At the beginning of 2007, I sensed that it was going to be a crucial year for the Church. I shared that The enemy would work overtime in hindering the work of God's Kingdom. Through sermons & teachings, I kept reminding the people the need to be alert & vigilant. By the middle of the year, a few Hope churches in Europe have suffered setbacks in different degrees, with one, a new starter, closing down completely!
Before the Euro Convention, I felt in my heart that God would give us a breakthrough and the chosen theme of Mission Possible was a fitting one. We prepared for it with a 21-Day Pre-Convention Fast. God indeed showed Himself faithful throughout the whole Convention held in Prague, the Czech Republic .
As a start, the weather was perfect for the whole duration, despite of the not-so-good weather forecasts. Hope Prague did a great job in the opening and closing ceremonies, despite of their limited manpower resources. The praise & worships sessions, led by different Hope Europe Churches, were all very uplighting and empowering. Many lives were also touched by the Word of God and responses to altar calls and mission were enthusiastic. The people were strengthened and encouraged to continue running the race!
We also spent an afternoon doing street evangelism. Different teams were using creative presentations to attract the crowds. Hope Prague and Hope Berlin did break-dancing whilst Hope UK performed a series of Thai dances (see photo). Both attracted huge crowds and our people managed to talk to many of the onlookers. Many contact details were collected, including a few who came to our evening evangelistic service. The enemy did try to stop the presentations by challenging the licenses held by us, but the Lord miraculously intervened and allowed the performances to proceed!
It is worth mentioning that through out the whole Convention, a dedicated team of intercessors were faithfully taking turns to interceed for all the activities. So I would conclude that God was with us and, through the different programmes, I believe He has done a deep work in the hearts of everyone. He alone gets all the honour and glory!
Having been walking with God for over 16 years, I am totally convinced that "My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber; the LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore [Ps 121:1-8 NIV]."
It is amazing that God sometimes use an unfortunate situation to fulfill His longer term objective. Although Joseph was sold into slavery, it turned out that God used it to preserve a remnant of His people on earth. "Joseph said to his brothers...., "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance [Gen 45:4-7 NIV]." Thats why we should thank God under all circumstances [1 Th. 5:18]; faith and trust are built in difficult times!
We must understand that the devil hates every man & woman created by God. His plan is to deceive them and eventually destroy them. Jesus said "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first......I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. They will treat you this way because of my name....He who hates me hates my Father as well.....[John 15:18-25 NIV]". This is a fact we cannot deny. The good news is that God will one day redeem all that belongs to Him. He calls us to this mission and we will succeed with his help!
"......when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge. In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil.....A wise man attacks the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust [Prov 21:11,20,22 NIV]." Let us seek God's wisdom in pulling down strongholds in our cities and advance God's Kingdom.
Before the Euro Convention, I felt in my heart that God would give us a breakthrough and the chosen theme of Mission Possible was a fitting one. We prepared for it with a 21-Day Pre-Convention Fast. God indeed showed Himself faithful throughout the whole Convention held in Prague, the Czech Republic .
As a start, the weather was perfect for the whole duration, despite of the not-so-good weather forecasts. Hope Prague did a great job in the opening and closing ceremonies, despite of their limited manpower resources. The praise & worships sessions, led by different Hope Europe Churches, were all very uplighting and empowering. Many lives were also touched by the Word of God and responses to altar calls and mission were enthusiastic. The people were strengthened and encouraged to continue running the race!
We also spent an afternoon doing street evangelism. Different teams were using creative presentations to attract the crowds. Hope Prague and Hope Berlin did break-dancing whilst Hope UK performed a series of Thai dances (see photo). Both attracted huge crowds and our people managed to talk to many of the onlookers. Many contact details were collected, including a few who came to our evening evangelistic service. The enemy did try to stop the presentations by challenging the licenses held by us, but the Lord miraculously intervened and allowed the performances to proceed!
It is worth mentioning that through out the whole Convention, a dedicated team of intercessors were faithfully taking turns to interceed for all the activities. So I would conclude that God was with us and, through the different programmes, I believe He has done a deep work in the hearts of everyone. He alone gets all the honour and glory!
Having been walking with God for over 16 years, I am totally convinced that "My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber; the LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore [Ps 121:1-8 NIV]."
It is amazing that God sometimes use an unfortunate situation to fulfill His longer term objective. Although Joseph was sold into slavery, it turned out that God used it to preserve a remnant of His people on earth. "Joseph said to his brothers...., "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance [Gen 45:4-7 NIV]." Thats why we should thank God under all circumstances [1 Th. 5:18]; faith and trust are built in difficult times!
We must understand that the devil hates every man & woman created by God. His plan is to deceive them and eventually destroy them. Jesus said "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first......I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. They will treat you this way because of my name....He who hates me hates my Father as well.....[John 15:18-25 NIV]". This is a fact we cannot deny. The good news is that God will one day redeem all that belongs to Him. He calls us to this mission and we will succeed with his help!
"......when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge. In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil.....A wise man attacks the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust [Prov 21:11,20,22 NIV]." Let us seek God's wisdom in pulling down strongholds in our cities and advance God's Kingdom.
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