School of Encounters

Ben Armstrong is the Overseer of Prophetic Ministry at Bethel Church, Redding, where he and his wife, Heather Armstrong, both serve as pastors. Through teaching and preaching, Ben equips people with the skills and tools they need to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth. He has a passion to see individuals fully equipped in living a prophetic lifestyle, as well as walking in the revelatory gifts. Ben has a passion for the pursuit of God’s presence, seeing worship reach new heavenly realms, dreams and interpretation, healing, and living a prophetic lifestyle. They have three amazing children; Conner, Kira, and Madison. Ben, Heather, and their children are passionate about living the kingdom and bringing the supernatural in their family life and equipping others to do the same.

Wendy Backlund is a revelatory author and speaker with a passion for setting people free from their past. She equips people to walk into the fullness of their true identity in Christ and empowers them to see from a supernatural perspective. Wendy loves to lead the Body of Christ into life-changing encounters with God. She has authored numerous books including Victorious Emotions and Living From The Unseen.

Educated in New York City, NY, with a degree in Communication Design, Francesco Sideli is passionate about innovation through prophecy and creativity. He loves teaching, activating, and storytelling, while demonstrating the reality of Jesus. Francesco also enjoys creating in the kitchen and together with his wife Susanna and their 4 incredible sons, and they love sharing food with friends and family around the table.