Dear Enews Friends,

You know for sure that God is alive and well when you watch him melt and mold the hearts of Dutchmen! When we first did a conference here in 1995 I remember apologizing to our team afterward. The criticism of a few pastors had been so hurtful to them that several told me that a return trip was unlikely for them. Seven years ago contemporary music and the use of anything but an organ or choir was nearly unheard of in this country. Worse, our whole emphasis about reaching people outside the church was viewed as compromising the integrity of the church, rather than carrying out Jesus' Great Commission. Dutch theologians stood in line after each of my sessions to take me to task for stating that lost people matter to God. The whole experience was "sub-optimal" as they say.

But, there is something to be said for perseverance. We kept coming back, and we kept answering the questions that were posed to us even though they often had an edge to them. Over time some church leaders started to develop a vision for building Acts 2 Churches in the land of dikes and windmills. Move the clock ahead to this past Sunday. I spoke in a WCA church that just completed a multi million dollar building program that included an 1100 seat auditorium. The service where I spoke on Sunday was packed with believers and their seeking friends. The atmosphere was electric. The first 30 minutes were as creative and anointed as any of our services at Willow, and the level of attentiveness was off the charts! I was told later on in the day that several seekers had crossed the line of faith that morning. I really thought a day like that would be something my kids might witness, but not in my lifetime. Occasionally being wrong results in great joy.

The Conference started bright and early Monday morning. By the end of that first session I could tell that we have turned the corner in this country. Almost one thousand pastors sat forward on the edge of their seats as I once again described the beauty, power and potential of the local church. The Dutch artists did an absolutely outstanding job of supporting the messages and the Spirit's work was palpable. If you could have heard these Dutch leaders singing "All for Jesus" at the end of our time together, you would have stood in the same "awe" pile that I and others from our Willow Team found ourselves in. I have said it many times.only God.

Once again, I cannot thank you enough for your prayers. I feel carried by them. Please don't let up now. Tomorrow we begin the largest International event we have ever done. Over eight thousand pastors will fill a facility that looks eerily like the United Center.a bit overwhelming to all of us.

Bill