Beyond Asbury: 6 other places where revival is happening now

Our global God is always on the move, says Jason Mandryk. To take just one example, there is good reason to think there are more than 1 million believers in the Islamic Republic of Iran, he says. And you can be certain that none of them are nominal!

If a revival happens in the forest and no Westerners are around to hear it, does it make a sound?

Such a twist on the old philosophical thought experiment seems timely, given all we hear about the incredible move of God in Wilmore, Kentucky.

Does revival need to happen on a well-lit stage, livestreamed on social media, with people flying in from around the world to attend, and have thousands of articles written about it to count as such?

In the context of majority world Christianity, moves of God tend to happen in places of poverty, persecution, upheaval, and desperation. They are mostly removed from news cameras (for a range of different reasons), and since they unfold outside the Anglosphere, they tend to be off the map for the vast majority of Christians in the West.

What would revival look like deep in the rainforest where there is little to no electricity, never mind 5G? Or in a remote valley amid mountains and deserts where the nearest city is three days’ ride? Or in the churning chaos of a slum with little infrastructure and an endless stream of migrants fleeing drought, flooding, or the latest militia group?

Given that the cultural, social, and economic milieus we are talking about are vastly different from our own, one might expect such spiritual breakthroughs to seem almost alien. But the reality is that the symptoms are remarkably consistent.

When the body of Christ in a community – or across communities – rise early in the morning to pray together for hours, stay up late into the night to worship together (and pray some more), meet together in fellowship several times a week or even every day, find the Word of God coming alive through powerful preaching and personal testimony, confess their sins, cut the ties binding them to their old lives, reconcile to one another, love their enemies, welcome and offer assistance any in need, experience the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, and see unbelievers drawn into their midst to encounter the living Christ – are we talking then about revival?

For all who follow Jesus, the longing to experience revival is a good one. And no place where God moves powerfully could possibly be dreary or dull! But there is – or should be – a degree of normalcy to the body of Christ experiencing the conditions above. If the presence of the phenomena of revival mean that it is revival, then it follows that it is less about profundity or anything extraordinary, and more about believers doing all the things that we wish would happen when revival ‘happens to us’. What we hype up as this elusive, extraordinary state of ‘revival’ should arguably be more par for the course. In his tome on the subject, Barry Chant observes, “Revival is the Church being what it ought to be.”

Perhaps these are truths that we in the global north have lost. As per Luke 6, we are rich, we are well fed, and we laugh often: causes for woe, in Jesus’ own words (perhaps the fact that we are less and less well-spoken of gives us reason for hope!).

No, the places where revival seems to be happening with the greatest frequency are the places where believers have no recourse to anything but God breaking in. They are poor, powerless, harried, under pressure. They gather to pray and fast, to worship, to hear God’s word, to confess and forgive, to share all they have and to be healed by God’s power precisely because they have nothing else they can do and nowhere else to turn.

Allow me to share some examples where such profound breakthroughs are happening. They include sustained church growth amidst persecution, spiritual breakthrough and public proclamation, costly forgiveness, the compulsion to go forth, the inclusion of the least of these, and the presence of relentless prayer.

1. Iran – Sustained growth despite great risk

It has been widely publicised for well over a decade that the church in Iran is growing faster than in any other country.

Iran’s ruthless regime and harsh brand of Islam imposed since the Islamic Revolution have brought about great disillusionment, especially among the younger generation. The body of Christ has suffered under intense persecution. Yet the unrest we see in Iran today is matched by the spiritual hunger of Iranians. Turmoil spreads, but the Church keeps growing!

The underground nature of the Church makes verification impossible, but it is very reasonable to estimate that there are more than a million believers in Iran. You can be certain that none of them are nominal!

2. Thailand – Breakthrough at last?

Thailand has traditionally welcomed missionaries but has also appeared to be resistant to the gospel. Much has been sown into Thailand through prayer and mission but with little fruit. However, in the last few years, the Free in Jesus Christ Association (FJCCA) movement has experienced explosive growth and contextually effective discipleship. Through village-by-village evangelism, thousands of mostly rural house churches have been planted – so many that the relatively new FJCCA has more fellowships than any other denomination or group in Thailand.

Mass public baptisms – the last one including 1,435 new believers – are reshaping the perception and impact of Christianity in this strongly Buddhist nation. Dwight Martin, a researcher who is deeply involved with Free in Jesus, doesn’t call what is happening a church planting movement or a missiological breakthrough, but a revival.

3. Myanmar – Tragedy, terror, and transformation

A number of ethnic minorities in Myanmar (such as the Karen, Kachin, and Chin) have had a strong Church for generations, in contrast to the 95% Buddhist Burmese majority. They, and other groups like the Rohingya, have long been subject to ethnically-targeted violent suppression by the regime.

Since the military coup of 2021, the brutality of the regime has escalated. Churches and schools are targeted by artillery and fighter jets. Some Christians are part of resistance forces fighting against the regime, others are not. But all are subject to the ruthless attacks. Poverty and hunger are commonplace alongside of the atrocities.

Despite the terror and destruction, many thousands are experiencing revival. The faith of nominal Christians is being renewed. The Church is growing and spreading – even Burmese Buddhists are becoming Jesus followers! Amidst terrible suffering, Christians are learning how to live not out of hatred and vengeance, but in Christ’s love that empowers them to forgive even their persecutors.

4. Algeria – From enclave to outreach

The Kabyle are a Berber ethnic group indigenous to mountainous north-eastern Algeria, residing there long before Arabs imposed Islam on the region.

In recent years, the Kabyle have experienced revival that has enlarged the Church among them to tens of thousands of believers – an extremely rare occurrence in North Africa. This outpouring and growth began during the intense Islamist violence of the Algerian Civil War in the 1990s.

Prejudicial treatment, surveillance, church closures, hostility, and arrests have not deterred the Kabyle Church. Not only do they keep making disciples and growing in number, but they are reaching other Berber groups, the Arab majority, and increasingly, sending missionaries to other nations to reach peoples ethnically related to them.

5. India – The least of these

The injustices of India’s caste system, especially for Dalits and Tribal peoples, are well-documented. The large bulk of those who follow Jesus come from the above groups and lower castes.

India’s sex-selective abortion problem and millions of ‘orphans’ demonstrate the lowly status of children, especially girls, who are often considered surplus to requirements. But the younger generation is forming a dynamic part of the growing ranks of the body of Christ in India.

One national leader shared of 170,000 children involved in just one network of kids’ clubs, where they are fed, educated, discipled, and taught to worship Jesus and pray with impressive fervency and authority. This is only one network, operating in only half of India’s states! The same leader shared that spiritual breakthrough and transformation is happening in many parts of India. But the sheer size of India and its population, combined with the security concerns tied to intensifying Hindutva-driven persecution, mean that many of these breakthroughs happen below the radar even of those paying close attention.

6. Africa – Persistent prayer, scaled up

The well-known Holy Ghost Service of the Redeemed Christian Church of God takes place outside of Lagos, Nigeria on the first Friday of every month, beginning at 7pm and lasting through the night. Attendance has been known to exceed one million people – the musicians and singers alone number in the thousands!

Heaven’s Gate Prayer Mountain in Kenya is near to Elementaita (“place of dust”), and is a retreat centre for prayer and fasting. Food is not permitted on the premises. It can accommodate 2,000-3,000 people. It operates year-round, but at peak times, it overflows and people are begged to stop coming. They sleep on the ground and pray in the fields if there is no more room.

Mount Ambericho in Ethiopia was home to a line of witch doctors for centuries until one of them turned to follow Christ. Others followed suit. The crowds who gathered every year to worship the witch doctors began to come to worship Christ. As many as 100,000 climb the 9,900-foot mountain for a whole day of prayer.

Closer to home, Black churches in the UK gather for prayer with a fervency and in numbers that should humble the rest of us. Whether Friday night prayer meetings or New Year ‘Crossover Services’ or city-wide/national prayer events, corporate prayer has long been a strength of Black churches. Swiss theologian Walter Hollenweger noted, “Christians in Britain prayed for many years for revival, and when it came they did not recognise it because it was black.”

GOD ON THE MOVE

No doubt some would disqualify each of these from fitting into their rigid criteria for revival. In his upcoming book Prayer Power - Changing the World and You Stuart Robinson writes, ”Attempts to agree on a concise definition of what is our meant by expectations of revival, would seem to have as much hope of success as David feeling comfortable in Saul’s armor." Others would assert that insisting on Western definitions and concepts for revivals or any other move of God is yet another example of colonialism in a global Church.

How much do definitions matter? In each of these examples there is a strong sense of - and hunger for - God's presence. The Holy Spirit is clearly at work, bringing new vitality to God's global Church and extending his kingdom into communities hitherto deprived of the good news. But the common threads of prayer and fasting, poverty, persecution, and close community confront our materially comfortable, individualistic Western churches.

We say we long for revival. What price are we willing to pay?

Jason Mandryk was born, grew up, and studied in Canada before moving to the UK to join the Operation World team. For over 20 years, he has served through multiple editions and publications of this ministry, as researcher, editor, author, and co-director. He is currently based in Seoul, South Korea.  Jason also serves on the Exec Team and Council of International Prayer Connect.

More at: https://www.premierchristianity.com/

Ukrainian officials say Russia is mustering its military might in the Luhansk region, in what Ukraine suspects is preparation for an offensive in the eastern area in coming weeks as the anniversary of Moscow's invasion approaches. 

Military analysts anticipate a new push soon by Moscow's forces, with the Institute for the Study of War saying in an assessment that "an imminent Russian offensive in the coming months is the most likely course of action." 

Ukraine is keen to secure more Western military aid as it tries to fend off the much larger Russian forces. It has already won pledges of tanks and now wants more.

The international criminal court has issued warrants for the arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, his commissioner for children’s rights, for directly supervising the atrocity of kidnapping Ukrainian children for “adoption” and “re-education” in Russia.

According to the Ukrainian government, 16,226 children have been deported to Russia, of whom 10,513 have been located, and 308 have returned. Reports indicate that there have been various reasons for the abduction, including “evacuation” from state institutions, transfer of children to camps, and parental consent, whether coerced or not.

More: CNN, ABC

Pray: A prayer for the one year anniversary of the war in Ukraine (Christian Aid)

Almighty and Great God, accept our gratitude for your boundless mercy towards us. Hear the supplication of our afflicted hearts for the land and people of Ukraine, as they confront foreign aggression and invasion. Open the eyes of those who have been overtaken by a spirit of deception and violence, that they be horrified by their works. Grant victory over the powers of evil that have arisen and bless Ukraine with your gifts of liberty, peace, tranquillity, and good fortune. 

We implore you, O Merciful God, look with grace upon those who courageously defend their land. Remember the mothers and fathers, the innocent children, widows and orphans, the disabled and helpless, those seeking shelter and refuge, who reach out to you and to their fellow human beings looking for mercy and compassion.

Bless the hearts of those who have already shown great generosity and solidarity, and those who prepare to receive their Ukrainian brothers and sisters in Ukraine’s greatest time of need. Bring us together as your children, your creation, and instil in us your strength, wisdom and understanding. May you be praised and glorified, now and forever, and to the ages of ages.  Amen

Sudan is currently facing a crisis involving a conflict between the military and civilians over control of the government. The conflict arose after the overthrow of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and the subsequent formation of a transitional government led by civilians and the military.

In October 2021, the military launched a coup and arrested several members of the civilian government, including Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. This led to widespread protests and a call for a civilian-led transitional government. The military agreed to a power-sharing agreement with civilians in November, but tensions between the two sides remained.

In recent months, there have been reports of escalating violence in the Darfur region, including clashes between armed groups and government forces. The violence has displaced thousands of people and led to a humanitarian crisis. The government has also been accused of restricting media and internet access to suppress dissent.

Warring factions agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire, mediated by the US and Saudi Arabia, while Western, Arab, and Asian nations raced to evacuate their citizens from the country. The army and the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have not abided by several temporary truce deals over the past week. Fighting between them erupted on April 15, and at least 427 people have been killed so far, turning residential areas into war zones.

Millions of people remain trapped in their homes in the capital Khartoum and are running short on food and water. Tens of thousands of people have fled, including Sudanese and citizens from neighbouring countries, despite instability and difficult living conditions.

At least two convoys involved in evacuations came under fire at the weekend, and diplomats have been targeted in attacks, and at least five aid workers have been killed. The United Nations has expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Sudan and has called for the release of political prisoners and the protection of human rights.

More:  Independent, Al Jazeera

Pray:    Heavenly Father, we come before you today with heavy hearts for the people of Sudan who are facing so much turmoil and suffering. We pray for peace to reign in their country and for the violence to come to an end. We ask that you comfort those who have lost loved ones or who have been injured in the conflict. We pray for your divine intervention to bring about a resolution that is just and fair for all parties involved.

As it says in Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." We ask that you raise up peacemakers in Sudan, individuals and groups who will work towards reconciliation and unity, and who will strive to bring an end to the conflict. We pray for their protection and provision as they seek to bring about positive change.

Lord, we also pray for the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding in Sudan. We ask that you provide for the basic needs of those who have been displaced, who are hungry and who lack access to medical care. We pray for the aid workers and organizations who are working tirelessly to provide relief to those who are suffering.

UN experts expressed outrage at the deliberate poisoning of more than 1200 schoolgirls in Iran’s major cities and the State’s failure to protect them, prevent further attacks and conduct swift investigations.

“The first reported poisoning of schoolgirls in Iran occurred on 30 November 2022, in the city of Qom. Since then, targeted chemical attacks against girls’ schools have been reported in 91 schools located in 20 provinces across Iran,” the experts said.

“The poisonings have already resulted in hundreds of schoolgirls being hospitalised. Many parents have removed their daughters from school for fear of these attacks,” they said.

“We are deeply concerned about the physical and mental well-being of these schoolgirls; their parents and the ability of the girls to enjoy their fundamental right to education. While arrests have just been announced, we remain gravely disturbed by the fact that for several months, State authorities not only failed to swiftly investigate the attacks, but repeatedly denied them until recently,” they added.

On 1 March 2023, Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi, whose Ministry leads the investigations was still dismissing the intentional nature of the attacks, stating that 90 per cent of reported cases could be attributed to “stress." State-affiliated media outlets similarly described the poisoning incidents as an attempt by students to miss exams.

More:  United Nations,

Pray:   For the safety of all young girls in Iran, that they may be protected and healed and be able to live as children should. (Exodus 14:13-14)

For accountability and justice, that those in power may acknowledge the crimes being committed and bring the perpetrators to justice. (Psalm 89:14)

That God will unite and strengthen the Iranian Christians, that they may be effective witnesses and salt and light to their people and country. (Matthew 5: 13-16)

At least 27 people were killed in a wave of violence that targeted Christian communities in Nigeria's Kaduna state. International Christian Concern (ICC), a US-based persecution watchdog, suspects that the attacks were aimed at preventing Christians from voting in the gubernatorial election.

The attackers, who had previously killed 17 people in the Agwan Wakili area in Kaduna, returned and struck the Mubushi and Langson communities, killing at least 10 people. Witnesses suggested that the attack was carried out to prevent Christians from voting. A local leader called it a "political massacre of Christians" in areas where the ruling All Progressives Congress party was likely to lose the election. Christian rights groups have warned for years about the deteriorating religious freedom conditions in Nigeria, where Boko Haram and the Islamic State operate. The country ranks No. 6 on the Open Doors 2023 World Watch List of the top 50 worst countries for Christian persecution.

More:  Christian Post

Pray:   Heavenly Father, we pray for the families of the victims of the recent attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria. We ask for your comfort and peace to be with them during this difficult time. We take refuge in your word, which says in Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Lord, we pray for your protection and safety over the Christian communities in Nigeria who are facing persecution and violence. We pray that you would be their refuge and strength, as your word says in Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

God, we pray for the leaders of Nigeria and for all those in positions of authority to take action against the violence and persecution faced by Christians in the country. We pray that they would heed your word in Proverbs 31:8-9, which says, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

China's navy has conducted over 120 flight sorties from its second aircraft carrier, the Shandong, in waters east of Taiwan and south of Japan over recent days. The exercises have raised concerns among US allies in the Indo-Pacific region.

The drills come after Taiwan's President, Tsai Ing-wen, met House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

The manoeuvres were launched on Saturday to “punish” Taiwan, and China claims that its forces have successfully completed them. The exercises are the first for the Shandong in the western Pacific, and it marks a first for the carrier in the area that China defines as “far seas”.

Meanwhile Chinese President Xi Jinping's call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has brought China's peace efforts to the forefront again. China released a 12-point plan on February 24, which focuses on finding a political settlement through talks as the only way to stop the fighting. The plan calls for respecting the sovereignty of all countries and the opposition to the use of nuclear weapons, while also calling for an end to unilateral sanctions and bloc confrontations.

The West and Ukraine have urged China to use its influence over Russia to end the war, and China has proposed the only plan that both sides have said they will consider. China plans to send an envoy to Ukraine and other countries to discuss possible solutions to the conflict with all parties involved. While the call has been broadly welcomed, the West remains sceptical about China's capability and credibility.

More:  South China Morning Post, Financial Times

Pray:   For peace in Ukraine and for an end to the ongoing conflict that has caused so much suffering and pain. We ask that all parties involved in the conflict come together in a spirit of cooperation and dialogue to find a lasting and just solution that respects the sovereignty of all countries and promotes the well-being of all people. (Romans 15:13)

For the success of all peace efforts, including the recent 12-point plan proposed by China. May these efforts be guided by wisdom, compassion, and a deep commitment to the common good.

For the safety and well-being of all those affected by the conflict, especially the innocent civilians who have been caught in the crossfire. May they find comfort and support in their time of need, and may they be able to rebuild their lives in peace and security. (Psalm 28:7)

Israel is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its founding as a modern state. On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion, the country's first prime minister, declared the birth of modern Israel in Tel Aviv’s Independence Hall, and for the first time in nearly 2,000 years, the Jewish people had a nation.

The Jewish Agency helped lay the groundwork for the two thousand years in the making of the Jewish state. The whole purpose of establishing the Jewish Agency was to unite the global Jewish people and to establish a national home for the Jewish people in the land of Israel.

Today, Israel maintains its safety and security with one of the most powerful militaries in the world, and it is an economic miracle. Israel is also known as “Startup Nation” for having the highest concentration of new businesses per capita in the world. Yet, throughout its history, Israel has faced nearly insurmountable odds, including six Arab nations' attempt to drive it into the sea just hours after Ben-Gurion declared the state. Despite this, Israel stands, despite enemies within, along each border, and beyond.

More:  CBN

Pray:   Heavenly Father, we thank you for the miracle of the rebirth of the State of Israel. Against all odds, you have brought your people back to their ancient homeland, fulfilling the prophecies of old.

We pray for the safety and security of Israel and its people, that you would continue to protect them from their enemies. We trust in your promise that "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you" (Isaiah 54:17).

Strengthen and uphold Israel, and let your light shine upon them always.

Australia, since 2013, has called the nations of the world to join in prayer and fasting at this time each year for the United States of America. This year the period will be 5 days, from 30 April – 4 May 2023.

April 30 is America’s National Day of Repentance  http://www.dayofrepentance1.org

May 4 is America’s National Day of Prayer http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org

The theme is “PRAY FERVENTLY IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND AVAIL MUCH.” James 5:16

The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of America’s heritage, as is the USA Day of Repentance. The first national call to prayer was in 1775 when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation.

Kym Farnik, the Prayer Coordinator for the Canberra Declaration said, “In every major conflict since the First World War Australian and American soldiers have died side by side in the battlefields of the world in the fight for freedom. We are still fighting for freedom together to this day, but the fight is now within our own nations. Both America and Australia desperately need to experience revival and reformation. Both countries need to see an awakening to the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The good news is that the month of May also celebrates Go MONTH, a call for the Christians of the world to pray and share the Gospel with 5 people in the month of May. The simple goal is to reach a billion people with God’s love.”

Warwick Marsh, an Australia Faith & Family advocate said, “America is still a bastion of hope for the Gospel and for the free world. Each year it is estimated that the USA gives over $70 billion per year in foreign aid to the world from Governmental, private and faith-based institutions. People in almost all of the 206 nation states in the world benefit each year in some way from America’s generosity and kindness. We need to pray that this will continue to happen. Please Pray & Fast for America between the 30 April – 4 May as you are able. Thank God for America. Pray for revival, repentance and reformation for America. Join with me to pray God bless America!” 

More:  Youtube  |  www.canberradeclaration.org.au

During the 10 days leading up to Pentecost Sunday, we want to invite you to join us in praying for Revival in 3 directions –

1. Personal Revival, Revival in your Church, and Revival in your City - Let’s pray for a Christ – awakening in our lives, families and churches, where the Spirit of God uses God’s Word to re-awaken us back to Christ for all that He is! Let’s cry out for revival to break out in our cities where many repent and believe in the gospel of our Jesus Christ!
2. Revival to break forth in 10 unreached cities in the Middle-East based on the prophecy in Isaiah 19
3. Revival in Jerusalem, praying for all Israel to be saved!

Each day we will provide a prayer point for 10 cities on this Isaiah 19 highway from Cairo back to Jerusalem!

See here for further prayer points for each of these cities

Let’s ask God for mighty revival to break out in these cities according to God’s promise in Isaiah 19!

During these 10 Days, let’s pray together for Jewish unbelievers around the world to call on their Messiah the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved!

Each day we have provided simple, Bible based prayer points in these 3 directions. We will culminate our 10 days of prayer on Pentecost Sunday together with millions of believers around the world crying out for the salvation of Israel!

Thank you for praying with us for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit across the earth this year in 10 days of worship-saturated prayer culminating on Pentecost Sunday!

For the Supremacy of Christ in all things,

Dr. Jason Hubbard, International Prayer Connect

Daniel Brink, Jericho Walls International Prayer Network

Jonathan Friz, 10 Days

More at: https://www.110cities.com/pentecostprayerguide/

The Church began in an upper room waiting for the Holy Spirit to come.

2,000+ years later, we are inviting believers around the world to go back to the upper room as we prepare for a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.

240 Hours of Continuous Prayer! – Join with believers online around the world to pray anytime during 10 Days.

There will be two daily teaching times at noon ET and 7pm ET.

‘Remember the Promise’ – Ten Days of Prayer for REVIVAL before Pentecost!

Sign up for free at:
https://linktr.ee/10daysofprayerglobal