Visions, Dreams & Encounters

Visions, Dreams & Encounters takes the reader through a 65-year history of actual encounters with God in the life of a very ordinary person. Precious rather than spectacular, these encounters reveal a true story, unvarnished, of one man and one faith community as they journey together along the path of life. The story itself has its twists and turns, but along the way, we learn a good bit about the practical outworking of Joel's prophesy as emphasized on Pentecost by the Apostle Peter: "And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams...." Acts 2:17 (Joel 2:28) Joel's prophesy is for people of all ages: sons, daughters, the young and the old. We live in a time fresh with opportunity, a time that the God of the Universe intends to use to enrich every life on earth. Russell Bloodworth's earliest memory of God stems from the age of seven. We trace his journey over the ensuing sixty-five years. As the story gains momentum, he and his wife, Fran, became part of a small house church in Memphis, Tennessee. It was in the early seventies, a time of great social upheaval and the Jesus movement. Visions, Dreams & Encounters chronicles many of the messages and encounters that God used to move the couple and others in His direction. It is a no-holds-barred record with the good, the bad and the ugly. Along the way, we pick up lessons learned, and insights gained. Hopefully, the lessons will encourage others on their own personal journey.

Visions, Dreams & Encounters takes the reader through a 65-year history of actual encounters with God in the life of a very ordinary person. Precious rather than spectacular, these encounters reveal a true story, unvarnished, of one man and one faith community as they journey together along the path of life. The story itself has its twists and turns, but along the way, we learn a good bit about the practical outworking of Joel's prophesy as emphasized on Pentecost by the Apostle Peter: "And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams...." Acts 2:17 (Joel 2:28) Joel's prophesy is for people of all ages: sons, daughters, the young and the old. We live in a time fresh with opportunity, a time that the God of the Universe intends to use to enrich every life on earth. Russell Bloodworth's earliest memory of God stems from the age of seven. We trace his journey over the ensuing sixty-five years. As the story gains momentum, he and his wife, Fran, became part of a small house church in Memphis, Tennessee. It was in the early seventies, a time of great social upheaval and the Jesus movement. Visions, Dreams & Encounters chronicles many of the messages and encounters that God used to move the couple and others in His direction. It is a no-holds-barred record with the good, the bad and the ugly. Along the way, we pick up lessons learned, and insights gained. Hopefully, the lessons will encourage others on their own personal journey.

As a part of a small but intimate Christian community in Memphis, Tennessee, Russell Bloodworth, Jr. kept a detailed journal. In it, he recorded hundreds of dreams, visions and encounters over the course of the 65 years. These records form the core of VISIONS, DREAMS & ENCOUNTERS. They tell the story of ordinary people who receive precious insights from God. Russell's heart is that Christians "will pay more serious attention" to what they receive. Russell and his wife, Fran, have four grown children, their spouses and currently ten grandchildren.