.. The Royal Bridegroom .

The following is written in honor of our Lady's last public message in Conyers and our Lord's command to give witness. I, a wretched sinner saved by grace may never understand why the following events happened to me. I did not need them in order to have faith or love for Jesus. I have always been in love with Him. I live by faith not by sight, but the following sights and experiences have taken me to a higher level in my relationship with the Triune God and our Loving Mother. Plus, it's given me the privilege to encourage others to go futher in their relationship. I'm truly grateful to our Lord and Lady for this.

I continue to be in awe to the fact that before 1996 the Catholic faith was foreign to me. I am Catholic now and who enlightened me about the Catholic faith? It was Jesus and Mary themselves and not even the gates of hell can touch that! Part of this enlightenment took place at a small country site in Conyers, GA. called the "Farm".

The first time I really heard about this place called Conyers and a lady named Nancy Fowler was during a meal with the sisters at Holy Trinity not far from my home town. It was my last day at the retreat center and since I was the only one there the sisters invited me to eat with them. It had been a week of Divine encounters and healing for me during this week of May 1996. Our Lord Jesus spoke to this "Southern Baptist" about Mary and many other things during the week. It was a week that our Lord Himself had arranged. It was here during this meal with the sisters that they talked about their own curiosity about what was going on at this place called Conyers. The conversation quickly ended, but the Holy Spirit implanted the name Conyers in my memory bank.

September 1996 and I was asking our Lord Jesus if I could go back to work. I had been on a leave of absence from school since March 1996 as a result of our Lord's instructions. I recall sitting on the front porch with a friend telling her how I've almost completed everything our Lord had instructed me to do except for this place called Conyers. She looked at me with curiosity. I explained how all summer while working on the cross, the painting, the messages, and the billboards there had been a seed growing inside of me about going to this place. She then recalled a book someone gave her about Conyers. It was called 'Wake Up America, by Marie Hancock. She never read it and thought she still had it. She gave it to me.

I recall as if it was yesterday how my heartbeat increased as I held the book. I literally could not open the book due to the picture on the cover. It was of our Lady of Fatima. I just held the book and cried, for I sensed that all my questions would soon be answered. The next night I was able to open the book and began reading. I finished reading the book in a day or so. I recall just before getting to the last page making this statement. Oh! How I wish I could talk to Nancy for here was someone who could understand what I've been going through. I felt a sense of hope for I was not alone. What was happening to me has happened to others, yet I was not Catholic. Then as I turned to the last page I saw a phone number. My breathing increased and I thought about calling. Satan was really struggling to keep me from making that call. Finally I called. I listened to the messges the first time, then I called again and left a message something like this: "Hello, my name is Katie Burchfield. I'm a Baptist who is having a lot of experiences that I don't understand. Could I please talk with someone about what's happening to me?" The experiences were in conflict with my dennomination. Yet, I knew God had literally touched me. I left my phone number hoping someone would call me back. I believe it was a day or so later and a man returned my call. I explained to him a little of what was happening to me. He said it sounded like locutions. I asked him what did that mean. He gave me a brief definition, then asked me if I was coming up? I said I didn't know.

I mentioned to my husband about the book and the phone call. I said I felt led to go to this place. He was very veryyyy concern. I recall him stating his fear about me being kidnapped. That it may be a cult at this place. I continued to pray for directions. Then one day while walking into my bathroom I went to my knees. I felt our Lord's presence. Jesus touched my right shoulder and said, "GO". That did it for me. I recalled looking at the calendar around the first part of September to see when I should go to this place. I had no idea why Jesus wanted me to go, but I wanted to complete everything He had instructed me to do. I also had to fulfill my husband's wish which was to get back to work for I'm a school teacher. I asked Jesus if October 13th. would be O.K. This would help me for the fourteenth was a planning day at school. It would give me a day to prepare before meeting the students. Our Lord was O.K. with it. But I had to appease my husband so I told him I would go up the Wednesday before the thirteenth.

Then around the beginning of October 1996 the Holy Spirit woke me up during the night and led me to the greatroom. The painting of Christ as the Royal Bridegroom was in the corner. My eyes caught how bright it looked in the dark. I then sat in my little rocking chair and waited. I thought to hear Jesus speak for this has been the normal routine since January 1996. Then our Lord Jesus appeared in front of me. I was not afraid for His Holy presence was already with me. He just decided to open my eyes to see Him visually. I felt such awe and was slightly startled because I was taught such things just did not happen. Yet, I do know Jesus. Jesus, who is my Lord, Saviour, King, Friend, Lover of my soul, and Royal Bridegroom. Jesus looked at me and said as He extended His Right Hand, "I have a gift for you". Then His Mother, Mary appeared. I then felt frighten, for I did not understand what was going on. I did not know Her. I began to weep as I witnessed such a Heavenly event. I was awe strucked as I experienced such Love. My eyes turned back to Jesus, hoping He would look at me again and explain, but He didn't. Jesus Kept His eyes on His Mother and Her eyes were in union with His...Son to Mother... and Mother to Son! I witnessed and felt perfect Harmony. Then She turned and looked at me. I wept! The love that I was experiencing from Her was totally new to me. It was Divine Nurturing! Then She held me and Loved me! And I....I felt completely whole!

The Wednesday I drove up to Conyers was very beautiful... very Holy. The presence of the Triune God was with me all the way. The joys I experienced were beyond description. The power of the Triune God increased as I got closer to this place. I recall how strong His presence was as I drove down the dirt road to the apparition site. I parked my car and sat for a moment in gratitude to our Lord Then I opened the door. A gust of wind blew across and through me and I began to weep. I slowly got out and the power of our Father was strong. I closed the door and immediately fell to my knees and wept. I than received confirmations for many things. I heard, "You are not crazy. You are not alone. Everything that has happened to you has been real." I was on my knees by my car for about thirty minutes or more. My shoes came off my feet and I heard with great authority "Holy Ground!" This sound of authority caused me to feel like a grain of sand among such an ocean of Holiness, Power, and Love. My body and soul was liquefied until I was strengthen by the touch of angels.

This strength enabled me to finally go searching for the man that called me. I had no idea what he looked like but I had a name. We finally met and he led me to what he called the apparition room. I recall as he opened the door feeling very weak. He asked if I was OK. I just nodded and went straight to my knees for I was in the presence of such Power, such Holiness. He left me there with our Lord. It was here that the Holy Spirit gave me a picture of a lady and the knowledge to travel to it's original site. I found out later that it was our Lady of Guadalupe. I was in Guadalupe that summer on June 24th. The rest of the afternoon was spent walking and feelling Divine Love. I knew I was walking on Holy Ground. I did not know why our Lord wanted me there. But, there I was and there I would be on October 13th. Later I was introduced to a very sweet lady who invited me to stay with her and her daughter for the thirteenth.

I spent the afternoon with her and her daughter. Who are now special friends and sisters in Christ. I shared with them about the image. We agreed that I would stay with them Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It was agreed for me to bring the image and give my testimony in their home. I drove home that night experiencing Heavenly joy.

The week of October 13, 1996 was very trying. Satan did everything he could to keep me from going to Conyers; to things happening to family members; to having cars drive to close for comfort, but all in all I felt the Hand of God. Then my mother-in-law, who was dying with cancer turned for the worst. My husband left to be with his mother. I didn't say anything about my trip to Conyers. I didn't know how but I knew God's Will will be done. I called my friend in Conyers to tell her what was happening. I didn't know what was going to happen but for her and others to pray. Saturday morning came and my husband was still with his mother. I was in the shower when our Lord spoke to me. I heard, "the Holy Spirit will descend on the people." I stepped out of the shower feeling the presence of such incredible Holiness that I went to my knees and trembled. This always happens when the Father speaks to me with Jesus. Our Heavenly Father said, "Pentecost". I called my friend and gave her the message. She asked if I was still coming. I said I didn't know for earlier that morning my husband said his mother was sitll in a lot of pain. I asked her to pray for my husband's mother and not to forget our Lord's message. Then a few hours later my husband calls me to tell me that he was on his way home for his mother was doing much better. I didn't say a word about my trip. I was kind of surprised to hear that he was coming home. I stated, "Are you sure you want to come home?" He said yes, so that I could go to Conyers. I was amazed with his reply. A man who was concern about what was happeninng to me, concern about me being kidnapped was coming home so I could go to Conyers. Our Lord really wanted me there. I said I would be ready by the time he got home.

I arrived at my friend's house that evening. I was surprised to see so many people. Here I was a Southern Baptist amongst Catholics. What group did I share the image and it's message with first? Catholics! Sunday morning we walked to the farm. I was instructed by the Holy Spirit not to have anything to drink or eat until later that day. We came out from the trail and my heart burst into joy. I was pleasantly surprised to see so many buses and people. Our Lord allowed me to feel His joy. I stated to another friend how happy our Lord was for these people were here for His name sake. Then we came to the apparition site and I took my shoes off. I noticed others followed suit. My friend realized that I needed to be alone. She pointed out where our spot was. It was by the red barn under a blue canopy.

I walked very slowly feeling even the earth under me rejoicing for our Lord's sake. The moments Jesus allowed me to share with Him as I walked with Him among the people were treasures that are stored in the treasure chest of my heart. Then He and I burst out laughing at the scene of the portable bathrooms. Our Lord has a tremendous sense of humor.

Then I made my way to the blue canopy. I stood just outside of the canopy and went to my knees. I suddenly became aware of my nothingness and unworthiness. What I just experienced and have experienced with our Lord is something I did not and do not deserve. It was at this moment that I recall kissing the ground and stating, "Lord, I don't deserve this . I should be under this ground." Then I heard our Lord speak. He said, "Hold on My child." I did not understand what He was talking about. But, I felt the Holy Spirit filling me with His presence. The next thing I knew was that my body was being raised up and my head, eyes, and hands went towards the sun. I heard our Lord again, "Hold on My child." I recall saying in my mind, "How is this possible? I've taught that this would damage ones eyes." Then I heard more at a distant our Lord say, "Hold on My child. " My heart replied, "Yes, Lord." Then it was as though the sun had been replaced with something else. It then started to fluctuate and color circles formed around it. Then I saw what looked like an opening and I saw Mother Mary come from this opening. She was all golden. She moved to the right of the sun and changed into a white veil and blue mantle. She then descended to the apparition house. I went to my knees for I felt drained. I heard what was called the rosary being said. I heard it in different languages. I saw colors and images for each language. This happened everytime I heard each particular language. There was one language that caused me great pain and distress, for I saw a vision of our Heavenly Mother during the time this language was spoken. She was shinning white in the middle of this darkness (Dark Brown comes back to my mind). This darkness started coming in around our Mother. I started to feel extreme pain. I started crying. It was terrible, but then She got brighter and brighter. The darkness was gone. Then the vision ended. I was drained until I heard the Ave Maria. I was able to sing it even though I didn't really know it. All I know is that I was being strengthen and I would stand again. The second time the Head of Christ come out and went to the right of the sun. The Head of Christ did not go down to the house. Then a cross came out and it was the cross that went down to the house. I went down to my knees and the speakers announced His presence. The third time I went up I saw a gigantic crystal like transparent Dove with crystal like rays descending on the people. I was awe struck and I recall what was told to me in the shower the day before from our Lord. I went to my knees and heard over the speaker the presence of the Holy Spirit being announced.

The final moments I will never forget. It is a part of me and no one or thing can take it away. I stood for the final time and no words deserves to be used to describe it. But for the glory of our Lord and God I will Try. I no longer saw the Dove. I saw a doorway with many images looking through it. Then I saw the "Glory of God". I recall the tears streaming down my cheeks, the increase of my heartbeat, the home sickness of my soul, and the straining of my body trying to reach Home. My Father....My God and Creator! I wanted to go Home. I stated as I kept stretching upward with arms, heart, and soul, "Oh God! Please! I want to go Home!" Then our Lord said a gentle and loving "no". I saw the cross leave the roof of the house and then Mary as my body collapsed to the ground. But it was as though my heart and soul was still in the air. I was then aware of voices all around me and the touch of an angel. Someone said not to move. Someone else said get her some water and food. Slowly energy swept throughout my body. I tried to get up. A paramedic asked me not to move, who later told me she could hardly get a pulse from me. I recall smiling at her for where I had been that made perfect sense to me.

I got to a chair and was handed some water and a sandwich. People were curious and started asking questions. I shared everything that I could. They especially wanted to know about a particular moment. When I was on my tiptoes with arms stretched towards the sky and tears covered my face. They then wanted me to eat. I said I would after I heard what Nancy had to say. While Nancy spoke I hear people say how I experienced similar things as Nancy did. Later I tried to go up to Nancy Fowler. I wanted so much to sit down with her and share as sisters in Christ. But, it was not our Lord's will. Not yet! I do try to stay within His timing.

Rest of the week was a time for pondering. I spoke to my Minister of Education about what I experienced. She said I was not crazy but to do what Mary did. That is to ponder those experiences in my heart.

A year later in 1997 Nancy Fowler shared with the people a vision she had. It was Mary holding the hand of a Baptist lady. Our Mother held this Baptist lady's hand while crossing a busy road in a large city. Our Mother stayed with this Baptist lady until she got her safely to the other side. Then the Father reached His Hands out and took the child. My name was mentioned at the end of this vision. See October 1997 Conyers newsletter. The encouragement and security I've received from this message is beyond description. I was invited to meet Nancy afterwards. I'll never forget what she said and how she looked when she saw me. She said, while pointing her gentle finger at me, "You're that Baptist lady!?" I was speechless! Speechless because our Lord and Lady was \ is at work in this little town call Conyers and powerfully at this simple \ humble "Farm". 

Our Lady came. She was radiant and wearing white as Our Loving Mother. I will go over the message again with you:

"In the love and peace of my Son, I come to be with you.

"On this anniversary I have come to speak to you about the love of God. Please know that you are loved by God. Please live your life in full belief of this.

"Eighty years ago I came with requests from Heaven seeking penance and reparation. I come today with the same requests.

"Please, little children, amend your lives. Ask God's forgiveness and offer sacrifices daily.

"Please, children, you must not offend God any longer. I come with a serious warning. A great war will come upon this world, greater than man has ever known.

"Pray, children, pray. Amend your ways. Please. I invite you to pray the Rosary for peace."

With an ever so gentle smile, She said, "Please know that you are loved."

And then we made the Sign of the Cross and She blessed us.

There were many other visions that were happening at the same time Our Lady was appearing.

There were many saints that continued to be manifest again today while Our Lady was appearing. There were angels that were kneeling. One in particular, in front of Our Lady. The light was very, very bright. I find words so inadequate to describe this very special experience.

Many different images were appearing behind Our Lady, to the right, to the left, above. I couldn't understand all of them. In fact most of them I could not. One image was very clear. I don't know how else to say it other than it was an embryo. A human embryo appeared behind her to the right. I understood at that moment from Our Lady that I was to tell Her children that the embryo is a human life. She said,

"It is a little child. When you willfully take the life of an embryo you willfully take the life of a human being."

I would like to describe to you that the wall that's white behind Our Lady then turned red. Solid red.

Our Lady gave me some personal messages but I can share one part with you and that is that I need to pray more. For the crosses I carry in my life I need to go to God again with the crosses and ask for His help.

Several times Our Lady addressed faith and also crisis of faith. Crisis of faith in the Church; crisis of faith in the world. Again that is the first message Our Lady gave here, "There is too little faith here. I am very sad." Our Lady is calling us again to walk by faith.

There were some other images that were happening at the same time. I think there is some symbolism here. The light would become very bright at times and then would grow dim. This kept happening repeatedly over and over again. I could hear you collectively praying in unison and the light would seem to explode and just get brighter. When the voices seemed to get lower and not heard as well the light seemed to be dimmer.

My dear sisters and brothers in Christ, I understand that we must come whole heartedly before God. Give Him our hearts in prayer. Believe and walk in faith.

There were a couple of visions that were given that don't have a full explanation. I only mention them that you may pray about these matters:

A large ship, like a cruise ship or some kind of ship appeared to be sinking. There seemed to be a large explosion, some kind of dark substance in the air over the water - at the waters edge. There was a mountain with a building - don't know what the building is but the ground below the building on the mountain was cracking like it was splitting apart.

There are many other images but it is a matter of bringing them to prayer.

My dear sisters and brothers in Christ, if you can walk away with something today I pray it is a renewed faith and belief that God is alive. A priest who visited my home this week was sharing with me the unfortunate thinking that sometimes and terribly so is the prevalent idea that God is dead. The priest said to me, "I didn't know that God was even sick!"

I'm here to tell you as a witness to Christ that God is alive and well. A God who is ever present to us everywhere. (Applause and cheering from crowd)

On October 12th, during my prayer time in which I again witness to the living light of Christ the light comes upon the Crucifix wherever I'm praying. I'd like to share the interior words that I received:

"My children need to know that I love them. If they believe this would they be living the way they do? I asked them to give up their lives of sin and return to Me through the way of the Cross. Accept the crosses I send to you in total submission. My children, will you not love me in return. Tell them of My tenderness and love for them." At that moment in my prayer mystically I am seeing lights of tears fall upon Christ's shoulder on the Crucifix.

"Every soul is unique and created in my image and likeness. Know that you are part of Me. I am perfect total love. I can only love. Love upon love forever. I can do nothing apart from love. I am love. Bring My light to them. Tell them of My light."

My dear sisters and brothers, yesterday at Mass again I was blessed to be a witness of a living Christ, the living true Light; the living presence of God among us. It was the consecrated Bread and the consecrated Wine that was bursting in great light. I was only a few feet from this. My sisters and brothers this Light is so bright. The tears just automatically come from my eyes due to the intensity of the Light. I don't believe anyone at the Mass was even aware of my personal experience. A moment later the people prayed this prayer. Please listen to the words because the immense light was unknown to them. The words are these:

"We have seen the true Light. We have received the Heavenly Spirit. We have found the true Faith. We adore the undivided Trinity as it has saved us."

I can add nothing to those words except how blessed we are.

One final experience I'll share with you today. When a friend called he was telling me about this Baptist woman who didn't know why Mary was appearing. My friend was explaining to her this message: "Please take my Mother by the hand and she will lead you to Me."

And at that moment in my home I was given a vision. I could see this woman walking across the street. She had a child of toddler age and was holding this child by the hand. The street looked like a very busy street in some large city. The mother and child crossed the street. When the mother and child reached the other side the mother continued to hold the hand of the child on the sidewalk. When the child was a few feet in front of the father's outstretched arms, the mother then released the child's hand and the young child ran into the arms of the father.

I understood interiorly that the Blessed Mother takes our hand and why She says, "Let me lead you to my Son." If we take Our Lady's hands then she will take you to the Father through the busy roads of life until we are safely in the Fathers arms.

I continued my prayer time. It was as if the Lord was causing me to understand about His living word. We believe in the Living Word of God in the Bible. We believe that God is alive and that He is everywhere. When He speaks to our hearts we should know that His Living Word is alive in our hearts and no less alive than in the Bible. If we believe God is alive and He is everywhere, we should know through the Holy Spirit when He speaks to our hearts that His Word is alive. One God for all times, for all people and for all mankind. The Holy Spirit brings the Living Word alive in our Hearts. The Holy Spirit renews the Church and again brings the Living Word of God alive. The Holy Spirit renews us in love. I pray today that you are renewed in love, that you are renewed in Faith and that you will walk each step carrying your cross in union with God.

I understand from Our Lady today that next year will be the last of Her public messages. Privately my life will continue but Her public messages will come to an end. Again Our Lady is calling all of us to walk by faith. This is what She came to America for. This is what She has helped us to do. Like the child ready to go to the Father Our Lady steps aside and lets us walk by faith.

God bless all of you.