My IHOPKC Experience: Michael’s Story

Everyone I’ve connected with at IHOPKC over the years has a story. A story about how God got each of us here for whatever length of time or season it may be. It’s important to remember what God said and did to get us where we are, so that we put our hope in Him! When we remember and tell those testimonies of grace, faith arises as we remember His faithfulness to affirm and provide for that which He has ordained. This faith also causes our hearts to believe the future promises that He has spoken over our lives. But it’s not just about us. It’s also about the generations yet to come.

Psalm 78:5–7 says:

For He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children; that the generation to come might know them, the children who would be born, that they may arise and declare them to their children, that they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments (italics added). 

Since the Lord brought our family to IHOPKC in 2003, I’ve remembered the situation described in 2 Chronicles 20 numerous times. When Israel was going into battle, people were appointed to sing unto their victory in the midst of being surrounded by their enemies. When we are surrounded, we must remember that every time we cry out He hears and He responds. Developing a lifestyle of praying and singing God’s Word and agreeing with His truth has been life changing. I can say I am not the same man I was 16 years ago when we first arrived. It’s the reality of being transformed by the washing of the truth of the knowledge of who God is and who we are as His children. This daily renewing of the mind is conforming us into the image of Christ!

Seeing this transformation personally is great, but seeing and experiencing this reality in the corporate Body of Christ is truly beautiful. Since being at IHOPKC and serving in different areas on the base, I’ve seen many individuals transformed by this “washed by the Word” reality through singing and praying the Scriptures. One Forerunner Music Academy student I vividly remember and with whom I’m still connected even today is Jim Carpenter. When he first arrived at IHOPKC, he had only been saved about six months from a life of various vices and violations. Praise God!—it’s all under the blood. Watching him move through the processes of being washed daily by the love and Word of God has been amazing! Even when he was uncomfortable and squirming with that lavish love of God, he stayed in there. Jim may have tried to run from the processes at times, but the kindness of God’s love always won. If you look at Jim today, he’s not the same man he was over ten years ago. He’s in love with Jesus, married to his wonderful wife, Natalie, and serves the IHOPKC Missions Base as part of our amazing security team.

Technology on the worship teams has always been an “on-growing” development that helps our teams do what they do in an excellent manner. Many people remember Marcus Meier and all the contributions his leadership brought to the base. He was a huge innovator in the way our prayer room stage setup evolved. He helped move us toward in-ear monitor systems. His team was the first team to use a talkback mic, a click, and computer loops on a worship set. Thank you Marcus! Life on IHOPKC worship teams is much better because of you!

There have been moments that have impacted us individually and as a people on the base over the years. I remember when Mike Bickle was on a 40-day speech fast in 2004 or 2005. Many joined that fast to agree for his voice to be healed and for the Lord to touch him personally. When Mike addressed the staff at the end of that fast, I remember this wave of the Father’s love flowed through him to our IHOPKC family. He was overcome by how the Lord had touched his heart with love and gratitude for everyone who had left everything to give their lives to night-and-day prayer. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room as we all experienced the emotions of our heavenly Father through Mike’s words.

A bittersweet time that touched me was during Kathy Miller’s funeral (Lyle Miller’s wife) when David Brymer sang Clay and Audra’s “Restoration” song at the end of the service. To mourn with those who mourn and yet hope with those who hope in Christ. This song brought great comfort to all who were at the funeral. Thank you, God, for inspiring this song!

I want to say thank you to everyone who has ever played or sung on an IHOPKC worship team. What you’ve done will be remembered for eternity! What you may have sown in tears, know that you will reap with joy! Thank you to our heavenly Father, who by His Spirit prompted and inspired songs and choruses that were birthed in the prayer room that are still going forth today, encouraging the Bride that “if you don’t quit you win!”

Looking to the future, personally and for the base as a whole, I have to first look to the past. When my family and I began our journey at IHOPKC, the Lord told us that we were going to be a part of the missions base and that we were going to be interceding, serving, leading, etc. But the main reason for us was to be “moms and pops” in the house of prayer. I’m looking forward to Malachi 4:5–6 manifesting in fuller measure as we pray for our IHOPKC community and the Church as a whole. Also, I’m looking forward to the new season coupled with the release of a new impetus from the Holy Spirit to empower and sustain us for the assignment that lies before us.

Another expectancy I have concerning the future is the preparation the Lord is making for the increase of His power, presence, and provision. These elements are all tied to promises the Lord has spoken in our prophetic history, and I’m looking forward to them manifesting.

One last thing I’m excited about is the drawing and equipping of more messengers—singers, vocal artists (spoken word, rappers), instrumentalists, dancers, actors/actresses, visual artists (sculptors, painters, those who draw) and writers (screen and stage playwrights, storytellers). We need these forerunners to be equipped, encouraged, and released to prepare for the greatest and most terrible time before the Lord’s return. We need all who will partner with His heart to pray, sing, play, and display the beauty of Jesus as Bridegroom, King, and Judge—to tell His story, preparing the Church and the world for His return.

Prepare us, Lord! Make us ready!

What is the Lord preparing for you?

Michael Tharpe

position

Michael has been on staff at IHOPKC since moving from Louisiana in August of 2003 with his wife, Michelle & their daughter Michaela.  He’s served in many areas on the base including pastoral care for Intro To IHOPKC, worship leader and musician in the prayer room and was part of the founding leadership team for Forerunner Music Academy at IHOPU.  Currently he serves as the head of the vocal department for FMA and the worship director for Kansas City Evangelism Fellowship.  Michael and Michelle love night and prayer and are passionate about raising up end-time messengers, so that many would know and live a life fully given to Jesus Christ.