History:
In January 1999, a group of Christians came together to discern the direction they should take as many people were coming to them seeking assistance for healing. During this time they continued to respond to the call of helping others experience freedom (Isaiah 61) as they were witnessing many people being released and healed from emotional and physical pain, as a result of past and present circumstances.
Agape Encounter was the name given to this organisation as agape is a Greek word meaning unconditional love. This was appropriate as the team were witnessing people being transformed as they encountered unconditional love and truth.
The word 'encounter' means 'to meet or find oneself faced with; sudden or unexpected.' In these healing encounters people experience a safe place, under the guidance of the Divine Counsellor, the Holy Spirit to face and become aware of what is preventing them from being free. They are then invited to listen to the truth that brings real freedom. The painful memories and present day situations are released from pain, trauma and lies. Peace and Presence is then experienced. In many cases the associated negative habits and patterns also dissolve.
In November of 1999, the team had their first Healing Encounter Weekend. Many people were visibly touched by the power of God's healing love and truth. Later in 1999, an afternoon for teaching practical tools for living as well as offering opportunities for healing was established.
In 2000 the team conducted a 'Facilitator's Training Workshop' so others could be equipped and empowered to assist others .
In 2001 the team registered the name 'Agape Encounter' as a not for profit charitable organisation.
In 2002 the team was asked to conduct an 'Advanced Training Workshop for Facilitators' in Tasmania. Many who have attended these and other courses have discovered how easily the Divine Counsellor reveals and heals situations that have been causing pain, no matter how difficult.
In 2003 the team began to conduct a regular 'Introduction and Guidelines to Encounter the Truth' course so that more people could be introduced to this process and learn why, when and how to encounter the truth that brings freedom. '
Since 2003, the team has also developed 'Freedom Encounter Workshops', sharing practical keys and tools that have changed lives as well as time to reflect and then experience freedom related to these topics.
In 2005, the team developed a television series, called 'The Way To Freedom' in which Helen Alcock interviewed people who had experienced life changing moments as they encountered God's truth and presence. It was presented on Channel 31 in August 2006. The purpose of this series was to bring hope and awareness to the larger community that healing and freedom is possible from the past for everyone.
Books, CDs and DVDs are available on various subjects which share keys that have helped others. This information can equip, encourage and empower all people. There is also a training course for those wishing to become facilitators. The team is continually developing days and courses so that people can be released, healed, restored and empowered. Courses for school children, teenagers and pregnant women are now available.