BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

With tears streaming down their faces, Robert and Tamara told their pastors what God had said to them. They also said how much they loved them. In response, their pastors told them that they would not be welcomed back. Walking in Love “People in the church were told that we were disobeying God and our lives were in danger,” Tamara says. “We lost all those relationships. It was just Robert and me, with no idea what we were supposed to do next. But because we obeyed God, a great peace fell on us. “Through the rest of 2008 and into January 2009, it was just KCM and us, as we continued learning and growing. God used Brother Copeland to help us straighten out a lot of wrong teaching and unbelief so it wouldn’t spill out of us and onto other people when we stepped out into public ministry. “During that time, the Lord directed us to call all the people who’d left our church over the years whom we’d shunned. We called and apologized. Many of them stayed mad and offended, but we were getting free. “We got our 501(c)(3) and started Word of Faith Ministries, holding our first service in January 2009. Over the next six years we had a location where we held services and pastored people. During that time we also went through Jerry Savelle’s School of Ministry. We graduated in 2012 and were ordained through him in 2013.” One of the scriptures that came alive to Robert and Tamara was Psalm 5:11-12, “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield” ("New International Version"). “We got the revelation that the favor of God is a shield!” Robert explains. “Favor spreads its protection over us!” They had no idea how soon that shield would be put to the test. Trial by Fire It was a beautiful, sunny April day in Connecticut, with just a bite of chill in the air. Robert pulled on his gloves and jacket to ride his motorcycle to run errands, while Tamara opted to use the car for hers. Preparing to leave, Tamara paused. Turning to Robert she said, “Hey Baby, put your helmet on.” Pulling away, she didn’t stop to see if he put on the helmet. She didn’t even know why she told him to wear it. By Connecticut law, he didn’t have to wear one. At first, Robert didn’t bother with the helmet, driving half a mile before coming to a stop sign. Thinking about Tamara’s words, he pulled over, took his helmet out and put it on. Pulling back onto a main road, he drove another half mile before stopping at a red light. Just as the light turned green, Robert heard a loud pop, felt a jolt and went airborne. The moment it happened, he realized he’d been hit from behind. It had happened once before when a woman wasn’t paying attention and took her foot off the brake at a stoplight. She’d bumped into his motorcycle, knocking him into the air. He’d landed on his feet and walked away. *****ADVERTISEMENT***** “Partnership is designed by God to dramatically increase the abilities, resources & rewards of every believer.” —Kenneth Copeland Partner with KCM today! kcm.org/partner 1-800-600-7395 (U.S. only) +1-817-852-6000 ************************ BVOV : 21

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