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‘Florida Outpouring’ Floods Lakeland Center


This is Todd Bentley, the tattooed, body-pierced drug-addict-turned-televangelist. I’m working on a larger story about the monthlong revival and string of “healing” services that have made Lakeland the center of the Pentecostal world. Say what you want, but people are voting with their feet. The meetings have outgrown Ignited Church in Lakeland, the former Without Walls sanctuary in Auburndale and nearly are filling the Lakeland Center arena.

On Tuesday night, about 5,000 people filled the floor and about two-thirds of the seating in the building. Bentley and others said the crowd the night before was larger.

The healing is ambiguous at best. Bentley calls out to the crowd about ailments God has shown him. People who say they’re suffering from them come forward. Bentley lays hands. People say they feel better. There is no rigorous checking and verification of what happens. But spectators don’t seem in the mood for skepticism. And it’s not just healing. During Monday night’s service, Bentley prayed for debt forgiveness for the spectators.

Driven by the Pentecostal blogosphere (there is such a thing), live-streaming on Bentley’s Web site and a new satellite network called GodTV, the Lakeland revival has become a force. And people are coming from all over. I saw or talked to people from Ohio, Atlanta, Omaha, Neb., and Los Angeles - as well as Lakeland and other Polk County cities. Bentley and company are considering moving the revival again - to Joker Marchant Stadium - for the weekend.

Here’s a gallery of additional photos.



Here is the deal, the “religious” did NOT receive Jesus when he road in on a “jackass” and I am certain that the RELIGIOUS will not receive Jesus today.  BUT for those who are hungry, thirsty and ready for the FULLNESS of GOD - they will be filled.  All of the quarreling, bickering, and debating - its for the birds - as for me and my HOUSE we will serve the Lord.  We will seek His face!!!

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I know that if it doesn’t center on or
exalt the person and work of Jesus Christ, it’s not Holy Spirit-breathed revival (John 16:14; Colossians 1:18).
I know that if it wasn’t produced by the preaching of the Word of God, it’s not Holy Spirit-breathed revival (Nehemiah 9).

I know that if it doesn’t produce holy living, which includes adorning behavior and specifically self-control, it isn’t Holy Spirit-breathed revival (Galatians 5:22-23).
I know that if the leaders of it aren’t men well-known for embodying/pursuing the pastoral traits of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, and specifically for being in subjection to, and for soundly teaching, the whole Word of God, it’s unlikely to be a Holy Spirit-breathed revival.

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What I believe I am seeing with the Lakeland revival is the fulfillment of prophet prayers at Cape Henry, Va 400 years ago.  The prayer petitioned that the gospel would go forth from these shores of North America to the entire world.
  God gave me a vision 5 years ago that I was to draw and have produced our victory/rally flag and it clearly depicts the fulfillment of Matthew 24:4&14 and the role that our nation has in the end times.  The LORD of hosts has mustered the battle.  It is the U.S.A. regiment of the Army of the Living God.
Raise the banners.  We hope to save our nation.  Psalm 20 emphasis on verse 5.  We purpose to fulfill the Great Commission.  www.uschristianflag.com

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My husband was delivered and healed from a 7 year cigar addiction that he could not fight, even though he wanted to be free, simply by watching the Florida Outpouring. When addictions were addressed and told to go, my husband was free that instant, no longer desiring to smoke, lungs feel great and no withdrawals! If Todd is not being used by God, then Satan is making some real mistakes by drawing people’s hearts to God, not Todd Bentley. God will not be mocked! Faith is rising in those who are hungry for Jesus, and thousands ar being healed and directed to Jesus!!

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So many people are following Todd Bentley’s revelations that have come thru angels and fail to test them in line with the Word of God. ( Psalm 138:2, Hebrews 5;14, Psalm 119:105, 130, John 16:13, I Thess 5:19-22)
God has exalted His Word above His name and would never violate it. If you take time to examine much of what Todd says it contradicts the Bible. These scriptures are being fulfilled right now thru all of this. ( Mathew 24:24, 1 Timothy 4:1-6, 2 Timothy 4:-14, 2 Peter 1:21-2:3) Even some pastors are being deceive thinking that this fire that Todd is passing out is genuine. )Numbers 3:4)

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I have been watching on the internet on www.god.tv and also have been to two of the revivals.  The presence of God is real and these miracles are real.  It will continue to grow by the thousands.  People need to know Jesus.  He is the way.  I encourage everyone to make it to these meetings or watch on God TV (Direct TV has the channel) or on the internet.

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I have just come back from a visit to the Florida outpouring. I went with a badly broken leg and a tear in the left thigh muscle. I could only walk any distance with a crutch and had to use strong painkillers every 4-8 hours and valium most nights to sleep. Todd called out someone with a tear in left thigh muscle on Friday night’s meeting, and I was prayed for. Since then I have not used any painkillers, valium or my crutch, I can walk long distances and jump, and my torn muscle is gradually growing back…from a 3 inch wastage to a 1 inch at present.I’m so grateful to Jesus!

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I attended the revival this past weekend and I have to say I experienced the power of God in such a personal way.  He met me there Saturday night and activated my ministry, something I have been waiting for nearly 2 years.  Praise to the Son of the most high God, All Praise to Jesus Christ.

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we have been at this revival 3 different nights..we have truly enjoyed every minute of it, the praise & worship is awesome, the presence of God is soo strong in that place.

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Jennifer Leigh:

Jennifer Leigh, a reporter in Polk County, joined News Channel 8 in March 1993. She is a fifth-generation Floridian, who was born in Miami and grew up in Polk County. Email


Joe Martin:

Joe Martin is a photojournalist for NewsChannel 8. He recently moved here from Harrisburg, Penn. Martin, 26, has also worked in television in Wilkes-Barre, Penn. and Las Vegas. "I got into this business because I love meeting new people, and telling their stories," Martin says. Email


Ted Hoffman:

Ted Hoffman, an award-winning newspaper writer, editor, critic and columnist for 30 years on both coasts, but not at the same time, lives in Lakeland with his wife and son. An anthologized fiction writer and former stand-up comedian, he spends his free time knitting toupees for bald eagles. Email


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