Spiritual Power to Change our World—Patrick Johnstone Recognizing and Defeating the Powers of Darkness—George Otis, Jr. The Parsee: Liberating an Unreached People by Prayer and Fasting—Kaezad Dadachanjee Overcoming Spiritual Resistance that Brings Transformation—John D. Robb Beyond the Four Spiritual Laws—Dean O. Michell Community Transformation Through United and Persevering Prayer—George Otis, Jr. Praying for the Lost in the 10/40 Window—Billy Joe Daugherty Spiritual Breakthrough in Turkey—Editors of Religion Today Editorial Spiritual Warfare and the Frontiers
inally, be strong in the Lord and of reality. We commented in Spiritual battle field. We said it then, and can- “F in the strength of His might, put Warfare I, not not overstate it now, that “this sys- on the whole armor of God, that you Few can doubt that Satan has made temic evil needs to be disarmed (in may be able to stand against the wiles great advances in our modern world, Jesus’ name and authority) accom- including infiltrating our churches, and of the devil.” (Eph. 6:10, 11) Paul was playing havoc with our worldview. plished by the full armored soldiers of well aware of the fact that Christians This has been accomplished largely by the cross who know how to wield the means of a slow but persistent shift of are involved in a spiritual battle that thinking regarding our view of reality, Sword of the Spirit.” requires a full set of armor in order to accomplished through so-called “scien- tific thought” that would see our world stand and overcome. Paul reminded as a closed, self-contained natural sys- Why Still Unreached? his readers (then and now) that we tem, which would postulate Satan’s In Spiritual Warfare I we asked non-existence, along with other super- fight not against flesh and blood but natural beings, and somehow reduce the very pointed question: “Why are so “against the principalities, against the our problems and the battles we face to many people still unreached in this a natural plane of reality. powers, against the world rulers of late hour? Could it that we today, and this present darkness, against the We stated then, and want to those who have gone before, have mis- spiritual hosts of wickedness in the underscore it today, that we need a understood the spiritual nature of our heavenly places.” change in worldview since our view mission and the supernatural conflict was was not Paul’s view of reality. Nei- Paul taught his readers (then and of the task?” For greater and better ther has the modern (Western) secular now) that the fight is against “the reasons, my answer today is affirma- naturalistic view of life any bases any- prince of the powers of the air, of the tive. In fact, there is no doubt that the where in Scriptures. Scripture makes spirit that is now working in the sons principle task (not simply a prior task) it abundantly clear that our conflict, of disobedience.” (Eph. 2:2) He exhorts of reaching the unreached has to do including the battle we wage in world Christian “not to give place to the with the battle in the spiritual or invis- missions, especially on the frontiers, is devil” (Eph. 4:27), but leads them to ible plane of reality which we in mis- not principally fought on the natural understand their task that “the mani- sions from the West have largely plane. For that reason we wrote then, fold wisdom of God might now be ignored and have not adequately and repeat it now, that Christians and made known through the church to waged. My conviction, now some 5 missionaries in the Western world the rulers and the authorities in the years later, is that this is one main “need a major shift of perspective heavenly places.” (Eph 3:10, 11) Best reason (if not the main cause) for why regarding ultimate world and life of all, to the Christians in Colossae so many of the world’s peoples and issues. . . and that unless we do expe- Paul writes that “the principalities and nations still are unreached especially rience a radical paradigm (worldview) powers” are disarmed in Jesus Christ in the 10/40 Window. We are still ill shift, we are in for serious trouble.” who “triumphed” over them. This won- equipped to do this task, and unless This includes world mission, espe- derful news does not mean the end of we get adequately equipped, finish it cially frontier missions. Why? In the the battle but rather shows us in any time soon. Is it not true that we 10/40 Window we are face to face with whose name to wage it and that our have lost a true biblical worldview that peoples and cultures who have been victory is assured. takes into full account the unseen under the rule of “the prince of the supernatural world of God, of the Spiritual Warfare II power of the air” uncontested for cen- Kingdom of God, of angels and fallen This Special Edition is entirely turies. They have well developed anti- angels, of Lucifer the most anointed devoted to the important subject of the biblical views of reality that persevere cherub—fallen and converted to spiritual battle and the frontiers. And mainly because they are fueled by the Satan—and “the spiritual hosts of it is Spiritual Warfare II since it is the spiritual reality of the enemy of men’s wickedness in the heavenly places” second edition devoted to this very souls. Only the kind of soldiers ade- who interact with and influence for important topic in frontier missions. quately equipped and skilled to wage evil human life and should be seen as In that first edition (see Vol. 10:4, war on the spiritual plane ought to be the enemy of men’s souls? 1993) we focused on the need to cor- sent. No one else should be sent nor rect our Western (warped) perspective venture our and go into this mission (Continued on page 223)
International Journal of Frontier Missions Vol. 15:4, Oct.-Dec. 1998 Spiritual Power to Change our World
The world as we see it today is a battlefield at every level—political, moral, mental and spiritual. The arch enemy of our souls is no “push-over.” In recent years the nature and intensity of the war has become more apparent than ever. Yet, there can be no doubt that for the impregnable strongholds to fall, we must follow God’s strategy and wield the ultimate weapon of intercession given to us by our Lord and God.
by Patrick Johnstone
hat a privilege to be brought owe much to my godly African co- Satan. Frank Feretti’s popular novels W into the Kingdom for such a workers who educated me about the on spiritual warfare were written to time as this! Never before has the spiritual powers at work and their alert Christians to this unseen con- Church of the Lord Jesus Christ cultural setting. They also demon- flict. These helped to fill the gap in grown so fast or extended its witness strated how the lord Jesus gives total Western theology with a convincing so far. The tide of the Gospel now laps freedom through a deep repentance interpretation of the real world. But at the final bastions of the enemy of with renunciation of the works of despite the author’s pleas (Feretti souls. World evangelization is a fore- darkness and faith in Him. 1989, Wakeley 1995:158) not to build gone conclusion because of God’s 2. Too great a preoccupation with a theology based on these vivid por- promises.1 The world, as we see it, is the enemy. There has been a rapid trayals of demonic forces, we find a battlefield at every level—political, growth of awareness of, and fascina- many readers have. Our Christian moral, mental and spiritual—with tion with, the occult. This, together bookstores carry a plethora of titles many strongholds to be stormed. His with the infiltration of New Age Hin- on spiritual warfare, some propound- infernal majesty is not a “push-over” duism, has radically changed the ing exotic techniques and speculative and in recent years the nature and world-view of many in the Western solutions. Such extremes can become intensity of the spiritual warfare in world. As a result people have become a divisive element in the Body of which we are engaged has become far more conscious of these spiritual Christ. more apparent. Yet, for these seem- forces. We easily become too devil- We need balance and a biblical ingly impregnable strongholds to fall, conscious and lose sight of the reign- centrality in our understanding and we must wield those weapons given to ing Lord Jesus. The more we know of involvement in spiritual warfare. We us by God. God, His Word and His power, the need to return to biblical supernatu- better we are able to deal with the ralism. I aim to keep within this Extreme Approaches enemy. Dealing with the occult can parameter, for it is on this parameter There are two extreme approaches become a morbid fascination for that we all should be in basic agree- which can impair our effectiveness in Christians. It can be a dangerous ment. In writing this article I go the spiritual warfare associated with side-track to delve into every form of beyond present controversies and world evangelization; satanic stratagem and technique to want to focus on world evangelization 1. Under-emphasis of the spiritual overcome them, for we can become by active intercession for the coun- nature of the conflict. For too long ensnared in time-consuming deliver- tries, peoples and cities still in the Western Christianity has done just ance ministry or live in danger of thrall of the prince of this world. My this and many missionaries have gone unconsciously making ourselves open premise is that we are largely agreed into situations ill-prepared for spiri- to the dark powers. Jessie Penn- on Scriptural objectives in spiritual tual opposition (Neil 1990:13). This Lewis’s book, War on the Saints, warfare, and further, that the means was certainly my experience in Africa. which came out of the 1904 Welsh for attaining those objectives may be I was working among a people steeped Revival, warns of an over- just as well expressed in the terms in witchcraft and the fear of spirits. I preoccupation with the things of used in the Bible. The main means by International Journal of Frontier Missions Vol. 15:4, Oct.-Dec., 1998 172 Spiritual Power to Change our World
which this will be achieved is interces- about in a beautiful way and illus- the Lamb’s right to open the seals. sion. trates this principle. When Jill began The first six seals (Rev 6) show the Our prayers can change and are to write the book in 1990, she manner and principles of God’s judg- changing the world. We do not have to described the land of Albania. The ments on mankind; Rev 7 shows par- understand everything about the land was then a Communist hermit enthetically the simultaneous gather- forces arrayed against us, but we do state which proudly claimed to be the ing of the disciples from the peoples of need to understand the nature of the first truly atheist country in the world the world. Both the judgments and power and authority that is ours in and where all religious expression was the gathering are the outworking of Christ. Sometimes our technical illegal. At our mission headquarters in those prayers. The seventh and final knowledge hinders us. I have been England there was a group of praying seal reveals the secret of the impact of impressed by the increasing concern children who interceded for each the prayers of the saints on the world. among Christians for the evangeliza- country or people as Jill completed I here want to briefly mention just tion of Muslims. Yet, often the best each chapter. These children took on three major turning points of history missionaries are the ones who have their hearts the need of the children to illustrate the impact of prayer: studied little more than the basics of of Albania where the Gospel was 1. The Moravian 100-year Prayer Islamics but have a passion for shar- banned with no known believers. They Chain. In 1727 revival broke out in ing Christ. In their boldness for prayed for religious freedom to come the Herrnhut community. A prayer Jesus, they plunge in to witnessing to to that land. A few months later the vigil was begun then which continued Muslims where an Islamicist would Communist government fell, and free- day and night without a break for fear to go. By saying this I am not dom for worship and witness came. over one hundred years. Out of this advocating that a knowledge of Islam Jill had to rewrite the chapter. When movement of the Holy Spirit a passion is wrong, but we must not let that these children heard of the answer to for missions emerged. The Moravians knowledge cripple our faith that the their prayers, they were delighted. became the first Protestant body to Holy Spirit can bring about the con- One of them shouted out, “We have specifically commit themselves as a version of Muslims through our wit- changed Albania!” That was true, but, body for world evangelization (Tucker ness. The same is true as we confront of course, they were not the only ones 1983:70-71). Is it surprising, that the devil and his kingdom of darkness praying earnestly for the Gospel to through the Moravians, John Wesley and forces of evil. We must not be have free entry to that needy land! came into his “heart warming experi- ignorant of his devices (2 Cor 2:11); Just 4 years later we now know there ence of Christ”? This was followed by nor do we have to know everything is scarcely a town left in that land the great 18th century revival that about demonism, the occult, the hier- which does not have a group of wit- swept Britain and North America and archies of the spirit world before we nessing believers. May God give us then led to the modern mission move- dare bind the strong man and spoil their faith and simplicity. May these ment. The mighty flow of the Gospel his goods (Matt 12:29). Donald words encourage the reader to over the past 200 years was birthed Jacobs, a Mennonite missionary in engage, not in controversy, but defeat and nurtured in a century-long prayer East Africa, testifies powerfully to the the enemy in the combat of interces- meeting. godly balance of African Christians sion! 2. The Evangelization of China. associated with the East African Revi- Hudson Taylor, the founder of the val and how their longing was to know The Historical Evidence China Inland Mission, left an indelible more of Jesus and even to turn their One day from the vantage point of mark on Christians in the last cen- backs on the detailed information Eternity, I believe one of the major tury as he emphasized the need for their traditional religionist compatri- praise points before the Throne of the prayer and pled for reinforcements to ots sought about demons (Jacobs Lamb will be His working in history reach the millions in China’s unevan- 1990:306). through prayer. In fact I see Revela- gelized provinces (Taylor 1918). China We need the simplicity and faith tion 5:1-8:5 as a demonstration of and missions became inseparable in of children in our waging war against this. This is about the seven seals the minds of most believers. Yet, by the strongholds of Satan. My late wife, that the Lamb alone could open. The the time Communism gained control Jill, was long burdened to write a whole section is bracketed by refer- of China’s mainland in 1949 and book to help children pray for the ences to the prayers of the saints (Rev ended all foreign mission work, the world (J. Johnstone, 1993). Its title, 5:9; 8:1-5) and interspersed with response had been relatively small You Can Change the World, came paeans of praise for redemption and with a total Christian community of
International Journal of Frontier Missions 173 Patrick Johnstone about 1.5 million Protestants and systems cannot withstand the con- * David Brainerd agonized for the about 3 million Catholics. It seemed certed, militant, believing prayers of indigenous Americans (Indians) and to the human eye that the Gospel had God’s people. Why have we so saw life-changing revival come failed again to penetrate China’s neglected this ultimate weapon? How (Tucker 1983:90). heart. It appears that the work God long could Islam, Buddhism, Hindu- * George Muller demonstrated wanted to do was too great to have ism, New Age, Western materialistic that God could be trusted to support man taking the glory which may have apathy or any demonic empire remain thousands of orphans by the prayer of been the reason all missionaries were in place with further global prayer faith without appeals to man. He laid forced to withdraw. Over a century of thrusts of this kind? All of these relig- the faith basis for finances for much prayer for China was not forgotten ious and belief systems are in opposi- of the most innovative and effective and the seed sown in tears and blood tion to God and seek to deny full free- missions advances that followed (Pier- was watered by fierce persecution. dom to know the remedy in the son 1899). During the 1980s we began * Rees Howells interceded to be aware that something dra- in the heavenlies for divine matic was happening as reports deliverances in the darkest days began to circulate of millions All of the world’s belief of World War II and saw dra- coming to Christ. Before the systems are in opposition to matic answers (Grubb 1952), 1989 Tiananmen Square inci- God and seek to deny full showing how we believers can dent when the pro-democracy freedom to know the remedy change the course of human protest was crushed, this move- history. ment to Christ had been pre- in the Gospel. It is the * William Duma, a humble dominantly rural. Subsequently, weapon of prayer that will Zulu pastor in South Africa, so the urban and intellectual sec- expose their internal walked with God that his tions of society were impacted. contradictions and contribute prayers led to remarkable mira- Reasonable estimates in 1992 to God’s shaping of events in cles, even the raising of the for the total community of Prot- judgment on them. dead, and who gained the estants was reckoned to be 63 respect and love of all races in million (baptized believers would the darkest days of apartheid. be half of this), and of Catholics At one time he had the only to be 12 million (Johnstone, Gospel. It is the weapon of prayer that fully multiracial church in the coun- 1993:163). The world has never before will expose their internal contradic- try. (Garnett 1979). We need many seen a turning to God on such a tions and contribute to God’s shaping others of like caliber to impact our scale—a harvest against all the odds of events in judgment on them. Paul’s world. through definite intercession for words are true in today’s world just a China’s millions. they were in biblical times: Great Harvests Won 3. The Collapse of Communism. In Through Prayer January’ 1984 Brother Andrew, the For the weapons of our warfare are In preparing the latest edition of not worldly but have divine power Director of Open Doors, put out a fer- to destroy strongholds. We destroy my book, Operation World, I have vent challenge to the Christian world arguments and every proud obsta- been awed by the number of prayer to pray for seven years for the tearing cle to the knowledge of God, and requests listed in the 1986 edition take every thought captive to obey down of the Iron Curtain and for free- Christ (2 Cor 10:4-5). which are no longer points for prayer, dom for the Gospel. The Holy Spirit but rather for praise, because must have given Brother Andrew a Intercessors Who answers have come. The growth of prophetic burden and vision, for Changed History. evangelical believers around the world within those seven years Communism is staggering especially in the parts of In the histories of revivals that in Europe and the USSR had col- the world where the Gospel was still have deeply affected the lives of lapsed as a viable ideology. The USSR unknown 200 years ago. Part of our nations and areas, I have been struck itself had ceased to exist. Now we see research was to make what is prob- so often by the evidence that the Holy the Church growing rapidly in many ably the most comprehensive attempt Spirit raised up special intercessors countries once dominated by Commu- ever made to analyze the growth (and who prayed for the fire to fall. To men- nism. Ideologies and anti-Christian decline) of the 25,000 identified tion a few:
Vol 15:4 Oct.-Dec., 1998 174 Spiritual Power to Change our World
denominations, as well as the Church Characteristics of an annual event on a day in October as a whole, over the past 30 years Prayer Initiatives involving millions to pray for the (Johnstone 1993:23-26). Just to I have become aware over the past nations, Gateway cities, Key quote one statistic; in 1960 the 29 20 years of a growing number of Unreached Peoples,) The Marches for million Evangelicals in the non- prayer initiatives and networks Jesus (involving 16 million in 1995 with a major component of praying for western world constituted about 30% unprecedented in the history of the world. There is, in fact, a prayer world evangelization), Intercessors of the world’s Evangelicals; by the awakening under way, the scope of International (launched by Dennis year 2000 this could have risen to which would astonish us if we knew Clark in 1969), Concerts of Prayer 400 million and nearly 80% of all the whole story. The availability of International (in which God has used Evangelicals. information and the globalization of David Bryant to revive the vision of Consider the massive turnings to the world missionary force have the great Jonathan Edwards two cen- God in Africa in the 1960s, Latin increased the emphasis on strategic turies ago), The Lydia Fellowship America in the 1970s, East Asia in praying for Gospel advances in une- (mobilizing women for intercession), the 1980s (especially Indonesia, vangelized parts of the world. What The Esther Network (mobilizing chil- China and South Korea), and in the are some of the characteristics of this dren as intercessors). and the YWAM former Communist countries of prayer awakening? initiative to mobilize Christians to fast Europe in the 1990s. Even in the belt 1. The intensity of an early morn- and pray for the Muslim World during of territory between the Atlantic and ing Korean prayer meeting in almost Ramadan, etc. o Pacific, between the Latitudes l0 any Protestant church in the country, 5. The specific nature of the pray- o north and 40 north often called the or of the extensively attended Friday ing. A decade ago we were wondering whether most of the unevangelized 10/40 Window, we are seeing the all-night prayer meetings in many world would be closing to any form of beginnings of an unprecedented har- congregations in Brazil. Christian presence. Yet in answer to vest. This is true among Muslims with 2. The militancy of the praying prayer, country after country has more coming to Christ individually Christians expecting Satan’s forces to opened up for witness whether overtly and as communities than ever before yield in power encounters, leading to or covertly. Such countries as Nepal, in history. There are also significant significant movements to Christ in Cambodia, China, Russia, Uzbeki- initiatives launched for Hindu and hitherto resistant peoples. I well stan, Kyrgyzstan, Bulgaria, Ethiopia, remember a Dorothea Mission Week Buddhist regions of the world. There and many others are evidence of this. of Prayer we held in the then Portu- is a worshipping and witnessing Many of the closing or closed doors guese-ruled Mozambique in 1965. To group of Protestant evangelical believ- have proved to be revolving doors in that point little Protestant mission ers in every one of the 237 countries answer to prayer. work had been permitted in much of and territories of the world, and also a We are. therefore, in the early the country. We definitely claimed church planting movement launched stages of a prayer-fueled advance of that land for Christ and an opening and rooted in over10,000 of the the Kingdom of Christ—a fact that for the Gospel. Within weeks, mission- 12,000 ethno linguistic peoples in the gives me great hope for the future aries had gained entry into that land. world. despite the evident negatives in the 3. The variety of expression in For the first time in history we world and failures of the Church. simultaneous prayer at full volume, What could happen for the Kingdom if can meaningfully speak of seeing a prayer walking, marches for Jesus, that prayer mobilization further church planting movement within hands raised to heaven, lying pros- increased? The majority of evangelical every ethnolinguistic people and mak- trate before the Lord. churches have yet to catch this vision. ing the Gospel available for every per- 4. The global networks of prayer The wider world is so big, complex son in our lifetime. This has become that has been birthed. Peter and Doris and remote and their own outreach the driving vision of the AD2000 and Wagner, coordinators for the AD 2000 often discouraging. Their energies and Beyond Movement. I can only attrib- and Beyond Movement Prayer Track, resources are spent on local concerns ute these advances as a direct answer have links with dozens of prayer net- and programs that benefit the gath- to strategic prayer by millions around works around the world—with mil- ered saints, more than the millions of the world. lions of Christians involved—The Day Satan’s captives heading for a lost to Change the World (now becoming eternity.
International Journal of Frontier Missions 175 Patrick Johnstone
in the extension of His Kingdom and shall break them with a rod of iron The Biblical Basis (Ps 2:8-9RSV). even in the formulation of His eternal decrees. I do not pretend to under- So many and powerful are the ref- Here is the plea of the Father that stand this, but I do know that prayer erences to the power and importance the Son pray and specifically ask the is not a manipulative tool for us to of prayer that we sin if we fail to pray Father for the world. This Jesus did in force a reluctant God to do what we to our heavenly Father interceding for His earthly life. Prayer was fundamen- want. Nor is it a means for God to a lost world, a needy Church, a limp- tal to His ministry of redemption for gain entrance into our being to ing army of the Lord’s servants (1 the world. It should be in our ministry manipulate us. I pray not just Sam 12:23, 1 Thess 5:17). Yet how too! Amazingly, in Rev 2:26 we see Ps because I need to obey God, but weak, short, limited, selfish our 2:9 applied to believers as well. We because He has so ordained that this prayers so often are. We have a too are charged by our Father to ask Father who delights to receive is the means by which He will us in His Throne room, not only work in this world. Note Mur- to hear our hesitant requests, ray’s words: but to answer us above all that Prayer is not a manipulative we could ask or expect (Jer tool for us to force a reluctant This perfect, harmonious union of Divine sovereignty 33:3). God to do what we want. Nor and human liberty is an Hans von Staden, the is it a means for God to gain unfathomable mystery Founder and Director of the because God as the Eternal One transcends all our Dorothea Mission in South entrance into our being to thoughts. But let it be our Africa, was a mighty man of manipulate us. comfort and strength to prayer. He was an inspiration to know that in the eternal fel- lowship of the Father and those of us whom he led. In fact, the Son, the power of it was his vision for taking up the prayer has its origin and certainty. for and rule over the nations as a challenge given by Andrew Murray for Through our union with the Son, kingdom of priests. weeks of prayer for the world (Murray our prayer is taken up and can Do we really grasp the signifi- have its influence in the inner life 1900: 167ff) that led to von Staden’s of the Blessed trinity. God’s decrees cance of the atonement—how the request to write the first Operation are no iron framework against World. It was he who also suggested Triune God identified with us sinful which man’s liberty struggles, men in the incarnation so that vainly. God Himself is living love, the title. He had some powerful com- Who in His Son as man has through the Cross we, who are ments, several being: entered into the tenderest relation- redeemed by faith through grace, are ship with all that is human. The miracle would be that God NOT joined to Christ? We are a kingdom of Through the Holy Spirit, He takes up everything human into the answer prayer. He has so commit- priests identified with His death, res- ted Himself to answer that it is no Divine life of love, leaving Himself urrection. ascension and present miracle that we receive an answer! free to give every human prayer its reign (1 Pet 2:9; Rev 1:4-7; 5:10; Rom place in the government of the world (Murray 1900:128ff). When man works, man works; 5:17). We are now identified with God when man prays, God works. Himself, seated with Christ in hea- We should not pray for our minis- venly places sharing in all that He is The Teachings of try; prayer is our ministry. and has (Col 3;1-4). The greatest of all the Lord Jesus I see so many clear promises these is sharing with Him in the min- The numerous promises, exten- about prayer and the assurance of istry of intercession. sive teaching and prayerful life of the answers in Scripture. How can I even It is an awesome thing that we are Lord Jesus all show the importance of select several and do justice to them? all called into such a ministry of inter- intercession. Here is not the place to However, Psalm 2 always impresses cession. We become co-workers with expand on this, but just to share one me. Here the spiritual warfare is viv- God (1 Cor 3:9, Is 64:4, Mk 16:20). extraordinary passage where Jesus idly portrayed as the Son meditates Prayer is the only human activity that taught His disciples about prayer. I on the futility of the opposition and moves heaven (Rev 5:9, 8:4-5). In fact refer to John 14:12-14 (RSV): assurance of total victory. The Son in his booklet, With Christ in the repeats the promise given to Him: School of Prayer, Andrew Murray Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the Ask of Me and I will make the shows how our prayers enter into works that I do; and greater works nations your heritage, and the ends eternity and work together with God of the earth your possession. You Vol 15:4 Oct.-Dec., 1998 176 Spiritual Power to Change our World
than these will he do, because I go emphasize that prayer’s power is not clasp. Greater is He that is in me than to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name I will do it, that the diminished by passage of time. God he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Father may be glorified in the Son; knows how to store up prayer for The only danger is my sin which gives if you ask anything in My name, I answers to be revealed much later. Satan his opportunity. Lack of under- will do it. Nor is prayer limited by distance. standing of these basics, results in What are these greater works? Prayers in one continent immediately too many Christians being “poorly Many times I have asked Christians to have an impact on the situation in born.” explain the meaning, but rarely have I another. Prayer walks are now becom- Jill, my late wife, often used to heard what I believe to be the answer. ing a big emphasis as a mission strat- say, “It seems that to be a Christian 2 Some have suggested working mira- egy. It is important to realize that the today you need to give your heart to cles, raising the dead, winning multi- physical presence of the intercessor Jesus and have 50 years of counsel- tudes, casting out demons, more con- does not increase the power of the ling!” There is a counselling craze that versions, but these are all works that prayers—though the insights gained, has swept through modern Christian- Jesus did in abundance and promised the time set aside for the walk, the ity which has become almost a substi- that we will also do. That still leaves, commitment involved and the com- tute for the objective truths of the question, what are the greater bined and earnest agreement of the redemption in Christ. I am not against works? I believe that this is interces- participants are all ingredients in the biblical counselling. but so much that sion in the name of the conquering, strengthening of faith and the effec- is termed such is a masquerade using risen, reigning Lord Jesus Christ. tiveness of the intercession. Prayer biblical verses which overlay human- This challenge is followed by a prom- moves the hand that moves the uni- istic premises and modern psychol- ise that is deliberately repeated for verse. So it is being in God’s presence, ogy. It leads to a dependence on coun- emphasis about asking in prayer and rather than in a physical location, sellors and not on God alone and is the assurance that Jesus will do it. that pulls down strongholds. far from the truth recovered in the That is an awesome promise for spiri- Reformation—the priesthood of all tual warfare and for world evangeliza- Back to the Basics believers. tion. Our effectiveness in spiritual war- As a believer I cannot be affected The world is going to be evangel- fare is not dependent on technique or by witchcraft when walking with God. ized only through prayer. This is the intimate knowledge of the situation, Stephen Lungu,3 a long-time col- ultimate weapon, the master strategy but rather on our relationship to God. league and close friend in Zimbabwe, for overthrowing every plan, argu- As a believer, only as I know who I am often used to stand in our big evangel- ment, power structure, bondage and and know the revealed will of God for istic tent and boldly say, “I am staying even the gates of Hades that are in me will I be able to confidently exer- at the house over there; you can try to opposition to the King of kings and cise the authority delegated to me. practice your witchcraft on me but it Lord of lords. Through the Cross He Ignorance of these truths opens me won’t work because I belong to conquered, and by applying the vic- up to all the wiles and deceptions of Jesus.” That in an African context tory of the Cross we become more the enemy. Tragically, we no longer was a tremendous testimony. Many than conquerors. We do not have to emphasize these basics. Here are, Christians live in fear that they or understand its efficacy, we just briefly, what I regard as some of the their loved ones may have inadver- believe the promises of God in the most important. tently been exposed to some form of Bible. I have been moved by the ready witchcraft or the occult. acceptance of simple African believers 1. Knowing Our Position in Christ Missionary friends of ours once that if they pray for someone to be How little is preached on the pre- traveled back by ship to their home- delivered they expect it to happen. cious blood of Jesus, the meaning of land for furlough. For years after- May we return to the profound sim- repentance from dead works and faith wards they were troubled because plicity of trust in a Father who, if we in the finished work of Christ on the they blamed subsequent problems ask, will give (Luke 11:9-13). Cross! What a privilege, what security with one of their sons on the fact that Intercessory prayer is the means to be in Christ—the message of Ephe- there was an occultist in the adjoining by which we exercise the authority of sians. I am redeemed; I now belong to cabin during the voyage. We can rest Christ in the world. There is a power Jesus. I am in the hand of both Jesus assured that no attack of the devil in prayer that takes it outside of time and the Father (John 10:27-30). No can touch us (I John 5:18-19) so long and place. It is perhaps important to one can pluck me from that double
International Journal of Frontier Missions 177 Patrick Johnstone as we obey the conditions for abiding because he had been burnt by a hot nature is not a biblical term but fre- in Christ. hand under his blanket at night, the quently used and gives the impression I cannot be harmed by curses burn marks of the hand were evident that I have a fallen personality. Know- when walking in obedience to God. In in the morning. It was only after the ing my new creaturehood in Jesus is 1990 Jill and I had to go to the house fellowship breakdown was dealt with the great liberation from all my genea- of a friend who had been tricked out in repentance, and prayer made to logical, social, sinful past. Repen- of much of her capital and was even drive out these demonic forces, that tance. renunciation of the works of being deprived of her house by a con these incidents ceased. darkness in my own life and in my man who had been given hospitality. heredity, and faith in the efficacy of 2. Knowing our Deliverance He had once been a Baptist pastor the blood of Christ sets me free. His I am free (John 8;36); in Christ I and manipulated our friend through indwelling life is my life and I am free am a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). The purported prophecies and speaking in to be the person God originally made tongues. We had to take strong me to be. action to have him evicted from As I look back to my years the house, and as we left the As I look back to my years in in Africa working among a peo- house he cursed us. Our friend Africa working among a people ple among whom the practice was convinced that the cancer among whom the practice and fear of witchcraft was nor- diagnosed in Jill a few months mal, I am surprised how few of later was the result of that and fear of witchcraft was those who were soundly con- curse. It was with some diffi- normal, I am surprised how verted needed deliverance min- culty we persuaded her that we few of those who were soundly istry—though some did, and were immune to such in Jesus converted needed deliverance demons had to be expelled in (Gen 27:29; Prov 26:2), and that ministry. the name of Jesus. We made a He had all under His control4 point of ensuring that any and had encouraged us with seeker faced up to the total specific words from Scripture on commitment needed, which also this. In fact, in retrospect, we realized involved the destruction of all occult fall in the Garden caused my spiritual that the early symptoms of the cancer charms and medicines and open testi- death. It affected my spirit and had been there before the cursing mony to family and peers.5 A solid thereby tainted and warped my God- incident. We were sure of our security conversion cleared up many of the given personality. New birth and life in Christ, so these words did not rock problems of association with the pow- in the Spirit gave me a new Start, but our equilibrium, but how easily it ers of darkness. sanctification changes my attitudes could have done so (Rom 8;38-39). There was a time at our mission and actions so that all may be under In the 1970s we had a strange headquarters in Britain when deliver- the lordship of Christ and dependent incident at our Dorothea Mission ance ministry became a major issue on Him. My personality created by Bible School in Harare, Zimbabwe. A and many sought help. One mission- God is now free to be what God had gardener employed on the grounds ary of another agency staying with us originally intended when He created was sacked (fired), but on the side he for a course had deep spiritual prob- it. It is sad that the word “flesh” in the was a practicing witch doctor. He lems. She approached Jill saying that older translations of the Bible has placed a curse on our people and the she believed Jill could help her. Jill been so misunderstood. The best, property in retaliation. At that time told her that if she wanted deliverance though not necessarily all-inclusive, two of the ladies were involved in a ministry she ought to go to others, definition I know is in the long and bitter war of words and this gave the but if she was willing, Jill would brilliant coverage of the subject by occasion the enemy needed. There spend half an hour with her and show Watchman Nee in The Spiritual Man were many unpleasant incidents that her who she was in Christ and that (Nee 1968:69ff). The flesh is any atti- were only explicable by the demonic. she could be different for the rest of tude or action done without total One of the students (now a respected her life. This lady was a prime candi- dependence on the Lord Jesus Christ leader of a significant ministry in Zim- date for deliverance—depressed, an (Rom 7:25; 14:23). The NIV has fur- babwe) had the experience in a dormi- alcoholic father and an identical twin ther muddied the theological waters tory with other students in the room sister who was seeking to use the by frequently translating the Greek of being roused screaming in pain occult on her. However she saw by sarx as “sinful nature.” Fallen human
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faith the secret of her new creature- sion and abuse, yet is essential for need that leading in intercession. I hood and was free from then on. effectiveness in prayer and in spiritual share but one from my own life. For Months later she wrote thankfully to warfare. If I know that I am where many years I have kept a special tell us that she was indeed changed! God placed me and doing what He prayer list specifically for prayer bur- Too often people run around looking has shown me, no suffering, no dens I believe the Lord assigned to me for dramatic spiritual deliverances attacks of the enemy will deflect me for intercession. It is astonishing to when a good dose of humility in until I gain the assurance that it is look back on what must now be over repentance and renunciation is what my Father’s will for a change. Many a 500 definite prayer requests—only is truly needed. missionary in a hard field has been about 40 of which are still active.
3. Being Seated with Him kept true to God’s calling because of Nearly all the rest have been I have often heard people say, that conviction that God personally answered, and with some I had the “When you have troubles you should revealed His will. All over the world I deep conviction that God had already look up (to the Lord).” I respond that have challenged Christian workers answered before I saw the answer, but we ought to do the opposite. When we with these words, “Never leave for most were crossed off when I saw the have troubles we need to look down! negative reasons where God has answer. We cannot intercede for Do we realize what Jesus has done for placed you.” The enemy of souls will everything. We need that leading of us? Not only are we dead, buried and do all he can to provide all possible the Spirit to those that are our corpo- raised with Him to new life (Rom 6:1- negatives and convince us, that this is rate or individual responsibility. We 11), but we are also ascended with God’s guidance. Over the years I have have a God who speaks today, who Him in heavenly places to share now been moved at how many have come- communicates with us so that we in His reign and throne (Eph 2:6), and back. often years later, and said that exercise a ministry through revela- this is where our real life is hidden that particular word I had spoken tion. What liberation to know that my (Col 3:1-4). We are with Christ in the kept them in God’s will. Father will always show me what to control room of the universe. Do we In day-to-day ministry the Holy pray for, which sick person should realize this and do we live in this real- Spirit uses many ways to prompt receive healing, what to preach, where ity? It will revolutionize our prayer life God’s servants—the Word or a partic- to go, how to write a letter, as well as if we embrace this truth. My interces- ular verse that comes to us in deep discern the wiles of the enemy. sion makes a difference. We are a holy power as His Word to me, other peo- There are terms rarely heard priesthood standing between God and ple, circumstances, or most frequently today: “effectual praying” and “pray- man with one foot on earth and the the deep inner conviction or burden to ing through.” Elijah was one who other in the heavenlies. With one ear pray, speak or take some action. We prayed this way (Jas 5:16-17). As Eli- we hear what is going on down below have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16), jah prayed on Mt. Carmel for rain he and with the other we hear what God so there is often that deep inner knew that God would answer, even is saying. What privileges we have in knowing that comes from the Spirit though he had to send his servant Christ. which is hard to explain. All of these seven times before the cloud became promptings are subservient to the visible. The New Testament is even Knowing the absolute of Scripture and have to be more explicit on this way of praying: Will of God held loosely and in humility. We can Guidance is the birthright of a sometimes get it wrong. Yet how often And this is the confidence which we have in him, that if we ask any- child of God (Rom 8:14). Jesus prom- that gift of the Spirit of a word of thing according to His will He hears ised us as His friends that we would knowledge, wisdom or prophecy has us. And if we know that He hears know, as He did, what the Father says been spoken into situations in a us in whatever we ask, we know that we HAVE obtained the and does (John 15:14-15). He prom- redemptive way! This has to be self- requests made of Him. 1 John ised that the coming of the Holy Spirit authenticating, including the witness 5:14-15. would both teach and remind us what of the Spirit in others too. It is very Jesus spoke, but would also guide us hard to give any corrective advice to Jesus said; into all the truth (John 14, 16)—both one who says “The Lord has guided I say to you, if you have faith as a the written Word and in our day to me,” or “Thus says the Lord.” grain of mustard seed, you will say day walk with Jesus. All Bible believ- I have not the time nor space to to this mountain, Move from here ing Christians agree with the former. share wonderful accounts of God’s to there and it will move: and noth- ing will be impossible to you. Matt It is the latter which is open to discus- guidance in this way, but how we
International Journal of Frontier Missions 179 Patrick Johnstone
17:20. deep conviction came that God had description Paul gives of our spiritual heard and we ended with glorious armor. He shows each part of the sol- We need to know far more about praise. The Gulf War came some four dier’s armor has deep spiritual appli- this kind of prayer depth in today’s months later. This event so polarized cation to our total defense for life in a battle as we come into the final the Muslim world that the conference non-Christian world permeated by sin supreme effort to evangelize the was postponed. When at last the con- and also every stratagem and attack world. We need to know the mind of ference was convened the following of Satan. He also shows us the mighty God (1 John 5:14), and be agreed year the divisions were still so marked weapons for attack—the sword of the together (Matt 18:19-20), as well as that most of the leaders left the con- Spirit, the Word of God, and prayer in know that what we ask in the the Spirit. The strong message name of Jesus will be granted. is that we need to be constantly We can then say the word of in close fellowship with our faith to the situation knowing The devil is highly delighted God, or we are in danger of inef- that we have the answer. We fectiveness in ministry, or worse can then praise expecting to see with eight hour deliverance become a victim of Satan’s wiles the deliverance. The battle is meetings, which last until and fiery darts. There have usually more severe than these been too many examples of ser- words may sound, but the prin- three in the morning, while vants of God who have become ciples are there. So it was in the demons play hide and seek, deeply immersed in the area of prayer lives of great men of God spiritual warfare, but have such as Andrew Murray of wear out Christians, confound failed to put on and maintain South Africa, George Muller of them with their knowledge, that armor daily and have Bristol, Rees Howells of Wales, become casualties themselves. Praying Hyde of Pakistan. In our and frighten them by their Revelation 12 is an amazing own mission agency, WEC Inter- strength. chapter. I believe it is a key national, Norman Grubb (the chapter in a book written as a biographer of Rees Howells) manual for spiritual warfare. brought us into these basic ference before the scheduled time There are many interpretations of the principles for the growth and advance with little decided. God stepped in to symbolisms in this chapter into which of our work (Grubb 1940). thwart the plottings of the rulers of I will not go here in this article, but I I use one illustration from recent this world (Ps 2:1-3) in answer to believe this chapter gives a picture of years. In 1990 we held our sixth those definite prayers in which we the warfare of Satan against the Seed annual International Leaders Confer- were sure of God’s answer long before of the woman (the Lord Jesus Christ) ence in Scotland. During one of our the event. and the woman (the people of God many prayer sessions, our leaders throughout history from the Garden from Senegal in West Africa shared to the Consummation). In this amaz- their concern. Senegal is over 90% Using our Weapons ing chapter, the Holy Spirit exposes Muslim and was to host the World We have no need to fear anything Satan and his weapons. Nowhere else Islamic Conference in their capital the the devil can do. We respect his, in Scripture are we told so many of following year. The leaders of the power and understand that detached Satan’s names, functions and titles. Muslim nations were to gather to dis- from the Lord Jesus we are fair game He is revealed in his true colors as in cuss united action on a number of for him. God has given all we need to no other Scripture passage. He is the fronts, one being the ending of all both defend ourselves and also to accuser of the brethren, the deceiver Christian mission work and the elimi- take the offensive in the warfare of the whole world and, by implica- nation of indigenous Christian minori- against Satan’s wiles, principalities, tion, the one who engineers compro- ties in their lands. After prayer, we powers and world rulers of this mise among believers. Yet here we are shared together how we believed God present darkness. Here I can only also shown the three invincible weap- was leading us as to what to ask. We refer to two important passages as ons God has given us: all agreed that we must pray for the illustration of this truth. 1. For Satan’s weapon of accusa- nullification of the impact of that con- Ephesians 6 is beloved by all tion we have the Blood of the Lamb. ference. We had a mighty time of Christians because of the superb My safety is not in knowledge of the prayer which reached a climax when a
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enemy’s stratagems and the precau- 20 shows that through the victory of deliverance sessions where those tions I take, but in the efficacy of the the Cross all authority in heaven and praying seem to think spiritual blood of the Lamb once slain to deal on earth has been given to Him. In authority is measurable by vocal vol- with the sin issue Satan has no more Christ we have been delegated His ume or physical activity. It also trou- claim on me once I have repented and authority (Luke 9:1; 10:19). Jesus has bles me that many in their praying continue to walk in the light. I have given us, the keys of the Kingdom can be presumptuous and demand or total freedom and life more abundant (Matt 16:19). By faith we can move claim things beyond our sphere of what ever my suffering, difficulties or mountains, We have the power to authority. Note how Jude writes in stress in the battle. I am totally safe bind and loose (Matt18:18-19, Jn warning that we be humble in this in Jesus, as are all other true believ- 20:23). This gives us the boldness to regard. ers. take kingdoms (Dan 7:14, 22, 27), 2. For Satan’s weapon of deceit expect miracles, command demons to But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, disputed we have the word of testimony. This submit to our word of command in about the body of Moses, he did not testimony is first about who Christ is the name of Jesus, break down presume to pronounce a reviling and what He has done. Then I can strongholds (2 Cor10:4), resist and judgment upon him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” But these men boldly say what God has made me in bind Satan (1 Pet 5:9), spoil the revile whatever they do not under- Christ, what God promises me in His strong man’s goods and bring release stand (Jude 9-10). Word, what I know my prayers can to his captives in the name of Jesus. achieve and what the ultimate conclu- All we can say is to repeat Paul’s tri- An over-emphasis on deliverance sion of the war will be. I have the wit- umphant words, “If God is, for us, ministry can be unhealthy and even ness of the Holy Spirit who assures who can be against us.” They don’t dangerous. There is a place for it, but me of these things. He gives me the have a chance! this course should be pursued when words to utter whatever my circum- The victory of the Lord Jesus in it is plain that demonization is indeed stances. He gives assurance that God His cross and resurrection over sin, the issue. Arthur Neil, a Baptist pas- can use even me to testify so that the death and Satan was so decisive that tor used of God in the life of a witch, devil’s captives have their blindness we only have to apply that victory to Doreen Irvine, has written two mas- removed and can be set free. The Holy any opposition of the enemy. I cannot terly and biblical volumes dealing Spirit also gives discernment in every agree with the title of Hal Lindsay’s with this whole area (Neil 1990, 1991; situation. We can have that gift of book, Satan is alive and well on Irvine,1973). He shared with me that inner knowing what is of God and Planet Earth. The truth is that Satan in all his long experience in minister- what is of Satan; His peace being our has been mortally wounded, his ing in the area of deliverance from referee whistle blower. This testimony defeat is irreversible. He is not well demonic activity, he only has had to becomes the means by which those (Rev 12:10-12). Simple believers in deal with two clear cases of demon enslaved to the prince of this world Africa, Asia and Latin America expect possession but many more with through their belief systems, prac- God to work in these ways. We West- oppressions and attacks of various tices, moral actions and spiritual ern Christians make things so theo- kinds—the latter being the more diffi- bondages are liberated. logical and complicated. If God says cult to deal with. Jill and I had to 3. For Satan’s weapon of compro- it, of course He will do it! All His ene- make an urgent pastoral visit to one mise we have to be totally committed. mies are now being put under His feet of our Latin American fields. One of We love not our lives even unto death. (Heb 10:14) and we by faith ensure the problems we faced concerned an That is the extent to which we are the continuation of the process (Luke over-involvement with deliverance willing to go for Jesus sake. Over 10:17-19). What confidence this gives, ministry. One of our most effective such the enemy has no hold. How we what assurance that as we walk with church planting missionaries had need to walk in that total abandon- the Lord in the center of His will every become so involved with delivering ment to God. Any compromise lays us assault on us will ultimately fail, and Christians from demons. She claimed open to the enemy. The more danger- every advance we make will ultimately that thousands of demons had to be ous we are to his kingdom the greater bear fruit for eternity. cast out of pastors in her many our humility, dependence and com- Too often believers have the months of ministry around the coun- mitment to our Lord must be! impression that they have to go out try. This ministry was causing dismay The Great Commission as and do the fighting, not seeing that to many, and appeared to be even expressed by Jesus in Matthew 28:18- the battle is the Lord’s. I have seen possibly a side-tracking of the enemy
International Journal of Frontier Missions 181 Patrick Johnstone into endless conversations with therefore rejoice in our sufferings for every person. And in Matthew 28:18- demons and time-consuming deliver- the sake of others and in our flesh we 20 to disciple every ethnic people (the ances. She was even cross-examining complete what is lacking in Christ’s Greek meaning for the word “nation” lesser demons to find out more con- afflictions for the sake of His body most frequently used in English cerning the upper echelons of the (Col 1:24). There are the death points translations). My estimation is that demonic hierarchy. We sought to in every ministry—the dealing with 15% to 20% of the world’s population warn her of the real dangers asso- our self-reliance (2 Cor 1:8-11). We is still beyond the present preaching ciated with the latter and the need for need to identify totally with the of the Gospel. Of the some 10,000 a well rounded balance in ministry in objects of our intercession as did peoples in the various countries of the the former. I cannot help but feel that Moses (Ex. 32:32), Paul (Rom. 9:3), world, an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 she was laying herself open to have yet to see a missiological believing the lies and distortions breakthrough to produce a of the enemy and having all her viable Christian church- energies consumed in this deliv- World evangelization is planting movement within their erance ministry. She took some achievable, but at a cost. cultures. Possibly and only of our advice and moderated Our major commitment must 1,000 or so have very little some of the excesses in her be to intercession so that every being done on a long-term basis ministry. barrier—whether moral, to ensure their evangelization. How we need a holy caution political or spiritual—be The task is achievable, but in this area. We do not seek the at a cost. Our major commit- demonic in everything, but we broken down and the ment must be to intercession so deal with any evident manifesta- Kingdom of the Lord Jesus that every barrier—whether tion of demonic powers. Doreen Christ come. moral, political or spiritual—be Irvine with her background of broken down and the Kingdom Satanism and witchcraft fol- of the Lord Jesus Christ come. lowed by years of ministry and Let us not allow anything to counselling wrote these words: and also the Lord Jesus Christ Him- deflect us from the real goal which is self (Is 53:12). This was true of Eli- world evangelization and a new There was no long dialogue with sha’s intercession for the son of the heaven and a new earth where right- the demon. There is no need for that. Jesus cast out demons with Shunammite woman. Gehazi’s use of eousness dwells and all evil is forever one word, ‘Go,’ and the demons left Elisha’s staff did nothing for the boy; banished! at once. We can cast out demons it needed costly and committed inter- with six words today: ‘Go in the name of Jesus’. If demon-possessed cession for the boy to be raised up (2 people are willing to be free and are Ki 18-37). There is the danger in spiri- End Notes repentant of their sins, demons tual warfare that we rely on “the have to go at once. The devil is 1. Numerous Scriptures assure us of the staffs” of techniques and experience highly delighted with eight hour final victory achieved through Jesus deliverance meetings, which last and not on the total costly commit- in His death and resurrection and until three in the morning, while ment for true and eternal deliver- demons play hide and seek , wear applied by us: Matt 24:14; Matt out Christians, confound them with ances. 28:18-20; Psalm 2; Dan 2:44; Dan 7; their knowledge, and frighten them Rev 1, 5, 20-22, etc. by their strength (Irvine1986:129). 2. The theology of prayer walking needs Conclusion to be spelled out. There is a danger Never before has the completion that if the premise of territorial spir- Being Willing of world evangelization been such a its is accepted, this can easily extend to Pay the Price possibility as in our present genera- to the premise that physical presence I cannot conclude without a word tion! The basic minimum require- of intercessors in the area controlled of caution. There is always a price to ments given by the Lord Jesus Christ by the territorial spirit is essential for pay. Grace was freely given to us in in the Great Commission, in its vari- its binding. The practice of prayer Christ, and is freely available to us ous renderings ,could be attainable in walking needs to be examined—I see many negatives; the huge expense to day by day. But if we are to become our generation. In Mark 16 we are the detriment of funding for workers ministers of that grace it will cost. We commanded to preach the Gospel to on the front line, the motivations for
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going can be mixed, the drain on the Pennpyer). Ventura, CA; Regal Books, time and energies of workers serving pp 303-312. Patrick Johnstone, in glamorous places. It can even Johnstone, Jill K. 1993, You Can served for endanger ministries in sensitive Change the World. OM Publishing, 16 years with areas. Carlisle, Cumbria, England. the 3. Stephen Lungu was for many years Johnstone, Patrick J. 1974, Operation Dorothen an evangelist with the Dorothea Mis- World-Edition. 1. Dorothea Mission, Mission as a missionary sion. He is now one of the leaders in Pretoria, South Africa. evangelist African Enterprise based in Malawi, 1993 Operation World-Edition 5. OM in the poor but with a global ministry. His life Publishing, Carlisle, Cumbria, Eng- urban areas of South Africa, story has been published under the land. Zimbabwe, Bostwana and Mozambique. During this time title Freedom Fighter by Anne Latourette, Kenneth Scott 1970, A His- he learned something of the Coombes, 1994, Kingsway, England. tory of the Expansion of Christianity. spiritual warfare needed to 4. Jill lived to complete her book You Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan - see people steeped in witchcraft Can Change The World just before USA. and the occult come into the she went to be with Jesus in June Murray, Andrew 1900 The Key to the liberty the Gospel. Also during this time he commenced the 1992. Missionary Problem. Christian Litera- task of compiling data and 5. The Scriptural pattern is to destroy all ture Crusade. information for the writing of occultic articles (Acts 19:18-19). For 1981 With Christ in the School of successive versions of his world that reason I would advise all Chris- Prayer. Whitaker House, Springdale. famous Operation World. He is now serving with WEC tians to avoid keeping such articles PA, USA. International as part of the even for deputation programs. What- Nee, Watchman 1968 The Spiritual Man- leadership team of the ever one’s view of the attachment of Vol. 1. Christian Fellowship Publish- Mission-Director of Research, demons to inanimate objects, there ers, Inc., New York, USA. and Deputy International are dangers, whether moral (causing Neil, Arthur 1989 Aid Us in Our Strife, Direction. He is also Chairman of the Unreached others or ourselves to stumble) or Vol. 1. Heath Christian Trust, Eng- Peoples Network of the spiritual (demonic influence). It cer- land. AD2000 and Beyond tainly can miscommunicate! 1990 Aid Us in Our Strife, Vol. 2. Nova Publishing Ltd., Newton Abbot, Devon, England. References Cited Penn-Lewis, Jessie 1912 War on the Dawson. John 1989, Taking our Cities Saints. Overcomer Literature Trust. for God. Word Publishing, Word UK Peretti, Frank 1986, This Present Dark- Ltd, Milton Keynes, England. ness. Good News Publishers, West- Duewel, Wesley 1986,Touch the World chester, IL, USA. Through Prayer. Marshall Pickering, 1989 Piercing the Darkness. Crossway Basingstoke, Hants, England. Books, Westchester, IL, USA. Garnett, Mary 1979, Take your Glory, Pierson, Arthur T. 1899, George Muller Lord; William Duma’s Life Story. Bap- of Bristol. Fleming H. Revell Co., tist Publishing house, Roode- Westwood, NJ, USA. poort,South Africa. Sangster, Thelma 1984, The Torn Veil. Grubb, Norman G. 1940, Touching the Marshalls, England. Invisible. Lutterworth Press. London, Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Howard 1918, Hud- England. son Taylor and the China Inland Mis- 1952 Rees Howells, Intercessor. Lutter- sion. CIM, England. worth Press, London, England. Tucker, Ruth 1983, From Jerusalem to Irvine, Doreen 1973, From Witchcraft to Irian Jaya. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Christ. Concordia Publishing, Eng- Michigan, USA. land. Wagner, Peter 1990, Wrestling with Dark 1986 Spiritual Warfare. Marshall Pick- Angels. Regal Books, Venture, CA, ering, Basingstoke, Hants, England. USA. Jacobs, Donald R. 1990, “Out of Africa: Wakeley, Mike 1995, A Critical Look at a Evangelism and Spiritual Warfare.” New “Key” to Evangelization. Evangel- In Wrestling with Dark Angels. (Ed. ical Missions Quarterly 31(2): 152- by C. Peter Wagner and F. Douglas 162.
International Journal of Frontier Missions Recognizing and Defeating the Powers of Darkness
Why does spiritual darkness linger where it does? The author helps missionaries and Christians in general arrive at a biblical understanding of the modern spiritual battlefield and provides insights for fighting this war in global evangelization in response to demonic resistance and counterfeits.
by George Otis, Jr.
s human beings most of us want reached the threshold of the “end every minute—an evangelistic torrent Ato know where we are at any times?” that translates into a net gain of given time. If we have not yet reached It can be argued that every gener- 44,000 new churches each year! Dur- our destination at least we need to be ation of believers has expected to wit- ing this same time period, the Lau- assured that we are on the right path. ness the climax of history, but until sanne Statistics Task Force reported Our ancestors gained this confidence now there has been a lack of objective that, for the first time in history, the by consulting natural reference points evidence to support such expecta- ratio of nonbelievers to biblical Chris- like mountains and stars. We are tions. In defining what has changed, tians had fallen to less than seven to more likely, however, to rely on the contemporary Christians point to one (compared to 220 to one in A.D. ubiquitous “You-are-here” displays three developments: 100).2 that adorn large airports, shopping malls and theme parks. 1. A quantum leap in human knowledge that is unbridled by wis- The Latter Rounds There is also a temporal aspect to dom. In the midst of all this good news, our innate need to fix our bearings. 2. A rising tide of spiritual interest As creatures of destiny. we long to and supernatural activity. however, comes what radio commen- 3. The onset of “critical mass” in tator Paul Harvey would call “the rest know our position in time as well as global evangelization. in space. The difficulty in charting the of the story.” In most escalating ven- fourth dimension is that hard refer- While much can be said about tures (business negotiations, political ence points are visible in only one each of these important develop- campaigns, athletic tournaments), the direction: the past. These historical ments, the prospect of completing the stakes tend to rise in proportion to markers, useful in measuring how far Great Commission is undoubtedly the our position. The closer we are to the we have yet to come, are inadequate most compelling. Powerful new tech- end of the process, the higher the for determining how far we have yet to nologies have not only allowed Chris- stakes. And since no stakes are go. The sole solution is to identify the tian evangelists to track our progress higher than those associated with finish line, and the only way to do against Matthew 24:14, something no completing the Great Commission— that is to journey into the future. other generation of believers has been an accomplishment Jesus prophesied Despite our obvious limitations in able to do, they have opened the door would usher in the end of the age— this respect, most of us cannot help for long-reach mass evangelism.1 today’s Christian warriors can expect but wonder where we fit on the con- Employing these tools, and to face challenges on the spiritual bat- tinuum of human and Church his- backed by a growing army of commit- tlefield that are unique in both type tory. The fact that world affairs have ted prayer warriors, contemporary and magnitude. This is the challenge suddenly become kaleidoscopic, frac- missions has begun to realize an of the latter rounds, and as they say turing and changing at every turn of unprecedented level of success. In the in desperate times, this calls for des- the earth’s axis, only adds to our curi- mid-1990s, Justin Long of the Global perate measures. osity. Are the days in which we live a Evangelization Movement estimated Accordingly, while the remaining passing phase, or have we finally that 114 people were coming to Christ task of world evangelization is getting International Journal of Frontier Missions Vol. 15:4, Oct.-Dec., 1998 184 Recognizing and Defeating the Powers of Darkness
smaller, insofar as the number of induced in human beings. laws, but of powerful and interested unreached people groups is con- Facing the prospect of eternal personalities. And because we are the cerned, it is also becoming more diffi- ruin, the prince of this world has focus of their interest, few happenings cult. In strategic areas like the 10/40 infected his domain with what in ministry can truly be called coinci- Window, intercessors and evangelists Michael Green calls “an increasing dence. are finding themselves locked into the tempo of chaos.”4 Under the shadow Demonic powers have never been fight of their lives. Standing eyeball to of Satan’s presence, earthly kingdoms shy about getting in the way of God’s eyeball with some of the most formid- have begun to shake like a terminal servants. Satan, who stood as accuser able spiritual forces on earth, these patient casting off the final vestiges of at the right hand of Joshua (see Zech- heroic ministers are reporting two life, thereby validating Jesus’ two- ariah 3:1), is also on record as having substantial challenges to the contin- thousand-year-old prophecy that “the afflicted Job with painful sores (see ued expansion of God’s Kingdom: love of most will grow cold” (Matthew Job 2:7), tampered with Daniel’s demonic entrenchment, an obstacle 24:12). The enemy, determined to fill intercessory mail (see Daniel 10:12- resulting from an excess of time, and every seat in his hell-bound bus, has 13) and tried repeatedly to distract demonic desperation, an obstacle ordered a dramatic escalation of coun- Jesus from His mission (see Matthew linked to a lack of time. terfeit signs and wonders. To protect 16:21-23; Luke 4:1-3). The apostle Demonic entrenchment is hardly against those who would probe or Paul lamented to the Thessalonians, unique; the Hebrews encountered it in escape his snares,5 he has initiated a “We wanted to come to you,certainly I, Egypt and Babylon, and the apostle series of violent counterattacks. Paul, did, again and again, but Satan Paul found it in Ephesus. But now we These counterattacks are gener- stopped [hindered] us” (1 Thessaloni- are centuries deeper into history. ally aimed at two kinds of targets: ter- ans 2:18). There are places on earth, notably in ritories that have recently experienced Despite these examples, many Asia, where demonic pacts have been a unique move of God, and individu- Christians today hold the view that serviced continually since the great als instrumental in conveying the the enemy is best ignored. I can still Dispersion. Gospel to unreached peoples. Territo- remember the indignity of one Pente- Consider, too, the proposition rial counterattacks are usually costal man who approached me alter I that darkness now has a wider accompanied by political persecu- had concluded a teaching on spiritual human base. As Time essayist Lance tion,6 while assaults on individuals warfare. Calling my accounts of Morrow noted in June 1991, “If evil is include everything from relational demonic assaults on Christian work- a constant presence in the human breakdowns to physical illness and ers “lurid,” he asserted that Satan can soul, it is also true that there are injury. only be empowered by such attention. more souls now than ever.” Using this The best approach to dealing with the logic, Morrow reasoned that evil is ris- Battlefield Protection enemy, he insisted, is to dismiss him. ing on a Malthusian curve—or at least While some Christians are con- But the apostle Peter seems to the same rate as the population, 1.7 tent to explain such incidents of commend a different approach. “Be percent per annum. attack as the natural, if unfortunate, self-controlled and alert,” he urges. Demonic desperation, as we consequences of mundane forces, I “Your enemy the devil prowls around noted, is a problem associated with find this attitude a form of denial. By like a roaring lion looking for someone the lateness of the hour. In the book minimizing the influence that spiri- to devour. Resist him (1 Peter 5:8-9, of Revelation, God warns the inhabi- tual powers have over human lives emphasis added). James offers similar tants of the earth that “the devil has and habitats, these individuals hope advice. After instructing believers in come down to you, having great to limit their vulnerability. If their his brief epistle to submit themselves wrath, because he knows that he has view does not make them any safer, it to God, he adds the proactive charge, a short time” (Revelation 12:12, at least makes them feel more mod- “Resist the devil, and he will flee from NKJV). As much as these days dis- ern. you” (James 4:7, emphasis added). tress us, they are even more disturb- The Scriptures, however, offer no Passive neglect, as these biblical writ- ing for the powers of darkness. Con- such harbor. From Genesis to Revela- ers well understood, is a poor tactic fronted with growing incursions into tion, we are reminded that activist against an adversary who blatantly- their prayer-eroded strongholds, Christian living is inextricably bound and frequently refuses to be ignored. Satan’s hordes are beginning to taste up with the spiritual world—a world Surviving the enemy’s gauntlet of the same salty panic they have long that consists not of abstract forces or snares, however, is not a task to be
International Journal of Frontier Missions 185 George Otis, Jr. taken lightly. As many well-meaning that “God opposes [or resists] the our own strength-ever. Second, believers have learned (often too late), proud but gives grace to the humble.” Christ’s power is such that Satan can- Satan is a cunning and relentless This proverb, quoted twice in the New not defeat Him in his own strength- adversary, a devious wizard whose Testament, 8 is linked contextually in ever. While there is an obvious strat- mastery of the dark arts enables him both instances to spiritual warfare. egy in these profound mismatches, it to fashion salacious temptations or And for good reason! If we want to is visible only to the humble. Underes- fling fiery darts with equal ease. Nor resist the devil, we had better make timating either of these supernatural are these devices directed solely at the sure God is not resisting us.9 combatants will lead to certain defeat. weak and wayward. If the experiences Humility comes, as successful Although some critics have of Job, Daniel and Paul tell us any- spiritual warriors have learned, from accused the contemporary spiritual thing, it is that men and women are seeing God—and the devil too—for warfare movement of ignoring divine not invulnerable to trouble simply who they really are. One such warrior, sovereignty, I have not observed this because their intentions and to be a serious problem. What I ministries please heaven. If have found, at least among Satan is audacious enough to To some believers the devil Western Christians, is a ten- tempt the Son of God and is little more than an dency toward unqualified tri- impede an angelic messenger umphalism, a kind of swagger- dispatched by the Almighty, we abstract punching bag, an ing religious play-acting that can hardly expect him to steer ethereal bogey man, at whom belittles the capabilities of the clear of us! they can hurl epithets and enemy and incites believers into Where, then, does this leave chant cliches. battle without first ensuring us? If spiritual invulnerability is that “the right man” is indeed an unattainable goal, can we on their side. To these believers, not at least make ourselves more elu- the great reformer Martin Luther, pre- the devil is little more than an sive targets’? The answer is yes. While served his insights on the subject in abstract punching bag, an ethereal we cannot put on a magic suit or the words of the classic hymn “A bogey man at whom they can hurl epi- claim an exemption from battle, God’s Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Speak- thets and chant cliches. Word does present us with six tried- ing first of our adversary, Luther Such bravado before the enemy, and-true steps that, if followed, prom- penned (in the original): far from being a badge of experience, ise added protection. Latter-day warri- is a sure sign that these believers ors should review them carefully. The old, evil Enemy is determined have never seen their reflection in his to get us; He makes his vicious plans With great might and cruel malignant, bloodshot eyes. Like a Cultivate Humility cunning; Nothing on earth is like naive child toying with a cobra, they him. Scripture presents humility as a have no idea what (or whom) they are divine requirement (see Micah 6:8) dealing with. and an endearing characteristic (see 2 In the last line (later translated as As the sons of Sceva discovered, Chronicles 33:12-13; Isaiah 57:15; 1 “On earth is not his equal”), Luther cockiness has no place in spiritual Peter 5:5-6). It is also a potent moral rightly acknowledged Satan as a warfare (see Acts 19:13-16). The weapon in the battle against pride—a higher-dimensional being whose devil’s power is real and he is not deceptive power that Francis Frangi- power and cunning on terms are afraid to use it. Fuller Seminary stu- pane calls “the armor of darkness unmatched. dent Wilson Awasu relates that, in the itself.”7 However, after giving the devil his West African country of Ghana, a pas- If God is drawn to humility, He due Luther moved quickly to the other tor ignored the warnings of local vil- abhors pride. From the moment this side of the equation: lagers and ordered them to cut down a tree that had been enshrined by ani- lethal and unholy poison bubbled out But if the right man [Christ] is on of the secret recesses of Lucifer’s our side, One little word shall fell mist priests. When the last branch heart, it has brought nothing but pain him. was lopped off, the minister collapsed to the heart of God. Of all the forces and died. In a similar case, another In this magnificently balanced at work in the universe, none is more well-meaning pastor commanded that theology, Luther acknowledged two destructive or antithetical to heavenly a fetish shrine be demolished. When important truths. First, Satan’s power principles. For this reason we are told parishioners proceeded to carry out is such that we cannot defeat him in
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his wishes, he was struck down by a Walking in Obedience warning that the girl’s life was in debilitating stroke.10 imminent danger. Walking over to her The second ingredient for spiri- One evening in Papua New daughter’s bed, she found the little tual protection is obedience. Some Guinea, missionaries Jim and Jaki body ice-cold and lifeless. Embracing may consider this requirement too Parlier listened as a group of Managa- the child like Elijah (see 1 Kings general or simplistic to include in a lasi boys fearfully described the con- 17:21-22), she resisted the powers of list of practical advice. But the hard sequences of violating the taboo darkness until the soul of her beloved fact is, human presumption is among against speaking the names of the was returned.14 the most common attractors to the deceased. “Sometimes,” the boys Another remarkable case of God demonic.12 In the arena of spiritual explained, “the [ancestral] spirit will defending His own was related to me warfare, the devil is concerned less just climb on your body. It feels almost casually by Bhutanese pastor about the words cast in his direction heavy, like a huge log on our chest, Dawa Sandrup.15 I had been visiting than about who is doing the talking and it’s hard to breathe.” this high-perched Buddhist nation, (see Acts 19:15). When it comes time Hearing this, Jaki determined to officially known as Druk Yul (Land of to size up an adversary, he has one teach the boys a lesson about super- the Thunder Dragon), for less than a primary question: Does this person stition. Facing a grove of banana trees week when we met at his modest have an active relational link with that concerned them, she yelled out apartment in Thimphu. God? the name of a powerful warrior spirit: Having spent the previous four In Scripture, this link involves not “Ekileta, can you hear me? If you can, days in the company of a Buddhist only hearing but hearkening to the come and bite me. I’m waiting for astrologer, a “reincarnated” lama, and voice of the Lord. Whereas the former you!” a chod master (whose daily practice affords us knowledge of God’s will, the The lads huddled together and was to visualize his dismembered latter indicates that we intend to do it. covered their ears with their hands. body being fed to hungry demons),16 I The prophet Samuel declared that “to Jaki, however, was just getting was under a weight of oppression. obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Sam- started. Feeling smug, she began call- Now, ushered into what Dawa called ing out the name of every dead person uel 15:22), for one simple reason: his prayer room, I took a seat on one she could think of, including an old With sacrifice, we decide what God of two facing cots. Despite the cold sorceress named Avami. At this, the will get; with obedience, we give God concrete floor, it was the first place I terrified boys started to cry. Jaki what He asks for. had visited in the country where the recalls: Walking in obedience not only spiritual atmosphere felt clean. Look- “A few hours later, an eerie pres- makes us safer by limiting enemy ing into Dawa’s kind face, I asked him ence entered [our) room and woke me. inroads into our lives; it also allows how he managed to cope with this Suddenly I felt a heaviness on my God to defend His own purposes. intense spiritual pressure year in and chest, like the weight of a huge log, While this support does not prevent year out. pinning my body to the bed, I tried to the devil from taking his best shot “Actually,” he replied, “the wake Jim, but the weight was squeez- (witness Elijah, Mordecai and Paul), it devil has come to take my life many ing every ounce of breath from my does make us more difficult targets. times. The pattern is almost always body. I couldn’t move or speak. God can also intervene on our behalf the same. I awake in the middle of the Finally, in one desperate attempt, I 13 without our even knowing about it. night with an overwhelming demonic forced the words the blood of Jesus. When the Moabite king Balak endeav- presence in the room. It remains even The weight lifted immediately.” ored to curse the Israelites through when I turn on the light. The first Recoiling from her trauma, Jaki the sorcerer Balaam, God’s Spirit stage is physical; I feel a strong bind- sat straight up in bed. Two red lights, caused the well-known oracle to pro- ing or weight on my chest. Sometimes like butterflies, were dancing in the nounce a blessing instead (see Num- I can’t breathe. This is often followed middle of the room. After she rebuked bers 23-24). In a contemporary epi- by a psychological attack. The walls of them in the name of Jesus, the orbs sode, a young Nepali girl died in her my mind start closing in and thoughts flitted toward the window, slipped sleep after eating food offered to idols become difficult to form. It’s like men- through gaps in the bamboo and (or demons; see I Corinthians 10:20- tal claustrophobia. The final phase of danced into the night.11 When it was 21) at a Hindu temple in Kathmandu. the attack—and I am usually on my over, two of God’s people had learned At that moment the Lord awakened a hard lesson on the risks of spiritual knees at this point—is spiritual. Even bravado. her mother, a godly woman, with a though I pray through until dawn, it International Journal of Frontier Missions 187 George Otis, Jr. seems no one is there to listen. The the visits of other”ministering angels.” to find so many Christians going heavens are like brass. The messages, which included words about without spiritual armor. When of prayer, encouragement and proph- it comes to risky behavior, one can “The Lord is so kind, however,” Dawa continued. “He always sends ecy, were powerful. As they permeated offer better odds to three-pack-a-day a breakthrough. Sometimes as I the air around us, I realized that this smokers, promiscuous fornicators or pray in the Spirit, the room is sud- tiny, nondescript room was no ordi- drivers who shun seatbelts. denly flooded with divine peace and power. At other times He sends nary place. What had looked like a The most common reason seems believers to minister to me. They cold concrete floor now appeared as to be simple carelessness. People just knock on my door in the morning, hallowed ground. I found the urge to do not think about putting on their saying, ‘The Lord has sent us to help you.’” kneel overwhelming . spiritual armor. While the subject Dawa’s prayer room was a hea- may have been fun in Sunday school, Then Dawa pointed at something venly outpost on the edge of a vast where it was presented in coloring over my shoulder. “Do you see that’?” supernatural battleground. That this papers and on flannel graph boards, Craning my neck around, I spied a Bhutanese pastor had held firm in the the task of relating helmets, shields walking cane hanging on a soli- and breastplates to the modern tary nail in the wall. “The elderly world has caused many adults, man who came to my door with Putting on the armor of God at least in practical terms, to that stick traveled all the way is synonymous with daily abandon Paul’s ancient meta- from Himachal Pradesh in surrender to the Lordship of phor. northern India. He walked over Jesus Christ... We simply Other Christians decline to a thousand kilometers! His dedicate our first conscious don spiritual armor out of a name is Sadhu Subhas. Prior to misguided assumption that that moment, we had never met thoughts each morning to the divine protection is a guaran- or corresponded. But he told me will of our Master. Spiritual teed byproduct of godly service. that two years earlier, in 1988, armor becomes lifestyle The problem here is not a lack God had shown him a vision of when, for the balance of the of information but a display of Thimphu and instructed him to day, we choose to walk in the machismo. Like the football come here. Shortly afterward, as consciousness of His presence player who shuns pads or the he prepared to leave, the Lord police officer who refuses a bul- supernaturally revealed all the and purpose. letproof vest, these individuals roads and mountain passes he see themselves as indestructi- was to take. He arrived at my ble warriors. The otherworldly house on the morning after one of the face of withering demonic attack was nature of this battle is of little con- enemy’s attacks. As I opened the front testimony to this steadfast obedience. cern. As “King’s Kids” they believe door, he said, “The Lord sent me to When finally I stood to leave, a they automatically command all the pray for you.’ “The day before he came faded wall-hanging caught my eye. power and protection heaven has to here, there was a heavy snowfall. The Entitled “The Beacon Light of Faith,” offer. In any ease, the devil smirks at day he arrived it was calm. The eve- it bore words that could not have their macho spirit. ning before his departure, it snowed been more appropriate: In one graphic example in the heavily again. On Monday morning, early 1990s, a young, well-traveled however, it once again cleared up. Faith is like a beacon light across a troubled sea, missionary decided to engage the When I asked the Sadhu about this, A glow of hope that casts its rays powers over the city of Kathmandu. he replied quietly, ‘The Lord honors wherever we may be; Clambering up to a high point above his people.” And sometimes through the dark- est night our hearts will find the the sacred Pashupatinath Temple At this point in our conversation, way, complex, he proceeded to do battle Dawa reached under the mattress on Following that light of faith into a with these potent spirits. Upon his cot and pulled out a well-worn brighter day. returning to his accommodations, black leather prayer journal. For the however, he suddenly fell to the next several minutes, with tears Spiritual Armor ground and lost control of his coursing down his cheeks, he read Given the amount of enemy flak senses—an acute condition that aloud from entries recorded during in the air these days, it is astonishing lasted for three days. A week later,
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after being examined by a local psy- “Suddenly,” she recalls, “I could hear daily surrender to the Lordship of chologist, he limped out of town like Art calling, ‘Linda, Leona’s dying!’ It Jesus Christ. Rather than visualize the sons of Sceva. Friends who was then I realized the warm sub- ancient and imaginary clothing, we fetched him at the airport in Singa- stance on the back of my neck was simply dedicate our first conscious pore report that he was a basket actually Leona’s blood.” thoughts each morning to the will of case—broken physically, psychologi- For the next several days, Leona’s our Master. Spiritual armor becomes cally and spiritually. It took months to life hung in the balance. She was lifestyle when, for the balance of the nurse him back to health.17 comatose and fighting for every breath day, we choose to walk in the con- Sometimes it is not carelessness as surgeons worked to repair her lac- sciousness of His presence and pur- or machismo but a narrow theological erated organs and broken bones. poses.19 worldview that relegates our spiritual When one of her pupils dilated sud- armor to the closet. When Dr. Linda denly, it became apparent that her Maintain Spiritual Williams signed on for short-term brain stem was herniating. The head Accountability missionary work with World Medical surgeon, unable to transport Leona to Author Carol Shields once said, Missions in 1984, she was assigned to neurosurgical care in Taipei, assem- “There are chapters in every life which The Evangelical Alliance Mission hos- bled missionaries to announce that are seldom read and certainly not pital in Taitung, Taiwan. Several days she was probably going to die that aloud.”20 Although these secret chap- before a scheduled return flight to the night. ters are sometimes journalized memo- United States, Williams and a col- Even in the face of this pessimis- ries of past failures, they are more league attended an idol parade asso- tic report, Dr. Williams recalls, likely to concern ongoing difficulties ciated with the local Lantern Festival. we would prefer to handle on our The non-medical missionaries, The idol-bearers wore exotic face teachers and pastors remained own. This tendency, as Charles Kraft paint and carried feathered fans. Cele- appallingly hopeful... They seemed noted in Christianity with Power, is brants, drunk and empowered by evil, to have identified, before I did, that most common among Westerners who swarmed the streets exploding fire- the accident was the result of the curse placed on me. But they also cherish individualism and indepen- crackers. believed 1 John 4:4 and claimed it dence. It is not a healthy habit. Kraft “Suddenly,” Williams recalls, “one for Leona: "Greater is He who is in points out that, besides engendering of the temple leaders stepped from the you than he who is in the world” (NASB). and legitimizing self-centeredness, a parade line, waved his feathered fan go-it-alone mentality makes us “vul- in front of me and chanted angrily.” Despite sustaining a C4 vertebral nerable to Satan in the deepest Confused, she turned to her colleague fracture, a condition that should have recesses of our being.”21 for an explanation. His eyes were pop- resulted in quadriplegia, Leona recov- It is worth remembering that a ping. “He pronounced a curse on ered fully. Says Dr. Williams: viewpoint—our viewpoint—is only a you,” he stammered. “He asked the view from a point. While we are enti- Today I no longer dismiss the real- devils to demonstrate their power to ity of spiritual warfare. I have quit tled to our perspective on things, we you within 48 hours.” trying to fit [demonic power) into a must also be willing to admit that our philosophically neat compartment Two days later having dismissed view is limited. By habitually rejecting that will not disturb my Christian this bizarre event from her mind, Dr. comfort zone or scientific ratio- the counsel and insight of others, we 18 Williams headed off on a farewell nale. become easy marks for the master beach trip with several friends, As these testimonies remind us, deceiver. including a dear missionary couple, spiritual armor is no optional acces- Christian intercessors are also Art and Leona Dickinson. As their sory. Those who dismiss it do so at vulnerable to brief lapses of aware- vehicle approached a curve, a dog their peril. As to the question of what ness known as micro sleeps. These darted onto the road, causing their this armor is and how it is put on, episodes, triggered by extreme fatigue, Chinese-American driver to swerve Paul summed up the matter in four can occur in prayer meetings, in the instinctively. The vehicle careened simple words: “I die every day” (1 middle of conversations, even while into two large trees and flipped. Corinthians 15:31). It is Christ, he we are driving. Although micro sleeps Coming to her senses, Dr. Wil- told the Galatians, who “lives in me” are brief, usually lasting no more than liams found herself covered in broken (Galatians 2:20). a few seconds, they are rich in hypna- glass. A warm oily substance was In practice, then, putting on the gogic imagery—fleeting, undefined dripping onto the back of her neck. armor of God is synonymous with forms that serve as the building International Journal of Frontier Missions 189 George Otis, Jr. blocks for hallucinations. The danger Holy of Holies wore bells on his gar- Invariably this post-trip review in these episodes, as UCLA Professor ment and a cord around his ankle? proves mutually rewarding. The inter- Ronald Siegel points out, is that “the cessors discover why they were fatigued brain can embroider these Faithful Prayer prompted to pray in a certain fashion ambiguous forms with specific fea- Support or at a certain time, while I am grate- 22 tures.” Without adequate rest or a One thing that has amazed me in ful for their sensitivity and God’s grounding support system (wise lead- counseling spiritual assault victims watch care over my every move. ers and loving friends), long-haul over the years is how few believers intercessors can fall prey to false, bother to establish any form of per- Taking Godly Risks even demonically inspired impres- sonal prayer support. With the excep- The final step in our spiritual pro- sions. tion of a few pastors and front line tection program involves an activity As the pace of life and ministry missionaries, most of these individu- many Christians overlook: taking continues to quicken around us, als never even consider themselves godly risks. Although we generally accountable relationships become eligible for such an arrangement. assume risk is something we need to increasingly important to our spiritual While understanding on this subject protect ourselves against, the real well-being. In a reference to this hour, has improved in recent years, thanks danger is often fond lurking in the 23 the biblical writer said, in large part to books like C. Peter status quo. In Jesus’ Parable of the Wagner’s Prayer Shield, there are still Talents, for example, the servant who Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit far too many Christians flying solo. buried his master’s capital in a nap- of doing, but let us encour- kin for safekeeping was sternly age [or exhort] one another, rebuked for his actions. Why? and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Missionaries too concerned He neglected to advance the (Heb.10:25) about persecution or master’s interests. To his self- In the end, the purpose of deportation take conscious centered mind, the potential for spiritual accountability is to loss was of far greater concern steps to muzzle their witness 24 establish guardrails to keep us than the failure to gain. In the on the field, leading to the very end, the steps this servant took out of trouble, and a safety result the enemy had in mind tether in case we stumble into to alleviate loss actually pro- it. It is like hiking in a wilder- all along: the effective silencing moted it. ness area at a national park. of Jesus Christ’s primary Things today are not much Maps and trail markers are pro- voice on earth. different. Parents who worry vided, but recreationalists are about their children’s safety or also asked to sign in at a ranger “proper” education respond by station or trail head. Hikers are asked A practice I have found of holding them back from front to indicate the number and names of immense benefit is giving my interces- line Christian ministry. (All too often people in their parties, a proposed sors advance details about each sensi- this decision backfires when the itinerary and projected entry and exit tive mission or project I plan to pur- youngster is lost to some addiction or dates. sue. If my agenda calls for research compromised by the cares of this life.) Some outdoorsmen see this as an work, be it in the highlands of Tibet or Missionaries too concerned about per- example of overbearing authority, just the streets of New Orleans, I try to secution or deportation take con- as certain believers chafe at the disci- provide each member of my support scious steps to muzzle their witness plines of spiritual accountability. But team with a daily schedule of events, on the field, leading to the very result there are good reasons for requiring including travel, interviews and obser- the enemy had in mind all along: the such information. Every year adven- vational activities. Once the mission effective silencing of Jesus Christ’s 25 turers are incapacitated in the wilder- gets under way, the intercessors agree primary voice on earth. ness by broken bones, animal attacks to keep a daily prayer journal, detail- Prayer warriors can also be and capricious weather. When these ing how God led them to pray, while I impaired by excess caution. A good things happen—and who ever plans maintain a daily trip report, detailing example surfaced during an extended for them?—it is nice to know you are what actually happened. When I prayer journey I led in the early tethered for “deep rescues.” After all, return from the field, we swap docu- 1990s. As our team neared the end of wasn’t this why a priest entering the ments. a three-week mission to the Hima-
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layas, which included on-site interces- becoming an elusive spiritual target. believers, including some in positions sion at multiple Hindu and Buddhist Our mission to extend the borders of of ministry leadership, the answer is a strongholds, several participants Christ’s Kingdom on earth also resounding NO. reported feeling oppressed and asked requires us to be practiced in the art Examples of this dearth of experi- to remain in their hotel rooms. Of of offensive warfare. And while the ence are not hard to find. A recent those who proceeded into the temples truth of God’s Word is our ultimate episode of the popular television pro- and monasteries, many spent consid- weapon, it is often more effective gram Unsolved Mysteries featured a erable time looking over their shoul- when accompanied by demonstrations Midwestern family traumatized by a ders. In the midst of this spiritual of divine power. demonic infestation of their home. malaise, God reminded us of the time In Acts 8 we read that “when the Unable to cope with a daily routine His presence had been conveyed into [Samaritan] crowds heard Philip and that included flickering lights, levitat- the Philistine temple at Ashdod. As saw the miraculous signs he did, they ing dishes and appliances that the Ark of the Covenant was set next all paid close attention to what he switched on without warning, the dis- to the image of Dagon, the idol said” (verse 6, emphasis added). Elab- traught couple turned to a local pas- promptly collapsed and shattered (see orating on this point, Bible scholar tor for comfort and advice. After 1 Samuel 5:1-5). Jack Deere draws attention to Paul’s observing the unsettling phenomena Although the presence of God no statement that “the kingdom of God is firsthand, the dismayed clergyman longer resides in a gilded ark, it is not in word but in power” (1 Corinthi- could only conclude, “There are just contained in our earthen vessels. ans 4:20, NKJV). This miraculous some things we are unable to under- Wherever it is conveyed, we may be power, according to Deere, “is more stand.” sure that it will have a greater impact than temporary evidence of God’s The problem, as one Native Ameri- on its environment than its surround- kingdom—it is actually a characteris- can believer told me in 1992, is that ings have on it. tic of His kingdom.29 “many Christians are afraid to ven- As I pointed out in The Last of the People are nearly always attracted ture into situations more powerful Giants, God seldom calls His people to more to indigenous power than to for- than they are.” Having little firsthand a fair fight. The recurring theme of eign dogma. Indeed, until Philip experience with the supernatural, Scripture is one of giants and multi- arrived in Samaria with great signs they are inclined to shy away from its tudes. Time and again Christian war- and miracles, “all the people, both mysteries. riors are asked to face foes whose nat- high and low” (Acts 8:10) gave their 26 ural resources exceed their own. If attention to a powerful sorcerer Improving our we are to succeed on such battle- named Simon. Christian success in Performance fields, we must learn to walk in faith; the Roman world was also largely Those who admit their lack, how- and faith, it has been said, is spelled attributable to the ability of the believ- ever, can improve their performance R-I-S-K. If something is not risky, it ers to offer convincing evidence of the on the spiritual battlefield by following 27 does not require faith. And “without power of the faith over demons. six basic steps: faith it is impossible to please God” The modern appetite for spiritual 1. We must expose ourselves to (Hebrews 11:6). power, whatever its source, is no less real battlefields. Many of us are com- “The risk-free life,” as the late ravenous. We have only to look at the mitted to notions about spiritual war- Jamie Buckingham once said, “is a unprecedented popularity of paranor- fare that we have never proven per- victory-free life. It means lifelong sur- mal television programming, the pro- sonally. Having confined ourselves to render to the mediocre. And that is liferation of New Age teaching and the artificial worlds like academia (where 28 the worst of all possible defeats.” revitalization of various indigenous spiritual “war games” are waged on Going out on a limb not only religions. People want power, and the paper) or charismania (where battles takes us to where the fruit is, but it enemy is only too willing to oblige. are fought in rallies), we are often left prevents us from being picked off by Since demonic signs and wonders unprepared for the real thing. The the enemy. As any marksman knows, will increase as we edge closer to the only sure corrective is to venture out there is nothing easier to hit than a Second Coming of Christ, we face beyond our established comfort zones. stationary target. some critical questions: Are we pre- 2. We must find a qualified men- pared? Do we have the necessary bat- tor. The best way to learn how to wield Spiritual Power tlefield experience to stand up to this spiritual power effectively is to grab There is more to Christianity than expanding competition? For many onto the coattails of someone who has International Journal of Frontier Missions 191 George Otis, Jr. gone to battle before. kingdom on earth.” In a recent posi- rifices, while symbols of death began to predominate in art. See The Sea- We must remain clean and 3. tion paper on the subject, Brant sons of Humankind, P. Van Dongen, humble vessels. Only the righteous declared: ed. (Den Haag: Rijks Museaum Voor can lay claim to the promise of divine Volkenkunde, 1987), p. 101. We want our missionaries, our 5. The Catholic Church, for example, power. According to Psalm 66:18, related churches, and all Chris- has recorded a dramatic increase Isaiah 1:15 and John 9:31, God will tians everywhere to recognize that recently in the number of requests not even listen to the entreaties of sin- there are dark spiritual forces for exorcisms. which have enormous power over ners. 6. Notable exceptions to this rule entire clans, villages, towns, ethnic include South Korea, where God’s 4. We must remember the purpose groups, and even over nations work has been hindered primarily of divine signs and wonders. Although (Daniel 10:11-13). It is as we learn through disunity between various to take up the weapons of our war- spiritual gifts are often associated churches and their leaders; Argen- fare and attack these strongholds tina, where revival fires have been with the personal welfare of Chris- of wickedness that God’s Spirit will cooled by the moral failure of a lead- tians, the Bible teaches that divine be released to turn men and ing pastor; and Germany, where women to himself, bring salvation power is manifest primarily to glorify 30 great gains were set back by a highly to the lost, and revive His church. publicized sex abuse case involving a God and to facilitate evangelism (see pastoral team in Nurnberg (the trial The lesson in this corner of the Mark 16:20; Acts 2:43; 1 Corinthians of this godly couple was based on 14:22; Hebrews 2:3-4). labyrinth is that spiritual power and trumped-up charges). 7. Francis Frangipane, The Three Battle- 5. We must release ourselves to protection are not only available to obedient Christians; they are core grounds (Marion, Iowa: Advancing God’s sovereignty. If we are truly Church Publications, 1989), p. 7. yielded to the Lordship of Christ, we components in God’s strategy to liber- 8. Both apostles (see James 4:6 and 1 must allow Him to regain His voice in ate enchanted communities. So long Peter 5:5) quote from Proverbs 3:34. as we remain focused on this purpose 9. Jesus declared to the Pharisees, “You each circumstance that confronts us. belong to your father, the devil” (John This will require more patient listen- (as opposed to self-aggrandizement), 8:44). For individuals who prided ing on our part and fewer demanding we may call on divine gifts and power themselves on their devotion to pre- vailing religious orthodoxy, it is hard formulas. without hesitation. This will become to imagine a more stinging indict- even more important as global evan- 6. We must develop a sense of ment. Like Lucifer, the Pharisees had expectation. This is especially relevant gelization prompts our desperate become infatuated with themselves— their knowledge, their pomp, their for those of us who live in (or with) the adversary to flood the world with demonic counterfeits. position. By valuing such things, rationalist ghettos of Western society. they (like many religious intellectu- Although we may find it difficult to als) had become “ignorant of God’s picture ourselves in the role of exor- End Notes righteousness” (Romans 10:3, NKJV). Their “zeal [was] not according to 1. At the forefront of these technologies cist, seer or healer, this is how God knowledge” (verse 2, NKJV). They had are video (the Jesus Film), shortwave has chosen to minister to our bound missed the point that godly beliefs radio and satellite television. Other should translate into godly character. and broken world. If we do not expect new technologies (such as the Inter- 10. C. Peter Wagner, “Territorial Spirits net, personal computers and jet air- the Holy Spirit to manifest His power and World Missions,” Evangelical craft) have affected every evangelistic through us, He probably won’t. Missions Quarterly, Vol. 25, No. 3, means from Bible translation to mis- July 1989, p. 286. Whatever posture we decide to sionary mobilization and global net- 11. Jaki Parlier, “Dabbling with the adopt on the issue of spiritual power, working. Enemy,” In Other Words, Vol. 18, No. 2. The Justin Long statistic (which is it is important to note that our com- 6, September- October 1992, pp. 1- adjusted for defections), derives from 2. petition has already cast their lot. a June 1996 telephone conversation 12. And procrastination! See James Almost anywhere you care to look, with Brian Kooiman of Global Har- 4:17. vest Ministries; see also “World- men and women are paying desperate 13. Although God often limits or deflects scene,” Christianity Today, November prices to acquire and employ spiritual the devil’s barbs, as He did with Job 9,1992, p. 64. and Daniel, there is evidence that, in power. 3. Lance Morrow, “Evil,” Time, June 10, special cases of martyrdom, He 1991, pp. 52-53. At least one mission executive, grants His servants supernatural 4. Michael Green, Exposing the Prince of Howard Brant of SIM USA (Society for grace (see Acts 7:55-60). Darkness (Ann Arbor: Vine, 1991), p. 14. In the autumn of 1993, I had the International Ministries), has 97. A similar situation manifested privilege of confirming this account expressed open concern about these itself in the last few decades before through first-hand interviews with the Spanish conquest of Mesoamer- “spiritual forces of wickedness which both mother and daughter, now a ica. Mayan and Aztec priests, sensing beautiful young lady. stand opposed to the advance of the the approaching end of their culture, 15. Although my original conversation gospel and the spreading of God’s called for an increase in human sac- Vol 15:4 Oct.-Dec., 1998 192 Recognizing and Defeating the Powers of Darkness
with Pastor Sandruip took place in York: Plume, 1992), pp. 126-127, [Editor’s note: This article was adapted Thimpbu, Bhutan, there are reports 122. with permission from chapter nine of he has since been deported from the 23. See also Hebrews 13:17. Otis’ new book The Twilight Labyrinth, country on account of his Nepalese 24. See George Otis, Jr., Last of the Grand Rapids, Michigan: 1997.] ethnicity. Please pray for him and Giants (Grand Rapids: Chosen, the church he has shepherded. 1991), pp. 260-265. 16. Chod, or the “Mystic Banquet,” is 25. Other Christians attend church not George Otis, Jr., viewed by its practitioners as a because they want to enhance their is the author of shortcut to enlightenment (a state relationship with Christ, but The Last of the that typically requires thousands of because they are afraid of losing Giants and his lifetimes to attain). After mastering their salvation. In the end, however, new book The advanced visualization techniques (a they are rejected by the very One Twilight process that can itself take several they thought they were serving (see years), the disciple sets out to empty Matthew 7:21-23). Labyrinth. himself of ego by “feeding” his dis- 26. Otis, Giants, p. 263. He has served as membered body parts to demons. 27. Kraft, Christianity, p. 135. senior associate The ritual, nearly always conducted 28. Jamie Buckingham, “The Risk Fac- with the Lausanne in private, is carried out at places tor,” Charisma & Christian Life, Jan- Committee for World Evangelization like caves and cremation grounds uary 1989, p. 106 and is coordinator of the United where demons are believed to con- 29. Jack Deere, “Why Does God Do Mir- Prayer Track for the A.D. 2000 & gregate. Upon arriving at the site, acles?”, Charisma, September 1992, Beyond Movement. He also is the the practitioner goes into deep pp. 26. president of The Sentinel Group—a trance. A Daikini spirit conjured 30. Howard Brant, “Toward an SIM Posi- Christian research and information through visualization takes a scimi- tion on Power Encounter,” SIM Posi- agency located in Seattle, WA. For tar and slices off the top of the head. tion Paper, p. 7. The skullcap is then enlarged super- more info., (books, videos, etc.) call naturally for use as a serving con- 800-668-5657,
International Journal of Frontier Missions The Parsee: Liberating an Unreached People by Prayer and Fasting
There are some 3.5 million Parsees in the world with only about 30 that are born again. Also apart from the grace that God has given me, there is no other ministry reaching the Parsee people with the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
by Kaezad Dadachanjee
n February-March and July-August nity support, which has motivated ences. Pray that God would burden I every year the Parsee people many to revert to their pagan Zoroas- pastors, mission leaders and youth observe their Holy Days called, trian ways. In this request for prayer leaders to mobilize intercession, out- "Mukhtad." The rituals begin early and fasting we are including some reach, youth outreach, and planting morning with congregational worship information on the Parsees. Please of congregations among our Parsee of spirits of deceased relatives, and join in this fast and mobilize others to people. proceed through the day until sunset. pray and fast for the Parsee people. 2. Parsee Awareness. Ask God to Devotees bring offerings of sandal promote an awareness in the Body of wood and incense to their fire god, Specific Prayer Points Messiah about the Parsee people. along with flowers, fruits, and other Would you specifically focus on Especially pray that there would be gifts. There are some 3.5 million Par- the following prayer points? We need birthed an intensity and urgency in sees in the world, with only about 30 your help. Thank you. Please pray ministry leaders about our Parsee who are born again. Please join us in that God would people's need to find Yeshua, and a forty day fast from February 14 1. Mobilize Intercession. Pray that recruit Seminary Students and Mis- through March 25, during their holy God would mobilize two million inter- sionaries for Parsee Outreach and season. cessors worldwide with synchronized Planting Congregations among them intercession for the Parsee people. Pray that God would motivate semi- Zoroaster’s Birthday Also pray that God would grant that naries to include Parsee studies as March 25 the birthday of their more would Love the Parsee People part of their curriculum on world leader, Zoroaster, Parsees worship fire and be more committed to become religions and draw seminary students as their principal god, and spirits of prayer-partners. Also pray that God for planting congregations among our deceased relatives. Many consider would burden Evangelical leaders and Parsee people. Yeshua to be a major messiah or media to aggressively promote this 3. Laborers and Co-workers. Pray prophet. Their "holy" book is very sim- 40-Day Fast for the Parsee people, that God would grant partners and ilar to the Bible, which makes it and promote awareness in the Body of coworkers to accompany us on the attractive to them. Also, much of the Old Testament has mention of Parsee Messiah. Pray that God would burden mission field, on outreach to Udwada kings. This is a good incentive to offer Evangelical journalists, media, inter- Shrine and other Parsee Temples: Parsees the reading of the Bible. net, and advertisers to aggressively Pray that God would mobilize commit- Perhaps the strongest obstacle to mobilize intercession and outreaches ted intercessors to go to Parsee shrine their conversion is their sentimental to our Parsee people, and advertise (especially in Udwada) for prayer attachment to their culture, and the "Love Parsee Ministries," through walks and servant-ministry to the memories of joint family religious their publications and resources. Pub- Parsees there. Pray that God would activities. Parsee converts find the lish our Parsee profile in their jour- sovereignly promote and manage the Body of Messiah lacking in commu- nals, web sites, and email confer- Parsee ministry outreach, meeting
International Journal of Frontier Missions Vol. 15:4, Oct.-Dec., 1998 194 Liberating the Parsee People
every need, detail, and arrangement, Yeshua, with godly repentance, water tection of unsaved Parsees: Bind as well as defend, guide, encourage, baptism, and true discipleship. Pray death and affliction from taking any strengthen, empower, and support for the recruitment of loving believers Parsee person before he /she is saved. every believer whom has been tailor-made for individual Parsees, to Pray for protection for those who min- recruited for outreach and prayer. minister to the Parsees' needs in gen- ister to, including their families, who Pray that God would multiply this tle and practical ways. Pray that the minister to the Parsee people. effort so that Yeshua may receive the Parsees may be deliver from the grip Pray for the "Jesus Video" Out- Parsee people's worship. of the Deceiver, from familiar spirits, reach: Pray that every Parsee may 4. Forbid the Powers. In prayer and the Anti-Messiah spirit. Pray that possess a "Jesus Video," and a good forbid the powers of darkness from the healing power of Yeshua might be study Bible in his spoken language. interfering, and that love and har- demonstrated towards sick Parsees, Pray that every Parsee might be mony may be maintained between the especially to those not open to the drawn to Gods Word. organizers and between the partici- Gospel, to attest to the Deity of Barukh Ha Shem. Pray that the pants. May God cause a divine order Yeshua. Name of Yeshua would be proclaimed of righteousness to prevail. Pray that Parsee children might over the Parsee people, at the Parsee 5. Logistics and General Needs. be drawn to Yeshua, revealing the pagan temples, and at their localities. Also pray that God would provide reli- simplicity of the Gospel. Pray that the Yeshua is the Name above every able and comfortable transpor- Name. Every knee shall bow tation for teams to minister to and every tongue confess that the Parsees. Air travel, trains In prayer forbid the powers Yeshua Adonai (Yeshua is and local transportation are of darkness from interfering, Lord). extremely expensive and unaf- and that love and harmony fordable. This hinders many may be maintained between History of the native believers from participat- the organizers and between the Parsee People ing. Please pray that the Lord God's faithfulness to a would grant us air tickets and participants. May God cause thousand generations is vans, as well as provide living a divine order of righteousness revealed. "He has remembered expenses and provision for to prevail. His covenant forever, The word Parsee outreach teams. Pray which He commanded to a that Christians would be thousand generations" (Ps. encouraged and take time off from Parsees might be deliver from intellec- 105:8). The God of Israel has been work to join our outreaches. Pray that tualism that would keep them from true to His covenant with Abraham all ministry needs may be provided. accepting the simplicity of the Gospel. and his descendants. All of Israel’s "Love Parsee” outreaches to Parsee Also pray that converted Parsees enemies from Bible times have per- people directly or indirectly take place would fund and support "Love Parsee ished, but Israel remains and is pros- in various cities of the 10/40 Window. Ministries,” and use Parsee resources perous. Please pray for efficient computers, to fund outreaches to the Parsee peo- Another people from Bible times laptops, fax machines, telephone ple. Pray that Parsees would turn has endured the test of time and geog- lines, internet, phones, faxes and away from their own "holy book", and raphy. These are the prosperous other office equipment. Please also develop a desire in them for the Parsee people. In the Old Testament, pray for skillful and submissive work- Bible.. Parsee kings are prominent for their ers to help with these. benevolence to Israel. In the book of Planting Indigenous Daniel, the Parsee kings Cyrus and Praying for Parsee Churches Darius promote Daniel to the highest the Parsees Pray that indigenous Parsee con- position in the land. In the book of Pray for the Parsees: Pray that gregations would be planted in every Esther, Parsee king Xerxes (Ahas- God would turn the confidence and Parsee locality, especially in Iran; uerus) overrules Haman's plans, allegiances of all Parsees (especially Afghanistan; Udwada, Bombay, Pune, favoring Esther and Mordecai, and the leaders, professionals, and trus- and Gujrat (India); Karachi (Pakistan); saves the Jewish nation from annihi- tees) away from all false gods, and the United Kingdom; North America; lation. In 2 Chronicles 36, Parsee king turn them only towards Messiah Germany, and Australia. Pray for pro- Cyrus liberates the Jewish people and
International Journal of Frontier Missions 195 Kaezad Dadachanjee sends them to rebuild the temple of products. Parsee lawyers are among High Court. The Eduljee Dinshaw our God. In Ezra and Nehemiah, the best and most influential. Parsee family owned so much land that it is Parsee kings Cyrus, Darius, and doctors give quality health care and understood that the local government Artaxerxes not only send the Jewish rarely charge the poor. Parsee schools banned their acquisition of any more. people to rebuild our Lord's temple, offer superior education at low cost to Parsee land owned by the Bhandara but also give money. Additionally, people of all backgrounds without dis- family was the site of the official resi- they provide Ezra, Nehemiah and the tinction. Numerous charities in India dence of the president of Pakistan. other Jews resources—building mate- are funded and operated by Parsees. Parsee schools Bai Virbaiji and Mama rial, authority, safe passage and sol- These support the poor among the are among the best in the nation. diers to ensure it. Parsees as well as the non-Parsees. NED, long one of the best engineering The Parsee kings also instructed In Pakistan too the Parsees have colleges in south Asia, was founded authorities over the region to give the taken the lead. The Cowasjees and and owned by Parsees until its takeo- Jews whatever they wanted for the Dinshaws were pioneers in ship build- ver by the Pakistani government. In ceremonies of worship of our God, ing, and the Kandawallas were the the USA, the UK and other western and exempted them from taxation. leaders in the automobile industry countries, Parsees occupy prominent The only gentile in the Old Testament until the government nationalized positions in business, enterprise, that the Lord ever called His anointed them both. Avaris and Minwallas pio- technology and education. was a Parsee. In Isaiah 44:28, and Isa 45:1, The Lord calls Parsee Values Parsee king Cyrus His shepherd The average Parsee believes and Beliefs and anointed. in a righteousness of works. In the Parsee scriptures, In India and Pakistan, the However, a Parsee’s zeal for Gathas, their Prophet Zoroaster Parsee people have excelled in doing good is not motivated is quoted as saying, "Reflect every area of life. In politics, by fear of God or earning His with a clear mind, man by man Dadabhoy Navroji was the right- for himself," encouraging devo- hand man of Mahatma Gandhi favor. A Parsee is by nature a tees to decipher what is good and Jawaharlal Nehru, founders good person, because their and bad. The foundation of the of modern India. The late Prime religion teaches the Parsee lifestyle is to show mercy Minister Rajiv Gandhi was the principles of “good thoughts, and to do good to all. Parsees son of a Parsee, Feroze Gandhi. good words, and good deeds.” rarely concern themselves with Soli Sohrabji, a Parsee, is such issues as "salvation" or India's attorney general. In the "life after death." military, the only field marshal that neered the hospitality industry. Brig. The average Parsee believes India has had was a Parsee, Field J. Golwalla, Col. Lushkary, and Maj. in a righteousness of works. However, a Parsee's zeal for doing good is not Marshal Maneckshaw. Irani earned many military distinc- motivated by fear of God or earning In science, the country's nuclear tions. Avari, Minwalla, Marker, Cow- His favor. A Parsee is by nature a technology work was founded and pio- asjee, and Bhandara family members good person, because their religion neered by Bhabha, a Parsee. In sports have all held high government posi- teaches the principles of "Good and the arts, Farokh Engineer was a tions. Some of these have been thoughts, good words, and good world-class cricketer, and Zubin appointed honorary ambassadors by deeds." These words can be frequently Mehta is a renowned music conduc- foreign nations. Jamshed Marker has found on Parsee tee-shirts or refriger- tor. Freddie Mercury of the rock band been Pakistan's ambassador to both ators, but again this religious teach- Queen was a Parsee as well. It was the USA and the United Nations ing rarely drives a Parsee. the Parsee family Wadia that brought under different governments. Parsee Salvation in the Parsee belief sys- India its first ships, and the Parsee Byram Avari has more than once been tem is by grace and cannot be earned. family Tata, its first airlines. The Tata the world's yachting champion. Traditionally, Parsees believed in a family were also pioneers in automo- Other notable Parsees were the heaven and a hell. Parsees believe biles, watches, steel and iron, fields late Jamshed Mehta, mayor of Kara- that entrance into heaven is by the where they still lead. The Godrej fam- chi; Justice Dorab Patel, Senior Jus- mercy of the Creator God. They hope ily is well known for manufacturing tice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan; that their departed loved ones made it household items and health care and Justice Sidhwa of the Punjab to heaven.
Vol 15:4 Oct.-Dec., 1998 196 Liberating the Parsee People
Modern schools of thought among spoken of as the One who is, and who "unknown god," if you will. the Parsees are changing the tradi- was, and who is to come. Thus we see Parsees hold the fire in high tional belief in heaven and hell. Many that Yeshua is the Eternal One, the esteem. Some perhaps even give fire contemporary Parsee scholars teach One who has always been. The as much importance as the "Creator that heaven and hell are on this Hebrew for "I AM" in Exodus is more God" himself. The Parsee places of earth. Many also teach against the like the term "to be." worship have traditionally been called existence of a devil. Instead they The Parsees have a concept of a "fire temples." In these temples, there speak of "good mentality," and "evil Creator God whom they call Ahura is a central room housing a large ves- mentality." Mazda. Mazda means "wisdom," while sel with a lit fire, fueled by wood and Ahura means "being" or "to be;" i.e., fragrances. Parsees traditionally pray Concept of God "one who is." The name that the Par- to this fire, often bowing low or even bowing on their faces before it. Parsee and of Angels sees give to the Creator God is the scriptures call fire the "son of god," In Exodus, YHWH declares His same that the Bible calls Yeshua, "I and consider it the visible representa- name as "I AM THAT I AM." In John, AM," or "being." The Parsee people do tion of the invisible god. These are the Yeshua calls Himself by the same not realize that this God whom they same titles that the Bible gives name, "I AM." Hebrews says, "Messiah call by this name is actually Messiah Yeshua of Nazareth. Yeshua the same yesterday, to day, Yeshua. They are in fact worshipping and forever." In Revelation, Yeshua is a God whom they do not know, an (Continued on page 218) Overcoming Spiritual Resistance that Brings Transformation
Increasingly, World Vision personnel in various countries are asking for prayer support because they are finding themselves wrestling with spiritual darkness in the communities they serve. Community transformation is integrally linked to spiritual resistance that must be overcome.
by John D. Robb
he global prayer effort called Since the late 1960s as a student the spiritual resistance which ani- T “Prayer Through the Window” is involved in university evangelism and mates human beings and their insti- focused entirely on the nations of the during my field missionary experience tutions to oppose the kingdom of God. “10/40 Window.” In 1993, more than which followed, I became convinced 270 teams went out to pray on-site in that prayer was our major resource in The Source of Resistance these countries. It was my privilege to dealing with spiritual resistance. I Above all, we must discern the lead one of these teams to the country continue to believe this but also real- real source of resistance and use spir- of Bhutan. Since that time, with the ize acutely that I am still in the pro- itual weapons to combat it Jesus said help of World Vision, I have worked cess of learning and hope you will “The kingdom of heaven suffers vio- with national Christian leaders to set take my comments in that light. lence and the violent take it by force” up similar prayer initiatives in several Perhaps the most solid conclusion (Matt. 11:12). A number of Biblical other countries. These interdenomina- I have reached is that we need to be scholars think the meaning of this tional prayer efforts have focused humbly dependent upon God, admit- text is that the kingdom has been prayer on mission breakthrough in ting we do not understand, so that as under attack from violent foes.2 unreached peoples and/or sociopoliti- trusting, curious children He can lead Human beings and their institutions cal transformation. Thus, I come at us by the hand. King Jehoshaphat, like King Herod and his soldiers cap- this subject from two angles: a con- when faced by overpowering resis- tured and killed John the Baptist. cern for the removal of spiritual hin- tance in the form of an invasion Religious leaders in league with the drances which keep unreached people against his people by combined forces Roman authorities opposed Jesus and groups from responding to the gospel, of three hostile nations, prayed, “We had him executed. But behind these (my AD2000 and Beyond Movement do not know what to do, but our eyes human forces, Jesus saw the one hat if you will), as well as a concern are upon you” (2 Chr. 20:12). This, it whom he often called “the prince of for the overthrow of the evil which seems to me, is the safest posture for this world.” And in Mark 3:27, speak- brings injustice, suffering and exploi- us to take as well. ing of Satan, he said that this “strong- tation of the poor (my World Vision Resistance to the Church and its man” needs to be “bound” if his hat). Increasingly, World Vision per- missionary endeavor, of course, goods—presumably those human sonnel in various countries are asking springs from both human and beings and their institutions held cap- for prayer support because they are demonic origins. Theologian Walter tive—are to be liberated from his con- finding themselves wrestling with Wink’s writings demonstrate that the trol. spiritual darkness in the communities Bible tends to use the same language How did this strongman become they serve. For example, just a few for human and spiritual authorities or strong enough in our world to put up weeks ago in meetings with our staff powers as in Ephesians 6.1 But since such great and violent resistance to in Indonesia, the major topic was how the Apostle Paul says very explicitly the kingdom of God? The Genesis to deal effectively with the demonic that we wrestle not against flesh and story teaches that the first people forces we are encountering. blood (Eph.6:12), I want to focus on were given dominion of the earth to
International Journal of Frontier Missions Vol. 15:4, Oct.-Dec., 1998 198 Overcoming Spiritual Resistance
rule as God’s vice-regents over all cerning spiritual warfare. He assured both urge us to “resist” the devil so creation (Genesis 1:28). But through Israel that God would be their that he will flee from us. We are to do deception and disobedience, the ser- “shield,” “helper” and “glorious this in a context of submitting our- pent usurped our dominion, becoming sword,” and said “it is he who will selves to God and humbling ourselves the veritable ruler of this world. In my drive out your enemy before you” before him which is the needed pos- opinion, prayer is the way we who (Deut. 33:26-29). ture and attitude of prayer (Ja. 4:9; 1 have been redeemed from satanic Moses passed down what he had Pet. 5:9). slavery apply the victory of Calvary to learned to Joshua who time and again take back that dominion in the spe- prayed for and received guidance from Missions is Warfare cific situations and places for which God as to the exact strategy for over- The apostle Paul repeatedly uses we intercede. This, I believe, is the coming Israel’s enemies during his warfare terminology to describe his theological reason why prayer can be conquest of Canaan. It is also impor- mission and that of God’s people. used of God to overcome resistance tant to note that the armies with There was no more violent image in from the evil one. It is not that we are which Israel fought went forth to war Paul’s day than an armor-clad Roman powerful in and of ourselves, but that in dependence upon and under the soldier. This is the image he uses in our prayer invites the almighty Lord control of false gods. For example, Ephesians 6 to describe our battle into the equation, and thus invited, Moloch of the Ammonites and Chem- with the powers. He tells us that we he as Lord of hosts will put the enemy osh of the Moabites were worshiped do not wage war as the world does in to flight. through human sacrifice, and should a fleshly or purely human manner. definitely be called demons.3 Thus, Rather, the weapons we fight with The Mightiest Weapon there was an element of spiritual war- have “divine power to demolish Scripture attests over and over fare even though these battles were strongholds.” Strongholds are points again that prayer is the mightiest fought on the physical plane. at which the “strongman” has a grip weapon we have been given for over- Daniel the prophet mourned and over a people group or human institu- coming spiritual resistance. When prayed for three weeks before the tion. They may be false political ideol- Moses faced Pharaoh and the gods of angel of the Lord broke through the ogies, such as communism, which Egypt, it was a power encounter he cosmic resistance of the princes of mislead people, or false religious won through a relationship of prayer- Persia and Greece (Dan.10:2,12-13). beliefs like the Hindu concept of caste ful dependence on the Lord. Forty-six This story demonstrates both spiritual which lock people into an oppressive times in chapters 3 to 14 of Exodus it resistance and the power of prayer to lifestyle. Ethnic stereotyping is an says that the Lord spoke to Moses. prevail over it. The angel told Daniel awful stronghold. For example, before Only eleven times did Moses speak “Since the first day that you set your the Rwandan genocide Hutu extre- back to the Lord. In other words, he mind to gain understanding and to mists constantly referred to the Tutsi listened to God’s instructions and humble yourself before your God, as “cockroaches,” dehumanizing them acted upon them. Later on he revealed your words were heard, and I have to the point where it was all right to his understanding of what we might come in response to them” (10:12). eliminate them. now call “spiritual warfare.” At the Walter Wink, commenting on this pas- Paul says, “The god of this world crossing of the Red Sea he urged the sage, writes: “Recognizing the role of has blinded the minds of the unbeliev- Israelites to “stand firm and you will the Powers in blocking prayer can rev- ers to keep them from seeing the light see the deliverance the Lord will bring olutionize the way we pray. We will be of the gospel of the glory of Christ who you today... the Lord will fight for you; more energized and aggressive”.4 is the likeness of God” (2 Cor. 4:4). you need only to be still” (Ex.14:13- Jesus’ own ministry, character- People everywhere are perishing, 14). Likewise, in the struggle against ized by intense conflict with the being destroyed through the deception the Amalekites, Moses took the high demonic, was always undergirded by of this false god. They are also being ground of intercession, standing on much prayer. This was his modus turned against each other in sense- the mountaintop with his arms raised operandi whether he was enduring less, national and ethnic conflicts in before the Lord. As he kept his arms the temptation in the wilderness, con- which thousands, even millions, die outstretched, the Israelites prevailed fronting evil spirits in possessed peo- and no one wins except Satan the over the Amalekites in the valley ple, or sweating blood at Gethsemane destroyer. But Paul reminds us that below (Ex.17:8-13). At the end of his before his triumph over Satan on the the weapons God has given us are life he summarized his learning con- cross. The apostles James and Peter mighty because Jesus has given us
International Journal of Frontier Missions 199 John D. Robb his power for the pulling down of need the ongoing compliance of regard to the gospel. “Spirit pillars” demonic strongholds. After the sev- human beings to maintain or intensify had just been erected in her town. enty-two returned with joy and said, his grip. Deborah Glick, a missionary She writes, “From our local people I’ve “Lord, even the demons submit to us working in Taiwan, describes “occa- learned that many cities have a pro- in your name,” he said, “I saw Satan sions when the presence, influence or tective and ruling/controlling spirits fall like lightning from Heaven.” Then empowering of evil spirits... is particu- residing in a recognized pillar. The he said “I have given you authority larly obvious.” She writes: “During the provincial governor decides to erect a (that means the legal right or power) time of a festival in honor of a god’s pillar and invites a spirit to come and to trample on snakes and scorpions birthday, the atmosphere may seem inhabit that pillar to protect his city and to overcome all the power of the to be particularly heavy or oppressive, or province.” She mentions the rising enemy; nothing will harm you” (Lk. especially in the vicinity of the partici- interest in city pillars all over Thai- 10:19). pating temple(s) as incense is burned, land and, along with this, the occur- When you tread on snakes rence of widespread drought and scorpions, you do not do it and tremendously increased lightly or with bare feet. You vices gambling, prostitution crush them so they will not keep “Prayer is an act of violence.” and drugs.8 biting or harming other people When will we in the mission Vernon Sterk writes about with their deadly venom. I community, as well as in the his missionary experience in a remember the fury with which I Church at large, get angrily particular Mexican village: killed a rattlesnake which violent enough to take up the “Since the gospel was first appeared under the feed trough communicated in this vil- upon which I had just been sit- spiritual weapons we have been lage, there has been a great ting in our friend’s stable. I cut given to really deal with the increase in the number of spirits and deities. This has him up into a dozen pieces to enemy? been reflected in both the make sure he was really dead! increased number of saint’ In that situation, I became images in the local church- shrine and in the amazing angrily violent because of the multiplication of house talking danger to myself and others. Speaking music played, and spirits are called saints. The resistance to the gospel of spiritual warfare, Pastor Jack Hay- down to be present or to make their has corresponded with the increase in these spirits.9 ford affirms, “Prayer is an act of vio- presence known. In other instances This past year a Japanese pastor 5 lence.” When will we in the mission tang-ki [mediums] may become spirit told me that the majority of new con- community as well as in the Church possessed or under the influence of verts to Christ would fall away from at large get angrily violent enough to spirits performing superhuman feats”. the faith unless he and his staff take up the spiritual weapons we have Her conclusion is: “in all of these prayed with them personally, severing been given to really deal with the cases missionaries and Christian any pre-conversion connections with enemy? We often just treat the symp- workers... may expect God to demon- specific shrines and temples.10 toms and let the evil one stay around strate his power by nullifying satanic Anthropologist David Lewis adds: to keep causing havoc. power. Thus spirits may fail to mani- “In Japan, which has been fest themselves at festivals, tang-ki regarded as a ‘difficult’ country for Presence of may be unable to perform their feats, Christian missionary work, there is a Evil Spirits spells may no longer produce the need to pay attention to the country’s The degree of resistance to the desired effects and so forth. Mission- ‘spiritual geography,’ the foci of gospel corresponds to the presence of aries and other Christian workers demonic power at certain locations evil spirits. George Otis’ research must be prepared to pray unabash- and the manner in which there may demonstrates that people groups edly either privately or publicly be interlinkages between them. The renew covenants made by their forefa- toward this end.”7 ‘resistance’ to the gospel is not merely thers with the powers of darkness Joy Boese, a missionary friend cultural but also spiritual. This is also through recurring religious festivals from Thailand, described the increas- a contributing reason why the Japa- and rituals.6 Even though Satan has ing spiritual oppression she felt which nese appear to be more receptive to gotten significant control over the was accompanied by inexplicable apa- the gospel outside Japan than when world as we have seen, he seems to thy on the part of the people with they are in their own country.”11
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His conclusion is: “Christians in Praying Unitedly service 200 believers united their Japan and those elsewhere who pray First of all it is important that we prayers against the spirits of darkness for Japan need to avoid wasting valu- pray unitedly if resistance is to be who were controlling these human able spiritual ammunition on inconse- overcome. Jesus promised us in Mat- enemies. That evening, in spite of all quential or phantom targets. There is thew 18 that if two of us agreed as the earlier opposition, between 6,000 a need for increased prayer against touching anything it would be done by and 7,000 people made public com- the spiritual forces of darkness in our Father in heaven. The difficulty is mitments to Jesus Christ, an impact each area.” He, therefore, calls for in getting Christians to agree. It has that was far beyond all we could have extending praise marches and prayer been said, where there are two Chris- asked or thought! 12 walks throughout the country. tians there are three opinions! In the book of Acts major expansions of the Praying Specifically Spiritual church and spiritual breakthroughs Secondly, we need to gather infor- Breakthrough followed the believers praying in “one mation and insights from documen- The prayers of God’s people can accord.” According to the writings of tary study, conferring with local overcome demonic resistance, bring- J. Edwin Orr and David Bryant, Christian leaders, even interviewing ing spiritual breakthrough among the united prayer has preceded every members of the people group we are unreached as well as social transfor- great revival in the history of the concerned to reach. All of this helps mation. I have talked with Christian church.15 During our international us know how to pray accurately. What workers all over the world who main- prayer initiatives, we have found that is the nature of the grip the forces of tain that the prayer of God’s people reconciliation is a critical first step if weakens the occult powers. An darkness have on this people group or believers are to pray in unity. In Bos- Assembly of God pastor in northern city? This will involve a look at cul- nia, one month before the war ended, Ghana, attending one of my ture, history, religion, economics and local Christians from Serb, Croat and Unreached Peoples Seminars, relayed politics. Muslim backgrounds first repented to how a witch doctor had been stub- When we pray unitedly and with one another, identifying with the sins bornly opposing the work of his specific information in our hands, we of their peoples. It was then that they church, inciting the people against wreak spiritual violence on the were able to pray effectively for peace the Christians. However, when the enemy, a violence that will bring liber- and the healing of their land. believers united in prayer for that vil- ation to his captives because it brings Unity in prayer is also essential lage, the witch doctor lost all his pow- the almighty God into the equation, for spiritual breakthrough in a resist- ers and the villagers began to turn to enabling true holistic transformation ant unreached people. Missionary the Lord.13 to occur. We are just at the beginning efforts for fifty years failed to make A doctor and his wife, who have of exploring the potential power of any dent upon the Bateke people of devoted themselves to evangelism and united prayer. Theologian Walter the Congo. It was only when Christian church planting in the vast Indian Wink states, “History belongs to the workers prayed unitedly and authori- state of Madhya Pradesh, describe intercessors, who believe the future tatively against the spirit of the river what a difference prayer has made in into being”. German pastor Ingolf which had enslaved this people with overcoming resistance in Hindu vil- Schmidt affirms, “All over the world fear that sudden breakthrough came. lages. Before beginning the work of the Church is called to cast out Within weeks they saw dramatic evangelism they and their team mem- demons. Not only out of individuals response to the gospel with 3,000 bers first pause at the outskirts of the but also of whole nations and peoples. coming to the Lord, followed rapidly target village to exert the authority of God wants the Church to rule, to bind by another 5,000!16 Jesus in prayer, binding any forces of principalities and powers with author- In the summer of 1992, a group of the enemy that would seek to hinder ity, and to determine the politics of occultists aggressively opposed the the proclamation of the gospel. They nations.” often find a new receptivity and will- mass evangelism efforts some Russian ingness to embrace the gospel, and friends and I were carrying out in the have seen increasing numbers of Hin- city of Saratov. They tore down the Praying Holistically dus turn to Christ.14 advertising posters and sought to Third, every dimension of a peo- In view of the fact that the prayers create a diversion by holding a com- ple’s existence is important and all of believers make such a difference, peting meeting on extrasensory per- these dimensions political, economic, how then should we pray? ception. During our morning worship social, cultural, and spiritual are International Journal of Frontier Missions 201 John D. Robb interconnected. In 1995, in the city of Chr. 20:21-23). The invading armies holy crusade to rid the world of evil Cali, Colombia, the believers focused were thrown into confusion and put to strongholds. If the vision of the heart their prayers on the entrenched struc- flight. The apostle Paul indicates that of God aching for the lost is blurred tural evil of their society. The infa- it is through the Church that the by a commando operation to storm mous Cali drug cartel had used manifold wisdom of God is proclaimed the gates of hell, we miss the point of obscene amounts of money to buy to the rulers and authorities in the the Great Commission”.19 The whole over both government officials and heavenly realms (Eph. 3:10). Praise point of this kind of praying is to police and had killed everyone who and the proclamation of the Word of bring liberation to those groups of stood in their way, making Cali the God are powerful tools to do this. In people whose minds are still blinded most violent city in the world. A series our prayer initiatives we have found by the god of this world, who are hin- of all night prayer vigils attended by that worship and praise to God, as dered from understanding and tens of thousands of local believers well as proclaiming passages of his responding to the gospel (2 Cor. 4:4). did what nothing else could do. Therefore, like Jesus, we need Shortly thereafter all the cartel to keep focused on individual leaders were either dead or Our prayers are the and social redemption and behind bars and an anti- transformation. corruption investigation began necessary opening that allows resulting in the dismissal of God to act without violating Mixed Results hundreds of corrupt police offi- our freedom. Prayer is the We also need to face the cers and the imprisonment of ultimate act of partnership fact that sometimes resistance cartel-linked politicians.17 with God. will not be overcome or that we In India, when Pastor Arthur will have mixed results. Pha- Paul and his wife moved into a raoh still hardened his heart Hindu slum area of Bangalore, against the prayers and words they were first greeted with a hail of word, are an essential part of chang- of Moses. The Sanhedrin, for the most stones. They persisted in much prayer ing the spiritual atmosphere where part, rejected Jesus and crucified for the community, then began to there is difficulty or resistance. Dur- him. The apostle Paul was stoned, reach out to the people, caring for lit- ing a prayer seminar in Bangkok in whipped and ultimately beheaded. We tle girls who would have been sold April 1995, a member of our team led can sometimes be guilty of bringing a into prostitution and praying for the in proclaiming Moses’ words to Pha- success mentality to prayer along terminally ill. Deeds of love and mercy raoh, “Let my people go.” We pro- with a materialistic, technological way plus miracles of healing and deliver- claimed this word in the face of the of thinking which assumes we can ance demonstrated the reality of division which was keeping God’s peo- just pull a lever and get a particular Jesus. There and elsewhere in the ple in that city from coming together result. In Colombia, even while marve- state of Karnataka they have so far to pray in unity. Several months later, lous breakthroughs have been occur- baptized over 5,000, the great major- more than 500 Christians from across ring in answer to united prayer, over ity from a Hindu background. Accord- the denominational spectrum, includ- 200 pastors have lost their lives dur- ing to Pastor Paul, more than any- ing those who had been at odds, gath- ing the same two year period due to thing else it was prayer that brought ered to pray together for the first time. attacks by guerrillas and paramilitary the breakthrough.19 In the same way One of the prayer leaders attributed it forces.20 Backlash from an utterly we need to pray holistically for the to the April seminar in which the par- fierce and ruthless foe is to be needs of individuals and their com- ticipants had made this proclamation. expected. In Matthew 24, Jesus munities warned us about persecutions that Keeping the his people will experience, and from Praising God and Central Focus which we sometimes may not be deliv- Proclaiming His Word We must hold to the central focus ered. of the kingdom of God—bringing peo- Although we may have more It was at the decisive moment ple to Christ. As Tom White puts it, understanding now, there is still a when Judah’s singers of praise began “Power encounter like any other profound air of mystery surrounding to sing “give thanks to the Lord for his aspect of ministry is not to become a prayer and how God uses our praying love endures forever” that the Lord set preoccupation. There is a danger of a and spiritual warfare to transform our ambushes against their enemies (2
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world. Walter Wink wisely affirms: of Japan (Turobridge Wells, U.K.: “Prayer is not magic; it does not Monarch Publications, 1993), p.82 always work; it is not something we 12. Ibid. 13. During an Unreached Peoples do, but a response to what God is Seminar, Tamale, Ghana, March, already doing within us and the 1993 world. Our prayers are the necessary 14. Victor Choudhrie, in a opening that allows God to act with- conversation, Varanasi, India, out violating our freedom. Prayer is September, 1994 the ultimate act of partnership with 15. David Bryant, “Prayer Movements God.”21 Signal New Light for the Nations”, Evangelical Missions Quarterly (April, 1987), p.121 End Notes 16. Rev. Kividi Kikama, in an 1. Walter Wink, Naming the Powers interview during 1994 (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1984) 17. Rev. Hector Torres, in an 2. W. F. Albright and C. S. Mann, The interview, September 16, 1997 Anchor Bible: Matthew (Garden 18. Rev. Arthur Paul, in an interview City, N.Y.:Doubleday & Co., 1971); in Bangalore, India, September, Interpreter’s Bible, (New York: 1996 Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, 1951), 19. Tom White, “A Model for pps. 382-83 Discerning, Penetrating and 3. Bromiley, Geoffrey, ed., The Overcoming Ruling Principalities International Standard Bible and Powers,” unpublished paper Encyclopedia (Grand Rapids: presented at Lausanne Congress Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1986), on World Evangelization, July, vol. 1, p. 640; vol. 3, p. 401 l989, p.13 4. Walter Wink, Engaging the Powers: 20. Torres interview Engaging the Powers, Discernment and Resistance in a 21. Wink, p. 312 World of Domination (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1992), p.317 5. Quoted in Randall Roth, Prayer Powerpoints (Wheaton, IL.: Victor Books, 1995), p.105 John D. Robb is 6. George Otis, Jr., Last of the Giants the Unreached (Tarrytown, N.Y.: Chosen Books, Peoples Program 1991), pps. 89-93 Director with 7. Deborah Glick, “Toward an the Missions Application of a Power Theology in Advanced Inner City Taipei, Taiwan” (M.A. Research and Thesis, Columbia Biblical Communications Seminary and Graduate School of Center (MARC) Missions, 1989), p.85 of World Vision 8. Joy Boese, in a letter March/April, International. Before coming to 1987 MARC he served as a field 9. Vernon Sterk, “Territorial Spirits missionary with the Overseas and Evangelization in Hostile Missionary Fellowship in Environments” (Unpublished Malaysia. Robb currently serves as International Coordinator of paper, Fuller Seminary School of the Unreached Peoples Resource World Mission, 1989), p.1 1 Network for the AD 2000 and 10. Pastor Jun Takimoto, in a Beyond Movement. He is married conversation, March, 1997 to Lori and has three children. 11 David C. Lewis, The Unseen Face
International Journal of Frontier Missions Community Transformation Through United and Persevering Prayer
Community transformation is not an arbitrary event but the product of a cause and effect process. The certainty about this derives first and foremost from the teachings of Scripture as well as various case studies. The author knows this to be true because he has spent the last several years analyzing more than a dozen newly transformed communities.
by George Otis, Jr.
ransformed communities do not In other words, there are defini- • Persevering leadership (See T materialize spontaneously. If tive steps that we can and should Nehemiah 6:1-16); they did we might legitimately wonder take to position our communities for a • Fervent, united prayer (See why an omnipotent and ostensibly visitation of the Holy Spirit. And if the Jonah 3:5-10); loving God did not turn the trick more above passages are not reason • Social reconciliation (See Mat- often. We would also be left to ponder enough to believe this, you might thew 5:23-24; 18:15-20); our own value as intercessors. want to consider recent evidence that • Public power encounters (See Fortunately, such thoughts can shows God’s people are acting on this Acts 9:32-35); be banished immediately. This is proposition with great success. I know • Diagnostic research/spiritual because community transformation is this because I have spent the last sev- mapping (See Joshua 18:8-10); not an arbitrary event but rather the eral years analyzing more than a Although each of these factors product of a cause and effect process. dozen newly transformed communi- recurs often enough to be considered My certainty in this matter derives, ties. common, two of them—persevering first and foremost, from the teachings leadership and united prayer—are of Scripture. God’s Word makes clear present in all of our transformation Common Threads that divine revelation and power are case studies. This observation sug- Transformation case studies are called forth by sanctified hearts, by gests a possible distinction between best considered collectively. A solitary right relationships, and by united, fer- core factors and contextual factors. story, no matter how remarkable or vent and self-less intercession (see 2 Core factors, given their ubiquity, Chronicles 7:14; Jeremiah 29:13; inspiring it may be, inevitably comes appear to initiate (or at least signal) John 15:7; James 5:16; 1 John 3:21- with a nagging question: Is it reprodu- divine involvement. Community trans- ff and 5:14). Colorado Springs pastor cible? You are never quite sure. formation simply does not occur Dutch Sheets adds that in the Old Bump into this same story ten or unless they are present. Contextual Testament era the fire of God was twelve times however and your confi- factors, on the other hand, are meas- summoned by the presence of an dence will rise. You now have an ures commended by God on the basis appropriate altar and an acceptable established pattern, and patterns are of local history, habits, and ideology.1 sacrifice (See Exodus 24; Joshua compelling. Laden with reproducible They are the unique and added touch 8:30-3l; Judges 6:17-21; 1 Chronicles principles, they transform inspira- that turns potential into victory. 21:25-26; Ezekiel 43:18-27). To meet tional stories into potent models. With this distinction in mind, I this standard it was sometimes neces- My own investigation into the fac- want to take a closer look at the two sary to rebuild broken altars and/or tors responsible for transformed com- core factors. If they indeed play a cen- tear down false ones (See Judges munities has yielded several major tral role in community transforma- 6:25-26; I Kings 18:30-38; 2 Kings “hits”. These include, but are not lim- tion, it seems prudent to become bet- 23:3-15; Ezra 3:16). ited to, the following five stimuli: ter acquainted with them.
International Journal of Frontier Missions Vol. 15:4, Oct.-Dec., 1998 212 Toward Community Transformation
Persevering Leadership claim, Thomas went on to found the they are also called standers meet- largest church in Kiambu’s history. ings. The program, which began at Determined leaders figure promi- Whether we view these deter- Albert’s modest church compound in nently in the Scriptural record. Noah mined activists as instruments of Faisalabad, has since spread to spent decades constructing a massive divine sovereignty or as magnets for twenty-five cities and 4,000 people. ark while his neighbors mocked him United prayer is a declaration to as an eccentric fool. Nehemiah rebuilt divine intervention, their role is obvi- the heavenlies that a community of the walls of Jerusalem in the face of ously critical to the process of com- believers is prepared for divine part- persistent threats from Sanballat. munity transformation. In every case nership. When this welcoming inter- Jesus ignored protestations from well- their single-minded faith, demon- cession is joined by knowledge it meaning friends in order to lay down strated by importunate prayer and a becomes focused—leading to and sus- His life at Calvary. steadfast commitment to the commu- taining the kind of fervent prayer that It should, therefore, come as no nity, led to dramatic results. And produces results. surprise that catalytic leaders asso- while this may strike us as extraordi- ciated with recent community trans- nary, it is has long been the promise 2 formations have also battled through and pattern of Scripture. Stages of Progress strong opposition. Exhibiting a char- Recent case studies suggest that acteristic I call determined activism, the road to community transformation United Prayer these spiritual change agents have passes through at least three distinct The second core factor in commu- refused to accept anything less than and measurable stages. These nity transformation is fervent, united God’s maximum—even when the pres- include: prayer. In each of our featured case sure has come from family members 1. Spiritual beachhead, an initial studies, breakthroughs occurred and ministry colleagues. phase when revived believers enter when intercessors addressed specific When things got rough for Robert into united prayer; concerns in a common cause. Many of Kayanja during his transformative 2. Spiritual breakthrough, a sub- these group efforts took on their own ministry in a dangerous neighborhood sequent interval characterized by in Kampala Uganda, his own parents unique identities. In Cali, Colombia, rapid and substantial church growth; were among those urging him to 60,000 intercessors held all-night 3. Spiritual transformation, a cli- leave. “God wants to save these peo- vigilias in the Pascual Guerrero soccer matic season attended by dramatic ple,” they said, “but he doesn’t want stadium while others circled the city socio-political renewal. you to die in the process.” Christian in mobile prayer caravans. In a daily A fourth stage called spiritual activists ministering in the violent city practice they called the “Wailing maintenance could easily be added to of Cali Columbia have heard much Wall,” prayer warriors in the “Beirut this list. It is entered whenever liber- the same thing. When pastor Julio of Kampala, Uganda” cried out to God ated communities turn their attention Caesar Ruibal was gunned down in while holding hands around their to the business of preserving hard- December 1995, well-meaning friends church property. In Kiambu, Kenya won victories. For Christian leaders urged his widow to leave town before believers petitioned God from a store this means continuing to champion the same fate befell her. Ignoring this basement they dubbed the Prayer the things that attract God’s pres- counsel (and persistent death Cave. Their stunning success led to ence, namely, unity, prayer, humility threats), she became a rallying point subsequent intercessory campaigns and holiness. For born-again politi- for hundreds of city pastors. like “Morning Glory” and “Operation cians, journalists, businessmen and Other warnings have been linked Prayer Storm.”3 educators it means perpetuating King- to perceptions about unresponsive In December 1995 Pakistani evan- dom values through the institutions attitudes and appropriate ministry gelist Javed Albert established a rou- they serve. venues. When Thomas Muthee tine he calls “tarry nights” to counter The ideal is that spiritual trans- announced that the was planting a powerful demonic influences asso- formation remains a permanent con- church in Kiambu, Kenya his ministe- ciated with shrine pilgrimages and dition. Unfortunately, history shows rial colleagues could only ask, “How witchcraft activity.4 These prayer and that the blossom of revival (to use a will you manage?” One area pastor praise vigils begin at 9:00 PM on loose definition of the term) lasts an flatly declared, “The people here don’t Thursday and Saturday evenings and average of 36 months.5 Exceptions get saved. We preach, but they don’t continue until dawn. Because partici- exist—the Argentine revival has lin- respond.” Not persuaded by this pants stand through the entire affair, gered more than fifteen years—but
International Journal of Frontier Missions 213 George Otis, Jr. these are few and far between. church planting effort in the “Beirut subject throughout the world, people My immediate goal, however, is of Kampala” started with five prayer often ask me to provide examples of not to discuss at this time the mainte- warriors. Thomas Muthee established genuine spiritual beachheads. nance of transformed communities the spiritual beachhead in Kiambu, Although they are inspired by stories (this discourse will come in due time), Kenya with but a single partner—his of evangelistic breakthroughs and but rather to examine the process of wife Margaret. transformed communities, the achieving them. As all true champions Although this modest level of par- results-oriented emphasis of these have learned, you can only maintain ticipation appears to be incompatible accounts sometimes obscures impor- what you have first attained. with the primary characteristic of tant formative details. We will begin our journey by spiritual beachheads, namely united The good news is that contempo- investigating the role of spiritual prayer, three things must be kept in rary spiritual beachheads abound, beachheads. And do pay attention! mind. First, the population of beach- but do not expect uniformity. Depend- More high hopes have been ing on their developmental dashed here than any other status, they can appear quite place on the road to community different. Newly formed initia- transformation. It is during this Without an increased tives are typically small, unpub- early stage that you must build appetite for the things that licized affairs in which a hand- the spiritual momentum neces- attract the presence of the ful of dedicated intercessors sary to carry you over the Holy Spirit, evangelistic seek to stimulate a renewed mountains of apathy, pride and hunger for unity,holiness, and unbelief. breakthroughs, prayer, especially among com- let alone community munity pastors. The stakes Establishing transformation, will simply here are enormous. Without an Spiritual increased appetite for the Beachheads things that attract the presence heads tends to escalate with time. of the Holy Spirit, evangelistic break- Beachheads are small plots of Breakthrough drives are rarely throughs, let alone community trans- ground (often a beach) that serve as launched before sufficient troops have formation, will simply not occur. staging areas for invading military accumulated. Second, in some cases Successful beachhead builders forces. Because of their strategic even a modest group of intercessors are content in their role as supporting potential, defending armies will fight can represent a high percentage of the actors. They have no craving for the vigorously to prevent them from church. This is especially true in fron- limelight. This characteristic, how- becoming established. As a conse- tier or under-churched areas. Third, ever, should not be misinterpreted as quence, most beachheads are secured united prayer has more to do with indifference. Foundational interces- at high cost. heart attitudes than mass move- sors are also passionate about doing Beachheads can also be estab- ments. As Jesus reminded his disci- whatever it takes to prepare their lished in the spiritual dimension. Like ples in Matthew 18:19-20, God’s pres- communities for divine visitation. their counterparts in the material ence and power is manifest when just Their unceasing petition is that God world, these staging areas are the two or three believers agree in prayer. will replace the Church’s bird-like work of warriors—in this case inter- (See also Ecclesiastes 9:14-15 NIV.) appetite for prayer and unity with a cessors and evangelists—whose ulti- Although numbers are not essential to ravenous hunger. mate aim is to launch breakthrough successful intercessory beachheads, Latter-stage beachheads by con- assaults on enemy strongholds. spiritual passion is. Believers who trast are nearly always characterized While beachheads can quickly wish to position their community for by intense groundswells of corporate swell with men and materiel, their ini- spiritual breakthroughs must pour repentance, social reconciliation, and tial occupants are typically few. In their heart and soul into the effort. united prayer. In many instances some cases spiritual beachheads have Unless the church is consumed with a these developments are sustained by been established by a mere handful of burning desire for divine visitation, intelligence acquired through coopera- intercessors. The transformation of united prayer will become merely tive spiritual mapping campaigns. Hemet, California began with twelve another project. Given the enormous pent-up men praying through the night in a As I have taught seminars on this energy displayed during latter-stage mountain cabin. Robert Kayanja’s
Vol 15:4 Oct.-Dec., 1998 214 Toward Community Transformation
beachheads, observers have likened Anglo believer with deep roots in this When the great evangelist launched this season to a shuddering rocket state of “soil, oil, and toil” repented his ministry in New England over a just prior to launch. Others refer to publicly for the way his ancestors, century ago, many conservative clergy these exciting days as the “hard labor” both in and out of government, had opposed his efforts. Despite this hesi- that necessarily precedes the birth of swallowed up land set aside for dis- tancy, enough intercession was mobi- a new era. placed Native Americans. lized to usher in the most dramatic The bad news is that very few The consequences of this Spirit- season of community transformation spiritual beachheads ever last long led action were quick in coming. Wel- in American history. enough to realize their potential as comed and empowered by this public breeding grounds for revival. Most gesture, Native American attendance Achieving Spiritual start with good intentions and then at the monthly prayer meetings trip- Breakthroughs fizzle out. led. Today their voices are heard While united prayer is a potent Among the more common reasons alongside 1,200 other intercessors catalyst for revival, community-wide for this attrition are weak leadership that have covenanted to pray for a evangelistic breakthroughs require and the tendency to make unity an spiritual breakthrough in Oklahoma that intercession be fervent and sus- end in itself. Pastors gather for prayer City. tained as well. Like many things that but their rendezvous are often lacking While reconciliation between start well, petitions that lose their in passion. This is because the believers and between the church and focus or fervor soon become pipe emphasis is placed on corporate the community is an important cata- dreams. assembly rather than corporate lyst for evangelistic breakthroughs, This is not to say that fervent vision. Trying to attract the widest the history of revival—a term which prayer is always articulate. God is a possible cross-section of participants, has been defined so loosely to at vari- heart reader, not a lip reader (see 2 they create an environment in which ous times apply both to spiritual Chronicles 30:18-20; Matthew 6:5-8). personal agendas proliferate like beachheads and spiritual break- When I petitioned God for the life of mushrooms. In the end, unity is through—reveals that general unity is my two-year-old daughter, who, in trumped by cordiality. Unable to not as critical. Since believers of dif- 1996, nearly drowned in a swimming achieve a common vision, they settle fering backgrounds and persuasions pool accident, I did not pause to con- for a common place. can and do come together in interces- sider my words. In fact, there was Happily, there are exceptions to sory common cause over the issues of nothing eloquent about my cries and this trend. In Oklahoma City, for revival and evangelistic break- groaning. example, over half of the community’s throughs (see Acts 1:14 KJV), unity At the same time, my prayer was spiritual leaders gather monthly to and united prayer are not necessarily fervent. And it was fervent because I petition God for a spiritual break- synonymous. In a recent article enti- was consumed with the details of the through. A principal catalyst for this tled “Prayer: God’s Catalyst for Revi- case. As I looked down on my daugh- focused prayer and fasting was the val,” Robert Bakke wrote: ter’s lifeless face, I recognized every April 1995 bombing of the Murrah tiny crease. I had mapped them over Federal Building which claimed 168 [In the 18th century] Count Nicho- the past two years as I paused to kiss las Von Zinzendorf gathered an lives. In the aftermath of this tragic incredibly diverse group of Chris- her good night. I was also familiar event the intercessory prayer force in tians (Catholics, Lutherans, Calvin- with her budding gifts and idiosyncra- the city jumped from 9 to more than ists, etc.) from across Europe. He sies, and I could recall each word was able to forge and sustain their 140 pastors and ministry leaders. union as a single movement (the spoken over her when she was still in Another important development Moravians) only when he called his the womb. In short, I prayed hard for occurred in September 1996. As the community to a life-style of united this little girl because I knew her (and praying.6 leaders gathered one day for prayer, the situation at hand) intimately. God revealed to them that their new- It should be pointed out, however, Community intercession is not found “unity” was still superficial. that united prayer is not always much different. To pray fervently for a There was almost no Native American unanimous prayer. A spiritual critical neighborhood we must first familiarize participation—despite the fact that mass can be achieved even if some ourselves with its history and fea- Oklahoma hosts more than 60 tribes members of the community choose tures. And since reality is often and the second largest Indian popula- not to participate. This was certainly painted in shades of gray, this tion in the US. Deeply convicted, one the case in Charles Finney’s day. requires us to linger in spaces both
International Journal of Frontier Missions 215 George Otis, Jr. dark and light. It is not enough to pendently) located a vacant house door” for ministry (see Colossians merely acknowledge the community; adjacent to the ruins where occult rit- 4:24).8 Evangelistic breakthroughs we must become acquainted with it— uals were being practiced. A third and church growth often follow. even intimate. True lovers do not team comprised of intercessors Answers to prayer offer equally refuse to look at their partner’s blem- received a revelation that the territo- potent motivation for corporate inter- ishes. Indeed, fervor is bred of famil- rial spirit over that place was linked cessors. Like progressive revelation, iarity. to a human co-conspirator whose life- timely results encourage prayers to And perseverance is no less style included idolatrous and occult stick with the reassignments. Besides important than fervor. History shows practices. the pleasure associated with seeing that spiritual breakthroughs are often The next series of developments, desired changes take root in broken delayed reactions, their spectacular which pastor Harold Caballeros communities, there is an exhilaration fireworks the result of an intercessory describes as “truly exciting,” began that comes from knowing our words match struck months, or even years, when the Lord indicated His intention have moved the Almighty. earlier. The challenge is to keep the to disclose the man’s identity in the To find an example of results sus- fuse burning to the point of ignition. city newspaper even going so far as to taining fervent intercession we need Two factors that have proven look no further than Cali, particularly effective in sustain- Colombia. Forty-eight hours ing fervent corporate interces- after that city’s first all-night sion are progressive revelation As an ever-increasing prayer vigil the local daily, El and positive results. percentage of the population Pais, reported a notable In the first instance, people comes under the Lordship of decrease in homicides. Corrup- are motivated by new details Christ, the sin-wrought tion also took a major hit about the case at hand. The psy- citadels of corruption, when, over the next four chology is the same as that poverty, violence, prejudice, months, nine hundred cartel- which pulls readers through a linked officers were fired from good mystery novel, or a hobby- and oppression are the metropolitan police force. ists through a challenging puz- transformed into ghost “When we saw these things zle. In both situations, partici- towns. happening,” one participant pants are rewarded with a sense told me, “we had a strong of momentum toward an ulti- sense that the powers of dark- mate solution. Incremental disclosure reveal the date and page on which the ness were headed for a significant is not only tolerated, it is enjoyable. information would appear. When the defeat.”9 This was certainly the experience team finally turned to the appropriate In June 1995, this sense of antici- of a spiritual mapping team operating page they were stunned to find not pation was heightened when several out of the El Shaddai church in Gua- only the name of the suspect, but a intercessors reported dreams in which temala City during the early 1990s. photo matching a precise physical angelic forces apprehended leaders of Their mission was to identify obsta- description the Holy Spirit had pro- the Cali drug cartel. Six weeks later cles to revival in their community. To vided earlier. “To cap it off,” writes the Colombian government declared accomplish this, team members were Caballeros, “we discovered that this an all-out war against the drug lords. divided into three working groups that man was also the owner of the vacant By August, federal authorities had investigated respective historical, house where the occult rituals were captured all seven targeted cartel physical, and spiritual factors. taking place, right across the street leaders: Juan Carlos Arminez, Phanor The process began when God led from the archaeological site!”7 Arizabalata, Julian Murcillo, Henry the historical team to a Mayan Where believers are united in Loaiza, Jose Santa Cruz Londono, and archaeological site. As they reviewed their desire to see a community trans- Gilberto and Miguel Rodriguez. the weathered remains, it suddenly formed by the power of God, spiritual Emboldened by this success, became clear that their spiritual chal- mapping can provide the kind of revel- Cali’s Christian community decided to lenges were part of an ancient contin- atory focus that sustains fervent and fuel their all-night prayer rallies, now uum of idolatry and witchcraft. At this effectual prayer. When this intelli- 60,000 strong, by launching spiritual precise moment, the physical factors gence is carried into spiritual warfare, mapping campaigns in each of the team (which had been operating inde- God is released to provide an “open city’s 22 administrative sections. The
Vol 15:4 Oct.-Dec., 1998 216 Toward Community Transformation
compiled results soon gave the tion comes under the Lordship of related to the first. Community trans- church an unprecedented picture of Christ, the sin-wrought citadels of formation fails to occur because local the powers working in the city. “With corruption, poverty, violence, preju- inhabitants do not perceive a need for this knowledge,” one veteran mission- dice, and oppression are transformed change. Affluent societies in particu- ary explained, “our unified inter- into ghost towns. Confirmation of this lar tend to be self-sufficient and self- cession became truly focused. Praying new heavenly order comes not from satisfied—qualities that make them in specific terms, we began to see a Christian triumphalists but from the poor candidates for divine interven- dramatic loosening of the enemy’s evening newscasts and banner head- tion. They are the collective embodi- stranglehold on our community and lines of the secular media. ment of Jesus’ teaching about it being nation.”10 This is not to suggest that trans- easier for a camel to pass through the While these abbreviated examples formed communities are perfect com- eye of a needle than for a rich man to do not detail the community-wide munities—at least not in a millennial enter the kingdom of God (Matthew church growth that resulted in Cali sense. Even sympathetic observers 19:23-24). While the obstacle of afflu- and Guatemala City, it is this level of will have little trouble locating blem- ence (or security) can be overcome, expansion that defines them as ishes. Violence, immorality, and apa- history has shown this to be a rare authentic spiritual breakthroughs. thy are ubiquitous in our world, and occurrence. Growth that is confined to individual this includes cities that have been vis- Of the case studies consulted for churches, while generally desirable, is ited by Divine Grace. Spiritual trans- this study it is noteworthy that only not the same thing. This is because formation is not a total absence of sin one—Hemet, California—is located there are any number of reasons but rather a fresh trajectory with within the Western world, and even it short of divine visitation that might acknowledged fruit. Communities that is faced with significant maintenance explain proliferating numbers (includ- have been so touched should be challenges. While Asia has long been ing charismatic leadership, quality measured not by what they still lack, viewed as distinct from the West, the management, and appealing pro- but by what they once were. region’s economic growth (recent grams). Genuine evangelistic break- Asia has arguably experienced downturns notwithstanding) has throughs, on the other hand, tend to more divine visitations than any other blurred this distinction. Places like spread spontaneously across geo- region in recent history. This has led Singapore, Japan, and Taiwan are graphic, ethnic, and denominational to phenomenal church growth in vari- now a wash in the same abundance boundaries. ous parts of China, South Korea, and political stability that one finds in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, Europe and North America. Unfortu- From Breakthrough to and the Philippines. Less encouraging nately, they have also begun to adopt Transformation is the fact that the continent has only the self-satisfaction that so often Given the heady atmosphere that one documentable case of community accompanies these blessings. accompanies spiritual breakthroughs, transformation—the state of Mizaram This problem is compounded in some Christians misinterpret these in eastern India (three other cases churches with large memberships. seasons as the climax of divine activ- are currently under investigation). When the pastors of these congrega- ity and intention. This is an under- Noting the sharp drop off between tions survey their ministry they see standable, if unfortunate, error. For breakthrough and transformation one little that would suggest a need for while spiritual breakthroughs are by cannot help but wonder about the fac- change. Competent staff are busy their very definition advanced achieve- tors responsible for this attrition. running well-conceived programs and ments, they are by no means the end Two reasons stand out. First, as the sanctuary is filled every Sunday of God’s ambitions for a community. we mentioned earlier, there is a ten- with a sea of eager faces.While the If intercessors continue to press dency for Christians to misinterpret status quo is not perfect, neither is it in during the spiritual breakthrough breakthroughs as the climax of divine a rationale for extreme measures. phase, a point of critical mass will activity. If people are getting saved Change, if and when it is needed, is eventually be reached where commu- and our churches are growing, what best sought in manageable incre- nity transformation occurs. At this more could we ask for? How could ments. level the social, political, and eco- these blessed and exciting develop- The danger in this perspective lies nomic fabric of the entire community ments be anything other than God’s in its introversion. Because their begins to metamorphose. As an ever- maximum intent? sphere of influence is large, the lead- increasing percentage of the popula- The second reason is closely ers of well-heeled mega-churches tend International Journal of Frontier Missions 217 George Otis, Jr. to view their community from inside more abundant than successful case In asking intercessors to petition God for that circle. They see other churches studies.) In an effort to remedy this an “open door,” Paul is acknowledg- ing thee important truths: 1) in the community not as partners in a confusion we need to take careful Unsaved people are bound in a collective vision but as competitors for note of the role of Godly persevering prison of deception; 2) God must market share. There are exceptions, of leadership and fervent united prayer breach this stronghold if the Gospel course, but not many. The mirror of as indispensable tools to change lives is to enter; and 3) Prayer is an impor- history reveals that the grander a and whole communities. tant means of persuading God to do this. church becomes the more likely it is If we want to practice effective spell to fall victim to the Laodicean Syn- End Notes bending–liberating enchanted minds 1. God’s practice of dealing distinctly drome. One of the primary symptoms so they can understand and respond with different cities is seen in the of this complex is a subconscious to the Gospel–we must first neutral- unique messages He spoke to the shift from kingdom mentality to ize the blinding influence of demonic seven churches featured in Revela- strong men. Jesus talks about this empire mentality. tion chapters 2-3. process in Mark 3:27 when he says, While many churches today are 2. See Genesis 32:26, 1 Chronicles “No one can enter a strong man’s 16:11, Daniel 6:10, Luke 11:5-10, preoccupied with growing their circle, house (the human mind) and carry Hebrews 11:6, James 5:16. God’s focus is on the area between off his possessions unless he first ties 3. In the early 1990s, a group of Japa- the circles. He worries not about the up the strong man. Then he can rob nese intercessors rented six railroad his house” (emphasis added). one sheep that is found, but the coaches, which they dubbed the We are not asking God to “make” people ninety nine that are lost. He wants to “Glory Train”, and rode the mobile Christians, or to expel demonic pow- break out of our churches and into prayer platform through all of ers that have become objects of wor- area boardrooms, classrooms, and Japan’s prefectures. 4. Witchcraft is widespread in Pakistan. ship. Such requests violate man’s courtrooms. In short, He wants to Initiates learn to control their emo- free will and God will not honor introduce His kingdom into every area tions, particularly fear, during the them. What we are appealing for is a of society and transform it. course of intense encounters with level playing field, a temporary lifting of the spiritual blindness that pre- Some time ago I took a wrong demonic powers. During the final vents men from processing truth (the turn on my way to Sunday church initiatory stage the demons appear in a variety of terrifying forms. If fear Gospel) at a heart level. services and found myself on unfamil- gets the best of the initiate, the 9. Ibid., p. 300. iar streets. This caused me to pay demon(s) will kill him. If the initiate 10. Ibid., p. 301. attention to my surroundings in a way controls his fear, the demon(s) will be I would not have otherwise. The sights his to “command”. The only require- [Editor’s note: This article is an adap- tation of chapter 2 of Otis’ forthcom- disturbed me. A pair of homeless ment is that the initiate “entertain” the demon(s) every Thursday night. ing book Informed Intercession, (Regal, drunks staggering down the sidewalk; This entertainment takes the form of Gospel Light). Used with permission.] a video arcade filled with troubled a ritual, known as chowky, that teens; and hordes of preoccupied involves dancing and/or violent head antique shoppers. and neck shaking (almost like sei- George Otis, Jr., When I finally pulled in the zures). Many witches die when they is the author of get older and are no longer able to The Last of the church parking lot I noticed some- fulfill their Thursday evening vows. Giants and his thing that had escaped me on previ- 5. Documentation for this is available new book The ous Sundays. A simple sign announc- from Peter Wagner’s research. Twilight ing. “Celebration Services” at 9:00 6. Robert Bakke, “Prayer: God’s Catalyst Labyrinth. and 11:00 AM. On this morning, how- for Revival,” Pray! Premier Issue, He has served as 1997; p. 16. Mr. Bakke directs the senior associate ever, I did not feel like celebrating. National Prayer Advance for the with the Whatever blessings I might count Evangelical Free Church in America. Lausanne Committee for World clearly did not extend to the streets of 7 Harold Caballeros, “Defeating the Evangelization and is coordinator of my community. Enemy with the Help of Spiritual the United Prayer Track for the A.D. Most of us want to see things Mapping,” in C. Peter Wagner, Break- 2000 & Beyond Movement. He also ing Strongholds In Your City (Ventura, is the president of The Sentinel change in our communities. Unfortu- CA: Regal, 1993), p. 144. Group—a Christian research and nately, few of us ever have. We do not 8 As I noted in my recent book The Twi- information agency located in Seattle, seem to know how to get where we light Labyrinth (Grand Rapids: cho- WA. For more info., (books, videos, want to go. (Theories on community sen, 1997), pp. 281- 282: etc.) call 800-668-5657, or use email transformation have always been
Vol 15:4 Oct.-Dec., 1998 Praying for the Lost in the 10/40 Window
It is God’s will that all people in the 10/40 Window be saved and come to a knowledge of Him, for Scripture says that God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4). “All men” means all of the human race—men from “every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” (Rev. 14:6).
by Billy Joe Daugherty
ohn 3:16 reveals God’s love for the Our Responsibility streets, oblivious to the people who J people in the 10/40 Window: “For Sinners everywhere—in the 10/40 are lost and in desperate need of God so loved the world that He gave Window as well as in other nations of deliverance from the world of dark- His only begotten Son, that whoever the world—have not believed because ness. believes in Him should not perish but either they have been blinded to the Can you imagine what the world have everlasting life.” 2 Peter 3:9 says truth, or they have never heard a bold would be like if the compassion that it clearly, “The Lord is not slack con- effective witness of the truth of the was turned loose in Oklahoma City cerning His promise, as some count Gospel. was turned loose in the 10/40 Win- slackness, but is longsuffering toward Proverbs 28:1 says, “The right- dow? People in Oklahoma City stood us, not willing that any should perish eous are bold as a lion.” Every in line for seven hours or more to give but that all should come to repen- believer has a responsibility to pull blood. They waited for hours in a traf- tance.” the lost from the rubble of sin by fic jam on the interstate to take a coat Not everyone is going to be saved, sharing with them the truth of the or a sweatshirts to a rescue worker but that does not change the will of Gospel of Jesus Christ. who needed one. Many gave all the God. The purpose of Jesus’ death, People all over the world were food they had so the rescue workers burial, and resurrection was to pro- shocked at the news of the April 19, would be fed. Whatever was needed, vide the way of salvation for every per- 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. One people gave. son—for every boy, girl, man, and positive aspect of this senseless dev- We must be awakened to the fact woman—to become a new creation in astation and loss of innocent lives was that there is something we can do to Him. According to the Greek sense, the tremendous outpouring of the love become “rescue workers” of the lost salvation encompasses not only being of God. Many acts of compassion, around the world. Every believer can born again, but healing, preservation, heroism and sacrifice occurred. pray for the salvation and deliverance soundness and safety. Imagine a rescue worker coming of the lost. Also, many Christians can As believers in Jesus Christ, we on the scene of the Murrah Federal give financially to support the mis- are co-laborers together with Him. Building a few minutes after the sions outreaches into the 10/40 Win- Romans 8:17 (KJV) says we are “joint- bombing. He hears the cries of the dow. Others as the Lord calls them heirs with Christ.” We have an inheri- people, but he keeps on walking down can personally go to this area of the tance in Him that is abundant and the street, ignoring the cries. Such a powerful. It is time to take hold of it scene is unimaginable! world and share the Gospel of Jesus by faith. Part of our inheritance is to Yet, in real way this is an accu- Christ. use the authority that has been rate picture of many Christians. While Jesus said, “Go therefore and invested in us to pray for people all people in the 10/40 Window, and in make disciples of all the nations, bap- over the world to get saved. other places of the world, are buried tizing them in the name of the Father under the explosion of sin, many and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Christians are just walking down the (Matthew 28:19).
International Journal of Frontier Missions Vol. 15:4, Oct.-Dec., 1998 220 Praying for the Lost in the 10/40 Window
I pray that we will begin to see the this age [Satan] has blinded, who do lem.” I said, “That’s all right. You can people in the 10/40 Window with X- not believe, lest the light of the gospel still receive Jesus.” Moslems and Hin- ray like eyes of revelation knowledge of the glory of Christ, who is the dus can receive Jesus Christ, because by the Spirit of God. I pray that we image of God, should shine on them.” when you get the real thing, you won’t will move quickly to pull people every- In praying for the church at Ephe- want the counterfeit. After our drama where from the rubble of sin and sus, Paul said, “I pray for the eyes of presentation, this young man gave his bring them into the Kingdom of God’s your understanding to be enlight- life to Christ. safety and light. In Jesus’ name may ened” (Ephesians 1:18). As believers You can pray for and over the lost it be. in Jesus Christ, we have authority to in the 10/40 Window: “I bind the Jesus said, “We must work the pray and command the wicked spirits strong man who has tried to hold the works of Him Who sent Me and be that have held people captive to be people in the 10/40 Window captive, busy with His business while it is day- removed. Jesus said, “...how can one and I bind the devil’s power off of light; night is coming when no man enter a strong man’s house and plun- these precious people. Holy Spirit, I can work” (John 9:4 AMP). der his goods, unless he first binds loose Your power upon each person in the strong man? And then he will the 10/40 Window, in Jesus’ name. Standing in the Gap plunder his house” (Matthew 12:29). Open their eyes to know You, Jesus.” God is seeking for those who will On one of our flights into Albania 2. Loose a spirit of repentance for stand in the gap and make up the people, tribes and nations. 2 the hedge for the lost through Timothy 2:24-26 says: “And a prayer and intercession. Ezekiel We call the leaders and the servant of the Lord must not said, “And I sought for a man citizens of every country, quarrel but be gentle to all, able among them, that should make province and village in the to teach, and be patient. In up the hedge, and stand in the 10/40 Window saved, filled humility correcting those who gap before me for the land, that with the Holy Spirit and are in opposition, if God per- I should not destroy it: but I submitted to Your will, haps will grant them repen- found none” (Ezekiel 22:30). tance, so that they may know In Bible times, a hedge was Father, in Jesus’ name. the truth, And that they may built around an area where the come to their senses and sheep were kept to protect them. If a young man sitting beside me began escape the snare of the devil, having there was a breach in the hedge, a to talk to me in another language. He been taken captive by him to do his shepherd would guard the opening to couldn’t speak English, so it was will.” You can pray, “Father, I loose a protect the sheep and keep the enemy rather amusing as we tried to commu- spirit of repentance and a hunger and out. This is a picture of the protection nicate with each other. He wanted to thirst for righteousness over each offered by intercessors who stand in give me his address, and I was trying unsaved person in the 10/40 Window, the gap and pray for the salvation of to talk to him about Jesus. I went in Jesus’ name.” the lost. In this hour, God is seeking through all of the Russian and Span- 3. Pray that Jesus would be lifted those who will be “gap standers” in ish I knew, and he finally got it. He up. Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up prayer for the lost in the 10/40 Win- said, “No, Moslem, Moslem.” from the earth, will draw all peoples dow. Will you be one of them? On our second day in Albania, we to Myself” (John 12:32). Although ini- went to a little Moslem village of 600 tially Jesus was speaking of His death Guidelines for families thirty minutes from the capi- on the cross, many people have never Effective Prayer tal city of Tirana. The mayor gave us had Jesus Christ lifted up in their To insure effective fervent prayer permission to preach the Gospel to minds. They have seen religion, for the lost in the 10/40 Window we the people because of the free food denominationalism, cult activities, need to follow some basic guidelines : that we would distribute. ideas and hypocrisy. There is good 1. Pray that spiritual blindness As I stood there, up walked the reason to believe that when they see would be removed from each person young man who sat by me on the the real Jesus lifted up above the fog so he/she can see the truth of God’s plane. This was his village. I had of what man has said about Him, they Word. 2 Corinthians 4:3,4 says that something to tell him now, because I will accept Him. the Gospel “...is veiled to those who had an interpreter! I said, “God’s got are perishing, whose minds the god of your number!” He said, “I am Mos- (Continued on page 222)
International Journal of Frontier Missions Spiritual Breakthrough in Turkey
The prayers of hundreds of thousands of Christians in North America and Europe are paying off. The main reason for the openness in Turkey is because people have been praying for years. What has happened in Turkey can happen everywhere else.
by Editors of Religion Today
urkey is "close to a spiritual Fruit of Concerted hosted a Christmas drama in a hotel T breakthrough." Christians are Fervent Prayer that attracted more than 1,000 peo- boldly proclaiming the gospel in this There is little doubt that the ple. They distributed gift packets mostly Muslim country, and as they prayers of hundreds of thousands of including New Testaments and other do they are gaining more freedom and Christians in North America and Christian literature. More than 250 becoming more accepted. So reports a Europe are paying off. "I think the people indicated on a survey that they U.S.-based ministry to the country. main reason for the openness in Tur- wanted to hear more about Jesus, “Believers are becoming self- key is because people have been pray- and several prayed to become Chris- confident,” said Luis Bush of the AD ing for years," the official said. For tians when workers visited them. 2000 Movement, who met with more than 10 years his ministry has Christian books are sold in the mar- church leaders last year. "The Turkish given supporters a bimonthly prayer ketplaces of major cities and an evan- world is close to a spiritual break- letter about the church in Turkey. gelical newspaper is published in through," Bush said. More churches are being granted legal status and are "Then there was not much to report, Istanbul. more accepted by society. Istanbul but now hundreds of Christian work- "There is a whole new atmos- had two churches 10 years ago; there ers are actively sharing the love of phere, especially in the Aegean area," are now 12 with their own buildings Christ." the official said. "I used to feel a pall and four that meet in houses. Sales of Christians have become bolder when I stepped off the plane, but now New Testaments are increasing, and a about living and sharing their faith. it's a different feeling." He recently 24-hour Christian radio station "Turk believers are coming to matur- addressed a group of students at a reaches 20 million listeners. ity and they are standing up for their school in Izmir on the subject of Christians distributed 1,200 New rights guaranteed by the constitu- Christianity. They listened attentively, Testaments and hundreds of audio tion," the official said. In the past they asked many questions, and asked tapes telling about the life of Christ in worshiped in private and did little him to stay and talk some more. "I Istanbul's main shopping district on evangelism, but their fear and secre- was astounded at their openness. I Christmas Eve. Most people warmly tive attitude made authorities suspi- have never seen that before." received the handouts and police offi- cious. Now that they are standing up A series of Christian events will be cers did not interfere. "That kind of for their rights, police are less willing held to celebrate the millennium. thing would have been impossible a to harass them, he said. "They have "Toward 3,000" is a yearlong celebra- few years ago," an official of a U.S.- gained their rights by being bold." tion of the 2,000-year anniversary of based ministry to Turkey told Religion Christ's birth. Tourism officials have Today. Police arrested and deported foreign Christian workers for the Openness to agreed to allow Christian concerts same activities less than five years the Gospel and sporting events for tourists. ago, he said. Churches are telling others about Church leaders invited American Jesus Christ. Christians in Ankara evangelist Luis Palau to hold a series
International Journal of Frontier Missions Vol. 15:4, Oct.-Dec., 1998 222 Breakthrough in Turkey Praying for the Lost in the 10/40 Window (Continuation from last page) (Continuation from page 220) with thanksgiving that God is per- forming His Word in their lives. Pray: of meetings in February. The ministry In John 6:44 Jesus said, “No one “Father, thank You for giving us has agreed to participate, and is can come to Me unless the Father the nations in the 10/40 Window for awaiting permission from the Turkish who sent Me draws him...” You can Your inheritance and the ends of the pray, “Father, draw each unsaved per- government. earth for Your possession.” son in the 10/40 Window with the “Because of the severity of the cords of Your love. Help them to Once a Bastion persecution some of these people have understand that Jesus paid the ulti- of the Faith experienced for taking a stand for mate price for them by giving His life Turkey was once a bastion of Christianity, we bind the spirits of Christianity. The early church spread at Calvary so they will not end up fear, terror and oppression from them the message of Christ through the and go to eternal punishment in hell.” and we loose the Spirit of power, love region that now includes Turkey, and 4. Pray for Holy Spirit anointed and soundness of mind unto them, in the sites of the seven churches men- laborers to cross the path of each Jesus’ name.” tioned in the Book of Revelation are unsaved person in the 10/40 Window. “We call the leaders and the citi- there. The country converted to Islam Scripture says, “Then Jesus went zens of every country, province and in the 15th century, but about 25% of about all the cities and villages, teach- village in the 10/40 Window saved, the population remained Christian in ing in their in their synagogues, filled with the Holy Spirit and submit- preaching the gospel of the kingdom, 1900. Political upheaval after World ted to Your will, Father, in Jesus’ and healing every sickness and every War I resulted in the murder and dep- name.” disease among the people. But when ortation of more than 3 million ethnic “Happy are the people in the 10/ He saw the multitudes, He was moved Armenians, a Christian minority. 40 Window whose God is the Lord!” with compassion for them, because Today there are an estimated 1,000 “And Father, in the name of they were weary and scattered, like evangelical Christians, about 17,000 Jesus, we loose wisdom and a blood sheep having no shepherd. Then He Eastern rite and Latin rite Catholics, covering of protection over those who said to His disciples, `The harvest and 72,000 Orthodox believers. orchestrate prayer efforts as well as truly is plentiful, but the laborers are hands-on missions outreaches into Evangelizing the few. Therefore pray the Lord of the the 10/40 Window.” Nation harvest to send out laborers into His “Thank You, Father, that You harvest’” (Matthew 9:35-38). always give us victory through our Most of the 55 million citizens Some people have majored on the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, we are have never heard the message of fact that people have a “will” of their steadfast, immovable, always abound- Christ and many oppose Christianity own, as if it could never be changed. I ing in Your work, knowing that our because of the legacy of the Crusades. have good news for them! God is in labor is not in vain.” European Crusaders conquered the the will-changing business! Every per- (Read Psalm 2:8; 2 Timothy 1:7; country and massacred many people. son who has ever been born again Isaiah 54:14; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; Psalm "They carried the cross with them, no had a will of their own. It is the work 144:15; Proverbs 21:1; Psalm 91; 1 wonder [Turks] hate the cross," the of the Holy Spirit, in response to Corinthians 15:57,58 for additional official said. someone’s prayers, that causes people biblical support). A Christian effort to apologize for to yield their will to the will of the the Crusades has had an effect. Father. Billy Joe Christians are participating in Youth You can pray, “Lord, thank You Daugherty is the With a Mission’s “Reconciliation for providing the funds so tracts, founder and pastor of Victory Walk.” Walkers travel through areas books, tapes, videos, people, bill- Christian Center the Crusaders conquered in order to boards, bumper stickers and radio in Tulsa, OK. apologize for wrongs committed by and television programs can go into Victory Center their forefathers against Turks, Jews, has a world-wide the 10/40 Window to expose these outreach through and Arabs. They moved through Tur- lost people You love to the truth of radio, television, key in 1997 and 1998, reading a pub- Your Word. Open their hearts to books and videos lic apology at mosques and public receive You, Lord Jesus.” as well as through its training institutes located in at least 20 squares. The effort is helping break Once you have prayed for the sal- countries. Daugherty has written the legacy of the Crusades, the official vation and deliverance of the people in 7 books focused on victorious said. END the 10/40 Window, begin to rejoice Christian living.
International Journal of Frontier Missions 223 Editorial: Spiritual Warfare and the Frontiers (Continued from page 169) vated with this need Robb addresses Spiritual Breakthrough All Important Theme the biblical givens that mission needs in Turkey to be seen as spiritual warfare. After It is for this reason we have pro- The last item (not an article) is a explaining what it is, he then asks the duced and publish Spiritual Warfare news release received just prior to disturbing question: “When will we in II. Every article is focused on this all publication. It is from the Religious the mission community, as well as in important theme for frontier missions. News Service on the spiritual break- the Church at large, get angrily violent Patrick Johnstone leads us off with his through in Turkey that is happening enough to take up the spiritual weap- excellent article on prayer and inter- now. What is the reason for the break- ons we have been given to really deal cession which he sees to be the ulti- through? It is due to the concerted with the enemy?” The rest of Robb’s mate weapon God has given His prayer by hundreds of thousands of article gives us clear biblical support, Church for spiritual warfare as well as Christians throughout the world. This as well as convincing case studies, the fountain of spiritual power that is the pay-off and it is remarkable. that point us in the right direction. can change our world. Even more remarkable: What is hap- Neal Michell’s article reminds us pening in Turkey can happen every- Johnstone’s article is followed that conventional methods may not where else regardless of the intensity with an article by George Otis, Jr. His work on the frontiers, like the so of spiritual oppression and persistent article concerns our ability first of all called “Four Spiritual Laws.” More resistance to Gospel light. Concerted to recognize the powers of darkness importantly, we need to deal first with prayer and fasting, the main weapons and then defeat them. Therefore, Otis the powers of darkness in a given area of spiritual warfare, do in fact disarm help us understand the nature of the over a particular people. Before we use and remove the spiritual darkness spiritual battle, for instance, why it is any method to declare the Gospel we with which all the unreached are stronger and more oppressive in cer- need to do spiritual warfare first. plagued, which blinds them from see- tain areas and societies of the world, Michell wants us to understand that ing the glory of God, and makes them and why does it linger and prevail spiritual warfare is not evangelism, unable to call on the Lord and be where it does. Knowing this gives us but pre-evangelism and that this needs saved. important insights as to how to fight to occur before any Gospel is given by this spiritual war and subsequently be Full-Orbed Missions whatever means. able more effectively to defeat the pow- This is our task. As the apostle Two additional articles follow, one ers of wickedness that blind and Paul, we too have been called “to (the second) by George Otis and the enslave whole peoples and societies. preach to the Gentiles (the ethnic peo- Next in line is an urgent plea for last by Billy Joe Daugherty. Otis ples) the unsearchable riches of prayer and fasting on behalf of one of hones in on prayer and spiritual war- Christ” But preaching is linked with the oldest and most unreached peo- fare as it relates to community trans- spiritual warfare. Like Paul we too ples in the world, as well as one of the formation. Community transformation need to do what he said. It was none most resistant to Gospel light—the is not an arbitrary event but a bi- other than “ to make all men see what Parsee People. The plea for prayer and product of a cause and effect process. is the plan of the mystery hidden for fasting comes from Rev. Kaezad Dada- Certain core factors make it happen. ages in God who created all things, chanjee, a Parsee himself, whom God Again and again Otis shows that these that through the church the manifold has called to evangelize his own people are united prayer and godly persever- wisdom of God might now be made in order to plant the Church of Christ ing leadership. When these factors are known to the principalities and powers among them. Dadachanjee is the only fully operational—and not stopped in the heavenly places. This was known missionary to the Parsees. May half way in the process—transformed according to the eternal purpose we all support him with prayer and communities are the result. which he has realized in Christ fasting especially during the Parsee Pastor Daugherty in his article Jesus.” (Eph. 3:8-11 emphasis mine) Holy Day seasons—one of them going gives us a set of four guidelines as to May God open our eyes, guide and on now at this time of the year. how we could (and should) actually anoint us to faithfully and fully exe- John Robb writes his article from pray for the lost in the 10/40 Window. cute this task. (P.S. For more info. and a practical need that arose on the These guidelines are based on God’s training in this area contact the IJFM.) field. World Vision personnel repeat- Word and must be understood (and edly asked for prayer support applied) from a biblical or supernatu- Hans M Weerstra, “because they are finding themselves ral worldview (perspective of reality) IJFM Editor Oct.-Dec. 1998 without which the guidelines will not wrestling with spiritual darkness in El Paso, Texas the communities they serve.” Moti- make much sense nor will they work.
Vol 15:4 Oct.-Dec. 1998