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I appreciate the balanced presentation that "Toronto's Mixed Blessing" and "The Surprising Works of God" [Sept. 11] bring to the Toronto Blessing controversy. I find great comfort and stability in my traditional, evangelical Christian beliefs, and intellectual satisfaction in my practice of Reformed theology. As a result, I am not prone to emotionalism or "feel-good" religion. However, I also believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to fill us with God's unspeakable joy and guide us by God's wisdom displayed throughout Scripture, and in the church. I could be characterized as an evangelical charismatic.

On October 1994, I attended an international, nondenominational conference in Toronto on spiritual renewal and revival sponsored by the Airport Vineyard, called Catch the Fire. There I received a miraculous emotional healing through prayer, which has positively impacted my marriage as well as increased my desire to see others touched by God through the power of prayer. This healing could have happened in a different venue, but for reasons known only to God, he chose to touch me dramatically, powerfully, and emotionally through the prayer ministry of this renewal meeting. If I could have planned my own healing, I would certainly have planned it in a much less conspicuous manner. But his ways are not our ways.

I have seen and heard things at the Toronto Airport Vineyard meetings that appeared odd to me. But life (like Scripture) is full of odd things. In the big picture of God's kingdom and within the acceptable context of any given meeting, does it really matter? I think not.

As a Reformed Presbyterian who has never personally experienced the "spectacular" gifts, I find myself startled at how quick a few in both Reformed and charismatic circles are to universalize their own experience with God to all believers. Didn't the same apostle who so clearly said "not everyone speaks in tongues" also command "forbid not to speak in tongues?" Do these parameters not define the limits of the debate? Clearly the apostle was mindful of restraining fleshly excess that brought disrepute upon the gospel, but would he have approved a censorious spirit as commending the gospel?

I recently observed a woman in a worship service dancing in circles in the aisle. My surprise gave way to a charitable reconsideration when I realized that this woman, unknown to me, may have so experienced God's merciful deliverance that, like Miriam, she couldn't help taking tambourine in hand to sing and dance to her Lord.

We in the Reformed church would do well to remember that William Carey, who had a vision for India, was once dismissed as a "miserable enthusiast." Are we so zealous to certify every miracle as counterfeit that we cannot muster the charity to consider that even some part of this "awakening" could be truly of God?

* Thank you for a fair and balanced reflection on the Vineyard and the Toronto Blessing. As a long-time Vineyard member (since 1980), I have seen our movement have its ups and downs on the road to maturity. Also, throughout the Toronto event, I saw much that pleased me and discouraged me. From those who communicated the essence of renewal with charity to those who spoke with cold and fiery judgment over those offering words of caution, it was clear to me that many among the leadership have matured while others still have some growing up to do.

I was riveted by the providential juxtaposition of World Vision's ad following the Toronto revival articles. After the pictures of people participating in the revival meetings, we see World Vision founder Bob Pierce holding a tiny infant, and three suffering children, eyes wide. Above them were the words "Let your heart be broken today." As a pastor who has been profoundly touched by the renewal movement in the PCUSA, it is my heartfelt desire that passionate, transcendent experiences of God lead into changed lives and hearts. "Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God" is an apt expression of a true disciple's heart and a compass for a mature disciple's choices and perspectives.

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November 13 1995, Vol. 39, No. 13