The Lakeland Revival?
Several churches in South West Hertfordshire, UK including St. Andrews, Chorleywood and Watford Community Church promoted an alleged revival which began in Lakeland, Florida on April 3rd 2008. This was lead by a heavily tattooed Canadian, Todd Bentley.
Bentley left Lakeland in August 2008. On 11th August news broke that he had begun divorce proceedings by filing for a separation from his wife. It is now admitted that he was having an "unhealthy relationship with a female staff member". John Arnott (another false revivalist) says:-
"Todd has chosen to do something that is wrong according to Scripture... inappropriate behavior, both with excessive drinking and also with a female member of his staff."
Rev. Mark Stibbe from St. Andrews, Chorleywood visited Lakeland in May 2008 and began 'Fire Meetings' on return. He sold materials endorsing the alleged revival at Word and Spirit Resources. These were rapidly removed when news of Bentley's extramarital affair emerged! He has started a new ministry The Father's House Trust and is leaving St. Andrews at the end of this year.
Meetings also began in Watford under the title 'A New Day' and hosted by Watford Community Church (whose leader is Rev. Tim Roberts).
Bentley Files for Separation from his Wife & Withdraws from Public Ministry
On 11th August 2008 a newspaper report broke the story that Todd Bentley had filed for a separation from his wife, Shonnah. Under Canadian law, separation is a preliminary step in divorce proceedings, lasting nine months. The Bentley's have three children LauraLee, Esther and Elijah. Freshfire Ministries reacted with a statement on 12th August 2008 saying:-
"Todd and Shonnah Bentley are presently experiencing significant friction in their relationship and are currently separated."
On the afternoon of 13th August, God TV sent an email to subscribers urging prayer for the Bentley's. Part of it read:-
"It is GOD TV's position that marriage is a foundational cornerstone to those families called to ministry and would believe that those who have spiritual oversight for Todd and Shonnah's ministry will recommend a time of sabbatical for the family in order to seek reconciliation within their marriage should these reports be accurate."
On 15th August 2008, Fresh Fire Ministries put a new statement on their website, part of which read:-
"We wish to acknowledge, however, that since our last statement from the Fresh Fire Board of Directors, we have discovered new information revealing that Todd Bentley has entered into an unhealthy relationship on an emotional level with a female member of his staff. In light of this new information and in consultation with his leaders and advisors, Todd Bentley has agreed to step down from his position on the Board of Directors and to refrain from all public ministry for a season to receive counsel in his personal life."
ABC Nightline's Lakeland Exposé
After a shocking report on ABC Nightline News (9th July 2008) Fresh Fire Ministries released a statement announcing that Todd Bentley would be taking time off "to refresh and to rest" after four months in Lakeland leading "revival" meetings. Bentley did return on a few occasions but announced on 6th August 2008 that his final appearance in Lakeland would be on Wednesday 13th August 2008.
The ABC Nightline programme showed a 15 year-old boy with Spina Bifida on stage with Todd Bentley. Bentley is heard to proclaim:-
"This boy is being healed of crippling, crippling spina bifida from birth". Two weeks later his mother told ABC Nightline that he still clearly has the condition. Lack of evidence for other alleged healings is documented in the programme.
This website has been on-line since 9th June 2008.
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