Spring News

Allen in Hong Kong

For the last months I have traveled to multiple nations and cities dedicating Houses of Prayer and speaking at International Mission Congresses declaring a simple message from the Book of Joel. The book gives God’s people a clear blueprint on how to return to the Lord during times of national crisis. When God’s judgments are evident among the people of God, how are they to respond? In the Old Testament God set forth a clear path to return to the Lord which would turn His judgment into blessing.

Left: Allen dedicates the All Nations House of Prayer in Hong Kong, China. This Pentecost on May 30th over 200 million Christians will gather in stadiums all over the world to cry out to God for a worldwide outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. Allen will then give another presentation June 1-3 in Hong Kong at the next Call2All Int’l Congress to over 3,000 Asian missionary and church leaders. Please pray for this gathering.

 

Joel writes in the devastating aftermath of a locust invasion. The land lies in ruins. The fruit of the vine is cut off. The herds are dying from drought, fire, and starvation. The grain and drink offerings are cut off from the Temple. The prophet calls the nation to attention in order to discern the prophetic season. The Deuteronomic curses are evident in the land. The prophet exclaims that it is the Lord’s doing. “Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is at hand; It shall come as destruction from the Almighty” (Joel 1:15). The Day of the Lord has come and it is coming again. Leviticus and Deuteronomy are quite clear. If the locust plague does not turn the people, the Lord Himself will even bring a military invasion upon the land to exile the people among the nations. The prophet announces the present season, and the ones soon to come. It is the Day of the Lord, and the only recourse for the nation in crisis is to recognize the season and return to the Lord through sincere fasting and prayer. When Israel sincerely and corporately turns to the Lord in prayer, fasting, and consecration, the Lord will vindicate Israel by releasing the blessings of Deuteronomy, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the destruction of Israel’s enemies.

 

Joel uses the locust plague in chapter 1 to forewarn of a coming military invasion sanctioned by the Lord in chapter 2. Then in chapter 3 he uses both invasions to foreshadow the eschatological Day of the Lord in store for the whole world, prophesied by Moses in Deuteronomy 32 and by Isaiah in Isaiah 2 and 24. Discussing God’s role in times of crisis is not suitable to our modern sensibilities. In fact, it is quite offensive to the western mind to even hint that God may be involved in natural disaster and national crisis. In Luke 13:1-5 Jesus was asked concerning foreign military oppression and natural disasters. Jesus boldly emphasized sober examination of one’s standing before God and repentance is always the appropriate response to crisis. Hear Jesus, “Unless you repent, you will likewise perish.” 

Note from Samuel Concerning His Outreach to New Orleans

For the past two years we have put the boys in The Daniel Academy. The Daniel Academy is a unique school designed to develop present day Daniels who will understand the times and influence society. The school seeks to develop students who are well educated and trained in both academics and spiritual understanding, cultivating pure hearts, endowed with discernment, and having the ability to serve in the courts of present day kings (Daniel 1:4, 19). Below is Samuel’s story of his classes’ New Orleans trip.

Over spring break my class from the Daniel Academy went on a mission trip to minister in the inner city of New Orleans. We went with Crisis Response International to share the Gospel, give out food and shoes to those in need, and help rebuild a park. Our team stayed in the projects of New Orleans where 70 percent of the families make under $7000 annually. We were all surprised how the Holy Spirit met us as a group. Even on the way down there we had prophetic words over a girl at a gas station. As she was pumping gas, we spoke with her about how the Lord felt about her. She began to cry and gave her life to the Lord right there in the parking lot.

Once in New Orleans, our team set up a prayer room and began to do outreach. I was blessed to be one of the main worship leaders on the trip. Each day we would begin with worship and prayer, followed by giving out shoes and food in the afternoons. Each night we would come together and hold services, sharing testimonies of how God had used us during the day.

One night I had an experience that I will never forget. I was chosen by my classmates to preach the gospel at a mission. I told them that there is hope for New Orleans, and hope for them in Jesus Christ. I shared on the love of Christ and called them to turn from their sins and receive salvation in Christ. Many people responded and were delivered from alcoholism and drugs. My friends and I were able to minister and pray over many people and God’s love poured over them as they felt His presence. After 7 days my heart became connected with the people. I was burdened by their impoverished situation, yet at the same time I left New Orleans with my eyes opened to how the Lord moves in the worst of circumstances. Many of you gave towards this outreach. Thank you so much!!!