An ever-increasing spiritual burden for our nation continues to overtake the soul of the America church. We are in a deep, spiritual crisis. The present state of our churches, the moral confusion of our citizens, and the lost condition of a new generation of Americans demands that we do whatever possible to make a positive spiritual impact. Over the last several months, the Center for Spiritual Renewal has consulted with various Evangelical, Pentecostal and Charismatic leaders to discuss the possibilities of a new spiritual awakening in our nation. The consensus in each consultation has been clear—the deep needs of the American church demand immediate, united action. Because of this need and the continuing pressure of the Holy Spirit, an Awakening America Alliance is now forming. The initial vision for this Alliance is that the body of Christ across America will unite in issuing a spiritual wake-up call to both the church and nation. Those in the Alliance will collaborate together in prayer, fasting, and decisive action toward spiritual renewal, revival and transformation in individual lives, today's church and our society. Several denominations, churches and individuals have already committed to join this unique force. However, the challenge of spiritual awakening in today's America is greater than any group could possibly accomplish with mere human energy. Supernatural, beyond the ordinary, help from heaven is needed now. You and your church are invited to join in pushing away your plates and committing to prayer until we receive a fresh awakening in our nation.

Executive Director Billy Wilson and Bishop Alex Mitala, Chairman for Azusa Africa Uganda

Plans for Azusa Africa Uganda Announced Center Executive Director Billy Wilson and Chairman of the Azusa Africa Uganda Executive Committee Alex Mitala announced exciting plans for a multi-denominational, Holy Spirit celebration to be held in Kampala, Uganda. Azusa Africa Uganda, November 6-10, 2007, will bring together believers from several East and Central African nations, including Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan. Various venues throughout Kampala will be utilized for a week of learning, inspiration, unity building, and spiritual experience. Following is a sampling of focus topics for the event:

Family Issues in Today’s Africa Pentecostal History and Experience Discipleship Strategies for Pastors Reaching the Next Generation with Pentecostal Power

Executive Committee Members for Azusa Africa Uganda

Evening sessions will feature powerful ministers from across Africa and other parts of the world. The celebration will conclude with a large unity rally Saturday, November 10. This conference coincides with the East African unity initiative through which nations in this part of the world seek to pool their natural resources for greater impact. The Azusa Africa Uganda Executive Committee hopes that this meeting will also unite God’s kingdom in East Africa to make a significant difference with their combined resources. Executive Committee Chairman Alex Mitala also chairs the Born Again Association of Pentecostal ministries—the largest Spirit-filled coalition in Uganda. He will be assisted by the following committee members: Jackson Senyonga, vice chairman; Simon Peter Emyawu, vice chairman; Robert Kayanja, Andrew Kugasira, Allen Kagina, and Fred Wantate. Rev. Wilson stated that the Center for Spiritual Renewal is serving in a visioning/consulting role for this Azusa event, during which the Center will lead a Together Retreat focusing on relational unity among East African leaders. Azusa Africa Uganda is an outgrowth of the Azusa Street Centennial held in Los Angeles, California in April, 2006. With more than 50,000 people in attendance from 106 nations, the Centennial celebrated the growth of Pentecostalism and the unity of the movement in the midst of great diversity around the world.

Remember, Azusa Africa Ghana is scheduled for August of 2007.

Executive Director Billy Wilson and the International Center for Spiritual Renewal recently participated in the Azusa Street East Celebration in Falcon, North Carolina. The four-day gathering was designed as a centennial celebration of the Pentecostal revival held in Dunn, North Carolina, by G. B. Cashwell, after his returning from the Azusa Street Revival 100 years ago. Historical records reveal the revival had a significant impact on several denominations, including the International Pentecostal Holiness, Pentecostal Freewill Baptist, and Fire-baptized movement. Following the seven-week revival, which began on New Years Eve of 1906, Cashwell would travel across the southeastern United States proclaiming the message of Pentecost. In 1908, he traveled to Cleveland, Tennessee, where, during one of his messages, A.J. Tomlinson, the late General Overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy, would receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues.

The celebration was a cooperative effort of leaders from the Assemblies of God, Church of God, Church of God in Christ, Church of God of Prophecy, Pentecostal Holiness, Pentecostal Free Will Baptist, and The United Holy Church. Sessions highlighted the past, present, and future of the Pentecostal movement. Speakers included Bishop James Leggett, Dr. Harold Hunter, Dr. Charles Crabtree, Dr. A. D. Beecham, Dr. Paul Walker, Fred S. Fisher, Sr., Bishop William Lee, Dr. Herbert Carter, and Dr. Mark Rutland. ICFSR Executive Director Billy Wilson preached at the concluding service, which focused on youth. The program also included the dedication of a special monument commemorating the revival, which 100 years ago was held in a tobacco warehouse.

With approximately 2,000 people in attendance, Azusa Street East provided a wonderful opportunity for fellowship. One recurring theme throughout the conference was the unity of believers through the power of the Holy Spirit. Ministers from all represented movements prayed, cried, and worshipped together throughout the meeting. Commitments were made among steering committee members to continue pursuing cooperative efforts in Eastern North Carolina in the future.

Everyone left the conference believing that the theme, “A Continuing Move of the Spirit,” can be a reality as we seek God earnestly, work together in unity, and focus our attention on the emerging generation.

AZUSA ASIA CELEBRATION UNIFIES PENTECOSTALS

"Flaming the Spirit of Pentecost" was the theme of the Azusa Asia celebration in Jakarta, September 29-30, 2006. Inspired by the Azusa Centennial held in Los Angeles in April 2006, Pentecostals throughout Indonesia met together to declare their unity during a celebration of the centennial of both the worldwide Pentecostal movement and the 85th anniversary of the Pentecostal movement in Indonesia. This was the first International Azusa Street Centennial follow-up event.

A ministry team was led by William (Billy) Wilson from the International Center for Spiritual Renewal in Cleveland, Tennessee. Brother Wilson, who also serves as the International Minister of Outreach for the Church of God and Church of God of Prophecy, was a keynote speaker and workshop instructor. The main event in the National Isatora Stadium was attended by more than 75,000 people. In addition to Reverend Wilson and his wife, Lisa, the team included Drs. Eddie and Sue Hyatt of Hyatt International Ministries, and Dr. David Roebuck of the Dixon Pentecostal Research Center in Cleveland. The team participated in numerous ministries during the weekend including teaching at the Bethel Seminary and preaching in 11 churches throughout the city.

The theme for Azusa Asia centered upon unity, reconciliation, and Pentecostal fire. The two largest Pentecostal denominations-Pentecostal Church of Indonesia with five million members and the Bethel Church of Indonesia (affiliated with the Church of God) with three million members-led in a time of reconciliation where the movement committed to a new level of cooperation and unity. More than 10,000 church leaders packed Gelora Bung Karno Convention Center for a day-long seminar on Friday, September 29.

The stadium event of Saturday, September 30, included Olympic-style pageantry, powerful worship, and anointed preaching. Buses began arriving in the early afternoon so that the eager worshippers could get seats in the nation’s largest sports stadium. Opening ceremonies included a marching band, a precision flag corps team, 250 tambourine dancers in native costumes, and beautiful chorography performed by 2,000 children displaying the national colors of red and white. A parade of delegates representing over 70 of the Pentecostal denominations in Indonesia, displayed the unity of the gathering.

Highlighting a new commitment of cooperation among the churches, an arriving helicopter unfurled a large banner proclaiming the words "We Are One." On board, helicopters were delivering a declaration of unity to Dr. Jacob Nahuway and Pastor A.H. Mandey, who stood as representatives of the two largest Pentecostal denominations in Indonesia. These leaders then led delegates of each of the participating denominations as they rounded the stadium’s track and lighted an Olympic-style torch, which burned throughout the service. The opening ceremonies concluded with fireworks, singing, and shouts of joy.

Worship became the focus of the evening and included a mass choir, band, and special music provided by an ensemble of the nation’s lawyers. Both the Reverends Wilson and Nahuway along with others provided anointed preaching. Brother Wilson commented, "As I ministered during the evening program and extended an invitation for participants to receive salvation, several thousand stood and prayed to receive the Lord as Savior. This was one of largest one-time harvests in my ministry. I was very grateful and humbled to be involved." Countless others responded to the call for prayer as Dr. Nahuway closed the evening’s activities.

The service was aired on Indonesian National Television on Sunday morning and was expected to be repeated throughout the week. The weekend’s activities highlighted the rapid expansion of Christianity and Pentecostalism, which is believed to be the fastest growing movement in a nation that includes the largest number of Muslims in the world. Pentecostalism was first introduced to Indonesia in 1921 with the arrival of Cornelius and Marie Groesbeek and Dirkrichard and Stien van Klaveren in the Dutch controlled islands. Supported by Bethel Temple in Seattle, Washington, the first successful congregation was planted among the Dutch, but Pentecostalism quickly spread among native Indonesians and Chinese immigrants. Leaders of the Azusa Indonesia celebration pray that an even greater harvest will come with this renewed commitment to Christian unity. Without question, this mass gathering of Christians was a strong and significant witness to the nation of Indonesia. Our prayer is that this spirit of unity will continue to flow among Pentecostals across the nation. –David Roebuck, Dixon Pentecostal Research Center Director

BILLY WILSON, ASC EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ACCEPTS NEW POSITION

The International Center for Spiritual Renewal (ICFSR), the parachurch ministry, which envisioned and spearheaded the Azusa Street Centennial, has named Rev. Billy Wilson as its new Executive Director. Wilson is an ordained bishop serving as International Minister of Outreach for both the Church of God and Church of God of Prophecy in joint global evangelistic initiatives.

The appointment of Wilson by the Center's board capped a year of significant events for the CSR which began with the death of the center's founder, Dr. Robert E. Fisher, on September 28, 2005. His death came after substantial planning had been made toward the 100 year celebration of the Azusa Street Revival, which attracted over 50,000 people from over 100 countries.

"The success of the Azusa Centennial was the result of hundreds of people and churches coming together and stepping up in the months following Dr. Fisher's death," Wilson stated. Wilson, who served as executive officer for the Centennial following Fisher, reported to the board that four months after the event letters, e-mails, and testimonies are still being received. He also reported that several "Azusa" follow-up events have been scheduled around the world over the next several months including locations in North Carolina and overseas in Ghana, Germany, South Africa, Uganda, and Europe. Click here for Calendar of Events.

"The central focus for the Center will be the cross with its vertical and horizontal dimensions," Wilson stated. "We will approach our mission through vertical renewal, by leading and participating in crusades, revivals, solemn assemblies and other ministry events along with developing resources to assist the individual in enriching his/her relationship with God. We will also participate in "horizontal renewal" by creating and participating in activities that encourage relational, spiritual unity in the Body of Christ."

Along with Wilson's appointment as executive director, Jim Bolin, pastor of Trinity Chapel in Powder Springs, Georgia, was elected chairman of the ICSR board. He replaces Carl Richardson who completed his term and will focus on other ministry interests. Continuing as board members are Bobby Collins, Church of God Senior Pastor in Virginia; David Ferguson, Founder of Intimate Life Ministries in Austin, Texas; Mary Fisher, Ambassador to the International Center for Spiritual Renewal; Barry Ray, owner of Vision SeniorCare Partners; Lamar Vest, Executive Director for Ministries for the American Bible Society; and Mark Williams, Administrative Bishop for the Church of God in California/Nevada. According to Wilson, new Board members will be announced at the January, 2007 meeting.

Among the highlights of the International Center for Spiritual Renewal's Statement of Purpose, established in 1999, is "to acknowledge, celebrate, and record the unprecedented move of God that is now taking place around the world," "promote an understanding of the need to respond to the move of God through humility, prayer, fasting, repentance, and reconciliation," and "to engage in research and encourage study of the various outpourings of the Holy Spirit around the world." The Statement also refers to publishing materials and conducting special meetings and events to strengthen and perpetuate the spirit of revival.

"The appointment of Billy Wilson is one my father would have initiated and supported," stated Cameron Fisher, son of Dr. Fisher and coordinator of communications and internet ministry for the Church of God. "Rev. Wilson is best equipped to carry on the ministry of the Center at this time and the family is confident of his spiritual sensitivity and ability to get the job done for the global harvest."

The Spiritual Experience of a Lifetime
More than 45,000 attended the 100-year anniversary of the Azusa Street Revival

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Los Angeles April 25-29 for the centennial of the Azusa Street Revival. Azusa Street is considered by church historians to be the birthplace of the modern Pentecostal and charismatic movements.

"It was an incredible week," said Azusa Street Centennial Executive Officer Billy Wilson. "We thank God for doing a work that exceeded our visions and dreams for the Centennial. We witnessed a renewed spiritual hunger in the body of Christ and I believe that a new wave of revival is on the way."

More than 50,000 people attended all or part of the week-long event, which took place across four separate venues in Los Angeles and drew participants from 106 countries. Major Christian television networks carried the Centennial to a global audience, including Trinity Broadcasting, DayStar, and StreamingFaith.com. Both TBN and DayStar received numerous requests from viewers for highlights to be re-broadcast.

The four evening venues included the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), the historic Angelus Temple, founded by Aimee Semple McPherson, Crenshaw Christian Center, home of the FaithDome, and West Angeles Church of God in Christ. Day sessions were held at the LACC and included such topics as divine healing, prophecy, and praise and worship. Afternoons were filled with historic tours, film and lecture series as well as time to browse a large exhibit hall.

Many leaders commented on the diversity present during the Centennial, something that mirrored the revival 100 years ago. Asians and Africans sat next to Hispanics and Anglos at the sessions. A variety of different languages could be heard in the hallways (the Centennial was translated into seven languages), and spontaneous spiritual expression was prevalent as believers prayed for one another or burst forth in singing.

"The unity and worship reflected in the Centennial was an appropriate celebration of the Azusa Street revival," Wilson continued. "It was amazing to see the ‘streams of Pentecost’, which had become fragmented following the revival at the Azusa Street Mission 100 years ago, flow Together Again."

Since the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit at a small house on Bonnie Brae Street in Los Angeles in 1906, the movement has spread to become a global phenomenon. Church experts estimate there are at least 500 million Pentecostals and Charismatics in the world today.

Appropriately, the week of Centennial events began on Saturday, April 22, with a "Holy Spirit Processional" originating at the Bonnie Brae Street House, which has been restored to its original state, complete with original furnishings. The 2.7-mile parade route took its 3,000 participants through downtown Los Angeles to the site of the original Azusa Street Mission. Testimonies of Holy Spirit infillings and even physical healings were reported along the way.

The Centennial event brought together leaders and their congregations from all the various streams of the movement. The Centennial also featured a veritable "Who’s Who" of ministers, including T.D. Jakes, Kenneth Copeland, Reinhard Bonkke, Fred Price, Paula White, Benny Hinn, Judy Jacobs, Myles Munroe and David Yonggi Cho. The list also included the top leaders of mainline Pentecostal denominations.

As a way of giving back to the community, organizers conducted ‘Reach LA’ on Saturday—the largest one-day compassion outreach in U.S. history, distributing half a million pounds of food and supplies to 13,000 families in underprivileged neighborhoods. The outreach included 30 semi trucks from Feed the Children which converged on Los Angeles for the event. FTC partnered with the Church of God’s Operation Compassion and the LA Dream Center.

The week culminated with three events on Saturday, including Reach LA, followed by the Centennial Assembly, which was staged in the 17,000-seat Sports Arena, with an overflow crowd of thousands in the LA Memorial Coliseum. The four-hour service, which was broadcast live via satellite on DayStar, was followed by a dynamic youth convocation which climaxed in a two-hour prayer and anointing service of the more than 7,500 youth who attended.

The Azusa Street Centennial was envisioned and was being led by Dr. Robert Fisher before his untimely death last September.

"I know that Dr. Fisher would have been pleased, especially with the spiritual success of the Centennial," Wilson stated. "The plans we had originally envisioned and even more were fulfilled throughout the week’s activities. Dr. Fisher’s dream of symbolically anointing the next generation of Pentecostal/Charismatic youth to carry the flame of the Holy Spirit into the next century came to fruition in a mighty release of anointing on Saturday night. All of us present can testify that history and destiny met together in Los Angeles, and the result was supernatural. I cannot wait to see what God does as we enter this new century with the Spirit."