"I believe revival has a face. It does look like something. It looks like love. It looks like stopping daily for the one in front of you and looking into his or her eyes. You have to see the one. If you can not see the one, you will not be able to deal with the multitudes. If you see the one, you will understand suffering, because you will see one dying child under a bridge. You will see one baby with AIDS. You will see one widow living alone under a tree. Revival is about looking into his or her eyes and seeing Jesus look back at you." - Heidi Baker, iris Ministries
I stumbled upon this quote yesterday, as I wove my way through some blogs of others who love Africa. It hit me- hard. And it came at a perfect time for me.
Joe and I have been praying for a revival in the church in relation to missions. For the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of the people as they learn about the need for Jesus all over the world. That the Spirit would move them out of their seats, out of their comfortable homes and out of their predictable lives and carry them where HE needs them to be his hands and feet.
It was our annual Mission Conference, and this year it took on more meaning for us than ever. We know how important this is for the world, how much it needs Jesus. And we know how it changed us. But our knowledge doesn't come from books or prayer cards or slideshows presented to us. And we can tell our stories, and show our pictures and videos. But that isn't how YOU will know. That isn't how YOU will be changed.
It comes from seeing. From being smack dab in the middle of it. From holding a baby on your lap and wiping away her tears. From kneeling over another's tiny malnourished, dying body and praying through sobs. From touching the hand of a widow who can't see you. From singing praises of thanksgiving to Jesus with a group of people who have nothing else but Him.
And just like the above quote says, that is how revival happens. And it happens individually within each of us who open our lives to going outside of what we are familiar with.
Down the road, Into the inner city, Across the globe.
It doesn't matter.
Just go.
Let the Revival begin in you.
