The Americas we see on TV and in the news is a complete fabrication of the Americas in which we live. In a torrent of 90-second clips, we are fed propaganda designed to feed the most basic human hunger and thirst for sensationalism. If a story becomes a feature it is added to the weekly or evening magazine format in which we are fed the “back story.” These are most often about a corner in a city where violence occurs or a devastated family or workplace. Violence sells and any news broadcast that breaks for commercials is not really news, it is a marketing platform designed to sell you something.
Media thrives on the actions of a very few. Those instant stars, whose opinions inflame hatred and highlighted each day and hourly on the web. Violence sells. Perversion sells. Controversy sells. And we are being sold this cocktail to cause us to think that America has become the global center for all things evil.
For the past seven years at SEAPC, we have traveled theAmericas. I personally have met with and led groups of worshipping warriors inthe US, Mexico, and Canada. We have walked and prayed and proclaimed the nameof Jesus from Atlantic to Pacific and back. We have seen city centers andpristine national parks. From the trail of the ancient Mayan Culture to theLands of the Sioux and Iroquois we have traversed North and South, East andWest finding those who keep the light of the gospel alive in the vastterritories of the Americas. Four times I have driven around the continentalUnited States and have crossed this land on Interstates 90, 80, 70, 40, and 10praying with and for this great nation. A few years ago, our teams prayed onthe campuses of 50 of our major universities and last year Pray Americas teams wereactively praying in many of the counties across the United States.
The eye witness reports that we have received from those whocare enough about the Americas to get out of their house, and believe thatevery place the sole of their foot shall tread is theirs by God’s decree, isthat the Americas, Canada, United States, Mexico, and Central and South Americaare on the verge of great Revival. That for every person given to violencethere are millions who love God, go to church, work hard, and serve theircommunity.
Community is the key. A community is a gathering of peoplewith common values. Communities are built up around industry, language,ethnicity, and have a common, though often unstated, moral code. A community inthe Americas will have people of all ethnicities. The face of the community isa wonderful blend of them all. Successful communities are measured by churches,schools, property values, and a peaceful, productive environment.
There is less violence and destruction in a good communitybecause the members of it have decided that they will respect their neighborand work together to serve their community. The news cycle is used of the enemyof righteousness, peace, and joy to divide the community through a completefabrication of the America that is. It is designed to make you fear a person ofanother color or language and to question their motives for being part of thecommunity.
What dispels a lie? Truth. What defeats fear? Love. Whatprevents division? Getting out and seeing the community and meeting the peopleliving closest to you.
We are encouraging you to meet a neighbor. Bless them inyour thoughts, pray for them in your devotions, and serve them with someexpression of the Love of Jesus. My wife Ellie and I are staying at the RockyMountain Prayer Center this summer. Several times a week, I walk a couple ofmiles along a gravel road past little farms. We have met several neighbors andare getting the red barn ready for a Sunday evening-vespers to which they willbe invited. Most of them had a Christian experience in their youth but have notbeen in any Christian community.
This type of walking in and praying for the neighbors is being replicated across America from June 15 through July 25. Would you please join us to walk and pray in your community? Would you please meet your neighbor? When you buy that fresh sweet corn, pick up a couple of ears for them. When you thin those flowers, save some and make them a gift to your neighbor. Reach out in some form of love but especially bless them in your thoughts, pray for them in your devotions, and serve them in some way.
Let us know how the Lord makes a way for you. They may beBlack or they may be Brown, or they may be Yellow or even White. Reach throughthe veil of deception and get to know your neighbor.