Our Path of Paranormal Investigation

I can't tell you how many books, articles, magazines, encyclopedias, and online websites that I have studied over the years regarding the after-life, paranormal investigations, and theology.  Nor can I easily list the number of courses I have completed that have direct and indirect impact on my knowledge and approach to this field.  They are numerous.  Sometimes, especially in the realm of occult books and sites, the information is just plain wrong, dangerous, or the author is naive and/or deceived.  However, in the course of looking back at some of the more helpful, I was recently drawn back to something that Richard Southall said in his book, How to be a Ghost Hunter.  I include it here: 

No two organizations are alike when it comes to investigating a haunting.  One ghost-hunting or paranormal group may stay very close to the scientific method, only taking into consideration tangible, measurable evidence.  Another group may be more metaphysical in nature, relying on intuition, psychic gifts, and forms of divination to learn about a house or haunting.  I have found it beneficial to be involved in a group that is a combination of the scientific and metaphysical.  An investigative group that is entirely scientific in nature may miss many subtle but important clues, such as impressions and feelings.  A sense of sorrow or dread, or other psychic impressions left in a particular room, cannot be measured on scientific instruments, but can be picked up by ESP.  However, if the group solely relies on the metaphysical, it risks the possibility of transforming intuition into imagination.  Natural phenomena such as creaks and drafts can be (mis)interpreted as information picked up "psychically" from a spirit or ghost.  With a combination of the two types of investigative styles - scientific and metaphysical -readings and intuition tend to validate each other, and can make a difference in determining whether a real haunting is taking place.

I agree with this "combination" approach completely, and it is exactly the approach that the Natchez Area Paranormal Society uses.  I also want to emphasize that it is NOT

1/2 science + 1/2 metaphysical = A full approach to paranormal investigation. 

Rather, we say it is a full 1 + 1 equals a fuller and more complete understanding of a case. A robust and aggressive scientific approach with full research method, healthy skepticism, great training on the equipment, and equipment that is as state of the art as we can make it; PLUS, a metaphysical approach that is full, with sophisticated, learned, deep theological concepts in place, as well as psychic understanding from a Christian perspective (utilizing the spiritual gift of discernment of spirits as well as development as a paranormal sensitive) and trusting/growing our intuitive and sensory gifts as humans. Also, and certainly not to be underestimated, is a relationship with Christ that sources all of those gifts and energies and supplies us and empowers us to be able to contact, discern, and protect. Truth and clarity are powerful tools in this field, and they aren't all EMF Meters and audio recorders!

Both of those areas - the science and the metaphysical - are something that we break down into compartments and study each part passionately and try our best to develop skills in. We think an over-emphasis, or worse yet, a sole interest in either one at the expense of the other leads to a paralyzing blindness that frankly, we see too often. That's frankly, our opinion.  Being balanced in this "Combination" attitude (as Southall puts it) is the only way that we see that can lead to a full understanding of a case, and answer not only the "what" of a case" but the "why" as well. What is the true value of capturing some phenomenon on a camera or an audio recorder? It's like a dog chasing a car, what are you going to do now that you caught it? Only a balanced, combination approach to paranormal investigating can answer that. The value lies in now that you know what it is, you can deal with the why to help your client.  An investigator who limits himself  to only using "science" in his approach and who runs from the "religious, metaphysical, or psychic" aspects, is cutting himself and his client short - way short.  (I did not say use occultic practices!)  We can only say of such paranormal investigation efforts what Demonologist Ed Warren used to say of them:    they are fishing without a hook!

It is truly amazing what combining, for example, thorough Historical Research & well conducted Interviews, and solid Scientific Field Investigations with what concious and confident Intuition and Discernment Gifts can provide. We've seen some truly amazing things emerge in several of our cases, that would not have otherwise if we had not used both domains. This is an example of how Science and Sensory (feeling/belief) can work together to give an investigator a lot of information and a much clearer path of discovery. 

N.A.P.S. Team News

Great Christmas party last night! 

I think we all had a great time!  Thanks to everyone for coming and participating.  The exciting news is we now have THREE more applicants to become Paranormal Investigators with us!  Hold on to your seats, gang - I think we're about to take off.  2011 is going to be an amazing year, I can tell already.  I'm also excited about the internal NAPS Certified P.I. Basic Course that we have kicked off.  I challenge all of us to follow through and get all of those extensive skills, tasks and resource books checked off one by one!  That's an excellent system of training, knowledge and skill building.  It begins with Troy Taylor's Guidebook, which all of you should own a copy of and study carefully.


The Tech and Gear Meeting that Michael DeLorenze, Kim and I had Tuesday afternoon went very well, and we discussed concrete plans for our Evidence Website, which we are planning and building.  We discussed evidence review and CD packets to clients, as well as equipment needs.  We also had historical research leader Chris Jackson there, and we discussed the planned historical site as well, which actually will probably be the next site we have that goes public. We are currently building content for that site, which is already built and is parked off-line awaiting enough content to launch.


A.G.S.:  I've been back and forth on email with Troy Taylor today (Wednesday), about our reporting process and letting him know what is going on.  I sent him a copy of Kimberly's amazing apparition photo at the Myrtles.  I also let him know about the case in Louisiana, as well as our three major investigations recently.


PR Director?
One of our major goals for next year is to create a Public Relations & Marketing Department for NAPS.  We have laid out many, many goals and things to accomplish next year in that regard.  Some of those goals are major, others are minor, but there are about 30 of them.  We may have found our Director for that Department!  This person is considering taking it on, and I can tell you he/she would be great for it.  Keep your fingers crossed, we may be making an announcement on this soon.


Public Service:
We will be tackling a public service project very soon - the cleanup, archiving and documenting of the private cemetery at Meadvilla.  Stay tuned for details on that as well.


Remember your NAPS eight must have characteristics by the acronym reminder, Do Spirits Hate Photo Cameras on Paranormal Team Hunts?  The first letters of those words (except "on") stand for the first letter of one of our must-have traits.  It's just a fun way to remember, and be aware of these things that are so important to us in our approach to paranormal investigation.


Deep Faith
Spiritual Warfare know-how
Honesty
Professionalism
Composure
Patience
Technical Know-how
Healthy Skepticism

Happy Holidays!

N.A.P.S.'s 2010 Christmas Party Tuesday Night!

Tuesday evening we will be gathering together at 7:00pm at the Comfort Inn Suites on the Riverfront in Vidalia for our annual Christmas Party!  All Team Members are invited to attend, as we will be hosting some very special guests - our Prayer Cover Team Members and our N.A.P.S. Consultants.  We look forward to a fun evening of sharing and celebrating a fantastic year, as well as recognizing their contributions and support of the Natchez Area Paranormal Society.  We will be sharing "war stories" and experiences with one another, and enjoying great food and atmosphere.  Of course, we also will be thanking the Eternal Father for His blessings and celebrating the birth of Christ Jesus - the real reason for the season.  

Upcoming Team Dates & Times

Tuesday 12/14 at 1:00pm - Tech & Gear Meeting
Michael DeLorenze, Mike Chapman and anyone else interested will be discussing our Team's Tech equipment, plans and goals.


Tuesday 12/14 at 7:00pm - Christmas Party
All PI's, Members, Consultants and Prayer Cover Team Members will be celebrating Christmas at the Comfort Inn Suites on the Vidalia Riverfront, right on the banks of the mighty Mississippi.


Friday 12/17 at 11:00am - Mike confers w/Clergy on Demonology Case
Please continue to be in prayer about this case, as some very interesting developments (and positive movement) are occurring.  Thank you for praying.


Friday 12/17 at 6:30pm - S.O.R. Unit Meeting
The Demonology Unit will be meeting at Mike's house.  We will be continuing to train, plan and develop this Unit for the coming year's activities and building upon this year's successes. 

Break for Christmas & New Year's
  (Some of us will go on outings and informals!)

Friday 1/14 at 7:00pm - Team Meeting
First Team Meeting of 2011 - break's over!  Meet at Civil Defense Offices downtown.

The Myrtles Apparition Photo - Enhanced Close-Up

Enhanced close-up of our remarkable photo from The Myrtles, which we are dubbing as "The Natchez Team Photo."

This photograph was taken by N..A.P.S. Paranormal Investigator Kimberly DeLorenze with a full spectrum camera. General consensus within the Team is that there is an adult male to the far left with knee-high boots on reaching out (arms extended) toward the child, which is the middle apparition. They appear to be facing one another, and the child appears to be female and has her head slightly lowered and arms folded in front of her, walking slowly toward the adult male. The figure on the far right seems to be walking away to the right, and is not fully materialized. Some say the figure on the far right is a female in a dark full-length skirt, others are not so sure.

Reminder: Dowsing at Kings Tavern Saturday

Excellent Team Meeting!
Thanks PI's for working hard and getting things done.  It was impressive to see so many computers scattered everywhere and investigators staring at monitor screens in the glow of LCD light.  I think we stressed out SugarSync.  The surprise quiz/exam caught ya'll off guard I know - but ya'll did well, and it was fun wasn't it?!  Now ya'll know what a hellmouth is.  Our goals are set for 2011 and it's going to be an exciting year!  Cheryl we missed you - we'll get you caught up.

One Amazing Apparition Photo (above):
The full-spectrum photo from the grounds at The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, LA, showing what clearly appears to be three human figures that were not there when the photo was taken is amazing.  We need to go down to The Myrtles to take comparison photos to see if we can recreate it; but after careful study, several of us think it is clearly a little girl and two adults - possibly soldiers due to the way they are dressed.  I'm always amazed, that no matter how good the evidence is, it can always be doubted or believed.  I'll be writing very soon about this inescapable fact-of-life feature that simply will always be a fixed feature of paranormal investigating - The Law of Evidence Bi-Option. 

N.A.P.S. Ladies: 
Don't forget that Don Estes will be dowsing for remains at 3:15pm at King's Tavern.  It's your chance to see Don in action. 

S.O.R. Unit:
Michael DeLorenze and Chris Jackson performed a private house cleansing and blessing Friday night for a married couple having some problems.  They will be issuing a report that will be posted on Sugarsync for you to read.  The case number is NP1012.

Historic Research Archives Website:
This third site of six has now been created.  It is offline at present as content is being added.  Once five to six articles are up with sources listed we will go active with the site.  The site title and header paragraph say this about it's purpose:

                       N.A.P.S. - Historical Research Archives, Library & Reading Room

Natchez Area Paranormal Society: This is the official site for our archives and storage of historical research reports, articles, photographs and other interesting items we create and uncover during our investigations.    The Natchez Area Paranormal Society is a Member of the Historic Natchez Foundation and the Natchez Historical Society, of Natchez, Mississippi.  This site is a satellite site of N.A.P.S.  Please visit our main site for information about us.

2011 Goals Outlined

NAPS Members:

In tonight's team meeting, Kim and I will be passing out goals that we would like to see us work toward during this next year.  In fact, the goals you will see actually are a three-year vision.  We have extensive training on goal setting, and agree with the concept that goals work best when you have a long-range vision in mind, and then work backwards by taking those goals and breaking them down into shorter segments of time.  Hence, the goals you will see listed are three year goals, but we have highlighted the ones we'd like to see NAPS accomplish next year - our goals for 2011 - as we work toward getting them all done.  That's half the fun of setting long-range goals, not only do you have a better and clearer destination, you can try to get there quicker! 

They are our ideas as Co-Founders, but we will use them tonight as a starting point for discussion.  We can add to, modify, cut or tweak them.  Mike will have a white board and markers ready (you know him and his white board crutch)! The main point is to decide together what we want to accomplish both individually as PI's (Paranormal Investigators) and as a TEAM!  One of the many things we love and enjoy most about TEAM N.A.P.S. is your drive, your passion and your "dreaming big dreams;" and yet working to make those outrageous dreams happen.  NAPS as a team is simply individuals coming together to accomplish shared goals.  The stronger and more effective you make yourself, the stronger we are as a Team.

There are 12 Categories in this (Initial) Set of 3-Year Goals.  We have listed these categories below (remember these are 3 year goals).  We have extensive details typed up on each of these, which we will give you tonight.  Let's set them, get focused and then get to work!

1.   Equipment & Software (expanding our inventory significantly)  
2.   Expand the Number of Trained Investigators by 6 (Director of Recruiting)
3.   Improve the Legal Structure of the Team (By-Laws & Reporting - routine)
4.   Expand & Form 3 Units within NAPS:
             E.R.A. Unit (Evidence Review & Analysis)
             S.O.R. Unit (Demonology Unit) [expand & meet separately for training]
             P.R.M. Department (Public Relations & Marketing)
5.   Over-Night Trips, Regional & National Conventions (fun, cross-pollinate, & learn)
6.   Website(s) Build Out (goal is 5 sites around central "hub" site)
7.   Fund-Raising through 5 means
8.   Public Service Projects
9.   Education (power point presentations & public seminars/speaking engagements)
10. Training & Development (both ongoing & new investigator processes)
11. NAPS Office with WiFi (with or without fire station slide pole!)
12. Team Van (no, we are not kidding)

Other miscellaneous tidbits: like developing a NAPS Ghost Tour; experimental equipment; having guests/specialists in to speak at Team Meetings; role switching to give investigators experience in Case Manager or Lead Investigator positions; etc.

So, put your thinking and dreaming caps on, and get ready to roll up your sleeves.  See you tonight!

Mike Chapman
Kim Frith

Thank You for Prayers in Special Needs Case

A very warm thank you for those of you (FDO, JC, MB, FC, MLM, KM, RS, SS, DF, KP, KF, CJ, MD, KD, BS, LH, SS, CF, AB, ABM and others) who were praying for me and the others on the case I traveled to Tuesday night [over 20 people].  I informed the client of your intercession in hopes to encourage her to know that she is not alone in the fight.  She wept with relief and emotion due to the stress of the case and the appreciation that so many people are interceding for her, and she expressed to me her profound appreciation for your prayers, fasting and positive thoughts toward her and her family.  She wanted me to convey her gratitude to you. 


After an extensive interview with her, and members from three other paranormal teams discussing evidence from their investigations, I have concluded as a demonologist that the case does indeed involve the preternatural (demonic) activity.  There is very significant demonic infestation, in my view, that is clear and undeniable.  This heroic mother is in a battle, and she needs your continued prayers.  She has an eighteen year old son and an eight year old daughter she is fighting for, as well as for herself.  My time alone on the drive back, involving much prayer and discernment from the Holy Spirit, was conclusive in my own heart and mind.


I have already spoken with a clergy member regarding this case, and briefed him on what I knew of the case at the time.  He advised me before my trip tonight that my approach and goals for tonight's interview and  meeting was sound, and that things would clear up quite a bit during and after the meeting.  He was exactly right.  Special thanks to co-founder Kim Frith for helping me process the case post-meeting as we discussed various aspects of this case.  Special thanks also to Kathy Pace (the insight was spot on), Chris Jackson (the resource was awesome), ML & Kay Miller, Rod & Sherrie Summer, and my mom - who especially stood in the gap for me.  I will be having a conference with the clergy member as soon as possible to present my findings and evidence to him, and we will proceed with whatever he thinks is best, in consultation with the client as well as the lead investigator/client liaison on this case - Brandi Morrison. 


To the Team Members I met last night from Cenla Paranormal, LA Spirits and NPI (Brandi, Matt, Mike E, Kris and the others) - it was a pleasure to meet you and work with you. Your work on this case is both professional and caring - a perfect blend - and is an inspiration to me personally. 


To the client, you are very special and the eternal Father is looking over you.  I admire your faith, grit and determination, and help is now beside you and with you.  Sometimes, the Eternal Father allows battles in our lives for our own benefit, so that our faith is increased, and we grow stronger.  It is all for the benefit of our souls.  You and yours are worth the battle...fight on!


"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."  - 1 John 4:6

N.A.P.S. Investigators: Team Meeting Thursday & Dowsing Set for This Saturday

Prayer needed:
Mike travels to a location in Louisiana Tuesday late afternoon and evening to consult on a case with a client and another team on a special needs case involving possible demonic entities oppressing a family.  He is requesting prayer for wisdom, discernment and protection. 


Evidence Review Party!
We are meeting this Thursday night at Mike's house (7pm)  for a special meeting that focuses on evidence review.  We will have several computers available (at least 7) and will be training new investigators on SugarSync, naming files, and reviewing evidence.  The rest of us will be doing evidence analysis on recent cases. 


Exciting 2011 Goals!
Mike will also share next year's goals for 2011 for NAPS, and we will discuss those things as a Team and we can modify them as we choose.  It should be a really productive and exciting night.  2011 will be an amazing year and I am very excited about it!


Christmas Party:
Mark your calendars for Tuesday evening, December 14th at 7pm for our Christmas Party at the Comfort Suites in Vidalia on the Riverfront.  Special guests will be our Prayer Support Team that prays for us to have protection as we investigate.  This is a night to honor and thank them for supporting us, and will afford them an opportunity to meet many of you for the first time.  We also are honoring the reason for the season - Jesus Christ.  For NAPS Investigators this is a pay-your-own-way meal.  Only the guests meals will be provided.


N.A.P.S. Ladies: 
Don Estes, one of our main consultants, will be at King's Tavern this coming Saturday at 3:15pm.  Don has a book signing at the Natchez Mall for his book on the Natchez City Cemetery, then he will be joining us.  All our NAPS Ladies are greatly encouraged to join us to see Don in action.  He will be dowsing for human remains both inside of Kings Tavern and out on the grounds.  Ladies we will need to film, photograph, and audio record this entire session.  Make us proud!  (This will also be good training for the ladies working together, as we may have a case coming in 2011 that is only available for our women, due to the nature of the facility that has paranormal activity reported in it.)

Kings Tavern Evidence Showing Significant Activity

Preliminary indications from evidence review that continues to be ongoing are strong for a significant paranormal activity finding for King's Tavern, resulting from our investigation there Saturday night, November 27th.  Photo and video evidence, combined with simultaneous & significant EMF spikes and positive EVP recordings, as well as investigators having multiple and various sensory experiences (including smells of lavender, being physically touched, and two investigators seeing apparitions of a shadow figure at the same time during a provocation session) are combining to indicate significant paranormal activity.  We only consider evidence significant when it is cross-verified with other simultaneous evidence. 

We feel we have de-bunked some of the things that are said to be happening, especially when it comes to the history and stories that are told surrounding the Tavern.  This does not surprise us, but what we are particularly excited about is that we feel we can add some much needed clarity as to what is haunting the site.  We certainly don't pretend to know all the answers, but we do feel we have something significant to contribute to the overall understanding of King's Tavern and what is happening there, which will go against the grain of some long-standing assumptions.  We should be releasing our full report soon. 

More EVP Evidence Added to Case Files

Several more pieces of evidence have been added to the evidence files on our main site, including demonic EVP recorded on the grounds of the Myrtles Plantation.  Also a significant EVP from our King's Tavern investigation was added.  We have many more, but frankly, we are cautious about releasing paranormal evidence until we've had time to think it over.  We do have plans for a massive database website of nothing but evidence, both technical and non-technical, but that will come sometime in 2011. Our technical evidence is to include EVP, photo, video and EMF.  Our non-technical evidence will include samples where we have logged sensations, touches, VP (Voice Phenomena), apparitions, smells and full and complete detailed logs of actual cases.

NOTE:  I debated on whether to put these selected demonic EVP on-line for anyone to hear, due to the fact of the danger of giving it recognition.  However, at the end of the day what won out was knowing that clients who are experiencing similar activity and voices need to know that they are not crazy, and that these unholy entities are real.  I have posted a few samples (there are many more) so that you can be assured that this is indeed real, and that you need to reach out for help. 

Click here to go to this page on our main site.

Reflections & Latest Team News

Finishing Strong
It looks like we have completed our last investigation for the year, unless something of an emergency nature arises.  We will be doing much evidence review and reveals on cases recently done.  It is time to reflect on the year and our beginning together as a team.  I am amazed at how well we've come together.  That perhaps is due to us having experience, albeit it separately, and being older in years (see, there are some advantages to age!)  Did ya'll know our average investigator's age is 39?  (personal note to team: sorry for pulling the age up! Lol.)  Hey, wisdom trumps speed!  We will have a team meeting next Thursday the 9th, as well as our Christmas Party on December 14th.  I'm sure we'll be going on "outings" to local spots as well - including going back to The Myrtles.  Those have been fun, spur-of-the-moment things that we all seem to love.  A phone call results in, "Hey, wanna go to Meade Villa?" or, "Wanna drive down to The Myrtles tonight?"  One thing leads to another, and a couple of of hours later 6 of us are roaming around in the dark looking for positive EVPs!  That's one thing I love about this team is our passion, enthusiasm and spontaneity.


Web-Sites Making A Splash:
On October 28, after about 18 days of being on-line, we had a total of around 300 visits to our Blog site, including visits from five countries (4 overseas).  As of today, December 4 (less than two months) that number has expanded to 1,386 hits from 19 different countries.  I think what attracts repeated visits is that updates and new entries occur often, plus we offer a "journal" of sorts of our Team's activities to those interested in the Paranormal.  They may not always agree with what we do or how we do it, but at least it's interesting as they read the "personality" of who we are and how we do things.


Our main site has had over 2,500 hits.  Granted, that's not huge - but for a small team from Mississippi, that's not too bad!  Our main site is directed toward potential clients, and our blog site is for the team and what we are doing - a team journal and information portal.


Friends & Networking
The Natchez Area Paranormal Society has established working relationships and friendships with two other Paranormal teams in our region of the U.S. whom we have great respect for, and also have made contact with others.  We are developing a close friendship with MSSPI team members who have also graciously helped us on a case by providing their opinions with photographic evidence review.  We also are working with Cenla Paranormal Research on a case.  Both of these paranormal teams are excellent teams that provide much needed help for people in their area.  We've also made contact with Brad Duplechien of LA Spirits in Louisiana, a very well experienced and well-run team.  We at N.A.P.S. feel privileged to be rubbing elbows with other colleagues and learning from them.  Our thanks to all of you!      (You can click on those Team Names above and you will be redirected to their site).

Franklin County Private Home Investigation - Tonight

Tonight six N.A.P.S. Investigators will be traveling to Franklin County to conduct an investigation at a private home that has had sigificant paranormal activity.  We will be using the standard equipment in two rotations, and once we are set-up, should last around two and a half hours.

The six investigators for tonight are Kim, Michael, Kimberly, Cheryl, Denise and Mike.

Photo above: Several NAPS investigators finishing set-up at King's Tavern, in Natchez and relaxing just before "going hot."

Weather for Tonight:  (9pm forecast) 51 degrees, clear, 0% chance for precipitation; humidity 89 percent; winds from South at 5 mph.  One rotation is outside, so dress warmly, and be ready to hike to grave site.

Select Prayers of Protection & Discernment (from the S.O.R. Unit's Must-Memorize List)

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protector against the wickedness and snares of the Devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.


You are a God that reveals secrets.  Lord, reveal your secrets unto me. (Daniel 2:28)


Give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, and let the eyes of my understanding be enlightened. (Ephesians 1:17)

Let your glory be revealed in my life. (Isaiah 40:5)


I bind and cast out any spirit that would try to tear apart my life in any manner in the Name of Jesus.  (Mark 9:20)


I loose myself from every bond of Satan in the name of Jesus. (Luke 13:16)

For an updated version: click here

NAPS Team: Upcoming Dates - Please Take Note!

Hey guys,
Kim has been working hard on some things, and so here are the latest dates that you all need to make a note of:

Friday Night, December 3, 7:00pm FIELD INVESTIGATION
This is the Franklin County Private Home investigation. We will "stage" at B-Kwik on 61North at US 84 at 7:00. Mike will brief everyone for final instructions. We can carpool also. Get prepared - download all files from audio and video/photo equipment - change batteries - get everything together!

Tuesday, Dec 7, Mike as Consultant - Meets with Client in LA Special Case
Please pray. This is a very serious situation.  Mike, as a consultant, is currently consulting in-turn with John Zaffis regarding this case.

Thursday Night, Dec 9, TEAM MEETING - EVIDENCE REVIEW, 7:00pm
Meet at 7pm at Mike's House for an evidence review session and training. We will have seven or eight laptops - desktops set-up on long tables. Trainees will get great traning and we will get a lot of review done. Everyone needs to be at this one. Goals for 2011 will be handed out, and will hopefully be awe-inspiring! Every one - Please don't miss this crucial meeting.

CHRISTMAS PARTY at Comfort Suites, Tuesday, December 14 at 7:00pm
This is a pay-your-own-way party at the restaurant at Comfort Suites. We have reserved a very large table and area. We are inviting our Prayer Support Team to this party to honoring and show our deep appreciation for them, and also they can meet everyone. Let's remember the reason for Christmas and celebrate Christ's birth and how he has blessed us in so many ways. Let's celebrate also the year we've had and each other's company. You may bring one guest single guys and girls!

She will also be letting you ladies know when the dowsing session with Don Estes is going to be once she hears back from Thom at KT.

Prayer Support "Team" Vital for Our S.O.R. Unit

One thing we have never mentioned publicly in this Blog is our S.O.R. Unit and the Prayer Support Team that aids it. It's time to break the silence.

N.A.P.S. conducts very scientific investigations into alleged paranormal cases, and does so (unashamedly) from a neo-apostolic and scriptural Christian perspective.  As such, we have a Spiritual and Occult Research (S.O.R.) Unit made up of a few investigators within N.A.P.S. who feel they have a calling in their life to help people plagued by the demonic.  Plain and simple, it is our Demonology Unit.  We don't talk about it much because it is so misunderstood and even other paranormal investigators sometimes assume that this is what we "see" in every case - which simply is far from the truth. We are just ready when it does happen.  Severe demonization cases are actually rare (at least our case history).  We also are not "charismatic" Christians.  We are sober, rational investigators who are simply deeply spiritual in our Christian beliefs and faith, but are not "religious" in the sense of putting on a front or a masquerade.  We are into substance, not form.  We are neither charis-phobics nor charis-maniacs.  We are balanced.  However, this web-log entry is not about the S.O.R. Unit, it is about the Prayer Support Team that daily lifts us up in prayer, and helps keep us protected.

This fine group of people are dedicated, known prayer warriors who know how to pray and have the gift of intercession.  Most of them are elderly and retired.  They are the true saints of the faith, and possess much wisdom.  They more than accept what we do and fully understand us as helping people.  They have agreed to pray for us, specifically to help the Unit and the Team as a whole be protected as we go to various sites and locations.  They pray for us to be blessed and for the Spirit to work through us to set people free.  They pray that nothing attaches to us and follows us home and endangers us or our loved ones.  They understand and know that we will draw fire and actual curses and hexes from individuals due to the fact of what we do.  These people pray to protect us from those curses and hexes placed upon us, as they can be reversed or rendered harmless.  They are invaluable to our Team and we could not do nor would we attempt to do what we sometimes do if they were not there.

To Our Prayer Support Team:
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for caring for us in such a special way, and for caring so deeply for souls in turmoil, distress and oppression.  We could not do what we do with the confidence level we do it with if you all were not there for us.  Thank you, and may God bless you; now and always may you stay blameless til He comes.

End Note: Our SOR Unit was called upon and activated just today - as well as our Prayer Support Team.  Sometimes we are called upon as consultants, and to stand by if we are needed.  We are currently in prayer (and some are also fasting) for a special need in our region.  If you feel so led, please pray also.  A family is in deep need.  Our Eternal Father will know of whom you are interceding for.  Thank you.

Never Waste A Trip Past The Myrtles...

Last night, Monday evening, NAPS Co-Founder and Case Manager Kim Frith and I (Mike Chapman) decided to drive down to the Best Buy store in Baton Rouge to purchase a Western-Digital hard-drive for a laptop computer that will give us a third laptop dedicated to NAPS use.  That's part of the curse of living in a small town, having to drive out-of-town to get such "basic" items.  However, it would give us isolated and significant time to discuss aspects of the team that we lead, our goals for 2011, and ways we can improve and grow.  The other bonus was even better...it would take us directly past The Myrtles on US Highway 61 South, in St. Francisville!

We couldn't resist taking advantage of the opportunity.  First, we were hungry, so we "invaded" the restaurant that is just a few feet from the main house itself.  We walked in dressed in blue-jeans around 8:00pm to a virtually empty place, with only one other couple seated in the entire restaurant.  The couple, dressed all proper, eyed us up and down with wrinkled noses as we were seated by Joey, the cook, who was covering as a waiter also, because the rest of the staff had probably been sent home on such a "dead" evening (sorry, couldn't resist).

Soon the other couple departed, which left us alone in the restaurant with Joey.  This allowed us to meet him and speak openly about who we were and what we do (paranormal researchers), whether or not he's had paranormal experiences while working there (of course, he had!), and when the best times are to make reservations to stay at The Myrtles and so forth.  Soon, we also met Beth, the owner of the restaurant.  We had a great time talking about things and feel like we made inside friends and connections with Myrtles staff.  It was a great evening just in that light.  We ate our food, which was absolutely delicious (thanks Joey and Beth!), left our NAPS card, and then we got up and went outside to resume our trip to Baton Rouge.  However, we couldn't resist a quick EVP and photo shoot on the grounds where our Team has gotten many positive EVP before.  That's when it happened...

We walked back to our favorite hot-spot on the grounds of the Myrtles, and Kim was conducting an EVP session using an RT-EVP (by DAS).  While she was doing this I (Mike) was snapping occasional photos.  As I was just watching her, suddenly I saw something move out of the right corner of my right eye.  I knew it was something significant, so I raised the camera and pivoted that direction to snap off a photo.  At exactly that same moment Kim said, "Is that you standing behind me?"  I snapped the photo, and captured the orb you see in the photo.

We know, we know.  You are thinking it's just dust or moisture.  Wrong.  It had been raining earlier, and there was absolutely no dust that could be there.  It was not raining at the time, so there were no droplets coming down.  None.  None of our other photos show any moisture or droplets on the lens (it would have been repeated in other photos).  It also simply appears to look different to us, than dust.  It really does appear to be glowing - or luminescent.

I can honestly tell you that we, as a team, are highly suspicious of orbs as genuine evidence, but we do believe that orbs as energy and/or spirit manifestations are occasionally the real thing.  Due to the context of this occurrence, which cross-references three phenomena occurring at the same time in exactly that area makes this orb, in our opinion, a candidate to be the real thing.  The photo is shown below.  You be the judge!

Oh, and one more thing, we did get four positive EVPs during Kim's 4 minute session, including 1 Class A, 1 Class B and 2 Class Cs (one Class C is in response to her question, "Is that you standing behind me?").  The class A EVP was in response to, "Can you tell me your name?"  The response is a very clear, "Stephen."  The positive EVP session enhances the context for a genuine orb finding, or "call."

Photo of Orb:  Pictures taken just before this one and just after show no such orb.  We do not think it was light refraction or reflection, moisture or dust.  Kim is just out of view to the left with her back to this phenomenon, and had just said, "Is that you standing behind me?"  I had just seen something move out of the corner of my eye and had swung the camera over to this position (in front of the stump) to take the shot, due to what I had seen move out of the corner of my eye.  All of this happened within a second or two. 

Mike & N.A.P.S.: Area Reps for American Ghost Society

We recieved an email from Troy Taylor today informing Mike that he and N.A.P.S. has been added to the official Area Representatives Roster on the American Ghost Society's website.  We use Troy's Guidebook, which is excellent, as one of our main training manuals.  This is an honor for us, and is one of the goals we wanted to accomplish this year because it represents a high level of professionalism and national recognition that our NAPS Team has achieved.  It means that we are achieving results as we work hard to accomplish our goal of being able to help people, both clients and assisting other teams.   

The American Ghost Society on what an Area Representative is/does:
The Area Representatives for the American Ghost Society are members who have been chosen to serve as contact people in their area for the general public and other ghost hunters; investigators and contact members for other AGS members in their region; and to report on anomalous events and hauntings in their state or region.

They serve as regional representatives for the AGS and are happy to answer questions and comments about their area from interested parties and other ghost hunters. They are also available to conduct investigations under the auspices of the AGS (or their local society) should someone know of a haunting in the region. They also serve as leaders to any other AGS members in their area who would like to participate in mini-meetings or field investigations.


Email from Troy Taylor:

Thanks for the message and sorry to be so slow in getting back to you, we were away for the holiday. Yes, I also remember us discussing this via email and I’m happy to have you on board. I added your information to the area reps roster this morning.

Best wishes,

Troy Taylor

Kings Tavern Investigation Concludes Just After 3:00AM

Our field investigation of Kings Tavern last night was accomplished and evidence obtained.  The investigation began after set-up was complete, around 11:00pm and ended just after 3:00am.

Photo at Left:  A strange mist in upper right hand corner of photo while Team Leader Mike Chapman conducts an RT-EVP session on the back porch.  The MEL meter spiked to 5.3 (from 1.7) & was not being moved. It was laying on the deck of the porch.

Photo on Left:  This photo was taken immediately prior to the photo above.  Photos after do not show anything like this either.  "Cold air breath" or smoke was NOT the cause of this mist (none of our photos show any breath coming from any of us outside).  We also have a series of photos where we tried to recreate the scenario to try to get the same affect, but we couldn't.  Photos taken by investigator Benjie Sanders with a Vivitar camera.  The flash was on.

A MEL Meter is just below camera view, and Mike is pointing his flashlight at it, reading it as he pauses between questions.  It was pointed away from the interior of the structure toward the back yard.  This particular EVP session was targeted toward the Indian spirit that has been seen at King's Tavern, as well as Wiley "Little" Harpe, who research indicated was very likely to have been in King's Tavern often, unlike his cousin or brother (history is not clear) Macajah "Big" Harpe.  We think Big Harpe never stepped foot in Mississippi.  Arrowheads, pottery and artifacts discovered in the Natchez Area were laid out on the porch deck as well. 


This photo shows why it is so important to take wide angle shots while photographing on paranormal investigations so that if phenomena occurs around a Team Member, it can be seen on camera.  All of our investigators are trained and reminded to do this.  Mike and Benjie had the outside sub-team location on this, the first "ghost hunting" rotation.  While they were outside on the porches and grounds, two other "sub-teams" were both upstairs on the third floor and downstairs on the main floor.  A fourth sub-team of three people were also at Base, logging and watching the two four-way split screen cam monitors as well as the motion sensor cams.  We maintained coordination and extensive logging over professional level Kenwood two-way radios, which each sub-team has (as per law enforcement, we call our radios "zebras").  EVP sessions were called in by zebra and all teams stopped moving and remained quiet until each EVP session was over, then the "clear" signal was radioed in and teams could begin moving again.  We had three active rotations, which we call "ghost hunting."  Each sub-team did at least two EVP sessions per rotation.  These rotations lasted from 45 minutes to an hour each. 


In between the active "ghost hunting" periods, we have passive "ghost watching" time of around twenty to thirty minutes, in which we all gather back at the base and watch the DVR cameras and prep for our next active rotation, change batteries, gather appropriate trigger objects and talk to our next rotation partner about what we want to focus on next.  We also discuss with one another what our assignments for that rotation are, and the equipment we need to get those things done for this rotation and in our assigned location.  (We also have an ice chest with water and soft drinks as well as a bin of snacks at the Base - we know how to enjoy ourselves and we have a GREAT experience on field investigations!)  We leave room to discuss spur of the moment creative ideas and flexibility if things change and other investigative ideas need to happen.  We stress EMF, EVP and photography/videography by each sub team on each rotation.  While one partner does an EVP session, the other is filming or photographing.  Then they continue to move, watching the EMF readings.  If anyone experiences phenomena - a touch, a sensation, a smell, etc. - then it is called in on the radio and the base logs it as to time, who, location, and phenomena. 


Our base operates best when three people are on it, with one person controlling and aiding the sub-teams by radio and recording their call-ins, and two others are watching a monitor each, logging where teams go and things they see around them on camera.  It is an extensive log but is very detailed and helps out a lot with evidence review.  This gives us our two "areas" of phenomena and evidence: technical and non-technical.  Our technical data comes from audio recorders, cameras and meters; while our non-technical comes directly off of the log, as to smells, sensations, touches, and so forth.  We tell our investigators to radio in and log every real phenomena they perceive and experience.  As in Law Enforcement, if it wasn't written down, it didn't happen. Later, if we're trying to recall something that happened, all we have to do is go look at the log entry and what was written down and recorded at the time.


Our alternating periods of hunting and watching helps keep investigators focused and interested.  We also rotate the locations that teams go to, to keep their interest, motivation and focus on a higher level.  It's much more interesting to know you're going to get to investigate the entire site, than to repeatedly go back to the same area.  It's also good as a Team to be organized so that investigators are not just wandering around going wherever willy-nilly, and some important things don't get covered.  We find this field methodology to be a great balance so that people stay interested and enjoy their work but also the investigative goals are accomplished.

This photograph reveals great work by Benjie, who is a NAPS Investigator in training.  He is a Deputy Sheriff in the Criminal Patrol Division with the Adams County Sheriff's Department (and works on the same shift as Mike) as well as a Combat Engineer in the U.S. Army Reserve.  Benjie also collects Indian artifacts through area searches and provided many of the Indian "trigger objects" we used. 

Photo at Left:

A close-up, cropped area of the mist.  Some of our investigators say they clearly see a face, but we are aware of matrixing, and "seeing faces in clouds."  What do you see?

Nine NAPS Investigators at King's Tavern Tonight!

Photo at Left: Five NAPS Investigators recently at Benbrook House Private Home on Pearl Street in Natchez. Front row, from left to right: Kimberly DeLorenze, Client Laura Newkirk, and Chris Jackson. Back row, from left to right: Michael DeLorenze, Mike Chapman, and Kim Frith. The team had several things happen and recorded evidence phenomena during the investigation.

The King's Tavern investigation is a major investigation for us, and nine investigators will be taking part.

King's Tavern Equipment to be used will include 8 high resolution infrared cameras; 2 four channel DVRs; 2 laptop computers; 2 motion sensor video cameras; 2 motion sensors; a Deep Infrared photo cam; a Full spectrum photo cam; 7 EMF meters; a Sony camcorder; several digital cameras; Canon 35mm camera...‎a FLIR i7 thermal camera; about a dozen audio recorders including Panasonic DR60, Zoom H2 and RT-EVP, Trifield and Trifield Natural meters, various atmospheric meters and equipment, static e-pod detectors and 4 Kenwood UHF Pro two way radios. We will conduct at least 18-20 EVP sessions.

We will use trigger objects in various targeted EVP sessions. Our investigation should conclude around 3am Sunday morning.  Investigators taking part: Mike, Kim, Chris, Kimberly, Michael, Summer, Cheryl, Benjie and Lisa.

[This Blog Site acts as an information flow to interested outsiders and Team Members, but also functions as an effective N.A.P.S. Team Journal, to keep a record of ongoing Team activities and news.]

Mead Villa a Hot Location of Paranormal Activity

Photo at Left:  Investigator-In-Training Denise Frye uses a MEL EMF meter while checking the front parlour of Mead Villa on Wednesday night.  Photo taken with a FLIRi7 camera.



N.A.P.S. Investigators returned to Mead Villa again on Wednesday night, and it is proving to be an excellent training site for our new investigators-in-training.  We have not failed to get positive EVP each time we have done an investigative outing there. 


Seven investigators were out on this night, including Kim Frith, Mike Chapman, Chris Jackson, and Summer Stone; as well as Investigators-In-Training Denise Frye, Benjie Sanders and Lisa Hollingsworth.  They are quick studies and are already contributing to the Team in significant ways.  Benjie and Lisa will be involved in Saturday's investigation at King's Tavern, and Denise will join us for the Franklin County Private Home investigation on Friday, December 3.



Photo Above: N.A.P.S. Investigator and Lead Historical Researcher Summer Stone places trigger objects on the floor of the second story landing prior to a targeted EVP session.  She placed a Trifield EMF meter beside them as well.  Several of our EVP sessions have been positive for evidence while at Mead Villa.

  

Happy Thanksgiving from N.A.P.S. to you!

This is the time of year when we pause to give special nation-wide thanks to God for all the things He has blessed us with. This is the first year for N.A.P.S. to be in existence for the Thanksgiving holiday, and it has been an amazing time. I personally am thankful to each and every one of our Team members, investigators and consultants. Your hard work, passion, enthusiasm and dedication is an inspiration. You have built an awesome research group.  I can't wait to see what we can grow into and how many people we can help.  Imagine - we're just starting!

Special thanks to our team members as well as paranormal investigators: Kim Frith, Michael & Kim DeLorenze, Summer Stone, Cheryl & Randy Freeman, Chris Jackson, Benjie Sanders, Lisa Hollingsworth, Denise Frye, and Fred Chapman; as well as consultants Don Estes, Mimi Miller, Jim Barnett and TG McCary.

Special thanks also to our clients as well (especially Laura Newkirk and Thom Drinkwater) and those of you who wish to remain anonymous but have been very much a part of our year. God bless all of you richly!

Finally, the Natchez Area Paranormal Society wishes all of our friends, paranormal colleagues, and visitors to our site to have a special and blessed Holiday season.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Investigative Outings to Elizabeth Academy & Mead Villa

Photo at Left:  Ghostly image is of five N.A.P.S. Investigators surrounding Elizabeth Female Academy on Monday night.  If you look closely, just above and to the left of the couple, you will see the outline of the remaining high wall that is all that is left of the Academy.  Photo taken of the Team by Mike Chapman using a FLIRi7 thermal imaging camera.  What we look for using the FLIR is extremely cold spots.  At left, the camera is set to read the temperature of whatever the center "reticle" is pointed at - which in this case is the back center of Investigator Benjie Sanders' shirt - reading 84.7 degrees.

Monday, November 22 from 10:00pm until midnight, six of us went out to both Elizabeth Female Academy and Mead Villa.  Five of six of us were physically touched or had something thrown at them at Elizabeth Female Academy, while positive EVPs were recorded at Mead Villa. One Investigator was conducting an EVP session with a DAS RT-EVP when she was grabbed on the hand.  One was touched on the right ear, and another felt her chest being pressed in upon.  All this occurred in one particular area.

At Mead Villa, Benjie Sanders had been there earlier in the day and felt a very strong sensation for about 30 seconds that he was being watched by something.  One such EVP was after "Were you watching Benjie when he was here earlier today?"  A response whispers, "Yes."

King's Tavern Investigation Set for Saturday Night

N.A.P.S. is set for our field investigation into King's Tavern this coming Saturday night at 10:30pm.  There will be around ten of us investigating the site, including consultant Don Estes.  The following photos were taken this past Saturday during our baseline readings/site review and in-depth interview with owner Thom Drinkwater.

Photo at Left: Portrait of a woman purchased by former owner Yvonne Scott in the rear of an Antique Store on Franklin Street in Natchez.  She purchased it due to the fact it matched her idea of what Madeline looked like.  Now, "Madeline" hangs over the fireplace mantel in the main dining area.  This is the fireplace where the alleged bodies were found "in the 1930's."  Extensive research has yet to uncover any historical proof of remains being found, including searching old newspaper archives and Natchez City Cemetery records. 

Photo at Left: King's Tavern Owner Thom Drinkwater discusses the Tavern's architecture, history and phenomena with N.A.P.S. Investigators. 

Photo at Left:  N.A.P.S. Investigator and Lead Historical Researcher Chris Jackson observing the famous "Madeline" portrait.  The left side of the fireplace is the supposed area where the three bodies were found.  Again, there is no historical record of any such thing ever happening.  That doesn't mean it did not happen, it just means that the story is just that - a story.

Busy Two Days for N.A.P.S.

Last night (Friday Nov. 19), N.A.P.S. held a Team meeting, which started at 7:30pm and ended around 9:45pm.  We were able to get a lot of things accomplished. 

Mike conducted training for about an hour on material and spiritual world overlap, and basic ghost-spirit entity theory.  He contrasted the Western world-view (split-world) with the Eastern more integrated worldview. 

Next we covered such topics as demonology (specifically: demonic "blow-back"), as we have had some demonic encounters recently and we wanted to discuss all of that and answer questions.  Mike went over the Law of Attraction and the Law of Permission, and also discussed a sub-law to the Law of Attraction that he has coined, called the "Law of Too-Much-Attention" which is a form of unwitting attraction in which a naive person can gain the attention and interest of demoniacal entities by being a bit too "open and eager."

Then, we covered more mundane (but totally necessary) topics such as naming, storing and uploading files to our Web-based storage site (SugarSync); and we discussed evidence review.  Sugarsync is an awesome tool we utilize so that everyone on our team can review any of our photo, video, audio, Microsoft Word, or evidence files on any case at any time, from a WiFi connected computer, or even their cell phone if it is online connectible.  We have "folders" in this data "storehouse" that also contain such items as all of our Forms and Documents (example: Declaration of Truth Form), as well as Interview Questionaire Forms, Log Forms, and File Naming Protocols. You name it...it's on SugarSync or headed there. 

As for our data from investigations, we all upload our files (again - whether it be audio, video, photo or Word document), and name them according to a team format for naming files.  Even our SmartDraw floor plans, phenomena charts, equipment layout plans, and all other SmartDraw video processes are on SugarSync.  (One awesome feature of SmartDraw is a one-click feature that will turn a full blown floor plan into a single sheet Word document or even a PDF file - amazing!)  All of our computers are "synced" as far as what we upload, so if one document is changed or added, it automatically is updated or added to all the others.  It doesn't allow access to one another's computers, just syncs what is uploaded.  It's great.  An example: I came home from King's Tavern this afternoon (discussed below) and uploaded the FLIRi7 baseline photos.  Now, anyone on the Team can check them out by going online - just that quick.  No more flash drives or burning CDs - except for evidence - but we have an entire section of SugarSync that just has the "pure" evidence (actual phenomena) clipped and stored neatly away under each case file.  The other parts contain the raw (original and entire) files.   

We covered the current cases and our schedule, and discussed as a team various aspects of the cases we are working on now, as well as recent cases we just came off of.  We also had a lot of fun discussing possible sites we want to explore next year, and brainstorming about things we want to do, which includes some overnight trips, new equipment, and fun sites.  Team members present were Cheryl Freeman, her husband Randy, Michael and Kim DeLorenze, Chris Jackson, Kim Frith, Benjie Sanders, and Mike Chapman.  We finished up the evening by laying out all of our Christian amulets, necklaces, crosses and crucifixes and having a blessing ceremony.  The evening was a lot of fun and we were able to get a lot done.

This afternoon (Saturday, Nov. 20), six of us went to King's Tavern and met with owner Thom Drinkwater (formerly Thom Miller) and conducted some of our pre-field investigative methodology.  The six were Mike C, Mike D, Kim D, Kim F, Benjie S and Chris J.  Thom gave us all a tour of the entire place, discussed much of the history and particulars, and gave us important little-known facts.  Then, as Benjie, Mike D and Chris took baseline EMF, Temp readings and took room-by-room photos, Kim D drew the floor plan and layout.  Meanwhile, Kim F and I interviewed Thom.  We worked through our normal set of 45 in-depth questions, but also had many more that we had formulated just for King's Tavern and were specific to this site.  It was an amazing afternoon, and while we can't reveal just yet what we uncovered, we did already make one amazing major investigative discovery related to one of the photographs that Thom has.  We do have the normal documents signed - a Declaration of Truth; a Permission to Investigate/Liability Waiver; and a Release of Information document. The release of information is subject to Thom's review after the reveal, which is why I'm not going to reveal our major discovery today until later.  It's rather stunning if I say so myself.  Sorry, wish I could say more.

N.A.P.S. investigates King's Tavern next Saturday night, beginning at 10:30pm.  Outside consultant Don Estes will be joining us and doing more dowsing work both inside and on the grounds.

[This Blog Site acts as an information flow to interested outsiders and Team Members, but also functions as an effective N.A.P.S. Team Journal, to keep a record of ongoing Team activities and news.]

Yes, We "Do" Science

Lest we be thought not to really conduct scientific investigations because we are too "religious," I have included a link to our entire equipment inventory (it's only 4 typewritten pages long!).  Actually it doesn't even include a listing of the dozen or more personal recorders and cameras we each have.  There are other teams who have more equipment, and of course it's not a contest, but I list the equipment just to show to our critics that we conduct hard-core scientific investigations - just from a Christian perspective.  We are a new group, formed just this late summer.  The "organization" itself is new, some of us have been researching the paranormal for decades.  We also have plans to add to our scientific tools significantly in 2011, along with another 4 to 6 investigators to help run it all (so that we can do multiple investigations simultaneously).  The question I would ask is, Why would we own all of these technical do-dads if we didn't use them?  Obviously, they have a purpose!  N.A.P.S. strives hard to strike a balance between science and belief, which we do NOT think are necessarily contradictions.

Our equipment inventory - click here.