Taking Europe by Storm, an article by Ian NicholsonIan Nicholson - 17 Apr 2008
It’s been European day today! We have just heard that 5 people are coming to 24-7’s Euro gathering in the Czech Republic from Macedonia, 4 are driving in from Switzerland, a small team from Germany, a couple from Iceland, two from the Netherlands and more from the UK. There are, of course, quite a few Czechs and Slovaks booking in and interest from loads of other countries. The connection: a shared interest and involvement in 24-7 Prayer.
Beginnings are important!
Pete Greig prayed towards Europe as a young man on Cape St Vincent and imagined ‘a faceless army of young people in every nation awaiting orders’. We encountered a red moon on the nights in the UK and Germany as the movement was launched. Rain broke the drought in Ibiza and we road the roller coaster that was the Reading Boiler Room.
Back then we were excited and inspired by the visions and signs that God was calling a generation to pray. We believe He is still calling us; the job is not done. Tjere are months of unbroken prayer in Slovakia, Germany, Finland and Wales. We are seeomg years of prayer in Switzerland, multiple prayer rooms in the Czech Republic, church planting in Macedonia and vision for prayer and communities in Ireland. In a few weeks we will again be praying 24-7 in the UK Houses of Parliament. All these incredible things are glimpses of what God is doing in our nations.
With one set of eyes we can see Europe as a continent in spiritual crisis through neo paganism, the growing influence of Islam, the emptying of churches, secular intolerance, multi ethnic, religious and cultural ghettoes, and a Christianity that is practically irrelevant to the vast majority of indifferent Europeans. The gospel has been marginalised. However with eyes of faith we can see expressions of hope that the tide is turning. Fervent prayer, creative new expressions of church, renewal in existing churches and immigrant believers from the two thirds world stirring us with their passion and faith. Surely the foundations are being laid for a fresh move of God that will see Jesus the King be honoured, loved and obeyed on our continent again. Surely, as Europeans, this should be our life defining cause! We are gathering in Brno to remind ourselves of the original vision, to rededicate ourselves to the cause. We want to see an army of young people rising up to see our Father’s Kingdom come and our Father’s will be done in Europe as it is in Heaven. Our gathering will be many things – teaching, worship, practical workshops, prayer, fun and hanging out, stories and inspiration, tears and encouragement. It will be a time to put a stake in the ground in the centre of Europe and recommit our lives and our future to Jesus. We envisage that this is a time to re-gather, re-connect and re-focus.
Join us - 29th May – 1st June, Brno, Czech Republic
It will be a smaller than many 24-7 International gatherings so we will have more time to talk honestly and relate meaningfully. This could be a unique opportunity to be part of a new wave of focus on Europe.
If you want to join us please register via the website and email Phil Evans. Phil will email you initial details and a list of accommodation options. If in doubt please email Phil. We look forward to seeing you there...
