Weekly Update - November 13, 2023

This week’s team update is a guest post by Rev. Dr. Jim "Umfundisi" Lo, one of our dedicated Circuit Riders serving the Crossroads District and Director of Prayer for FOLLOW 2023.

Please Join Us In Praying for FOLLOW 2023

Abigail Robertson of CBN News wrote an article on October 24, 2023, titled 'He's Pouring Out His Spirit: Revival and Mass Baptisms Not Slowing Down in Gen Z’.

According to Robertson, the Holy Spirit is sparking revival in the hearts of young people throughout America and this movement by God doesn't appear to be slowing down.

Jennie Allen, a Christian author and speaker, who was interviewed for the article shared, "There is something very special happening right now… I think they (young people) are hungry for God and they want God in a very real way… this is not manufactured."

Years ago, a pastor shared these words with me: "You can have revival without singing. You can have revival without preaching. But you can never have revival without prayer."

A thought I had one Saturday morning, recently, as I was praying for FOLLOW went like this: "God's presence cannot be manufactured. Though God is everywhere all at once, His mighty Presence is manifested through prayer."

Robert Coleman, noted Christian author who wrote 'The Master Plan of Evangelism' contends the following: "Anytime you see a revival, you can be sure it started in a prayer meeting."

Every week, since mid-September, a "team" of "prayer warriors" meet on Tuesday nights to pray for FOLLOW 2023. Wesley Duewel, in his book, 'Mighty Prevailing Prayer', wrote, “As you pray together, the prayer of each helps deepen the hunger for God’s answer and helps fan into flame the spirit of prayer... Faith for God’s answer is strengthened.” (132)

Technology has made it possible for the FOLLOW prayer team to meet weekly. Though miles separate us, we can still "be together". I am so thankful for modern conveniences of communication.

As this article is being written, there are approximately 165 pastors who have committed to praying for FOLLOW 2023. Would you consider joining this army of prayer warriors? If so, you can email me at [email protected].

This quote  by D.L. Moody speaks to my heart:

"I am not overstating this; the anointing is mandatory if you are called to serve The Lord. Without it there will be no growth, no blessing, no victory in your ministry. Faith is a channel through which the anointing flows."

The thought that keeps running through my heart is this: The success of FOLLOW 2023 is dependent upon the Holy Spirit working. We need God’s anointing over FOLLOW!

Many of us who are involved with FOLLOW believe that God is wanting to do something extra, extra ordinary in the lives of those who will be in attendance.

Join us in praying this prayer:

God we pray

What do You want?
We pray in agreement with Your Kingdom come
And Your will be done.
You know what we need before we think it.
Your ways are higher.
We make room for You to move and do what You want, Lord, at FOLLOW 2023!
Amen

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We're thrilled to celebrate God's grace in action throughout our district. Just last week, the team at College Wesleyan Church celebrated 3 baptisms and a confirmation of baptism!

Yesterday, Pastor Andy Riemersma and the team at ONE Church in Westfield celebrated 2 more baptisms!
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Pastor Sam Maddox and the team at Albion Wesleyan Church are celebrating too, having recently welcomed 7 new members to their church family. Notably, 3 of these members were first introduced to the church through a block party they held in July, a successful outreach effort developed and funded through our Next Level initiative. Our next workshop will be held February 10, 2024, at Lakeview Wesleyan in Marion. Click Here to reserve your team's spot!

Registration is now open for the 2024 Heartland Gathering, April 2-5, 2024, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee! The DBA has approved one $300 scholarship for each district church, designated to cover a significant portion of the registration cost for one pastoral family per church. Details regarding the scholarship were sent to lead and solo pastors last week. If you are a lead or solo pastor and did not receive that email, please reach out to us at [email protected]. For more information and registration, visit: gathering.heartlandregion.org
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Please place the Follow Conference on your church’s prayer calendar. We’re believing God for a powerful move among our next generation students and their leaders. You will want to attend and bring as many teenagers as possible for this life-changing experience!​
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