My Early Experience

In 1978, at 18 years old, I had stepped away from the Catholic Church and was not involved in any denomination. I had no exposure to Pentecostal or Charismatic teachings, which, in hindsight, preserved me from adopting pre-formed doctrinal frameworks.

During this time, I had a powerful encounter with the presence of God. I remember acknowledging: “Jesus, I know that You are the way,” and I began to praise God. That night, I heard thunder—unusual for winter in Indiana—and experienced what I can only describe as overwhelming presence, fear, and trust simultaneously. I felt pressed by the Spirit, began breathing deeply, shook, and experienced a moment that defied natural explanation. I also heard what sounded like thousands of harps and voices worshipping in a language I did not understand.

This marked the beginning of my walk.

Scripture later gave language to this reality:

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

First Vision: The Branch

About a month later, I had a vision. I was conscious but surrounded by what appeared to be thick fog, accompanied by the presence of God and the sound of thunder. Before me, a branch formed—like watching something develop in real time.

At that time, I only connected it to:

“I am the vine, you are the branches…” (John 15:5)

But I did not understand its full meaning. It has taken decades to walk out that vision. Seeing a vision and understanding it are two very different things.

Over time, I came to understand the connection to the “Branch” (Netzer):

“And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:  And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:  but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth…” (Isaiah 11:1–4)

I also came to understand Israel as the olive tree:

“And if some of the branches be broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them…” (Romans 11:17)

Second Vision: The Rotten Branch

Approximately ten years later, while in Bible college and seeking understanding regarding the book of Revelation, I had another vision.

In this vision, we were walking with Yeshua as disciples. We came upon a magnificent tree with a large, attractive branch. As we ran toward it, Yeshua warned:

“Do not touch that branch—it is rotten to the core and ready to fall.”

He compared it to Judas Iscariot. Though He explained it further, I could not remember the explanation upon waking. Before the vision ended, He said three times:

“Danger, danger, danger.”

Shortly after, I encountered teachings claiming Revelation had already been fulfilled historically. I accepted these ideas, forgetting the warning, and it led to years of confusion before I eventually stepped away.

Scripture reflects this kind of warning:

“Therefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)

“You shall not listen to the words of that prophet…” (Deuteronomy 13:3)

Covenant Understanding

Over time, I came to understand that Scripture does not teach two separate peoples (Israel and the Church), but one covenant people.

“One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourns among you.” (Exodus 12:49)

“Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD… every one that keeps the sabbath… even them will I bring to my holy mountain…” (Isaiah 56:6–7)

The word often translated “church” comes from the concept of assembly (qahal), first seen when Yehovah gathered Israel in the wilderness.

Core Focus

My work emphasizes:

• Returning (שוב) to Yehovah
• Walking in His Torah instructions
• Observing His appointed times

“These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which you shall proclaim in their seasons.” (Leviticus 23:4)

• Understanding spiritual cycles of firstfruits and fulfillment
• Waiting on Him rather than acting in haste

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles…” (Isaiah 40:31)

Hope and Restoration

I hold to the promise of restoration:

“Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)

And the ultimate fulfillment:

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them…” (Revelation 21:3)

Conclusion

What began as a vision has become a lifelong process of walking, learning, correcting, and returning.

My aim is:

• to understand Yehovah’s timing
• to walk in obedience
• to avoid presumption
• to remain aligned with His Word

“Maranatha — Our Lord, come.”