In Manado, the Christian community is thriving. Yet, like so many other places around the world, young people are turning away from their faith in record numbers. Distracted by secular culture and worldly influences, they have come to be known as the lost generation. Andrew Palau knows the story all too well. As the son of renowned evangelist Luis Palau he lived a life of rebellion until the age of 27 when he finally embraced the truth of the Gospel. Taking the message of Jesus and his own story of redemption to Manado, Andrew had the privilege of joining with hundreds of local believers to accomplish the massive evangelistic festival, August 26-31. This youth-led campaign took months of planning and prayer. It included the partnership of hundreds of local churches, city officials and thousands of Indonesian believers. By the end of the festival and week of outreach events, more than 3,500 decision cards were received and 7,000 copies of the Gospel of John had been distributed.

Praise: God for the move of His Holy Spirit in bringing so many young people into His kingdom. (Ps.68:32)

More: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=44179&PN=1

The summer has seen a rash of events for new generations - here is an insight from some participants around the Diocese of Lichfield. While students of all ages enjoy the long break over the summer, many from churches and youth clubs around the diocese have spent a little of that time having fun and developing their faith. Over four and a half thousand young people from around the country gathered at Stafford Showground for the annual Soul Survivor event at the end of July; five days of exuberant worship, teaching, sport, food and culture. In contrast, the diocesan youth retreat centre, Dovedale House on the Staffordshire Moorlands is playing host to a much smaller and deliberately quieter event. Called Breathe, it promises quietude, time to meditate and escape from hectic term-times as well as a wide choice of activities. And no leaky tents!

Praise: God for Soul Survivor and all the other events throughout the summer that are designed to stimulate faith. (Ps.89:19)

More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/young.christians.have.fun.and.develop.their.faith/33734.htm

Christian leaders from across the globe will gather at the World Prayer Assembly in Jakarta, Indonesia, on May 14-18, 2012. This historic event will take place as millions of Indonesians are connected in prayer for their nation. 24/7 ‘prayer towers’ are operating in many cities in Indonesia and over 200,000 ‘child intercessors’ are committed in prayer for their nation. All of this in the largest Muslim-populated country. Thousands of prayer, mission and marketplace leaders, along with on-fire youth and children, will gather in Jakarta to seek the Lord together for His strategies of ‘prayer-action’ for the world. What’s unique is that the WPA will be led inter-generationally, with youth and children helping to facilitate plenary and other sessions. This, the organizers believe, will ‘help launch the next generation of men and women of God that God will use to impact the nations.’ More information is available on the ‘More’ link. Also check out the inspiring introduction video.

Praise: God and pray that there will be tsunami of His Holy Spirit. (Hab.2:14)

More: http://www.wpa2012.org/home

The Barna Group recently surveyed Americans who attended church and reported on their worship experiences. Barna is a private, non-partisan, for-profit organization that conducts research, produces media resources about spiritual development and facilitates the spiritual growth of Christian ministries The survey found that connecting with God was the most important outcome facilitated by churches; most (66%) felt they had ‘a real and personal connection’ with God while attending church, yet one-third of church attendees never experienced God’s presence. Overall, one-quarter of Americans said their life had been profoundly changed by attending church, while one-fourth described church attendance as ‘somewhat’ influential. Nearly half said their life had not changed at all. The study revealed that nearly seven out of 10 respondents said they felt ‘part of a group of people who are united in their beliefs and who take care of each other in practical ways.’

Praise: God for the way that so many are gaining so much from being part of His Church. (Ac.2:17-21)

More: http://www.worthynews.com/11196-what-people-experienced-in-church

‘On Saturday night, once again, 15 people cried out to Jesus to save them. People are not just praying a sinner's prayer but are so moved by the Holy Spirit that they realise their need before God.’ In Victory Church Cwmbran there is a Holy Spirit outpouring and the focus is Jesus. A sample of a recent blog states.‘The place erupted with praise and the atmosphere was what can only be described as supercharged. God began breaking into people’s lives. People with mental illness responded to an alter call. Many have got in touch to say that they feel completely healed!’ and ‘One young man suffering depression and addiction and currently on Methadone stated G od has released him from a prison in his mind’. A woman with severe knee problems for many years is completely heal ed. People continue to be filled with the fire of God. Passion for the Saviour is at a new level, people are hungering and thirsting for the presence.’ The outpouring continues!

Praise: God for powerfully using Victory Church Cwmbran, we pray it will spread right across Wales and the UK.

More: http://www.victorychurch.co.uk/saturday-update-cwmbran-outpouring

A brief report from the Victory Church website: ‘We are so excited at what God is doing. Initially, many people were reluctant to accept that God had broken through, but 65 days on, it is undeniable that God is moving sovereignly. We have now seen 642 salvations and have 15 pages of healing testimonies! Visitors have continued to pour in from across the globe and we are grateful to God for the opportunity of hosting His presence is such a way. As people have been dramatically impacted we as a church have found ourselves drawn much deeper with Him. People ask, ‘Is what’s happening a revival?’ Our response, thus far, is that what we are seeing here in Wales is an Outpouring of God's Spirit. On Wednesday night we had the privilege of baptising another thirty people all who have come to faith during the outpouring! We praise God for this, He is building His Church.’ (See also Prayer Alert 19-20&22-2013)

Praise: God for the continued blessing upon His people. (Ps.85:6)

More: http://www.victorychurch.co.uk/outpouring-update-15

One incredible thing that we are experiencing here in Cwmbran (see last week's edition) since this Outpouring began is the breadth of Christian representation. As a local church, it is great to be joined with brothers and sisters in the Kingdom from many denominational backgrounds including: Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, Catholic, Charismatic, Reformed, Methodist, Free-Methodist and others. This unity, hunger and coming together, is confirmation to us that God is breaking down walls, destroying religious pride and using this as one tool to unite the body of Christ and send her out to the lost and broken, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Every night is different, some nights are completely free, as people experience the presence, joy and power of God. Others are still, peaceful, yet distinctly powerful. Every night, the Gospel is shared, and conversions happen - often before any altar call is made! Click on the ‘More’ link to find out what God is doing.

Praise: God for this outpouring of His Holy Spirit bringing new life and unity to His church. (Ps.85:6)

More: http://www.victorychurch.co.uk/outpouring-update-from-pastor-richard