The week of the 12th-18th February was perhaps the most significant time to date for all our Four12 Partners across Europe. Up until these very significant few days, we were best described as a number of loosely-connected gifts from various churches across the continent of Europe. There is no doubt that cultural differences, even language barriers, have shown themselves to have the potential to threaten the advancement of any significant Kingdom work. Fortunately, we have God’s Spirit and presence, connecting hearts and bridging differences to create something that has shown itself to be a potent force for Jesus!
Four12 Connect in Surrey
Spending just a few days together at our Four12 Connect at Waverley Abbey (a beautiful retreat centre in Surrey, England) proved to be a unique example of God’s desire to accelerate, beyond all human ability, the deep relationships necessary to move us from networking friends to partnering brothers in the gospel. From the start, it was very clear that this seemingly random gathering of leaders had come with a genuine hunger to connect, encourage, grow together and learn from each other so that through us, the Kingdom could expand through healthy, vibrant churches. A multitude of nations were represented: England, Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, Poland, Isle of Man, Switzerland, and even India! It was an extremely rich and diverse group, but over a number of teaching and ministry sessions, diversity was soon replaced by close alignment and unity in the firm pursuit of Jesus.
There were too many highlights to choose from, from great teaching to worship that broke open tender moments of brothers bearing their hearts to brothers ministering encouragement and healing. A powerful prophetic session seemed to take the already established heart links to a deeper level. Significant words were spoken over ARC church (London) and All For Jesus (Switzerland) whet our spiritual appetites for a long, exciting future together, ploughing the European field.
Four12 Regional Equip, Europe
The deep unity and alignment birthed in this short period of time clearly impacted the first Four12 Regional Equip in Europe hosted by out partners, ARC church, Forest Gate, London, which took place directly after our Connect time. At the start of the Equip, we were greeted by our hosting church, ARC, with a fantastic and warm welcome. This was just the start of what turned into one of my most memorable Four12 experiences in the last 6 years.
Apart from some great teaching, what really blessed me was witnessing the complete melting away of cultural differences. This was a beautiful picture of the spiritual temple, the kingdom of priests, people from many different races with different coloured skin simply loving each other, laughing together, weeping together, ministering to one another and celebrating King Jesus. It was so special, and it was just the beginning of a powerful army rising up to represent Jesus in Europe, one which I am sure will move in influence and significance as the Lord builds His house amongst us.
Only the Lord knows what Four12 in Europe will achieve.. but one thing is for sure, you will need to ready your passports.
Yes, there is a lot of work to be done, changes to be made, foundations to be pulled up and re-laid, but one thing is for sure: what the Lord did between the 12th and 18th of February 2018 will echo throughout eternity. It could not have been manufactured by man. It was too significant, too supernatural, and it all happened within the space of just a few days. Only the Lord knows what Four12 in Europe will achieve in the coming few years under the authority of His hand and the might of His Spirit, but one thing is for sure, you will need to ready your passports. Europe is online, the boundaries of our field have been shaken and expanded, and a banner raised so that the name of Jesus will be made known. And we were there, right at the start, right at the formative stages – how blessed are we?
Watch this exciting Video Clip capturing the wild worship at the Regional Equip Europe:
https://www.facebook.com/jgstanfield/videos/10156268214643459/
