We have a congregation of tremendous leaders here at St. Michael’s, including Jean and Johnnie Corbett. Jean had been on staff here serving as administrator, Executive Assistant to the Rector and leading the healing ministry. Since retirement, Jean and Johnnie have not let up on the gas pedal. I asked Jean recently if she could offer us an update on the terrific things God is doing in their life, read on!

Dear Al,
One Sunday, after a beautiful worship service, you asked me to send you a review of what Johnnie and I have been “up to” recently. We are using our God-given gifts of hospitality and ministry at our farm on the Edisto River. Embree Station Retreat is a place of quiet and peace, a retreat from the noisy world providing hunting, fishing, rest and ministry for people of all ages, including international travelers.
In September, Johnnie and I led a healing service at a local Baptist church in Bamberg. We prayed with members of the congregation, the pastor and his wife. Some precious little children came by themselves asking for healing. Johnnie’s plans revolve around “Deer Season” from August to December. God has a sense of humor. During the last eight deer seasons, we have led Healing Missions to Ukraine. We are organizing the next Healing Mission to Ukraine for September 27-October 7, 2012.

When we are not at St. Michael’s, we worship at Branchville Christian Church. During our Ukraine Team Retreat, Pastor Wayne Manning invited team member MGN and Pastor Charlie Baldwin to preach on Sunday, September 11, the 911 Memorial Weekend. We hope everyone heard or read some of the stories of healing and salvation during the 2011 Healing Mission to Ukraine where we ministered in a nursing home, an orphanage, churches, and private homes.

Johnnie was studying some notes during a recent office visit to our doctor. The Technician asked what he was reading. He explained that he was preparing a talk on the Armor of God from Ephesians 6. She responded, “When we put on the armor of God, Satan cannot see us. He looks at us and sees only God, and then he flees!”  We were invited to teach on the armor for St. Paul’s, Summerville’s Prayer Ministers. We encouraged them to be armed for battle against the forces of evil. Prayer Ministers serve on the front line and must be alert. Johnnie shared a cartoon with a character dressed in his battle pajamas and holding his Teddy Bear. The caption read, “Real Men wear full metal PJs. Nighttime when alone with our thoughts and worries is the perfect time to wear the FULL ARMOR OF GOD.”

Jesus was challenged by the Pharisees concerning his testimony. John 8: 58-59 says, “’Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “’before Abraham was born, I am!’” They picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.” He walked away from them unharmed. Jesus IS Righteousness. Put on the Breastplate of Righteousness.

During GIC week, Johnnie and I were speakers for the Women’s Missionary Union at First Baptist Church, Bamberg. When we asked for questions, a member asked if we would pray for healing for her before we departed. We did. Pastor Peter, Valentina and Marina were a blessing to all who met them during GIC. Thank you, GIC!

Our next Day of Healing Prayer is Saturday, March 17 with guest teacher the Rev. Nigel Mumford. Don’t miss it!

When God calls us to ministry, He gives power, authority and strength to those who answer His call.

God’s blessings,
Jean and Johnnie Corbett