"Redemption: A Multicultural Revival" is being planned for Memphis in 2009. Yesterday, I attended a pastor's luncheon to spread the word and meet the speaker, Priscilla Shirer. Here's a link to the website for the event, although it only has basic information. "Redemption" began as the vision of Ellen Olford, the Director of Women's Ministries at Central Church in Collierville. Her dream is for the Memphis Cook Convention Center to be filled on Friday and Saturday, March 27-28, 2009, with women of all races and denominations who desire to see Jesus honored.
My attention was caught on several counts. For one, the number of people attending the event was unlike any "pastor's luncheon" I have seen in Memphis. Check out the picture above to catch a glimpse of the room where hundreds gathered. I don't think I have seen a "pastor's luncheon" in Memphis like it. And it wasn't just the numbers. There was a clear and earnest desire among the people in this room, a corporate longing, for God to move in a city that is in desperate need of Him. Could it be that God is moving among his people to use this event as a springboard for something more enduring?
I was also impressed with Shelby County Mayor, AC Wharton. His brief but thoughtful remarks nailed a concept that I have been thinking about, the limits of what government can do (use laws to limit behavior) and how the people of God can exceed these limits (by using grace to effect heart change). His comments were a poignant call for ambassadors of grace to get busy, to promote the welfare of the city where God has placed them by doing heart work. I loved this line: "Our great problem is not global warming, but cold hearts." When have you heard THAT from an elected official.
Priscilla Shirer is a perfect choice as a speaker. You can read her bio by clicking here. I think she gets it: Racial reconciliation cannot be achieved apart from reconciliation with God through Jesus, His Son. As the daughter of Tony Evans and a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, she brings an appreciation for Bible exposition to her teaching. Here-here! We need more ministry that is about understanding and applying what God has to say, and less yakking over how we each feel about what God has said. This is going to be good.
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