers - Linda-Sue

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And they overcame him (satan) by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelation 12:11

LINDA-SUE TESTIMONY

Before I was born again I went to church as a child in both Methodist and United Church of Christ churches in the Cleveland, Ohio area and on Long Island in New York (about an hour east of NYC). I learned more about the history of the church in confirmation classes and Youth church than about the Bible or Jesus. As a teen I thought giving something up for Lent was really special and I gladly did that. I loved going to church so much that my parents when they didn't attend dropped me off. One of my earliest memories is when the Hallelujah Chorus was sung and everyone stood up. My grandmother, Rie (my dad's mom) read me stories of Jesus when I would stay at her house. I also used to peek through the crack in her bedroom door to watch her do morning devotions. She used to listen to Rex Humbard on the radio. I am sure that it was her prayers that were answered when I was saved years later. I also looked forward to putting up the nativity each year at Christmas. Even in college I visited the churches closest to the dorm but I was never told anything about being born again or about having a personal relationship with Jesus. It seems that the Lord was wooing me though most of my life. 

I have been a Christian for over 32 years now. I was born again 1/14/78 in my living room in Fredericksburg, Virginia shortly after moving there. A friend in Pennsylvania told me not to open the gift she gave me until I was finished unpacking. It was a Billy Graham Bible. I had the flu for weeks before that January day not even remembering signing for the house we had just bought or the Christmas of 1977. God's timing was perfect . I wouldn't find out until five years later that my then husband had his first affair a few months before I was born again. The deceptive and sad part was that he went to church, was baptized in water and would raise his hands in church and even went to a men's retreat at the same time he was having many affairs and I naively thought he was working late. I finally found out about his unfaithfulness in July, 1982. We did go for what was called Christian counseling but the counselor never prayed with us or opened a Bible. We went into these sessions both wanting to save the marriage but that is not how it turned out. My first husband left our home in May,1983 and his divorce was granted on June 12, 1984. 

Being a single Mom was not easy. I worked three jobs to pay for our home and the necessary bills and food. At one time we had the car, washing machine, plumbing and lawn mower all broken at the same time but truly God did take care of the children and I. I was blessed with a church family that not only taught me spiritually but supported me in many other ways. I was very close to the Lord. I even walked 5 miles (one way) to early morning prayer at my church in the summer of 1986. I believe much of who I am today was birthed during that time. I also worked at a Christian bookstore, was church secretary, sold church directories and taught aerobics at church on Monday nights.

I missed being married yet the Lord was truly my Husband during those years. He provided supernaturally for groceries, house payments, school clothes, car repairs, Christian school tuition for my children and even Christmas. Even though the children's father eventually paid child support there was not enough money for all that we needed let alone any extra.  It would take pages to describe how the Lord provided for us. He sustained me through the emotional pain of those years too. I know I never would have made it without Him. He was the One who soothed and comforted me at night when I felt so alone and abandoned. His music touched my soul more than ever. I played Christian music to go to sleep, to wake up, in the car and praised God at the Christian bookstore while I worked.

October 11th, 1986 Marilyn Hickey laid hands on me at her women's convention in DC and I was called "to heal broken hearts and broken relationships through music, ministry and marriage." I thought well that can't be right because I was single but 17 days later I met my future husband. I got free tickets to go to concerts since I sold the concert tickets at the Christian bookstore where I worked. About a week after I met Scott I got tickets to a musical at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. I knew Scott loved the song "El Shaddai". The man who wrote the music, John Thompson was now married to Patti Roberts (Richard Robert's first wife) and they were in a musical they wrote called "El Shaddai". I never would have asked a man to go alone with me to DC but somehow I knew I was to ask him. Scott cried all the way through "El Shaddai". I fell in love with him and his heart which was so tender towards our Lord. Then we walked around DC. I remember Scott had a bad headache yet he told me really deep secrets from his heart. I know this is a miracle because Scott is a very private man. When we were driving home he asked me to go to his sister's for supper. I said I just wanted to be with him so we drove around and talked more. Later he pulled over on this country road in Spotsylvania, VA and kissed me. He also asked me to marry him. We had only known each other for 12 days. We were married the following Spring. 

Less than eight months after our marriage my daughter left our home. My son the following summer decided he wanted to get to know his Dad and to be with his sister again. That same summer Scott's business failed but the Lord opened up opportunities for him to tell his testimony and teach on spiritual warfare. We sold everything but a closet full of items, bought a van and went on the road. Despite the heartache for my children, it was a very exciting time. We ministered in Virginia, in Ohio and at Heritage USA (NC-SC). When the Lord brought us to a city for a habitation (Ps 107:7) in the Shenandoah Valley of VA we had a home group that became so big we had to make a room in the basement for the meetings. Scott taught and I led praise and worship. We had a pastor who was taking Scott under his wing to also become a pastor. Scott had received his minister's license from Faith House in Williamsburg a year before (1989). His testimony was filmed for the 700 Club in Fall of 1989 and aired in March, 1990. He also was on a local show in Roanoke, VA called Ken Wright and Friends. At one of our home group meetings a disruptive spirit in a lady caused Scott to believe enough was enough and that he was not called to the ministry. He thought he was too harsh in confronting her and didn't have the grace that was needed to be a "shepherd".

That same year so many doors of opportunity opened for me. Our pastor's wife prophetically spoke to me as I stood before her crying about their departure. She quoted from Esther saying "who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this." Both she and another lady who would later become a minister, in their own way shared that I was hiding my talents and my light and I had to "step out of the boat". That was to be my most anointed year so far (though 2003 and 2008 were two other awesome and anointed years).

In 1991 I  wrote a devotional/prayer book, I became Intercessory prayer chairman of the local Women's Aglow Fellowship, I wrote songs and sang and taught at the church we were attending. In the next few years I also had prayer meetings and bible studies in my home. I taught adult Sunday school at another church. I published a prayer letter that was sent by mail from April-May, 1992 until December, 1999. I also was part of the Intercessory group at a local Bible School before moving to TN. My ministry went on-line with a web-site in 1/00 and I started my first on-line prayer and care group on 7/21/00 and eventually became founder of 12 on-line ministry groups  and  stepped out of "the boat" again and started an on-line church. Most of these closed in 2007 as the Lord continued to refine the vision of this ministry and told me to simplify for greater anointing.

My calling is to encourage the emotionally hurting and feed the spiritually hungry. Except for going through the separation and divorce and the children leaving my home years before, 2001-2 had been the most difficult time for me. I know the Lord was making this vessel over. My Mom died of cancer. I had totally believed she would receive her healing. I had nightmares and panic attacks due to hormonal changes. There were many more challenges too. I was getting lots of practice in what I call "wave dancing". A wave would come and with Jesus holding my hand I would try to dance on the waves instead of being overcome by them. I guess my testimony is mostly about falling into the Lord's arms no matter what happens in my life.

I am grateful that our Faithful Father always abundantly provides ministry opportunities on-line and here in the Smoky Mountains of TN. I can see the grace of God and His leading me in the midst of life's trials. He also has brought others to help me  who themselves are called as intercessors and who are experiencing revivals in their own hearts and lives. Only He could do such an awesome work! I praise and thank Him for His help in every area of my life. I couldn't do anything without Him.

If you are still with me this is my testimony thus far. I have become more hungry for the Word since August 2003. I believe something new and exciting is ahead. I want much more of the Lord and His Spirit and much less of me. My prayer is that others will know I have been with Jesus when my life touches theirs.

Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.

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Sharing from May 2005 -

God has delivered me from so much and restored joy, peace, energy and more I have yet to discover. I have such joy that I find myself just smiling all the time. I have had no more headaches. I do continue to have nightmares but God has given me the grace to be able to overcome. They don't torment or discourage me. I am able to resist the enemy and it is by the power of the Holy Spirit and not me trying in my own strength. I haven't felt guilty for being behind or hindered by anything! That is a true miracle!!! I am completely changed. I asked Father God to change me and make me what He wanted me to be. He obviously did this. I have clearer vision and no confusion. Though I have had physical pain again I am not discouraged. Words can't describe how I feel. I am free and I keep singing a chorus from the last song we sang at the ministry weekend I went to May 20th-21st. The words were "where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom - free for all." These words are perfect for what has happened to me. Also look what the Word of Wisdom (WOW) through Marsha Burns (co-pastor of Faith Tabernacle in CO) was for the first day of the encounter weekend - 

May 20, 2005:  Many things require your attention, and there is a tendency to get overwhelmed with activities and responsibilities that seem to crop up all at once, but I stand beckoning to you to come and take your rest in My presence.  Certainly, I will bring quick rejuvenation and restoration if you will only take the time to seek My face.  I will bring immediate peace even in the midst of stress and chaos, says the Lord.  Times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord. 

Boy, is that accurate. I am looking forward to all God has for me and this ministry in the future. I have awesome plans yet my Faithful Father will continue to order my steps. He always knows what is best for His children.

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From May 30th, 2007

Tuesday through Thursday of last week I reaped what I sowed by overdoing it; being on my feet too long. As I was in bed I started studying and looking up all the scriptures in the book that I saw in a vision on May 4th and was on chapter two when Scott decided he wanted to read it too. Scott received his healing Friday. He chose to believe the Word from the scriptures as he read Healing the Sick  by T.L. Osborn. He says his legs even feel different and he stopped using his cane on Saturday, ran up stairs on the way back from the baptisms at the river on Sunday and took the ramp off our front steps Monday. Also the lift for the mobility chair is no longer on the back of our van. Yesterday he parked the car under the carport and took two trips to the house bringing in the groceries without losing his balance or falling and his legs didn't get tired. The Lord told me a long time ago one day that I would have to run to keep up with him. The biggest change though is in his heart. When he talks about the Lord or the Word now he gets all chocked up. I believe God tenderized his heart too which was the way he was when I first got to know Scott.

This word also from Marsha Burns, who I mentioned in the May 2005 update, confirmed the vision I was given May 4th of this year when I reread it.

For me the crooked places are being made straighter and the path is now lighter than it has been in the several years. In the last few years we had so many life challenges including Scott starting a new business, my Dad dying and then health challenges for Scott and myself as well. I know this miracle that occurred last week will change many things for Scott and what God will be doing in his life. I know they will have a great affect on me and the ministry too. As always all glory and honor goes to God our Father! I thank Him for His faithfulness and giving us Jesus and with Him He has freely given us all things including our Precious Holy Spirit and His Word that is truth and endures forever.

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From August, 2008

8 is the number of new beginnings and after closing our church (Living by Faith Fellowship) we have learned so much that we couldn't have known without stepping out in faith in this endeavor. We thank the Father for His faithfulness and know that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion. At the time of this writing we are seeking Him about what is next. I know that nothing is wasted in the kingdom of God and what the enemy has meant for evil our Father God will turn around for good. This on-line ministry (Spirit and Truth) will be continuing.