when heaven comes down

“This is what it sounds like when you sing Heavens song, this is it what it feels like when Heaven comes down, this is what it looks like when God is all around….”

In June 2007 I went to visit Redding, CA to go to Bethel Church. I first heard about it in June 2005 from my friends, and I was blown away. Bill Johnson spoke of a good God in a good mood. Their mandate is to bring Heaven to earth. Their number one priority is to love and worship Father. From that place of abandonment they love people. And out of that love they heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out devils, and bind the broken hearts. It’s the normal Christian life. It’s the standard Jesus saved us to live by. I kept listening to their sermons every week and I loved every second of it. So me and Steve Nelson and Bryan Hamilton took off and started our adventure.

I love Redding so much. In June it’s super hot, which I totally love. It’s a beautiful city. We didn’t have a lot of money so we stayed at a Motel 6, but it was rocking. We made it fun. The first morning there we went to IHOP for breakfast. And after we paid Steve realized he had no more money left, and we were going to be there for ten days. It was quite hilarious. We went to Target and bought peanut butter and jelly for the rest of the week. But Denise Gater took care of us, her daughters and sister met us there. It was really fun to go around the city. I heard so many testimonies of miracles on the podcasts, it was so fun to see the different locations they took place in. A few months before, and before I knew I was definitely coming, I sent Bill Johnson a letter. I told him how much he meant to me, what a great impact he has had in my life, and that I’m coming to see him for the conference. I got to Bethel and it’s so beautiful. We registered and there was a huge line to go in the sanctuary. As we were waiting, Deborah Stevens introduces herself, and she said your Zac Beach, we got your letter and have been expecting you. I was so shocked. She gave me a hug, and asked me if I have ever been there. I said no. She then asked me what am I believing God for, and I said I want to walk. She then gave me a hug and said, “Okay I’m believing with you.” I started crying. This lady didn’t know me, but she was investing in me. I’ve never had anyone say to me, your disease is not God’s will, lets believe together for your miracle. I was so honored and loved. We skipped the whole line and she took us to our seats. It was fun to see and meet so many names I knew. Two of Bill’s assistants, Judy and Mary, both came and talked to me. They told me it was such an honor to meet me and read my letter, and that Bill loved it. We met Jamie and Donna Robbins, they pretty much fell in love with me, and me, Steve, and Bryan fell in love with them. They will be in my life forever. Crazy how that happens. Before the conference started, Bill Johnson himself came and met me. I kept thinking holy crap in my head. When I was 19 I wasn’t sure how much longer I was going to live. But this man changed my life, he showed me how much Jesus loves me. It was such an honor to meet him. Throughout the week he prayed for me several times. All I can say is wow. The worship there is unlike anything else. God’s presence is so strong. Deborah took me, Steve, and Bryan into a meeting we weren’t supposed to be in. She wanted me to be around the fire of Holy Spirit. What favor! The meeting was outrageous. Everyone was completely drunk on the Holy Ghost. Now this was before I spoke in tongues and before I was used to that kind of encounter, but I was cool with it. But Steve and Bryan had no idea what to think. People were speaking in tongues, laughing wildly, shaking, and falling over. It’s a manifestation of Father’s extravagant joy. It’s like being drunk on joy, the wine of Holy Spirit. And sometimes when God’s power fills you, no matter how hard you try, you can’t contain it. I told Father I want to know Him deeply, and He touched me over and over.

The first or second day we met David and Erica, two ministry students at Bethel. They are so amazing. They basically spent the whole week with me, pursuing me, loving me, and praying for me. They didn’t see me as I was, having a disease and being in a wheelchair, but they saw me as I will be, disease free and walking. I got to know them and build a friendship. It was awesome. Every time they prayed for me I felt fire in my body. A lot of fire. Bill wanted me to get prayer during worship, so David and Erica surrounded me and just loved me. We started singing the chorus to “What Does it Sound Like” by Brian and Jenn Johnson. I started this post with the lyrics. I’ll never forget this. Erica began to cry. She laid her hand on me and said, “Daddy show us what it feels like when Heaven comes down on Zac!” At that instant I saw two huge angels with my physical eyes. They were as real as any person. I just kept worshiping and they began to circle around us over and over. I felt such a hot fire in my spine. I was consumed with Father’s love, I was just weeping. I thought I was going to get out of my wheelchair at that moment. I knew that was Heaven on me. I have more stories, but that’s for later.

More than anything else, people at Bethel want you to take what you learn and what you receive from impartation, and use that to change the world by bringing Heaven to earth. I give my word to honor Bill & Beni Johnson, Kris & Kathy Vallotton, Danny & Sheri Silk, Brian & Jenn Johnson, Kim Walker-Smith, Eric Johnson, Banning Liebscher, Dann Farrelly, Paul & Sue Manwaring, Jason Vallotton, Joaquin Evans, Ben Armstrong, Deborah Stevens, Judy Franklin, Mary Walker, David D’Louhy, Sarah Beni, Erica Gismegian, Allan Logan, and Joseph Payne. And most of all my parents, Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit. I bring Heaven to earth!

Daddy show us what it feels like when Heaven comes down!