If you want to share your testimony from an event Tony spoke at, send to testimony@consumingfiremin.com
Summer of 2008
"...from the time you started I honestly felt God. But I didn't quite understand why. Now my dad and mom got divorced before I was born because my father didn't want a kid. Well I never knew him and my mom and him decided that I wouldn't have visitation and he didn't have to pay child support. Well I never really felt like I was hurt over that until Tuesday night when God brought this all to my mind and basically told me that I did have pain from that and that I needed to deal with it while I had the chance. So I went up to the altar and dealt with it. I cant say I feel much different but I just know that God did something with that hurt and I never have to look back on it again." ~Taylor
"Hi Tony, ...I just wanted to let you know when you preached at Camp Maranatha, it really touched me, and i felt the holy spirit pour down on me, when you talked about cleaning out your tent, it really got me thinking "What things do I have in my tent?". Your one of, if not the best preacher I've ever heard preach. You spoke powerfully, plus you have a great sense of humor, and i love your obsession with chocolate chip cookies. But anyway, I've always been to embarrassed to raise my hands in church in front of my friends, but you taught me that i should praise God, and i shouldn't let people in the way of praising my lord. I use to never pay attention in church, but after hearing you preach, i've learned that church can be fun. You really helped me, and touched my heart. I'll always remember you man...Thanks, you're a great preacher." ~Brian W.
Pastor Tony, hey I just attended Pym youth camp week 3 in VA. My life has changed for ever because of your sermons and the alter calls! Before the camp I was going to give up the whole Christianity thing because I felt like God has not been there for me, that there is no such thing as a personal relationship with God and etc. Now I feel so free and I look at the world a completely different perspective. I walk down the streets and see all bunch of these people that need Jesus in there life. People that have not been reached yet by the people who are Christians. When I heard your sermon I got chills running throughout my body because it was so powerful. I have not heard a sermon like that for a while, I am so glad that you came to the pym youth camp unless I would have maybe given up Christianity by now! God is using you and affecting so many people it just amazes me that maybe one person can make a difference in this sinful world that we are living in! I did not believe that one person makes a difference thing but then at the altar... WOW that was some good stuff people crying with joy. I can't describe how much I have changed and even my friends thing I have changed also so much! I will never become the person that I was all because of one man that obeyed God. THANK YOU SO MUCH!" ~Ashley G. PA
"Tony, On Wednesday when you talked about calling I definitely felt God telling me to go up to the altar. So I did and over the past three years God has opened up my calling through camp. At first I knew I was called into ministry. The second year God opened up to me that it was with children and finally Wednesday I really felt Gods touch after the leader that had been praying for me told me that God was calling me to work with orphans. It is definitely an amazing opportunity and I'm definitely going to go after what God is pushing me to. Even though I give all the glory to God you I definitely wanted to share this with you because I feel that if I hadn't been at camp I doubt that I would've ever heard the voice of God in this area at this time. I know you are busy and I just wanted to share this with you because well..I wont lie I'm too excited not to." ~Tayler
"So this past summer I went to Camp for the first time ever in Lexington, NE. In January was the first time I'd felt God's presence and I was slowly losing that drive. But ever since camp, you made me realize what God is doing in my life. You made me realize God only puts us through tests we can pass. Before I was struggling to get closer to God, but then you said about how God moves the fence for us, like that man did for the soldier, and it made me realize I just have to love him. I want to thank you soo much for coming into the ministry and talking to us. It means the world to me and my friends. We've been much more loyal Christians, and we've grown a lot closer to God, and a lot closer to each other."
"I just wanted to thank you for taking time out and speaking so much encouragement into my life. I want to let you know I admire what you do, and I look up to you. It's amazing how God could take a man from such an adverse background and use him so greatly in ministry. For that short time we spoke you were a big inspiration." ~Gregg
"I just want to thank you for coming down to Colorado. I had an amazing time at youth camp. Service was unforgettable. During service the second night, you talked about wounds, The past year or two I have been underestimating God, wondering if he really cared, But I continued going to church hoping he would see my face in the crowd. I honestly knew that He is there and I have to move closer to Him. I thought all this, trying to hid from things that needed to happen in my live, people I needed to forgive, forget and move on in my life. The last 4 months I have been trying to do just that, The process has been very long and stressful. My youth Pastor has been helping me through it all, I was just not ready to let it all go. The message you spoke opened my eyes and I realized that all these problems were distracting my walk with God. That night I gave my live back to God and let it all go. NEVER again will I get off the main trail again, he is all I want in my life. Thanks again." ~Heidi L.
I cannot take any credit for this summer's great happenings. Fame is a cancer and ego: its seed.
- Toad the Wet Sprocket
Summer of 2007
“When you preached in the summer camp 2007 in Valley Forge, every night I felt his presence and on the Thursday night you preached, I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit for the first time. On Friday night you preached about the calling of God and there is a difference between a skilled musician and an anointed one. My mom always sent me to piano school because she knew that God has called me to serve in the music ministry, but I didn’t really mind it until Friday night. When you prayed for me I knew that was confirmation because I prayed for it, right before you called all of the people to come up to the front. I still remembered what happened and what you said, that God would anoint my hands and I would never forget that day. Thank you so much for your preaching because without you, I wouldn’t have been serious with God and not know what God has called me to do.” ~ Steve, NJ
“Pastor Tony, I was at SNED camp this past week and your words were amazing. Your sermon about God moving the fence for us really touched my heart. I have felt along in the world and like no on cares about me and I was sort of at that point when I went to camp. When I saw the staff walk up and actually pick up the fence and move it I couldn't hold back my tears. God really spoke through you. He told me that I am loved... not just by Him but by many others, including the wonderful people whom I had the chance to build relationships with at camp. Thank you so much again.” ~David
“I just attended SNED senior high camp at ZBC this past week and i just wanted to let you know that God did some amazing things in my life through your messages. One major thing is that He has healed my heart. I went home on Friday and I called my dad and told him "I love you" for the first time in over 10 years, and I actually meant it. I am believing that one day soon my dad will give his life to Christ and that God is going to heal my parent's marriage.” ~Jennifer, MA
“I enjoyed hearing you preach the word of God to us, it was very touching and I felt as though everything you had to say was directed to me and no one else. You mentioned loosing your father and how u found out, I knew how you felt I lost my dad when I was eight, and i can remember always wishing I had a dad like all of my friends had. You said that sometimes we live wounded and it’s a choice we make, and other times its because of something some one else has done to me that has left me feeling the way I did. When I was born my father denied me and although my mother and himself kept it hidden from me for a long time, I eventually when i saw that he hadn't signed my birth certificate and why he hadn't. It hurt me deeply and ever since then I have felt that the reason he hadn't wanted me was because I was not good enough. But you told us that God loves us unconditionally no matter what, and when i accepted that fact I was able to hear what the Lord had to say to me and I now know that he has called me to be a worship leader, for he has given me a gift and praising his holy name and everything he has done in my life is the only way I want to use that gift. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience and sharing with me the gift of the word of Jesus Christ.” ~Shaylene
”Despite the fact that I was forced to go to camp and incredibly tired by the end of the week, I'm thankful that I went. Your messages were so strong and insightful that I wish I could follow you around and poke you with a stick, just to prod you for more gold. God really works through you.” ~Hannah
“I went to camp this past week. I really don't know how to explain what I want to say but I know I'm am very glad that you were our speaker. Every chapel service hit me and it made me really think. But most of all, when you gave your sermon on wounds, I was able to let go of the bitterness that I've been holding onto against my dad and his step-mom (my step-grandma). It was overwhelming for me because holding onto that made me feel guilty because that's what my dad does to me. He makes me feel guilty about things and he does it to my brother too. But, when I came to the altar, you came up to me and prayed and said I was free. I never had that feeling of freedom before and it was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. So, I just wanted to say thank you. You were a great speaker this past week.” ~Marissa L.
“God really moved in my life. The services were amazing and I felt that I really met with God. Your sermon on wounds really touched my heart and helped my to really forgive some people I thought I had already forgiven but was still really bitter toward. This past week God called me to work in missions. He had been calling me for a while but I hadn’t been listening. This coming august I will be going on an AIM trip to Honduras. Please pray for me. Thanks.” ~Katie D.
Other Testimonies. . .
“I attended Winter Retreat and I have a testimony that I'd like to share...When you said those who want to be filled with the Holy Spirit come up, I went up and just started praising God…I just kept telling how much I love him. After the worship was over and everyone was leaving I was still praising him...It was going on for over a half hour. I just want to give God all the praise for that. I just felt like sharing what God did in me with you. I enjoyed hearing you speak. I got A LOT out of this past weekend. Thanks!” ~ Pam
“I was in the daytime service this morning to hear your powerful message. I want you to know that your message was exactly what I needed to hear. You see...I have been suffering from anxiety and panic attacks on and off for the past 7 years and they have decided to come back these past two days. I woke up at 6:30am with them again and still made myself go to church. Something inside of me needed to worship the Lord and leave my trouble at the altar…” ~ Allie
“I used to not be so excited about life but now I know that I can make it through all things with Gods help. I can’t let this world get the best of me….I don’t have to worry about anything, like what they say or think because I must clean out my box (life) and keep it clean. I must do like my old youth pastor told me to choose life daily and crucify my flesh and not let it overtake me…” ~ Ron, PA
“Dear Tony, I am writing you this letter to say how thankful I am that you were our guest speaker. For the past 3 days you have touched my heart more than anyone has . . . before this weekend I was struggling with my walk with the Lord. For weeks now I’ve been off and on with God questioning why I haven’t been happy and why my friends don’t accept God as their lord and savior. I’ve reached out to them so many times and every time it’s a different excuse why they don’t want to come to church or why the Lord isn’t real. And I know I need to keep reaching out to them but I also need to separate myself from their life and try to bring them into mine. Because if I don’t, I will just be pulled down into the traps the enemy has set up for me. I did just what you said “I’m strong enough”, “I can handle it” and I fell every time. Time after time and you reaching out to me and the others has really helped me to understand I need to give God more time and need to give up those relationships that are hold me back from what God wants for me. You are awesome and the best speaker I’ve ever heard. . " ~Bethany, NJ
"The box message and the fire in your house message just set me free from all past problems. I thank God everyday for what he has done in my life. Every time I pray I ask God what is one thing that I lack and he tells me and I give it all to him. I drag around with me afterward or hold on to it by the tail end." ~Kelsey
"I just wanted to thank you for being a wonderful pastor at Jr. High Camp in Penn-del this past week! I loved how you made me look at God's Word in a different way, and how your messages helped me come to a deeper relationship with Him. Not only was I filled to overflowing by the Holy Spirit, but I realized my call from God to be a missionary. Thanks so much...it made my week worthwhile. God Bless you in all your ministry." ~Abby
"All week long you were a blessing to all of us at camp. A lot of the things you said were practically knocking me out of my chair and you were funny, too! You don't know how much you've meant to me and all the rest of us. Thank you SO much for coming to NNED camp this year. I got filled with the Holy Spirit for the first time this week... that was pretty crazy. Again, thanks for everything you did, even when you weren't asked." ~Nikole
"I have to first start off by telling you how powerful your message was it moved my husband which is something that has been in prayer for sometime by many friends in Christ and deacons.....You are a awesome evangelist and such a blessing to whoever has the pleasure to hear you..." ~Monica W. NY
"First off I would like to say, thank you. you were the best speaker I have ever heard. you were definitely put on earth to deliver God's message. I loved the messages you gave and the funny stories you had. on Saturday night when you did the three boxes: future, time, and relationships, I found out what it was God wants me to do. I am a sophomore at A.G. high school and a lot of my friends have their lives or at least an idea planned out, but I didn't. I have been told my whole life that I can do whatever I want. but I never knew what that was. I was scared, i m going to graduate in only two years and everywhere I look I see people that know what they want to do or I see teachers that talk to us about what we want to do, but I never thought about what God wants me to do and on Saturday when you did the box thing, I knew what I was supposed to do with my life. God came to me and said " hey you see that guy, mr. Cruz,....yea....your gonna do that." I got the calling to be an evangelist and I know that's what I m supposed to do with my life. I came up on stage when you asked for everyone that got a calling of ministry. thanks to you I realized that's what I m meant to do right at and I am only 15 ...thanks for everything..." ~ Alex, PA
"Thank you for coming to our little church tonight! My Husband of almost 12 years finally gave his life to God. I believe he has tried before, but like you talked about, he was never able to completely let go. May God continue to bless you, and others through you. ~Shari, PA
"I was at (church) a few weeks ago when you preached a weekend revival. - Needless to say that revival is still going on, at least in MY heart and soul! I cannot thank you enough for surrendering to what the Lord laid on your heart to preach that weekend. As I mentioned to you, I back-slid a few years ago and have recently given my life back to the Lord, and every day continue to draw closer to God. 12 years ago when I first accepted Christ I knew I was called into a very special ministry for God, so I am in constant prayer and working towards discovering what God has in store for me! It amazes me how Christ can wash away the past and really make us brand new in Him, if we accept what He has in store for us. When I step back and look at the times the Lord has spared my life over the years, I know there's a reason why I am alive, and will continue to give him all the Glory, Honor, and Praise! ~Arnie, MD
"I just wanted to thank you for everything that you have done! Since this past weekend and a half, I have been able to step out of my comfort zone and reach people. When we all got in that circle and prayed, I would have never been able to do it unless you would have taught what you taught. to fuse with God. Being one. I thank you God that he has inspired you to be able to do that. Since Winter Weekend and this past camp, I am ready to face this world for Christ. Since you have left, I have had so many opportunities to witness to people about death and then just to give advice. I hope that God blesses you richly." ~Rachel F., PA
I just wanted to say thanks for being the speaker at our youth camp this summer. when you came you didn't know you would be preaching two messages a day. your dust walkers message on the last night really hit home with me. it topped off everything else I had already heard. i finally came to the altar and I'm so glad I did. i can't wait to see your baby in that pirates outfit! Thank you for preaching God's "WORD." ~Jess, PA
"I just have to say that God is good, and He's way I will never comprehend. I thank Him for your service and for your heart and your family's dedication. Thanks for being with The Hudson Valley Section this past weekend. You truly delivered God's word and spoke to my heart. It was an awesome retreat and I'm praying that no one will forget what happened Oct 6-Oct 8...the weekend we learned about yielding our selves. The first time I heard you speak was about two years ago. You came to Poughkeepsie and you talked about "avoiding the traps". Your energy and your passion just allowed for the presence of God to be in that place that night. And God spoke to my heart. I know that I'm called and ever since then I've just been changed. My life is all about Him. And in everything I do I pray that it acknowledges Him. ...HE IS SO GOOD! And I Know that He has great things planned for my life. I feel that I owe it to you to tell you this because is was through you that I saw how the power of God can work though one, if we let Him... Your wife, son and your ministry are in my prayers... I pray that He will continue to strengthen you and empower you. I pray that your faith will just continue to keep you going, and that God will just continue to provide for you! I pray that His word will just minister to you and through YOU!" ~Rachel B., NY
I was at the youth retreat "Yield-`06". I talked to you a little bit about my problems. When i was there i felt like you were preaching to me about everything that is going on in my life. I yielded my heart and life to God. When I came home from the retreat i was changed and i didn't want to stop praising the Lord. Then when i went back to school i saw the way my own friends tried to get me down and away from the Lord. I told my friends that i changed and that i had God more in my life...They saw the DVD that i bought from you "CUFFED" and they loved it we watched it like 4 times already in like 2 days. I am going to be praying for you and you wife and also your baby boy! Thank You so much for leaving an impact of my life, showing me the truth, and opening my eyes! Thank you so much!" ~Sandy Q, NY