No Power Shortage at Empowered21: Global Congress on Holy Spirit Empowerment Is Off to a Great Start
Tulsa, OK – More than 8,000 participants from over 95 countries were in their seats—and on their feet—for the April 8 opening session of Empowered21: Global Congress on Holy Spirit Empowerment in the 21st Century.
E21, taking place on the campus of Oral Roberts University, has been in the works since the first meeting of Spirit Empowered Movement leaders occurred in December 2008. Since then, numerous conversations among leaders, scholars, and “next gen” (next generation) individuals have taken place around the world.
As Thursday’s general session began, the audience was treated to a short film that outlined the history of E21 and gave a preview of the Congress, calling it “a unique 21st-century convergence” of believers. “Prepare to engage!” attendees were told—a directive met with loud cheers. It was a reaction that would be repeated throughout the night.
Praise and worship was led by several popular artists, including Paul Baloche, Ana Paula Bessa, Kari Jobe, Glenn Packiam, and Ken Reynolds. They created a high-energy atmosphere as bars of colored light flashed around the 360-degree stage. Video screens ensured a perfect view from every seat.
“This is a historic event that will make a tangible difference in the future of Christianity,” said Billy Wilson in his opening remarks. Wilson, the Executive Director of The International Center for Spiritual Renewal (www.icfsr.org) and Empowered21 Chair, added, “We are not here to celebrate the past (of the movement), but to lift our eyes to the horizon. We are here to unite for the future.”
What followed were unique one-minute prayers from nine leaders in nine languages: Hebrew (Wayne Hilsden, King of Kings Community, Israel), Greek (Timothy Cremeens, Regent University, who sang his prayer), Latin (Oreste Pesare, International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services), German (Paul Schmidgall, European Theological Seminary), Spanish (Juanita Cercone de Gonzalez, Enlace), Swahili (Charles Mully, Mully Children’s Family), Mandarin (Dennis Balcombe, Chinese Ministries International), Arabic (Sameer Petro, East-West Initiatives), and English (Billye Brim, Prayer Mountain in the Ozarks).
With ORU celebrating the grand opening of its one-of-a-kind Hispanic Center a few hours prior to the start of the Congress, a large number of Hispanic Christians are on campus for both events. Some of the worship music at Thursday night’s session was in English and Spanish.
The focus of the night’s service was “Purity,” with a special emphasis on empowering the next generation. Speakers included Joyce Rodgers, founder and CEO of Primary Purpose Ministries in Texas, who admonished the crowd: “We are the light of the world and we can no longer compromise the gospel, or compromise our lifestyle.” Joel Stockstill, a pastor at Bethany World Prayer Center in Louisiana, acknowledged that “this generation is not looking for something theological; they’re looking for fire, for an experience. This generation is on fire with that same Holy Spirit” that characterized the life of the founders of the movement, including Oral Roberts, who passed away in December 2009. Timothy Ross, young adult pastor at The Potter’s House in Texas, found it ironic that he was speaking on purity, given his troubled past, but his testimony gave hope to those who were struggling with similar issues. “We can never live right enough to be in God’s presence,” Ross said. “You need the power of the Holy Spirit.” Hundreds responded to his altar call.
Music was also provided by Jonathan Nelson and Purpose, trumpet player Dave Brown, and the worship team from the International House of Prayer in Kansas City.
Following the service, attendees had the option of staying in the Mabee Center for Late Night Worship, going to an advanced screening of the movie “Letters to God” in ORU’s Christ’s Chapel, or going to 24/7 Prayer in the ORU Prayer Tower.
E21 sessions are being carried by Daystar, Enlace, and KGEB. A number of segments are also available on the Internet, via www.streamingfaith.com and at www.empowered21.com.
FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT
Matti Stevenson-Botero – 719-360-0586
mattibotero@me.com
Jeremy Burton – 918-495-6649
jburton@oru.edu
