Blog
How One Prophecy Changed the Course of My Life
The year was 1983. I was 24 years old and had already been in “full-time” ministry for four years. The problem? I was only making $100 a week.
I loved what I was doing, but I couldn’t imagine how it could ever be sustainable. I was dating a girl I loved and wanted to get married, but how could I raise a family on my salary? I felt trapped—like I was going to have to choose between staying in ministry and starting a family.
That March, Willie George hosted the International Children’s Ministry Conference at the Camelot Hotel in Tulsa, OK. I scraped together just enough money to attend. Somehow, I also managed to bring 17 people with me from Detroit. I didn’t fully understand it at the time, but I desperately needed to get away, to be in an atmosphere where I could hear from God.
The conference was everything I hoped for—anointed teaching, powerful worship, and life- giving friendships. But one moment changed everything.
In the very first session, Willie George suddenly called me out from the middle of the auditorium.
“Mark Harper, get up here.”
I didn’t hesitate.
When I got to the front, he began to prophesy over me. I won’t share the whole prophecy, but these words pierced my heart:
“I want you to see how serious this call is that I placed on your heart. For son, the ministry I’ve planned for you—you haven’t even entered into it yet; you’re just at the start. I’m going to open new doors of ministry for you in this year. Take it boldly, son, and don’t give place to fear. Yes, I’m going to change your ministry this year in 1983.”
That word shifted everything.
- It got me unstuck. Suddenly I had hope when I felt trapped.
- It reminded me that God saw me. He understood my struggle and had a plan.
- It lifted my vision. I thought I was limited to a small church of 100 people, but God saw something bigger.
- It pushed me into prayer. I began to seek God earnestly for what was next.
Within five months, everything changed. I got a job at a growing church in Tulsa. My salary quadrupled. Deb and I got married and moved to Tulsa. Because I was there, I began speaking at Willie’s Kidmin conferences nationwide. That platform became the launchpad for what eventually grew into Super Church Curriculum.
A few months ago, I found myself reflecting on that 1983 conference. The Holy Spirit moved in a powerful way—not just in my life, but in hundreds of lives. Then I asked myself:
“Why don’t we see Kidmin Conferences like that anymore?”
When was the last time you heard someone give a prophecy at a children’s ministry conference?
As I prayed, the Holy Spirit whispered: “Why don’t you do it?”
To be honest, I didn’t want the responsibility. I just wanted to speak at a conference, maybe attend one. But God had a different plan.
That’s why we’re hosting the Supernatural Children’s Ministry Summit this September 30 – October 2 in Minneapolis.
It’s not just another ministry conference. It’s a time to be filled with the Holy Spirit, to be refreshed in worship, and to receive from seasoned leaders who have walked the road you’re on. I can’t promise you’ll get a personal prophecy, but I can promise you’ll be in an atmosphere where you can hear from God for yourself.
Learn more about the Supernatural Children’s Ministry Summit by CLICKING HERE!
