'Jesus Revolution' coming to Netflix
The Jesus Revolution film is coming to Netflix on 31 July, allowing thousands more the opportunity to hear the gospel. It was released in February, earning $52 million in theatres, remaining in the top ten for several weeks. In April it became number one best seller on Amazon Prime, Blu-ray and DVD charts. It tells the true story behind the Jesus Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, including how Pastor Smith welcomed hippies looking for truth at Calvary Chapel, starting one of the greatest spiritual awakenings in American history. Since February there has been a revival which mirrors the 1970s. Thousands are being touched by God, and this divine movement is changing their lives. ‘We’ve had people accepting Christ in the theatres’, said Pastor Greg Laurie, on whose life the film is based. People were praying out loud asking Jesus to come into their life. ‘We had pastors and Bibles on hand. I've never heard of anything quite like doing evangelism in movie theatres on this scale.’
Thousands at Wembley Arena prayer conference
The 2023 Next Level Prayer Conference, at Wembley Arena, opened its doors to over 10,000 worshippers. Recently Justin Welby has said there was an alarming drop in church congregations. Pastor Bolaji, leader of the Harvesters, who initiated the conference, said, ‘The popularity of the conference, which saw thousands of people coming together, proves there is still a vibrant community looking for a place to come together in spirit and worship. The essence of Harvesters is to provide unity and a beacon of hope and direction in turbulent times. While church attendance may be declining, we see this as an opportunity not a deterrent. It signifies a need for a different approach that resonates with today's world. Our expansion is driven by our belief that the gospel's transformative message, presented in a way that addresses contemporary challenges and speaks to people's lived experiences, is more relevant than ever.’
God moving in Norway
Over several years, ten to fifteen believers gathered to pray once a month in a village prayer house in Norway. In February, a singing evangelist was invited to lead some meetings. He immediately sensed unity and a divine presence. Before long, hundreds were attending, necessitating a move to a larger venue; now over a thousand meet in a sports arena. Whole families are renewed in Christ. People aged 14 to 70 are giving their lives to Him. People are saved, healed and baptised in the Holy Spirit. Is this Scandinavia's equivalent of the Asbury University revival? Or is God doing something completely new?
Beacons of prayer and worship in the countryside
Gatherings or expressions of prayer and worship occur daily throughout rural Britain, often focused on local ministry and needs. Quiet spaces, indoors and out, are offered for those seeking a place to be still in the presence of the Lord. Many are Christ-centred, but some mix or confuse beliefs and practices from other faiths, spirits and old pagan ways. We thank God for existing faithful prayer. Pray for greater connectedness amongst those praying and worshipping in our counties, and for regional or local clusters of believers to join together and support one another transcending traditional boundaries. Pray for a fuller, deeper revelation of the love of God and the reality of the Lord Jesus Christ as people pray. Pray for intentional prayer and worship to lift His name high and to see the spiritual climate change across our countryside, and for beacons of light and truth to be established in homes, hamlets and villages, the valleys and the hilltops, shining ever more brightly.
