"The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; to shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness." Psalms 92:12-15
In 1984, I was drawn by the Holy Spirit to do a study on several women of the Bible. One woman of God was Deborah. As I read about Deborah in the Book of Judges, I found out that she was a real warrior that stood in the gap for her people. I went one step further, looking up information on the Palm Tree. The Holy Spirit would reveal to me that the palm tree brings forth clusters of fruit that produce up to 10,000 blossoms. These clusters begin to bloom when the palm tree moves into it's eighth year. As I prayed, studied, and went about establishing the prayer troops in the different churches, the Lord would say to me, "Just as Deborah was called as a battle maiden, you too, have been called." The prayer troops were made up of ten people that committed to pray for America. Our ministry would act as a catalyst networking the participating churches.
One day, I decided to look up the meaning of my name and discovered that my name, Hilda, means "warrior" and battle maiden!" Over the past years of ministry, there have been the times of great standing in faith, and many battles, believing God for many things that seemed almost impossible for the ministry. There would also be those "low times" when the Holy Spirit would encourage me through towards the eighth year and in your due season, you too, will bring forth fruit like a palm tree!"
At that time, I began to perceive in my spirit that a move was again coming to United Intercessors. Because we were outgrowing the building and also having some unfortunate financial circumstances, the present U.I. Building at 5 East Maple Street, was going up for sale. It seemed like the right thing to do-better stewardship was needed I thought, and the sale of the building would relieve me of the financial pressures of the property tax, insurance and other expenses not needed at this time. I did not want to miss the Lord's plan or timing. I constantly prayed, asking God to not let me move presumptuously. I felt that the Lord was opening a door for a much larger place, perfect for our ministries. It was right around the corner from our present location. We needed over $10,000.00 for the move-again, a miracle was needed! Jose and a few helpers began to clean and do some painting on the new U.I. Headquarters building, but, in a few days, supplies and finances ran out.
On July 30, 1990, I was wonderfully surprised by my Lord and Savior! As we were praying that afternoon, imploring God's help for this "New Venture" Jose looked out the window of our building at 5 East Maple Street, and to my surprise he said, "There is a big Palm Tree coming down the street on a truck." The truck drove right up to United Intercessors and a man was getting out of the truck. The nice young man, who was an acquaintance of ours, said to me, "Do you want this palm tree?" Of coarse, I said, "Yes!" To me, this GREAT BIG TWELVE FOOT PALM TREE was my special sign from heaven! I immediately felt the awesome presence of God all around me. I knew the Lord had heard my prayer and I understood very clearly what He was speaking to me through the palm tree!
I remembered that a few months back I had completed seven (7) years of ministry, and now was moving toward my eighth year. The Lord was saying, " I am with you on this new move!" The nice young man said, " Do you want me to help you bring the palm tree into United Intercessors?" But, I knew that this huge palm tree would not fit because the ceilings were too low at our present location. Yet, right around the corner on Myrtle Avenue, was the perfect building with ceilings high enough to accommodate the palm tree. Oh, the Lord was speaking alright! I felt the assurance that my first seven year season of the ministry was finished and the palm tree was never meant for the old season of prayer, but, for the new location at 21 Myrtle- the new season of the "Palm Tree."
I was so encouraged as I listened to the young man share with me the events compelling him to bring me the palm tree. A bank, in a nearby town, had ordered the palm tree and for some unknown reason did not want it, therefore, it was going to be shipped back to the company that sent it. The palm tree cost $1,000.00 . The company that owned the palm tree did not want it shipped back. The trucking company was stuck with a 12 ft. palm tree and decided to give it away. The tree was put out on the truck dock! Of course, there was no rush for this Beautiful, 12 ft. Palm Tree because most average homes have eight foot ceilings. The young man proceeded to tell me that "something" told him to bring the palm tree to United Intercessors in Willard. I was so excited in knowing that the "Awesome God" of Abraham, Issac and Jacob was very much alive in 1990. He had actually sent me a "divine sign." Not only did the Lord send me the palm tree to encourage me to keep the ministry going, but He provided the money needed for the move!
Intercessors, Rejoice with me! Our Lord Jesus cares enough about America to send one individual the "sign of the palm tree" as an encouragement to say, "Don't quit, Keep praying for your country; I love her too!" To God Be The Glory!
In His Love and service, hilda arredondo, UIPWC of Louisiana
