I will never forget that crisp autumn fall night. I had never been to Paris and now I was about to climb the Eiffel Tower; something that I had only seen in pictures. As we began to climb, each step brought about a clearer view of the size and beauty that is Paris. One thing that I immediately took note of was the fact that the climb was a bit more difficult than all of the movies portrayed and my rubber legs proved it!
As we reached the observation deck, arrayed before me was a canopy of light that extended in every direction. I guess that one would see the same thing at the top of the Empire State building on any moonlit eve. As I stood in amazement at the grandeur and beauty laid out before me, something gripped my very soul, that left me speechless. It wasn't just the Paris skyline, with so many lighted architectural wonders that got my attention, but the seemingly hundreds of green lights dotting the landscape. If they would have been decorative lights or left over Christmas lighting, that would have been one thing, but they weren't; for what seemed like every mile or so was a bright green light sitting atop a tall minaret attached to a Muslim mosque below. I had read that the ethnic and religious demographics of Europe were changing, but I had no idea that it was happening so quickly.
When you add this amazing fact with some sobering statistics, it makes one realize just how vitally important the GREAT COMMISSION that Jesus spoke of really is at this time in history. Let me share what I observed and have studied about the continent of Europe and it's movement away from it's historic Christian roots. No more than 2% of Europeans attend an organized church. It may differ and fluctuate somewhat from country to country, but the basic truth is that most of Europe has been post Christian for a good number of years. I witnessed huge cathedrals almost totally empty for worship services, except for a few senior citizens well into their 70's and 80's. I have seen churches being turned into Mosques and other centers of worship totally alien to Europe just 50 short years ago.
What has happened to the Europe that has given us Calvin and Luther, the Protestant Reformation and the Great Awakening, as well as missionaries world wide and Revival? I believe the answer lies somewhere between the toll that two world wars has taken and a "spirit" of skepticism and disillusionment that has swept the continent. Europe has a giant hole in the midst of her soul, and the Holy Spirit is crying out for those willing to be part of bringing a new "GREAT AWAKENING" to the continent; men and women willing to take the Gospel back to Europe in such an Authentic and Relational way that spirit starved souls will not have to look to witchcraft and other religions forms to find answers to their heart's longings. God is looking for men and women who are willing to rise up in this generation and be TRUE HISTORY MAKERS.
In July 2002, we held a conference on the island of Cyprus, where we brought together Israeli and Arab youth from 8 different nations. History Maker I was a tremendous success in that it built bridges between believing youth who previously did not like one another because of politics. A letter from a young man from Jordan sums up best the success of HMI. "Pastor Chuck, because of History Maker, I no longer hate Jews!"
All of this brings me to the heart of this blog. Many of you, scattered all over this country and around the world, who have been a part of High Mill either by attending or by prayer, have an opportunity to be a part of making history and bringing true and authentic revival to the continent of Europe. You may be thinking that you have enough to do here and Europe is 4,000 miles away;why should I care? Let me dispel that lie from hell right now. First of all, what happens in Europe ends up in America, and secondly, spiritual isolationism is the quickest way to spiritual despotism and death.
June 2010, youth leaders from 15-20 nations are coming together in Vanadzor, Armenia to develop a strategy to come along side of European believers who are praying for REVIVAL that is AUTHENTIC and lasting. Our goal is to develop across Europe living, vibrant, joyful, and exciting houses of worship that will draw, through the power of the Holy Spirit, those who have given up on church and Jesus. We want to present personal models of His love, grace, and peace and let those searching for answers know that," That there truly is life in Jesus' Name."
I believe with all of my soul and heart that, if High Mill was created for nothing else, other than helping to bring HMII about, then it will all have been worth it.
How you can help is this: if you have been one of those who down through the years have offered your services from afar, still feel a part of our vision and dreams, or are catching the vision for HMII, then go to your circle of friends, church, or family and share the vision that we can make a difference. We can prepare the way for this great end time's harvest, even in Europe!
We have young people in need of sponsorship from Europe, Scandinavia, Israel, Syria, Jordan, Kuwait, Honduras, Ukraine, and untold other countries.$175.00 covers food, lodging and land travel for the 4 day conference. Of course, THERE ARE MANY YOUNG LEADERS THAT EITHER HAVE PARTIAL OR NO FUNDS FOR AIRFARE which will range from 400.00 to 700.00 per person.
If you want to be part of an Adventure far bigger than any of us; if you want to sow good seed into reaching a whole continent for Jesus, and if you want to be a part of MAKING HISTORY, contact us at 330-8068432 and ask for Margaret or go to www.highmill.net. Any amount will help fulfill this challenge.
Thank you my spiritual family, friends, and co laborers in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. May He richly bless you as you Bless Europe!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
History Maker II Revival Europe 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Finding Peace in Difficult Circumstances
Friday was a very difficult day for me, because I did the funeral of a close friend and member of our church. It wasn't only the death but the way in which it happened. My friend committed suicide. Since then my mind has raced in so many directions.Why didn't I realize the mental state in which he was in? If we would have just connected that last Sunday in church when he walked in, maybe the tragedy could have been averted. The circumstances which led up to his death are rather complex and not my focus here. I only mention this, because it reminded me of a recent question that a young friend asked me concerning life in general. He simply asked," How can I find peace in my circumstances when living life is so difficult?
Solomon in Ecclesiastes 3:11, lays the groundwork for God's answer to conflict. The writer begins by saying that," God has planted eternity in the human heart, yet God's ultimate plan for us cannot be readily seen." In other words, God has planted a seed of destiny within us that cannot be satisfied by any other human source, because we have been created in God's image. We have a spiritual thirst and eternal value and nothing but the eternal God can satisfy us.
God has built within us a restless yearning for the kind of perfect world that can only be found in His perfect rule. When Colossians 3;15 tells us to, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,"the writer is addressing that very thought. Like an umpire who brings order out of chaos in a sporting event, the rule of Christ's authority brings peace to our hearts.
Since 3600 B.C. , according to a recent study, 14,351 wars have been fought accounting for the killing of 3.64 billion people at the cost of a gold filled belt stretching around the world 97.2 miles wide and 33 feet thick! How then can I find peace in the midst of such chaos personally, let alone politically?
The answer is very simple."True peace is not just the absence of conflict but dwelling in a place where conflict no longer has any rule." I'm talking about dwelling in another kingdom, a secret place where only those who know Him are privileged to enter. In John 14:27, Jesus said to His fearful disciples, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world gives, do I give to you...Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."
The word for "peace" used here is far more than just a simple greeting as where the word is found in other New Testament passages. Here, "peace" carries a much heavier meaning. It is talking about a supernatural peace that only Christ can offer; a peace that is continuous and can be found nowhere else. It is a supernatural dwelling place reserved for those who love Him and seek His face.
This same Greek word is used for peace in John 16:33 where Jesus told His disciples," These things I have spoken to you that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation but take courage, for I have overcome the world."
Allow that "seed of destiny", planted in your heart at birth to germinate and grow into a pure faith in Him and on Eagle's Wings, He will carry you to a place of safety where His kingdom Rule has abolished conflict.