The greatest divine visitation I have experienced thus far in my life came to me while attending A.R.K. in January, 1990. It was a youth service at Orlando Christian Center led by Pastor Carlos Sarmiento. A.R.K. stood for army of the radical kingdom. Radical indeed was this youth group, but most radical was its fiery leader. P.C. as many affectionately call him today would stand on chairs and boldly preach to youth about issues facing them on a daily basis. During the service a spirit of prophecy entered the room with some one-hundred-and-fifty youth present. The young lady named Karen on the piano began weeping in the presence of the Lord. She than gave a spiritual tongue, which was thereafter translated in English by P.C. Following the prophetic word P.C. waited sensing that God had another word to deliver from someone. It was then that Marilyn (an adult leader) came forward to give a word God had burned on he heart for someone. As Marilyn opened her mouth to speak, the Holy Spirit mightily arrested my entire being. It was like what John in the book of Revelation who was suddenly "in the Spirit!" (Revelation 1:10) I immediately was engulfed in the Spirit of the Lord, where with I lost all concern for time and those whom were in the room. I knew God was speaking to me as the hand of the Lord was heavily upon me. I felt the fire of God all over me as well as within me fully. It was just God and I. The word given to me in summary basically said, "You know who you are. It is Me whom you should serve. You seek Me and you seek only Me. You are under the shadow of My hand and nothing shall befall you. You go straight forward, straight ahead and seek only Me. Look to Me as your Source says the Lord. You will be provided for and have welfare not calamity. You are not to worry. I will direct and move you into the way you are to go. But you seek Me and look to Me saith God." Since that time I have personally proven and tried that word. I have been to over 50 countries of the world and ministered in many war-torn nations. Every time I have ministered in a country the hand of the Lord has been with me to bless the people and to protect and deliver me from any harm or hardship. Pastor Carlos is God's "son of thunder" as prophesied by Pastor Benny Hinn. He is a "citadel" as spoken by the late Lester Sumrall. He is a fiery prophet full of inspiration. Most importantly however he is a loving husband and father to five wonderful children (two of whom are adults and now serving in the church). PC was my biggest encourager while I attended Living Waters Church (LWC). He always went the extra mile to be there for me and my family. He and the church sent flowers when my grandfather died. He made himself available to provide marital counseling when I struggled in my marriage. He was kind and supportive of both of us through a bitter divorce. And he continued to be gracious following the divorce. I don't know a man any more pure and pleasing to the heart of God than Pastor Carlos Sarmiento. I pray when I grow up I can be like him. |
