Warm Reception in Chilly Minneapolis

I'm packing a bag and tomorrow will be flying out to join Shawn and the rest of the VOP team in Minneapolis. I'll tell you all about it next week.  Here is a report on the first weekend from Michele Stotz, Voice of Prophecy's new Public Relations Director. Thanks for your prayers, and if you're in the area, stop by for a visit. -Jean

THE VOICE OF PROPHECY’S ‘REVELATION SPEAKS PEACE’ SERIES OPENS TO WARM RECEPTION IN CHILLY MINNEAPOLIS

During the winter season, when temperatures can drop below zero, many Minneapolis residents spend their weekends at the Minneapolis Convention Center, which hosts some of the best events in the city. Friday, Feb. 27, was no exception, when the Revelation Speaks Peace team welcomed guests who were eager to learn what the Bible says about some of the most important and misunderstood religious topics today. The series continues this week and there will be meetings nightly with the exception of Mondays and Thursdays.

OPENING NIGHT

From the moment people started streaming down the escalator, it was obvious the Lord had been working on many hearts in the Minneapolis area. Local pastors, volunteers and Voice of Prophecy staff members registered attendees who had heard about the series on television, through a handbill, on the Internet or via a friend.

The crowd was so large that some people had to be seated in an overflow section in the back of the auditorium. By the end of the weekend, more than 1,400 people had filled out a registration card at the event.

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In addition to English, the series is being simultaneously translated into Spanish, Russian, Korean, Hmong, Oromo, Somali and American Sign Language. The messages are also making a difference to those who are relaying it. The Somalian translator commented to a team member, “I have been a Christian all my life, but I have never heard this before. I must get more Somalian believers here!”

There were many other stories of people being drawn in by this message of hope. One security guard was intently listening Pastor Boonstra all night. At one point, a Revelation Speaks Peace staff member asked him a question, but the guard was so focused on what Pastor Boonstra was explaining that he gave the signal for the person to wait a moment. When there was a break, the guard said, “I am so sorry I kept you waiting…it’s just that this is really interesting!”

During opening weekend, something that could have been a challenge turned into a blessing. In addition to Revelation Speaks Peace, the convention center was hosting a massive home and garden show. As a result, thousands of people passed by the entrance to the meetings. Friendly greeters were ready with handbills and invitations to attend—and many did.

STATE-WIDE PARTICIPATION

God is working through this series in other areas of Minnesota as well. A number of other churches wanted to participate, but the distance to Minneapolis was too great, so a special arrangement is enabling them to participate remotely. Churches in places such as Arlington, Bemidji, Buffalo, Detroit Lakes, Faribault, Park Rapids, Pipestone, Thief River Falls and Windom are hosting the series for people in their communities.

Please continue to pray for this series, and if you know someone who lives in the Minneapolis area, please refer them to the event website at www.revelationspeakspeace.com, as there is still time for them to attend!