Missions

Casino Drive Bys A Divine Encounter

by Darna Bedwell Gutter
12/28/08
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In loneliness, I found myself frequenting the casinos about 2-3 times a month and then once or twice a week. But I was the Lord�s child and He would not allow me to be comfortable there. Even the drive there was vexing. I could see that not only was I loosing money, my soul would suffer weakness for several days after. This was a pitfall that was grieving my Lord. I could see that if I continued it would be idolatry: looking to a machine to provide winnings for me. Replacing the Lord�s provision with a slot machine, placing my soul in jeopardy. The general greed of the atmosphere was like a lust. It was a gambler�s orgy. Gradually I became paranoid of everyone. It amazed me how people would make it there in wheel chairs, or suffering some type of affliction that was apparent. People especially looked bad as they were leaving. No telling how long they�d been there, or how much money they'd lost. But this thing was getting a stronghold on me. I couldn�t seem to leave until I�d spent my last dime, unless of course I�d had a reasonable enough winning. Initially I�d win all the time. But that�s the way that ole� devil works to get a person hooked. BREAKING THE STRONGHOLD Well I finally got serious because this activity was grieving my Lord and causing my spirit to be vulnerable and could inevitably destroy my life. So I started to fast and pray, I didn�t know how many days it would be, I was just going to trust the Lord. But I didn�t care if it took 40 days I knew I had to do something drastic to get a grip. As I proceeded with the first fast, somewhere around the 10th day, the number 21 became prevalent. Whew! I was still only half way, but at least I wasn�t going for 40. I trusted the Lord that I could make 21 days, although I�d never fasted that long in my life. Of course I would eat, but only at certain times of the day � early morning � and late evening. It was a regimental schedule. Well not only did I do the 21 days, I vowed to fast every 3 months for 21 days until I felt secure to maintain my stance against this stronghold that had tried to ensnare me. PATROL TACTICS Ironically even before I broke the stronghold a revelation from the Holy Spirit devised tactics that would allow me to share God�s word with the casino goers, because I sympathized with them. I had tasted enough of this bitter fruit to understand how its coils could choke the very life out of one�s soul. So I drafted a �Love Letter from God� and enclosed it in a picturesque blank card, along with a testimony of my own deliverance. I'd then sprinkle a scent of potpourri inside the envelope. And added to that some daily reading of inspirational short stories, �Our Daily Bread� from RBC Ministries. I had subscribed to them in bundles of 50s. The Lord�s provision makes those available for free. You have only to ask at www.rbc.org. DIVINE ENCOUNTERS After assembling about 30 or so of these little packets, the next step was to put on the whole armour of God found in Ephesians 6:11-17. Then off to the casino I'd go. 3 Steps: Never go inside the casino, stay inside the car and only approach people who were leaving. That�s when they are the most vulnerable and in need of someone to say something kind and comforting to them, without being intrusive. 3 More Steps: As you approach them say only, �This is a divine encounter�, then pass them the information and slowly drive away, no questions asked or answered. Say nothing more even if asked. ENLISTING TROOPS After my initial trip, I began to also include a message saying, �When you are stronger, please endeavor to duplicate this information and do as I have done for someone else. But say nothing more than, �This is a divine encounter� and slowly drive away.� It�s more divine to drive away because their spirits are usually too weak to engage. But I repeat even if they ask, say nothing more just gently drive away. Occasionally someone will refuse, but rarely so don't be discouraged by that, go on to the next person. THE SECRET SERVICE The glory is God�s alone for delivering me and using me to inspire others away from this entanglement that wants to get a stronghold and destroy their lives. If you are a Christian reading this letter, and are within driving distance to a casino, please adopt this ministry and share it with those who need your intervention. But not before seeking the Lord in prayer and counsel. If you have the Lord's consent, then let Him lead you on what to include in your packets and feel free to include this letter. Take all the precautions I have mentioned above. But I recommend not spending more than a half hour on the premises. You don�t want to be detected or experience spiritual weakness from being too long in the general vicinity. Avoid stopping anyone in uniforms or wearing badges as they could be employees. If you find yourself facing someone you believe could be an employee, just ask them if they work there. If so, then just ask some general question about the casino hours or something and quickly move on, do no extend conversation. I don�t advise doing this more than once or twice a month, particularly if you�re ministering alone. But keep a close eye on yourself. If you feel the slightest uneasiness or sense of weakness, leave immediately. Its probably better to go in pairs. Set a goal of how many people you would like to get the message to (no more than 50-100) and keep track by the number of packets you've prepared. In 30-minute increments, it may take several visits to reach your goal. Then when you reach that number, stop for a while. Be sensitive to your own limitations. And do not discuss your activities with others unless you are recruiting their help or prayers.  IN CONCLUSION I have concluded that gambling is folly.  And it is written that, "Folly is joy to those who are void of wisdom."  KJV  So take heed and do not be deceived into thinking it is a form of recreation.  They have changed the name to gaming to disguise the true nature which is gambling.  It only leads to more deception and will ensnare your soul and choke out your virtues.  It is to be avoided period.  With the enlistment of these tactics, we can quickly multiply into an army of troops to intervene and break down strongholds in this area, to �set the captives free�, allowing their souls to �escape from the snare of the fowler�. � 2008