Our Stories

An Unexpected Encounter Recently, during StretchCo’s fortnightly zoom Hangout, something extraordinary unfolded. What began as a typical time of connection and conversation about the prophetic took an unexpected turn. David, the School of Prophecy’s Co-Founder, described the moment: “The Holy Spirit suddenly increased His presence among us. For me, it was like waves of heat; for others, it was tears or just weighty stillness.” Participants paused, sensing the Spirit’s call to rest and respond. One by one, they shared their experiences as the meeting stretched beyond its usual timing. David captured the heart of the moment in a message to the wider community: “We have truly been WITH HIM this morning. I pray that every single one of you gets time to be WITH Him today so this spreads throughout all our communities. Yes 🔥.” As the day unfolded, it became clear that this wasn’t just a moment for those on the call—it was resonating far beyond. Unity in the Spirit: A Ripple Effect Even those unable to attend the Hangout felt the Holy Spirit moving in their own spaces. Sally, the School’s Prayer and Special Projects Lead, shared: “At the same time you mention, David, I felt His presence and just sat and prayed. Still basking in Him now.” Philippa echoed this experience, connecting it to a memory from a past retreat: “As I was driving, God brought to mind the memory of when He moved in our community at the retreat. I thanked Him and reveled in it and said, ‘I would love to have more of that.’ How funny, He was already doing it!” Both messages provided beautiful reminders of the power of unity in the Spirit, prompting David to respond: “One in the Spirit. Family. Kingdom. Yes 🔥.” Testimonies of Renewed Calling The morning’s impact was as diverse as the community itself, bringing unique expressions and unified themes. A New Journey Stephen, leader of StretchCo’s Buddy System, described the experience as an invitation to journey deeper: “I used to fly power kites, and this morning I had the same sense in my arms, being pulled along by the wind of the Spirit. I think we’re being taken on a new journey—hold on to your hats.” Soaring and Following Arshad shared a striking metaphor: “We are eagles, not chickens. An eagle soars—it doesn’t flap. An eagle rises above storms. Believe you are an eagle and go where the Father directs you.” Carl, meanwhile, was reminded of the 1973 song Turn Your Head by Rare Bird, which speaks of seeking direction and identity: “Turn your head around, see where you came from, see who you are.” A Song of Surrender During the Hangout, Nkechi felt led to sing Refiner’s Fire, a song of surrender and readiness to follow God’s will. Catherine later reflected on this powerful moment: “I was touched by Nkechi’s vulnerability and her heart to share what had risen up in her.” The lyrics, written by Brian Doerksen, deeply resonated with the group: 'Refiner’s fire, my heart's one desire Is to be holy, set apart for You, Lord. I choose to be holy, set apart for You, my Master, Ready to do Your will. 'God’s Gentle Army Near the end of the meeting, Moyra articulated the prophetic theme that had emerged from the shared experiences, and David quickly shared it with the whole community: “As I type this the call is still going on... and we have just heard Father is raising us up as a ‘gentle army’. It’s a moment in God. Press into it everyone.” Impartation and Equipping Later in the day, Michelle reflected on how the morning’s events tied into StretchCo’s prophetic mission. While reading J. Lee Grady’s book Follow Me, she was overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit as she read these words: 'Be ready to be a vessel of the Holy Spirit. Make sure your lamp is trimmed and your oil bottle is full... He wants those you mentor to be armed with spiritual gifts and weapons so that they become victorious warriors.' Michelle shared with the group: “It seemed to capture the essence of all I see you doing in StretchCo. Keep on being the amazing prophetic people you are and are growing to be.” Looking Ahead: Join Us What began at 9:45 AM during the Hangout was more than a moment—a renewed calling emerged, inviting StretchCo to rise higher as a gentle army, equipped to step into the Father’s plans. Would you like to be part of it?Join our StretchCo Community after completing the Starter Workshop. Come to our next Hangout and be prepared for more moments like this! Explore more StretchCo events via the StretchCo Hub. Together, we are stretching, connecting, and growing. Yes! 🔥

Susie's journey with the School of Prophecy started somewhat by accident. Initially, she joined only because her husband, Mike, expressed a keen interest. Yet, what began as a passive participation blossomed into a profound personal transformation. Susie, who may be dubbed a 'slow burner' by some (including herself!) , embarked on a remarkable path of growth and discovery under the guidance of David and the School of Prophecy team with their varied experiences in the prophetic.Embracing the JourneySusie, initially hesitant, found re-assurance in the guidance of the leadership at the School of Prophecy. Under the mentorship of David and the team, she learned the significance of "practicing" and honing her prophetic gift. Despite her initial reservations, Susie gradually embraced the baby steps that were taught at the Starter Workshop.Overcoming Self-DoubtOverwhelmed by others sharing their words, she felt ill-prepared to contribute in the sessions. One of Susie's greatest obstacles was her lack of confidence in delivering prophetic words. Yet, it was in this moment of vulnerability that she experienced profound growth.Encouraged by her husband and others in the Starter Workshop, she ventured beyond her current comfort zone of writing and dared to speak out the words she received from God out loud. As she stepped out in faith, sharing words for three individuals, this led her to moments of profound connection and affirmation, as recipients resonated with the messages she shared.This moment marked a massive change for Susie.She was thrilled!The TransformationThrough consistent practice and unwavering faith, Susie transitioned from a hesitant observer to a confident messenger of God's word. Her journey from uncertainty to "Godfidence" is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of stepping out in faith.Sharing the LightSusie's story, from hesitant follower to confident messenger, embodies the power of persistence, faith, and the transformative impact of the Starter Workshop. Now, Susie actively shares personal and impactful words with others, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and touching lives wherever she goes. Her willingness to step into uncertainty has not only enriched her own faith but has also touched the lives of those around her.In closing, Susie's story serves as an inspiration for all believers to embrace their spiritual gifts, trust in the process of growth, and step out in faith even in moments of self-doubt. And this is best done in the context of a loving community like the School of Prophecy.As we journey alongside Susie, we are reminded of the words from Zachariah 4:6, "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord Almighty.

I am a lifelong learner and have been on many courses both within the secular and faith communities. They were often dis-organised, filled with promises of commitment, on-going community and further development that never materialised and left talented, eager people demoralised. In some ways I was expecting the same from the School of Prophecy and didn’t want to get my hopes up too much after it had finished. I had resigned myself to only expecting some surface level intro teaching, even though I was desperate for more.Truly life changingHowever, little did I know this course and the ongoing StretchCo community would be life changing for me. My prophetic gifting had been bubbling away at the surface for many years without having access to any language for it. I was scared to hurt or upset people with the knowledge I had from heaven so I ignored it, not knowing how to communicate what I saw or heard. In the 6 months before I signed up to the School of Prophecy Starter Workshop, God had already started appearing in supernatural, extraordinary ways to me that I could no longer ignore. As a result of some life circumstances and family illness, I was without any kind of faith community, yet I needed to process all this with people I could trust.Met with a wall of kindnessA friend of mine who was living in Canada and part of an active prophetic group there suggested the School of Prophecy. I was so curious so I signed up and just like that, the magic began when the unassuming David Shadbolt and his team appeared through my screen one cold January evening, exuding a humility and kindness that was immediately disarming. It shot straight to my heart and all the armour I had unwittingly built up began falling away over the weeks.Loved every minuteI loved every minute of the school, its teachings, encouragement from my group leader Amy and opportunities to practise. I didn’t want the sessions to end. They were so alive and dynamic not from hype but a willingness to submit to the holy spirit. It was such a calming, positive , encouraging, environment that my barriers fell away and I began to not be afraid of making mistakes as they were met with a wall of kindness.Learning that parables are keyOne particular session I was taught to communicate using a less direct method called the parabolic and this was such a relief as I hadn’t wanted to scare people. That resulted in one of my first prophecies to a non-believing friend. I had seen an image that was related to song lyrics that were very meaningful to her and it spoke directly into her situation. We were both blown away and I have continued to share in similar ways ever since . The course has taught me to communicate heaven's language in a safe, loving way with boundaries and as such the accuracy of God and the way he has used me to speak to people's lives has really built up my confidence.Love comes first - really!The love of God and reverence to his voice and guidance runs throughout the prophetic school. It doesn’t just pay lip service to its values, they are living and breathing them. That is very rare, but it is also what makes anyone who encounters it, flourish. It’s beautiful to witness everyone being built up for who they are and what they have to offer. No one goes unnoticed. The way God sees us is truly modelled here and we are unleashed for kingdom purposes. Through the commitment of this safe, loving community, it’s integrity and excellence not only on the course but also with mentoring in the months afterwards, I have activated my prophetic gift in ways beyond any that I could have ever imagined. This has included a revelation that daydreaming can be used as a tool for the prophetic in me, who knew? As well as dance and movement thanks to Anna!I have come alive as a personI have come alive as a person and in my creativity. I have continued to be loved, cherished, acknowledged and encouraged into being more of the person God created me to be through this group. This has been a surprising consequence and revelation of the continued development in StretchCo. StretchCo offers unique perspectives from faith giants all around the world and from those who you would never normally come across in your everyday walk. The guests are always amazing. It challenges me to grow and shift mind-sets every time.I have been pushed to re-imagine and re-define God beyond the periphery of my world and that flourishing in my unique identity and character has meant a freedom and joy with God, filled with hope. Beyond the prophetic course, StretchCo continues to follow through with it’s promises and support.This level of integrity and excellence is rare and without it I wouldn’t be the woman I am today, eager to step out in what God has called me for.This is the way of God and this is the way of love.Philippa

Not only that, Yvonne shares how lonely she felt in her gift and didn’t know how to use it to help other people. She recounts how the school brought her together with others who understood her experiences. Her confidence grew quickly as God spoke directly to her during the second session, bringing healing and giving her boldness to use her gift within her sphere of influence. So much so that she’s now reaching the elderly in her community and using her gift regularly for Premier Radio. Listen and allow Yvonne to inspire and encourage you in your own prophetic journey!

Yan is a missionary with Youth With A Mission (YWAM). He shares the impact of the school’s programme on three teams from his organisation and its influence on how they teach and practice prophecy within the organisation. On a personal level, Yan discusses how the programme broadened his perspective on prophetic gifting and encouraged him to listen to God in everyday situations. He encourages church leaders to consider sending their members to the school for its unifying effect around the prophetic.

And then “the penny just dropped”, says Stephen as he shares how the school has simplified prophecy for him while deepening his understanding. Perhaps surprisingly, teamwork is another key aspect that’s made his journey all the more enjoyable. Explaining how it works, it’s easy to see why students find the focus on teamwork such a fun and encouraging way to grow in their gift. Now a leader, Stephen encourages anyone to “Give it a go” as he shares about the love and encouragement that underpins everything we do at the school.

Join Ros as she shares her journey of prophetic discovery through the school. It’s helped her experience God's touch, develop spiritual discernment, impact her church and enjoy meaningful connections – quite a journey for someone who’d read 1 Corinthians 14:1 many times and assumed it didn’t apply to her! As you listen to the difference it’s made in her and others’ lives, you’ll be inspired by Ros’s desire to reflect God’s heart to those He wants to bless through her gifting. It’s a story we can all share.

Joanna’s experience of the prophetic was “hit and miss” with a mix of highs and lows. But the school provided safe ground to think about what the prophetic was, what God was saying to her and whether she could trust what she was hearing. “It's not just a five week course,” she says, “This is life-changing! That's what I've discovered.” As you hear more of Joanna’s journey, you’ll learn how you can also experience growth and discovery in the prophetic given the right grounding and support.