Miracles Vol. 7, No. 1

Oral Roberts Ministries • Vol. 7 No. 1 • 2014

2014: GOD’S YEAR OF

RELEASE Richard preparing to preach at the World Cup Stadium in Seoul, South Korea

A Great Start for the New Year

Read and Pray and Then Obey by Lindsay Roberts can be a great way to start off your New Year.

This inspiring 31-day devotional book covers a host of topics that can encourage and build up your faith! It’s simple to read, and you can apply it to your daily life right now.

Why not start off 2014 by opening your heart to the Word of God? To order Read and Pray and Then Obey, or any of our other faith-building materials, go to www.oralroberts.com/bookstore or call 918-495-7777.

Inside this Issue 18 Time Zones and Beyond

4 8 12 16 18

Exciting ministry news and results from South Korea, Australia, and Hong Kong.

More than Willpower

Lindsay offers an encouraging reminder of how God’s Word helps us to stand strong in the Lord.

2014: The Year of Release

A powerful word from the Lord on how this is to be a year of deliverance, salvation, and healing.

Ministering Around the World: Sharing the Gospel in Ghana

Richard preaches God’s healing power to thousands in Ghana.

Expectations: A Classic Message

by Oral Roberts

Oral shares the story of a young boy miraculously healed after expecting a miracle from God.

I have come that you may have LIFE, and have it to the full!

—John 10:10 3

United States

Hong Kong, China

Seoul, South Korea

Perth, Australia

18 Times Zones and Beyond Richard Roberts circled the globe to share the Gospel and God’s healing power. Thousands were ministered to, and many lives were touched. Here, Richard shares some of his experiences.

South Korea: Touching 100,000 Leaders Years ago, I met Dr. David Yonggi Cho of Seoul, South Korea, who pastors the largest church in the world. Dr. Cho first invited me to come to South Korea in 1985. He had spoken in one of our ministers’ conferences in the United States. And afterwards, he invited me to conduct a three-day healing rally at Yoido Full Gospel Church.

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I was young in the ministry then, but I was hungry for the things of God. And when I walked on that platform in South Korea, I noticed that Dr. Cho got on his knees and began to pray. And so I did what he did—I got on my knees and prayed. And then the people began to pray. I had never heard people pray like that in my life. I began to weep, and I said, “Lord, these Korean people know You in a way that I don’t know You. But I want to know You like they know You.” Since that day, Dr. Cho has been a prayer mentor to me. I currently serve as a board member of

his Church Growth International, which mentors Christian leaders and impacts churches around the world. Recently, I was invited to be a part of the grand prayer rally and the opening services of the board meetings. What a time for God we had there!

There were close to 100,000 church leaders gathered for the grand prayer rally in Seoul, South Korea’s World Cup Stadium—one of the most beautiful arenas in the world. The people jammed the stadium as we ministered the Word of God. We were there from 10:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon, and we had beautiful sunshine the whole day long—an answer to prayer!

Dr. Cho asked me to sing “How Great Thou Art” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and I was honored to do it. Then, five of the leaders, including me, shared messages with the crowd that had gathered for the grand prayer rally. There was such a rush of God’s anointing and power. I was asked

to pray for healing. What a joy to stand before that immense crowd and to pray the prayer of faith and believe God for mighty miracles!

While in South Korea, I also ministered at a Methodist church with a thousand members. Jordan led the people in praise and worship, and I preached. It was a great blessing!

The Gospel’s Grand Slam in Australia Next, I traveled to Perth, Australia, to minister for Pastor Margaret Court. You may recognize her name from the world of tennis—she won 68 Grand Slam events and at the height of her career was considered the number one female tennis player in the world. Today she is pastor of one of the largest churches in western Australia.

“There were close to 100,000 church leaders gathered for the grand prayer rally in Seoul, South Korea’s World Cup Stadium— one of the most beautiful arenas in the world.”

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I am so blessed to have the opportunity and privilege of sharing God’s healing power and the love of Jesus Christ with people around the world. There are no words to adequately express how much I appreciate my partners, who help send me to these nations.

Thousands of South Koreans joined in worship and healing prayer.

For three days, I ministered in her church. One of those services was their Friday night youth service, and many of the young people came forward to the altar to make a fresh commitment of their life to the Lord Jesus Christ. I also prayed for many people in those three days. There was a very powerful anointing, and there were many, many miracles.

Praise the Lord!

Encouraging Pastors in Hong Kong Finally, I was able to visit Hong Kong, where I met with local pastors to encourage them in the Lord.

I am also working with them to look into ways to minister there in the future.

While traveling, I passed through 18 time zones to get home. I am so blessed to have the opportunity and privilege of sharing God’s healing power and the love of Jesus Christ with people around the world. There are no words to adequately express how much I appreciate our partners, who help send me to these nations. I pray over you now, believing God to heal you from the crown of your head to the soles of your feet, and to bless you with harvests from the seeds you sow into this healing ministry. And I believe God for a miracle for you, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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Jordan leading worship in Perth, Australia

We celebrated our great Legacy of Miracles with a week of special TV shows on The Place for Miracles from January 20-24th. In case you missed it, you can see classic moments from Oral’s ministry: • Oral’s most requested FOURTH MAN sermon…which hasn’t aired since 1956!

• Legacy video from Oral’s groundbreaking Primetime TV specials!

• And much more! You can view all the shows online!

Click here to go to watch the special week of The Place for Miracles TV shows.

Click here to view Oral Roberts Legacy website.

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more than willpower B Y

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L I N D S A Y

R O B E R T S

I

don’t eat red meat. It’s just not for me. My husband is a superior grillman and he can make some serious barbecue, but it’s not my thing. I was a vegetarian for years before he finally convinced me to eat the occasional chicken and fish, but I love fruits and vegetables and I think the perfect go-to meal is a monster baked potato. No toppings, just pure potato goodness!

It’s not that I don’t like red meat; it’s that red meat never liked me. If I tried to eat a burger, shortly thereafter I would find myself throwing up and begging God to please make the misery go away! I have found soy burger recipes and I have made some dandies, so I was never really tempted to change my meat-free lifestyle…until the day I was out to dinner with others, and the most amazing cheeseburger was placed on our table. I must say, if ever there was a picture-perfect burger, this baby was it!

And it was tempting.

Now, I don’t mind trying new foods.

But never before have I been so tempted to go “cow” and pay the consequences as I was when this burger was served at our table. How could I resist the temptation staring me in the face? How could I taste it, knowing what always followed? And how could something I love so much not be good for me, like this burger? As I looked at it, great as it was for others, it wasn’t right for me and I began to think this burger was the story of life on a

platter—because temptation is out there, and we must face it somehow.

It’s easy to resist temptation when it’s not staring you in the face! But what happens when it is? What happens when it’s just too close to say “No,” even when “No” is the obvious answer? Why does the wrong choice seem to appear out of nowhere? Well, the devil is always the devil, and the Bible says he seeks whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). That’s why it’s so important to be on top of the game, so to speak. Temptation is always going to be there. It’s just part of life. But how we handle it is up to us.

I believe it is so important to renew our mind daily with the Word of God in order to resist things that could cause us trouble.

It’s a tough world out there and seems to be getting tougher every day. But as a Christian, I can line up my faith with the will of God, and I have the privilege to say that through faith in God, and with the ever-present help of the Holy Spirit, I can declare, “I can do all things through Christ,” according to Philippians 4:13. All things includes all things!

Well, I passed on the cheeseburger. And I believe we can live a life of expecting the miraculous intervention of God’s help every day. With His help and His Word at work in our lives, temptation can be less tempting, and we can choose to do the things He desires us to do with grace and ease.

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Take a few moments… …to hear a good word …try a new recipe …focus your faith ...watch Make Your Day Count online.

Click here to watch online now.

Click here to read MYDC magazine

Partners love the Abundant Life Prayer Group

connections letters and comments from our viewers around the world

I get so blessed and refreshed while on hold for a prayer partner.

Your prayer partners are devoted, committed, and caring.

[Ed. Note: Callers hear a CD of Richard and Lindsay reading scriptures while waiting on hold!]

—Lauretta from UK

Prayer works!

I got my first speaking role in a TV series, after trying for ten years! Our God is good! Thank you for believing in prayer with me.

®

As of February 2014, we’ve received 26 million calls during 56 years of prayer.

For prayer, any time, day or night, call 918-495-7777

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Million

The number of U.S households that can hear God's Word through The Place for Miracles on the Word Network

Over 200 countries The number of countries where The Place for Miracles airs on the Word Network

Believing for our Partners to prosper in 2014!

—J.V.R. from Tennessee

I got my new job!

After calling your prayer line, I received my blessing of getting a good job. I will sow into this ministry with all my heart. Thank you, in Jesus’ mighty name.

–Lillie from Florida *For prayer, any time, day or night, call the Abundant Life Prayer Group at 918-495-7777

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The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.

—Exodus 14:14

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B Y

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t’s a brand new year, and like the old gospel song says, “I’ve got a feeling everything is going to be all right!” I have a great excitement about 2014 because I believe that we are just steps away from some major miracles!

Yes, I believe that 2014 will be a year of release—a release of healing, miracles, prosperity, and blessings. It’s like what my dad used to call divine reciprocity. That means as we do our part, God does His part. And in this year of release, as we release to God what’s in our hands, or in our control, He releases from His hand what He has for us. That’s like a divine partnership—a divine reciprocity.

A miracle year of deliverance There’s something significant about the number 14. In the Bible, it represents deliverance and salvation. As a multiple of 7 (which represents God’s perfection), the number 14 indicates a double measure of God’s blessing.

According to Bible scholars, on the fourteenth day of the first month of Israel’s calendar, God made two covenants with Abraham.

First, God gave Abraham the promise of a son—Isaac. Second, He gave Abraham the promise of a spiritual seed of Jesus Christ (through Abraham’s lineage). Then the scholars also tell us that Jesus went to the cross on the fourteenth day of the first month.

Yes, our deliverance from the power of sin and death was connected to the number 14!

R O B E R T S

A great deliverance in a single day One of the greatest displays of God’s power to deliver His people happened on the fourteenth day of the first month. The children of Israel had been slaves for over 400 years.

During that time, there was no release of victory and miracles, just backbreaking servitude to a hostile, captor nation.

Then came Moses as their deliverer, declaring to Pharoah, “Let my people go.”

But Pharaoh said, “No, I will not let the people go.”

Then came the plagues.

On the fourteenth day of the first month came the Passover meal…the blood on the doorpost, the unblemished lamb, the unleavened bread and bitter herbs. The Israelites were kept safe during the final plague, and afterwards Pharaoh said, “Get out of here!”

That day, more than two million Israelites walked free of slavery, taking the riches of their enemy with them. And there was not a sick or feeble person among them (Psalm 105:37). In a single day, the Israelites were healed, prospered, and delivered from the power of the enemy!

God can bring deliverance right now You may say, “That kind of miracle only happened in Bible days.” But I have news—you and I are still living in Bible

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days. God has a way of doing again what He did before. He can bring us the deliverance and release that we need right now.

In preparing this word about God’s power to set us free, I’ve been studying Nahum 2:6, which says, The gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved. In this verse, the prophet Nahum is addressing the Assyrian empire, which was known for doing great evil to other nations, including Israel. Nahum was reassuring Israel that even in the face of hard times, there is still hope, restoration, and justice because the Lord brings about good for His people.

Satan may have done everything he can to keep the gates of victory and miracles shut, but remember, God opens doors to His people that no enemy can shut (Revelation 3:8). When the devil comes against us, God’s anointing can break the yoke and deliver us from bondage!

Expect God’s power to be released in your life Exodus 14:14 says, The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace. I believe this year is not about us trying to make things happen in our own natural strength and ability. It’s about trusting God and expecting Him to deliver us supernaturally by His miracle-working power.

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This year is not about us trying to make things happen in our own natural strength and ability.

It’s about trusting God and expecting Him to deliver us supernaturally by His miracle-working power.

My prayer for you for 2014 Over the past year, you may have felt that you were bound up by the enemy, just as the children of Israel were in bondage. Or perhaps you have seen the enemy coming into your life to destroy your supply of things you need. Maybe you have experienced losses or have felt like the gates of your blessings have been shut.

But I have good news for you! You can expect God’s double blessing in 2014. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t had gates shut on them in some area of life. So let me pray for you now: In 2014, I pray for the double portion of God in your life—double in your spirit, body, mind, finances, relationships, job, business, and ministry as you reach out to God in faith. No matter what the devil throws against you, I curse it in the name of Jesus, and I stretch out my hand and pray a healing prayer over you now. In the Name of Jesus, I command the devil to take his hands off your life.

Now, make this your declaration of faith right now and say, “This is my year of release in the name of Jesus.”

Amen.

NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW!

Open the Gates to Blessings in 2014!

In this powerful message (available in either CD or DVD), Richard shares an encouraging word that no matter what we face in life, we can have hope, restoration, and justice because the Lord desires to bring about good for His people who love Him. Open the Gates by Richard Roberts can inspire you to believe God that 2014 is a year of release…a release of healing, miracles, prosperity, blessings, and God’s touch upon your life.

Click here to order.

Richard Roberts

School of

The Word is out... and 15,000 students from 75 countries have heard it!

Every week we’re hearing from people around the world that The School of Miracles courses are encouraging their faith! You can enjoy these powerful classes about healing, the Holy Spirit, miracle living, and more…in the comfort and convenience of your home or wherever there is an Internet connection! These online classes are FREE! Enroll today and find out how God’s living Word can produce a harvest in your life this year!

Enroll now at som.oralroberts.com

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Thousands of people attended the evening services in Accra to hear and receive the Word of God.

MINISTERING AROUND THE WORLD:

SHARING THE GOSPEL IN GHANA Recently, Richard Roberts enjoyed the privilege of ministering the Gospel to the precious, loving people of Ghana, West Africa, a place that is close to Richard’s heart and ministry. In the course of five days, he preached eleven times—touching pastors, ministers, crowds in need of healing, dignitaries, and more.

It was a whirlwind of God’s goodness in West Africa!

School of Miracles Is Growing in Ghana

The Oral Roberts Ministries has a rich history in Ghana. Many years ago, Oral Roberts preached there.

It was his last overseas trip with his wife, Evelyn. During that ministry time, more than 250,000 people filled the great stadium in Accra, while another 250,000 stood outside. Thousands received salvation and healing.

Since then, Richard has visited this country many times

For three days, Richard taught an in-person pastor’s conference through the School of Miracles in Accra, the capital city which is home to more than two million Ghanaians. With nearly 1,500 pastors, ministers, and other church leaders in attendance, Richard shared a series of messages about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. At the end of

Oral Roberts in Ghana, 1988

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to preach and pray for the sick. Feeling a deep calling to that continent, he loves to minister to the African people. His recent trip to Ghana was filled with wonderful times of sharing the goodness of God and the power of Jesus Christ with the Ghanaian people.

the conference, everyone received a special certificate of completion.

In the evenings, outdoor evangelistic crusades took place in Accra. Richard preached and encouraged people to trust in God’s healing power, and he prayed for those in need of healing and deliverance. Over the course of three days, thousands attended the crusades to receive the Word of God in faith, believing the Lord for miracles to take place in their lives.

A Kingly Invitation in Kumasi The city of Kumasi is the capital of the Ashanti region of Ghana, the home of the Ashanti kingdom. It is an area known for its natural beauty. In Kumasi, Richard preached at two different churches that hosted crowds of up to 3,500 people. He preached, prayed, and gave many words of knowledge about those who were being healed by God’s power. Lots of testimonies came forth from people who said that they had released their faith to God during the services and received their healing.

Richard met with King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II of the Ashanti tribe in Ghana and received a formal invitation to conduct a stadium crusade in Ghana.

While in Kumasi, Richard was invited to visit King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II of the Ashanti kingdom. The King expressed his appreciation for the work of the Oral Roberts Ministries and asked Richard formally to conduct a stadium crusade in Ghana in the near future. Right now, plans are being made for that future crusade in the month of May 2014. Check our ministry website, www.oralroberts.com, for updated information.

Teaching in the Middle of the Night Back in Accra, Richard was asked to preach at an overnight service Friday night, something that is common in this nation. So, when he finished that evening’s evangelistic crusade, he drove nearly an hour to the overnight meeting, held at one of the largest churches in Ghana.

Arriving in plenty of time to enjoy praise and worship, Richard eventually stepped up to speak at 2:30 a.m.! The church was packed with nearly 2,000 people, many of them young people hungry for God’s touch. Many words of knowledge from God came forth during the service, and those who wanted prayer received prayer. And there was a powerful move of God that night.

Nearly 1,500 ministers attended Richard’s 3-day conference at the School of Miracles in Accra.

Your Partnership and Support Make a Difference Thank you for all your prayers and your financial seeds sown into the Oral Roberts Ministries! Because of your support, we are able to go to places like Ghana and reach out to thousands of people. And as you sow, God can receive it and prepare a harvest of blessing for you. We’re praising Him for His faithfulness in Ghana and in your household, in Jesus’ name!

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E X P E C TAT I O N S

E X P E C TAT I O N S A

C L A S S I C

M E S S A G E

B Y

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R O B E RT S

I consider this a fascinating thought from the Word of God: And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength (Acts 3:5–7 KJV).

So as you read this scripture, consider doing this:

1. EXPECT A MIRACLE On the “main street” of the Bible, miracles were always happening because people were expecting them to happen. They expected God to take a hand in their lives, to make things happen, to perform miracles any time, anywhere. They opened their minds to God’s miracle-working power, and miracles were constantly happening.

It was a fascinating time to be alive.

I have good news—I believe we still can live on the main street of the Bible with expectancy in the air. If people are looking for something to happen and expecting God to move, I believe He can come into their lives in miraculous ways.

Big Faith…and New Shoes One night in the prayer line at a tent meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, a woman brought her little boy who had a drawn-up heel cord (Achilles tendon), which caused his right leg to be shorter than the left. He had been wearing specially constructed shoes for a long time. When they came up for prayer, I noticed that the boy’s mother was carrying a pair of brand new shoes.

I said to her, “Sister, what are you going to do with the new shoes?”

She said, “Brother Roberts, I am expecting God to heal my child. My son is going to pull off those old

“Seeing her faith and expectation was a tremendous thrill.”

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shoes and put on this brand new pair before we leave this big tent.”

rial things for your personal life, I believe we can expect God to perform a miracle.

Seeing her faith and expectation was a tremendous thrill. I called it to the attention of the audience, and they helped me pray. God healed that child, and before all those thousands of people, the little boy pulled off his specially constructed shoes, put on the brand new pair, and went walking off, made every whit whole.

Are You in Expectation?

Do you know why I believe he received his healing? Because this mother and son were expecting something to happen. As I read the Bible, you must expect a miracle if you want it to take place.

2. LOOK TO GOD TO MEET YOUR NEED In Acts 3:1–11, the lame man at the Beautiful Gate was expecting something. He was, at first, expecting a handout from Peter and John, but when he saw these men had something different than money, he began to expect healing, to expect the power of God. Then Peter took him by the hand and lifted him up.

Immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength, for Peter said, In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk (v. 6).

Friends, I believe if you want to rise up, you can look to God to meet your need and begin expecting to be healed. If you are sick in your body, why not expect God to perform a miracle? If you are unsaved, why not believe God to save you? I believe He will do it. If you need help financially, if you need mate-

What is expectancy? To me, when you are expecting, you are looking for something. You are intensely desiring, longing, and reaching out to take hold of what you desire. Unless you have this expectancy, the miracle may present itself and could pass you by, because you weren’t watching out to take hold of it.

I believe when you are expecting something to happen, first, you recognize it; second, you reach for it; third, you take it. That’s how you can receive what God has for you.

3. LOOK FOR GOD TO SET YOU FREE I believe He can reach into your life right now and heal you. I believe He can answer your prayers, change your circumstances, and supply your needs. And the three things that can work to activate it: recognize it, reach for it, and receive it.

Now, I urge you to pray this prayer for your soul and body and for your circumstances.

O Lord God, I’m expecting a miracle. I’m looking for You to perform a mighty miracle of deliverance for me right now. O Living God, by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, hear my prayer and enable me to pray the prayer of faith.

O God, in the name of the Holy Child Jesus, put Your hands on me, and heal me from sickness. Heal my afflictions and make me whole right now by Your power.

I am expecting a miracle and I believe it will happen.

Amen.

“I believe if you want to rise up, you can look to God to meet your need and begin expecting to be healed. If you are sick in your body, why not expect God to perform a miracle? If you are unsaved, why not believe God to save you? I believe He will do it. If you need help financially, if you need material things for your personal life, I believe we can expect God to perform a miracle.”

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“From Nothing to $1.2 Million in Sales” Donna, a partner from Bonita Springs, Florida, who regularly sows seed into the Oral Roberts Ministries, knows what it’s like to receive a financial miracle from the Lord. Recently, she contacted the Abundant Life Prayer Group to share her testimony of how—after prayer and faithful seed-sowing—God supernaturally provided for her needs.

As a member of the real estate business, Donna sells properties and earns her salary from the commissions. Only 30 days earlier, she had several property listings, but nothing was set to close. In real estate, that means she had no income. Donna was struggling with debt and feeling desperate. Then, she made the decision to call the Abundant Life Prayer Group.

“Your prayer line is the first place I go when I feel stressed or need a financial miracle,” Donna said.

And her testimony shows how the Lord answered her cries for help.

finances are turning around!

The Lord continues to bless me out of debt and into a wealthier place,” she said.

She also praised God for blessing her clients with the homes they need at the price they desire.

“Every step of the way, God has His arms around me, letting me know to fear not, for He is with me,” Donna shared. “Thank you, Richard Roberts, for having such phenomenal prayer partners. I am praying for your ministry to succeed and glorify God’s mighty name!

If you would like prayer, call the Abundant Life Prayer Group at 918-495-7777 For prayer anytime, day or night, contact the Abundant Life Prayer Group today, and allow our prayer partners to pray and expect a miracle with you.

“In 30 days,” Donna shared, “the Lord has given me four sales totaling $1.2 million, giving me a commission of $33,620.” That income has gone a long way to help resolve Donna’s financial struggles. “My

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You can take control of your future and your financial giving!

The Oral Roberts Ministries Home Ministries website at www.ormgift.com has great information about the many ways you can prepare for your financial future and maximize your gifts to the Oral Roberts Ministries as we join together to reach more people for the kingdom of God. Go online today to use our guide to planning your will. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get financial tips and read the stories of partners who are successfully planning for their financial future. And don’t forget to request our FREE step-by-step estate planning guide.

Visit us today at www.ormgift.com. We look forward to answering your questions and helping you find ways to plan for your future and make the most of every charitable seed you plant into the Oral Roberts Ministries.

Vol. 7, No. 1, 2014. Copyright © by Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association. No part may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Your copy of MIRACLES© is made possible by seed-faith offerings to Oral Roberts Ministries. No subscription price.

MIRACLES© is electronically published bimonthly by Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association, P.O. Box 2187, Tulsa, OK 74102-2187.

For more information, call (918) 495-7777, or contact us on the Internet at www.oralroberts.com.