Mike Bickle Kirk talked this afternoon to the EZ37 internship about the early days of KC, when Mike Bickle was part of a called 21 day fast in May of 1983. Mike had a powerful, significant reaction by the Holy Spirit during one of those days as he read Psalm 27:4... "One thing I ask, one thing I seek: that I would dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to enquire of Him and to behold His beauty" (my paraphrase). It was the beginning of a journey where God promised people in Kansas City a night and day prayer ministry "in the spirit of the tabernacle of David."
Kirk recollected a meeting he had personally back in the 90s with a prophetic leader who told him that the Bennetts were called full-time to the house of prayer. He was given a series of signs from the Lord beginning during that weekend. The first one ended up being a call to 9-1-1 that originated in his house. When the police responded to the call, no one took responsibility for making the call. They later understood it was a token from the Lord regarding the Bennett house: they have an urgent calling to see the reality of Amos 9:11 manifest in the grace of God on the earth.
Phil Wickham has a video announcement (below) and you can also grab a few download of his excellent song 'Shining' over at FreeCCM here. I think Phil is a terrific worship leader and song writer, if you have not heard him or his music give it a try!
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." (Psalm 91:1-2)
PHILIPPINES
Attacker Shoots Two Pastors and Wife; One Pastor Killed - VOM Sources
On April 15, Pastor Vic Vicera, his wife, Beth, and Pastor Noli Saturnino were shot at when an unknown assailant stormed Pastor Vic’s home in Mindanao, Philippines, and started shooting. Pastor Vic was killed in the attack. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, "Pastor Vic and his wife, Beth, and Pastor Noli were having a conversation early that evening. They were talking about their plans to minister in a Muslim tribal area, when suddenly the killer came in and started firing at them." VOM contacts added, "Pastor Vic got four gunshots, two at the upper part of the knees that went through his navel and two shots to the lower part of his knees, the bullets remained in his stomach. Beth, his wife, got two gunshots, one in her palm and one in her leg. Pastor Noli got one shot in his leg; the bullet went through his leg." Pastor Vic was killed, and Beth and Pastor Noli are being treated by doctors. Even though VOM contacts could not confirm the reason for the attack, they reported that Pastor Vic lived among Muslims who wanted him to join Islam, but he refused. Pray for believers in the Philippines who face persecution because of their faith. Pray especially for the family and congregation of Pastor Vic, who have lost a father and pastor. Ask God to heal Pastor Vic’s wife, Beth, and Pastor Noli. Pray the testimonies of these faithful believers will draw their persecutors into fellowship with Christ. Psalm 107:35, Psalm 23
INDIA
Pastors Beaten by Militants in Andra Pradesh - VOM Sources
On April 14, three pastors-who were distributing Christian tracts to children in the town of Devarkonda, Andra Pradesh-were beaten with sticks by approximately 50 Hindu militants. Pastor John Kumar's hand was broken and the other two pastors were severely injured in the attack. Pray for healing for these believers. Ask God to give them and other church leaders in India the wisdom to know how to shepherd the believers through times of suffering. James 1:5, Psalm 91
SINGAPORE
Couple Charged For Distributing "Objectionable" Christian Material - VOM Sources
On April 14, two charges were lodged against a married couple for distributing a Christian publication in Singapore in March and October of last year that allegedly cast the Muslim prophet Mohammed in a "negative light." Ong Kian Cheong (49) and Dorothy Chan Hien Leng (44) are charged under the Sedition Act for "promoting feelings of ill-will and hostility between different races or classes of the population of Singapore." Cheong and Hien Leng were also charged under the Undesirable Publications Act, which defines "objectionable" material as an item which depicts "race or religion in such a manner that the availability of the publication is likely to cause feelings of enmity, hatred, ill-will or hostility between different racial or religious groups." The couple was alleged to have been distributing an evangelistic tract entitled "The Little Bride." Pray the charges against Ong and Dorothy will be dropped. Pray the Holy Spirit will cause them to forgive their persecutors. Pray for continued opportunities for Christians in Singapore to share the truth of Christ. John 15:18-19, John 14:1
CHINA
Bookstore Owner Re-Arrested in China - China Aid Association
On March 19, Shi Weihan (37), a Christian bookstore owner, was re-arrested on charges of "illegally" printing and distributing Christian literature. Weihan was initially arrested on November 29, 2007, and was released in early January, due to "insufficient evidence." He is being held without access to his family. His wife is concerned for his health in prison as he is a diabetic. 2 Samuel 22: 31, Isaiah 40:29-31 2 Samuel 22:31, Isaiah 40:29-31
Image via WikipediaThe Lord has been telling me for years if His people will seek Him we would see Him doing wonders in our city. The bible has plenty of instruction in that regard. A story today on the crash in the US housing market states that of the major metropolitan areas in the US, many of which have lost value of homes of over 10% from February of this year since February of last year, Charlotte is unique in that it is the only MSA that had a positive gain (1.5%). I'm not beating my chest for praying through the years, nor thinking or saying "A-ha! A-ha!" I'm simply saying: God is good. He has been so kindly building prayer in His people, primarily by making us hunger for Him more, wanting to be with Him more. The trend to growth in the area will not only continue, but it will increase. He is setting things up in incredible ways for what is just around the curve. Some day, someone may read this blog entry after this happens and be amazed at how so many people in Charlotte are getting saved, but God is really and truly speaking now about what He wants to do:
I had a dream about 4 years ago where Jesus sat in a boat with me, smiling a joyful and excited smile. It was so clear it likely was more of a vision, even though I was asleep. Anyway, when I entered into the vison I looked up and saw the King of Glory sitting right in front of me in this two-man fishing boat... so close I could reach out and touch Him. I was shocked to find myself seated with Him there and was overwhelmed by His Presence, yet I couldn't take my eyes off of Him. He looked at me, so incredibly joyful, and gestured with His right hand down over the side of the boat towards the water and said:
"Let your net down here."
I've been in prayer regularly since then, making these kinds of petitions: Lord, bring in Your harvest in Charlotte. Raise up laborers. Send Your Spirit and send messengers to bring them in.
And He is zealously doing this: putting His word in my mouth so that I pray according to His will. This is my privilege. It can be yours as well.
Image via WikipediaIn recent days there has been an outpouring of the Holy Spirit over in the MorningStar building. Its exciting to hear the reports, though I've not yet ventured over to enjoy what God is doing yet. At ZHOP we've been praying over an open heavens over this whole property for 2 years on a daily basis, and I'm thrilled to hear reports of God's answer. If you want some information on this, a bulletin was posted on the MorningStar web site here. Come, taste and see the Lord is good!
Mike Bickle Kirk talked this afternoon to the EZ37 internship about the early days of KC, when Mike Bickle was part of a called 21 day fast in May of 1983. Mike had a powerful, significant reaction by the Holy Spirit during one of those days as he read Psalm 27:4... "One thing I ask, one thing I seek: that I would dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to enquire of Him and to behold His beauty" (my paraphrase). It was the beginning of a journey where God promised people in Kansas City a night and day prayer ministry "in the spirit of the tabernacle of David."
