http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/ en jhoover@peteryoungren.org Copyright 2008 2008-11-14T20:56:52-05:00 http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/torrential_downpour_cancelled_permissions_can_not_stop_gods_favor/full_story http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/torrential_downpour_cancelled_permissions_can_not_stop_gods_favor/full_story Dear Friend, Thank you so much for your continued support and prayers these past two weeks in Indonesia, and the two back to back Gospel Festivals and Seminars. From the city of Sorong last week, to Batam this week, you have been with me every step of the way as we present Jesus to thousands upon thousands of people, Muslims and Christians alike. Despite being hit by rain every night in Sorong, many thousands of Muslims and Christians alike gathered, in spite of the rain, to receive from Jesus. So many incredible miracles were seen every night. A full report to come soon. Batam has been a sensational miracle of God’s favor. The day I was to fly into Batam from Sorong I was notified that the Festival was being cancelled due to a heightened security risk and threat of bomb attack on the Festival. I can’t tell you how disheartening this was. I know many thousands have been praying and supporting this Festival all around the globe, including you. I know thousands of volunteers in Batam have been working and praying for weeks for the Festival. Most of all, I know so many people need to meet Jesus and would be refused opportunity if the Festival was cancelled. My friend, what happened next was truly the hand of God. As my airplane touched down in Batam, I was met by 11 Muslim journalist. We had a lengthy press conference at the airport, where I shared that I had come in friendship, to present God’s love revealed through Jesus for all people. We would attempt to build bridges of peace between all people through Jesus. Notice how I make Jesus the central issue. Not religion, not anything but Jesus. I have found that when the hardest sinner meets Jesus, all other problems quickly disappear. My job is to present Jesus as clearly as I can with the help of the Holy Spirit. From the airport press conference I was quickly ushered to meet the chief of police and head of security intelligence for the Batam region. Again, I was able to share the same message as I shared with the 11 journalist only an hour before. The reception was beautiful. I have found that Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Buddhists are almost always open to know more about Jesus. I wish you were physically here with me to feel the sense of jubilation when the reversal of decision came directly from the Governor, and we were allowed to proceed with the Festival. Word spread like wildfire, and the city was completely ecstatic. As I turned up for the first Festival meeting, so many thousands of Muslim friends were present. I never grow accustomed to this rare privilege of presenting Jesus to multiplied thousands of people from so many backgrounds and religions. The story does not end here. As I was about to get up to speak, a torrential rainstorm hit the stadium. I have been preaching in outdoor Festivals for over 30 years, and rarely have I been in such a storm. The wind was fierce, and was directed straight into my face as I spoke. Thunder and lightening ripped through the open air, making any sound passing through this commotion near impossible. Yet, I could not stop and call it a night. How, could I when so many have sacrificed so much for these meetings. CATCH THIS: My voice could barely be heard over the roar of the storm, yet the people were so anxious to receive from Jesus, they did not leave.  I didn’t even have time to greet the people on that opening night as is my custom. The storm was so bad that I launched into my message with every ounce of strength I had. Not even five minutes into the message a lame man suddenly leapt from his bed and started walking. The crowd saw him and went wild with excitement. Now my voice could not be heard at all, but quickly miracles started being realized throughout the stadium. I never really did finish my message. There were so many miracles we started taking them one by one to testify. One incredible miracle I have to mention was a dear Mullah who was healed. What made this testimony so special was that despite the threats of bombing, cancellation and now hurricane force rain storm, so many Muslim friends and leaders came to receive from Jesus. We are truly blessed and favored of God to have this incredible privilege. I feel honored to have you as my partners and friends. You make this possible, Thank You! Peter Youngren PS. We have two more nights here in Batam. Final reports to come later, but I have enclosed a few pictures for you to see now. (see below)   Before the rains started, people had filled the stadium early in anticipation. Melayu welcome dance People from every background and religion came to receive from Jesus Torrential Downpour and Cancelled Permissions Can Not Stop God’s FAVOR Paralyzed from the wait down for 10 years, can now walk Mullah is healed Press Conference at Airport with 11 Muslim Journalists The rain is driving straight into the platform The rain is driving straight into the platform Well before the Festival and rains started many sick were brought into stadium Young man deaf and mute since birth can hear Pastors and leaders fill the seminar hall for the Gospel Revolution Seminar in Batam 2008-11-14T20:56:52-05:00 http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/favor/full_story http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/favor/full_story Dear Friend: Because of God’s favor and your partnership history was made in Pakistan. All foreigners were urged to leave the country due to the bombings, but in the midst of these threats, God gave us a great harvest of precious people. See photo report The huge open field was packed. Pastors said it was the greatest crowd ever witnessed. One muslim journalist told us, "we have never seen such a large gathering of people." Today, just like 2000 years ago, "multitudes follow Him". In a few days, our Gospel Outreach team is returning to Indonesia for two more campaigns. First and foremost this mission is a privilege. Jesus said, "As the Father sent Me, so send I you" (John 20:31). Together we are sent by Jesus to Sorong and Batam, two Muslim cities in Indonesia. Secondly, this mission is about rescuing lost souls. Remember, Jesus said He came to "seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). Thirdly, it is a mission of necessity. The words of the apostle Paul have touched my heart. "For if I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me: yes, woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship" (1 Cor. 9:16-17). Those five words, "necessity is laid upon me," echo in my spirit. Jesus considers it an absolute necessity that every person hear the Gospel. There is a real urgency; we must go forward with the Gospel now because we have no promise that these doors of opportunity will be open a few years or even a few months from now. The key is our willingness. Will you go with me this month by sowing your seed for precious souls still waiting to hear the message of our Savior? Will you stand with me and share the very best love gift you can? I believe God’s love is in your heart and His love compels you. THANK YOU! Spreading the Gospel is a co-operative effort. Together with God, you and I are links in a powerful Gospel chain. Please take these steps prayerfully with me: 1. Say to the Lord, "Here am I, send me." Your money represents your sweat, your labor, yes your very life. Ask the Lord what He would have you give and then release that offering as a SEED from your life. 2. Praise God for your personal harvest as you prepare the response form. As soon as your online donation, we will pray for you and the gift you send will immediately be put to work for SOULS. 3. Click here to give online Thank you. I am deeply grateful to you! Together we are making history! Blessings in Christ, Peter Youngren P.S. The brand new 4 CD teaching album, "MAKING EMOTIONS WORK FOR YOU," promises to become a best seller. It is a teaching full of insights that will enrich every believer. (free preview) 2008-10-31T20:19:29-05:00 http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/meet_peter_and_roxanne/full_story http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/meet_peter_and_roxanne/full_story A new wave of grace and healing is sweeping the earth. Join with Pastor and his team for this time of revelation, joy, miracles and celebration. Many will be touched by the love and grace of Jesus Christ. 2008-10-20T20:07:26-05:00 http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/final_report_from_karachi_pakistan/full_story http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/final_report_from_karachi_pakistan/full_story - REPORT FROM KARACHI, PAKISTAN - “God has no more power to send…. No more healing to send…. No more forgiveness to send…. NOTHING….” Silence fell over the throng of people gathered on the large open field in Karachi, Pakistan this past week at the Friendship Festival hosted by Pastor Peter Youngren. The tens of thousands gathered had come to receive from Jesus, and were thrown into silence as Pastor Peter’s voice rang out over the tightly packed field. “Everything that God has…. His power, His healing, His forgiveness… He sent in Jesus. Receive Jesus and receive life, power, healing and forgiveness. It is yours today.” As this simple, yet profound revelation sank in, the crowd slowly started to respond, and soon exploded into a raucous celebration as they realized the answer to their prayers was much closer than they had ever imagined. The answer was not in a prayer, technique or religion, but in a person…. JESUS. Whether Christian, Muslim, Hindu or Buddhist, all need Jesus, and all can call on Him, and He will answer. Set against a backdrop of terror and national “Red Alert” precipitated by impending suicide bomb attacks, Karachi Friendship Festival - October 1-5, 2008 - was an incredible success. On September 20, 2008, only ten (10) days before Pastor Peter’s Gospel Festival, a suicide bomber set off a bomb at the Marriott hotel in Islamabad that killed many foreigners and government officials. This set off a string of bombings in other cities around Pakistan, including Karachi, the sight of Pastor Peter’s Gospel Festival. The Pakistani government and the United Nations security counsel told all foreigners to leave the country of Pakistan or avoid any public place due to these bomb blasts. Despite the impending danger, Pastor Peter was miraculously able to conduct a sensational five (5) day Gospel Festival in Karachi. Mandatory security was imposed on Pastor Peter and the Festival. Every person entering the Festival grounds had to pass through a metal detector and was hand searched for weapons or bombs. The security went so far as to check people for weapons with a hand metal detector before they came to the stage to testify of healings. Pastor Peter was ordered to have personal security and was surrounded by armed bodyguards everywhere he moved. Through all the threats and security issues, the people of Pakistan packed the Festival venue full every night. Massive lines formed for hundreds of meters outside the field as people waited to enter through the metal detectors. People from every background and religion passed peaceably through the gates, and there were no incidents the entire week of the Festival. The final night of the Festival the crowd packed the field so tightly that Pastor Peter had to leave the field by climbing a ladder over the back wall of the field. His normal exit would have been impossible to pass through. Media coverage of the Gospel Festival was astounding. In a country that is 96% Islamic, it is typically very difficult to get the media’s attention for a Gospel event. A TV reporter from Samaa TV, a national TV network in Pakistan, said she had never seen such a large crowd, and the same TV station aired the final night of the Festival LIVE to the entire nation. This was a first in Pakistan.  The two largest newspapers in the country carried the Festival adverts on the front page, and TV reporters interviewed Pastor Peter daily. Every day reporters from various news organizations including Geo TV, the largest TV news provider in Pakistan, reported the Festival. A local Muslim talk show invited Pastor Peter to be on their program, where he was given opportunity to share about Jesus. Incredible miracles were seen every single night of the Festival. The stage was filled with more testimonies that could possibly be reported, and hundreds more who were healed were not even able to reach the platform. People from every background and religion were healed. One especially touching story took place on the last night of the Festival. Mrs. Zubadia and her daughter, Thamina had heard the news reports of the Festival, and had traveled 1800 km from their home in Abbadabad. The trip had taken them three (3) days on a train. Thamina was blind, and hearing that Jesus was healing people in Karachi, nothing would stop them from attending the meeting. Mrs. Zubadia and Thamina were from a Muslim home, and after having testified to the crowd of the healing, Mrs. Zubadia offered Pastor Peter money for her daughter’s healing. Pastor Peter took the opportunity to share with Mrs. Zubadia and the entire crowd that Jesus gives freely, and asks nothing in return. It was a powerful testimony of Jesus free gift for all people. Tangible hunger for God was felt in both the Festival and the Pastor’s Seminar. Several thousand delegates packed out the Gospel Revolution Seminar tent each morning to hear revelation from God’s work. Pastor Peter was joined by special ministers from Finland, Pastor David Sterling, and Norway, Reverend Mary Felde, and together they ministered God’s grace and love to the pastors. Already long-term plans are being laid by Pastor Peter and Celebration Ministries to form a Bible College in Pakistan to continue propagating the Good News. Thank you friend for your support. In an age of increasing religious tension that is flowing over into geopolitical relations, the message of God’s grace and love for all people is the only message that can cut through the clutter of voices and produce lasting results. You are making a difference through your support of Pastor Peter Youngren. 2008-10-09T20:27:13-05:00 http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/all_new_peter_youngren_launches_a_nationally_televised_one_hour_variety_pro/full_story http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/all_new_peter_youngren_launches_a_nationally_televised_one_hour_variety_pro/full_story ALL NEW - Peter Youngren launches a nationally televised one-hour variety program, "Encounter". Starting Saturday, October 4, Pastor Peter’s newest TV program will air every Saturday evening on The Christian Channel across Canada (see details below). For those living outside Canada, the program will be made available on www.WatchCelebrate.tv every week. Peter’s daily half hour TV program, "Celebrating Life with Jesus", will continue on as normal. Thanks to God’s hand of favor, The Christian Channel offered Pastor Peter and Celebration Ministries the air time to begin airing this unique program. As special host of Encounter, Pastor Peter conducts compelling interviews with a wide range of guests. From internationally known authors, professional athletes, renown ministers, young foreign workers and accomplished professionals – there is something of interest for the whole family every week. Encounter offers a sensational "Encounter Worship Band", candid interviews with people on the street, multimedia presentations and so much more. Pastor Peter will also take a select time every Encounter to minister Jesus. Celebration Ministries Prayer Center will be open and live ministers available to pray with you each week. Reports are received daily in the Prayer Center of answered prayers. You do not want to miss Encounter. From the very first program, tune in, watch and be refreshed in Jesus. See you there! Starting October 4th The Christian Channel 5 & 8pm PST – 8 & 11pm EST SaskTel CH 282, Cogeco CH 186, Telus CH 158, Source Cable CH 122, MTS TV CH 122, Star Choice CH 399, Rogers Digital Cable CH 396 2008-10-03T18:59:44-05:00 http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/breaking_news_from_karachi_pakistan/full_story http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/breaking_news_from_karachi_pakistan/full_story Amid exceptionally tight security, Pastor Peter Youngren successfully opened the first of five meetings of the Karachi, Pakistan Friendship Festival last night to a great crowd eager to hear his message. Karachi, Pakistan Friendship Festival Night 1 Despite numerous warnings not to go to Pakistan by the Pakistan government and United Nations due to the Red Alert of terror activity, Pastor Peter was miraculously allowed to proceed forward with this Gospel Festival and Pastor’s Seminar. As reported in the news, major bomb blasts were ignited by terrorists in each of the major cities of Pakistan in the past week. All foreigners were told to leave the country, or avoid any public places. Despite the negative reports, Pakistan is a beautiful country, with loving people, that has sadly become synonymous with the extremists and terrorists that inhabit its land. This certainly does not reflect the majority of the population, which is 96% Islamic, whom are both kind and hospitable. Yet like other countries World Impact Ministries has visited, Pakistan has been stereotyped by the radical minority, who have the potential to do much damage. The first day of the Festival saw many deaf healed. The stage was full of those healed in their ears, testifying that Jesus had healed their deafness. Geo Television Network, which has the largest news viewership in Karachi, a city of 16 million people, was at the Festival recording the miracles to show on the news. Word of what Jesus is doing is spreading quickly. Mr. Abdul, one of many healed of deafness in Karachi, Pakistan last night Just last week Pastor Peter was in Denpasar, Indonesia conducting another historic Gospel Festival, and each day the local newspapers attended the Festival and published the miracles in the papers the next day. Each night sensational miracles were seen in Denpasar, and incredible joy was felt in Denpasar, a city with less than 3% believers in Jesus. Festival in Denpasar, Indonesia This morning, Pastor Peter’s three (3) day Karachi Gospel Revolution Seminar for Pastors and Leaders opened to several thousand delegates. The excitement was palpable as the pastors continued to pack the tent to overflowing. As Pastor Peter Youngren, Pastor David Sterling from Finland and Rev Mary Felde from Norway spoke, the pastors hung on every word. An explosion of revelation and joy was felt at the conclusion. God has given Pastor Peter incredible favor among the "unreached" areas of the earth. Whether speaking with government officials or religious leaders, who govern these areas open doors of opportunity are abounding. Thank you for your support and prayers. Four nights remain in the Karachi, Pakistan Friendship Festival, and your prayers are so appreciated. Continue to pray that the Gospel of Jesus is given opportunity to go forward with great strength and boldness. As the first meeting closed, throngs of people filled each of the follow up stations on the field where new believers received follow up material. Your support makes this possible. 2008-10-02T12:41:34-05:00 http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/urgent_appeal_for_prayer_in_pakistan/full_story http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/urgent_appeal_for_prayer_in_pakistan/full_story Violence is growing as Celebration Ministries plans it’s upcoming Pakistan Festival next week. From the New York Times: Bombing at Hotel in Pakistan Kills at Least 53 ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — A huge truck bomb exploded at the entrance to the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad on Saturday evening, killing at least 53 people and wounding at least 266, according to the acting interior minister. The blast, one of the worst acts of terrorism in Pakistan’s history, went off just a few hundred yards from the prime minister’s house, where all the leaders of government were dining after the president’s address to Parliament. The toll was expected to grow because of reports that people had been trapped inside the six-story hotel, which has been a favorite meeting spot of both foreigners and well-connected Pakistanis in the heart of the capital. The building was quickly engulfed in flames and continued to burn for hours Saturday night. Excerpt from New York Times website In four (4) days Pastor Peter and World Impact Ministries will commence a five (5) day Festival and Seminar in Karachi, Pakistan. Presently this week he is in the middle of a Festival in Denpasar, Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim country. We will send you pictures from Denapasar in our next e-message we send. You may have heard of the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan that have thrown the country into turmoil. The reports have been headline international news daily. Suicide bombers blew up a major hotel just days ago in the capital of Pakistan. Local newspapers call the event, “Pakistan’s 9/11”. The hotel had been used by local and foreign government officials for meetings due to the high security the building was believed to possess. The ability of the terrorists to infiltrate that security has shaken the country. The Pakistani government just released a joint statement with the UN security counsel that all foreigners in Pakistan should either leave or stay away from all public places due to the increased threat level. Certain airlines and embassy have indefinitely closed their routes and offices to Pakistan. Today, intelligence issued a warning that six (6) more suspected potential suicide bombers had entered Karachi with intent to inflict terror and damage in the city. As this report is written straight from the streets of Karachi, a report is received of two (2) bombers arrested as they were driving to the airport today with a bomb in their car. Their intent; to bomb the international airport. Immediately the airport is shut down, and all airports in the country placed on red alert. Despite the imminent danger, Pastor Peter and World Impact Ministries will proceed forward and believe for major history to be made for the Good News in Pakistan this coming week. The message of “no discrimination”, peace, hope, and goodwill God has given Pastor Peter has never been more needed than at a time like this. It is truly a miracle to have gotten this far, and we will go forward. Friend, we need your prayers and support now more than ever. The local police have issued strict rules for security for these meetings that will increase the budget. At the same time we recognize that even the best security is no replacement for the God’s protection. You can imagine that if it were not for the Lord’s direction, this Festival would be cancelled. While all foreigners have been told to flee, we have amassed a huge publicity campaign in billboards, newspapers, radio, tv, posters and handbills throughout the city of 16 million people that is 96% Islamic. Please click on the button below. Let us know you are standing with us in prayer. Pray that the good news is given chance to go out with clarity and effectiveness. If you can support financially, your gift would go a long way at this time. Whatever you can do, prayer or financial, we need to know you are standing with us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. 2008-09-25T19:10:27-05:00 http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/its_time_for_your_harvest/full_story http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/its_time_for_your_harvest/full_story Dear Friend: Have you considered the power of a seed? When you plant a seed into God’s kingdom, that SEED IS MULTIPLIED. Jesus said, “except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone…” That’s amazing! Jesus said, THE SEED MUST DIE! Why is this so important? Because when the seed dies, it is rendered useless. Now, once that seed is useless to us it becomes useful to God. Jesus continued, “if it dies, it brings forth much fruit” (Jn 12:24). When your seed is rendered useless to you, it triggers the miracle of multiplication: “it brings forth much fruit.” When a seed is in the ground it enters the stage of death and becomes useless to the farmer. He cannot eat it. He cannot sell it. He cannot give it to his livestock. The seed has become useless to him; it has died. When your seed gift to World Impact Ministries leaves your control, it ceases to be of immediate benefit to you. At that moment something happens. Now that seed is “dead” to you, but it is alive in God’s hand. It is entirely in the hand of the One who is the source of the harvest. This is the miracle zone where that seed is multiplied back to you. King David experienced this when he went to worship God at a special place far from his own home. He had to acquire the animals that he was to sacrifice from a local landowner. Since David had a lot of stature, the landowner graciously offered to give the animals free of charge. Of course this was a very kind gesture, but David refused to sacrifice to God that which had cost him nothing (see 2 Sam. 24: 18-25). David said, “never will I offer unto the Lord my God of that which cost me nothing…” David knew that only an offering that cost him something would accurately demonstrate God’s love for him and his love for God. David had to let go of something that belonged to him. Something that belonged to David had to “die” in order for the harvest to come. There is more. The seed that is released from your hand continues to produce a harvest. Sixteen years ago I appealed to friends and partners to give the Gospel to Bulgaria. Our Bulgarian Gospel Festival became the largest gospel gathering ever in Europe. Bulgarian police reported more than a quarter of a million people in attendance night after night. Why am I telling that story now? Well, just a few days ago I received a phone call from a pastor friend. During his summer vacation he met a Bulgarian man named Izzy. Sixteen years ago Izzy was a communist and atheist, but he had a neighbour who was an invalid. One day he was called to his neighbour’s house: “Please Izzy, carry me to the Central Square, God is doing miracles for people.” Izzy didn’t believe but was finally persuaded, “Izzy, I don’t know anybody as strong as you. I need your help to carry me to the meeting.” Izzy recalls how he heard me tell a story about a man who had received healing. By the time I prayed for the people in Bulgaria that night, Izzy reports that I said, “do what you couldn’t do before, walk in the name of Jesus, throw away your crutches. Jesus heals you now.” Somehow, the Holy Spirit made this real for Izzy and he turned to his neighbour; “did you hear that? If you throw away your crutches now Jesus will heal you!” “I don’t have the strength to throw my crutches.” Izzy shot back, “I’ll throw your crutches away for you and Jesus will heal you.” It didn’t take many seconds for Izzy to take action and before any of them hardly knew what had happened, the man who had been an invalid for years was walking, running and rejoicing. Izzy saw me interviewing people who had been healed and tried to get up on the platform to tell me what had happened, but there was such a long lineup of people ahead of him that he became irritated. He tried to push aside the man who was just ahead of him: “Can’t you see that a crippled man has been healed? We need to get up on the platform.” Izzy got a shocking response as the man pointed with his index finger towards the pupils of his newly opened eyes: “what about me? I was born blind. I’ve never seen out of these two eyes until tonight.” Well, Izzy told my friend that he and his healed neighbour never got to the platform. He describes, “there were too many people so we finally went home rejoicing.” Do you see the chain reaction of a seed? Somebody gave a seed offering, the moment it was released it became useless to the giver. However, at the same moment it became useful in the hand of God. That seed-gift brought the reality of Jesus to Izzy, to his invalid neighbour and to a blind man. Today Izzy is planting a church. That seed-offering sown 16 years ago is still producing gospel results. Partners, what a privilege! We are not just involved in a nice work: we are co-workers in a Gospel outreach blessed by God Himself. Remember the boy who gave his lunch basket to Jesus (John 6). Once those five loaves and two fishes left his hand, they were rendered useless to the boy. It seemed like he would go without food, except that his basket was put into Jesus’ hands. In the end the boy got more to eat than he ever could have imagined; 12 baskets left over. That’s the power of a seed! That boy’s lunch became a seed that provided lunch for 5000, and in return he received more than any person could ever eat by himself. The feeding of 5000 was propelled by a seed offering. The phenomenal reports on what God is doing around the world through World Impact Ministries start with partners who release a seed. Last month I wrote to you about the enormous challenge before us; six gigantic gospel outreaches in four months. I’m grateful for those who responded but we still have a long way to go. Thank you for having an open heart to God’s prompting. Today, please take your biggest seed and let it fall into the ground of the Gospel and die. Let your seed offering become useless to you, release it into the Gospel and watch God multiply your seed back to you. It’s time for YOUR HARVEST. I’m writing this letter with an unction of the Holy Spirit. I don’t dare to suggest the amount you should sow into this Gospel Ministry, because I’m afraid that I may be interfering with what the Holy Spirit is putting on your heart. God will give you faith for the amount that will be YOUR SEED! Release the amount God gives you faith for, and please do it now. Please, use the enclosed envelope and response form for your seed-offering. Your seed will produce harvest in Indonesia, Pakistan, India and Nigeria; but, most of all, it will produce a harvest and bear “much fruit” in your house. Thank you for taking this step of faith today. Together for souls, Peter Youngren 2008-09-19T12:32:36-05:00 http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/the_power_of_multiplication/full_story http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/the_power_of_multiplication/full_story Dear Friend, To many the word “righteousness” seems intimidating, something they seek to obtain, but no matter how hard they try it seems righteousness remains elusive. This struggle leads to a feeling of inability, inferiority and hopelessness, and it causes sincere believers to wonder if the Christian life really works. When we discover the New Covenant and the finished work of Jesus Christ at the cross, righteousness becomes a very positive word, because we recognize that the only righteousness worth anything is Jesus’ own righteousness, and we receive it as a free gift. Without an unshakable assurance of Christ’s righteousness imputed to us by faith, we will never have the power to live the Christian life, or the boldness to move in the supernatural power of God. The assurance of Christ’s righteousness in us causes us to grow up from being spiritual babies to mature believers. The Hebrew writer tells us that if we are “unskilled in the word of righteousness” we are spiritual babies (Hebrews 5:13), meaning that true spiritual maturity is found in discovering the word of Christ’s righteousness. ONLY GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS Because God is perfectly righteous He cannot accept anything less. This poses a potential problem. On the one side God desires fellowship with us, but that fellowship will be tainted due to the fact that our best attempts at righteousness are but “filthy rags.” Here is the dilemma - God loves people yet He hates unrighteousness. How then can God have fellowship with the creation He loves? By imputing His own righteousness into us. The good news is that Jesus’ righteousness is ours by faith. This is why the Bible calls us “saints”, “just”, “faultless”, “without spot or wrinkle”, and “without reproach.” When we believe what God says about us and apply those descriptions to ourselves, we are not boasting in ourselves, but in Jesus, who lives in us. Paul writes that we “become the righteousness of God in Jesus.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) John states that Jesus, the righteous One, is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us. (1 John 2:1) Here we see that righteousness is a person, Jesus Himself. (1 Corinthians 1:30) All these statements about how we are righteous now hinge on Jesus’ death on the cross, where He took our debt of sin and nailed it to the cross. This had a twofold effect: first our slate was clean, and secondly “principalities and powers” were disarmed and “made a public spectacle of.” (Colossians 2:14-15) How does the devil condemn you? Does he not use unrighteous thoughts and deeds that you may have done to accuse you? Do you see why Jesus’ death on the cross in one swoop removed our sins and disarmed the devil? Once you see your unrighteousness nailed to the cross, the devil has no bullets for his pistol of accusations. When you believe that your sins have been nailed to the cross and Jesus is now your righteousness, the devil is reduced to firing blanks at you. THE EFFECTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS The effects of Jesus’ righteousness imputed to us are immense. We are presented to God “holy and blameless and above reproach in His sight.” (Colossians 1:22) This does not refer to some future time; it is our current standing.  We are free from condemnation, because “It is God who justifies, who then is he who condemns. It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34) The only one who could condemn us and declare us unworthy is Christ, but instead He has made us righteous. The only one who could condemn us and declare us unworthy is Christ, but instead He has made us righteous. Since Christ does not condemn, no condemnation is valid; we are without spot and wrinkle, holy and without blemish before God. (Ephesians 5:27) Maybe you will want to confess who God says you are. Say it out loud, “I’m holy, blameless and above approach in the sight of God. Jesus’ death has justified me, and I am free from condemnation.” BEAT UP ON SIN What is our foundation? The Gospel! Paul writes about the Gospel, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, the just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17) God’s anger at sin was revealed at the cross, where God did what He had wanted to do all along: He beat up on sin. God punished sin once and for all, and that punishment, which we deserved, fell on the flesh of Jesus. God imputes His righteousness to our account, on the basis that our sins have been paid, which clears the way for us to be declared righteous. THE BENEFITS OF CHRIST’S FINISHED WORK God demonstrated His righteousness, “because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at this present time His righteousness.” (Romans 3:21-26) God doesn’t treat sin lightly; no, He gave sin a most severe punishment. Before the cross God had “forbearance” and “passed over sins.” There are many instances in the Old Testament when various people should have been punished for their sins, but God overlooked it knowing that the final payment for sin would be made through Christ. Now we look back at the full payment that has been made on our behalf, and we enjoy the benefits of Christ’s finished work. 1. Our Prayers Avail It’s not the fervent prayers that avail much, but the “effective fervent prayer of a righteous person.” (James 5:16) As long as you pray looking at your own righteousness your prayers will be ineffective. Such prayers are counter-productive and position you in a place where God cannot show His kindness to you. On the contrary, when your prayers are based on believing that Jesus has made you righteous, they avail much. 2. We are freed from self-effort Once we recognize that Jesus is our righteousness any religious acts or spiritual efforts to please God become redundant and ridiculous. 3. We have a new identity We are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), all things have become new. We are not merely renovated human beings, we have become partakers of divine nature; we are a new kind of person. Every being has a nature after its own kind whether bird, fish, cat or dog. We could pretend that a bird has fish nature and immerse into water, but it would quickly become clear that all of our good intentions would not bear fruit. You could pretend that a dairy cow is a racehorse, saddle it, and do all the proper training exercises, but you will find out that the cow still has a cow’s nature and a cow’s abilities. Similarly we can dress up a sinner in choir robes, put a hymnbook and a Bible in his hands, and make him speak Christian words, but if the nature has never been transformed our effort would be futile. By Jesus imputing righteousness we receive a new nature; we are not merely dressed up sinners, we have become saints of God. 4. We Have Victory Over Sin Romans chapter 7 gives a graphic description of a person married to his own self-effort, the law, trying to overcome sin by performing good deeds. In spite of good intentions he fails, becomes frustrated, and exclaims “oh wretched man that I am.” In Romans chapter 8 we find a person married to Christ. Both the law and Christ are holy, just and perfect, but the law is powerless, while Christ is full of power. 5. We Are Secure We are secure in Jesus because “if anyone sins we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1) Your failures do not alter Jesus’ righteousness. Often people ask, “Well Pastor Peter what if I sin, what if I fail, what then?” Well, if that happens, it’s still none of the devil’s business and the sin is not more powerful than what Jesus did on the cross. Imagine a pair of scales in front of you, on the one side are your sinful deeds and on the other Jesus’ death on the cross. Which one tips the scale? What Jesus did is infinitely more powerful than any failure of ours. No wonder Solomon wrote, “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.” (Proverbs 24:16) Notice that the one who has become righteous may fall. It doesn’t say that you have to fall because we can enjoy victory over sin, but it may happen, and if it happens you will “rise again.” The person with Christ’s righteousness has an inward nature that causes him to rise again. Put an eagle among the barnyard chickens, and the eagle will still mount its wings and soar because that’s the nature of the eagle. A Christian may find himself surrounded by failure and defeat, but the righteousness nature in the believer causes him to rise again. Remember that nothing can shake or alter what Jesus has done for you, as long as you believe it; His righteousness is foolproof and failure proof. 6. We Are Empowered Some suggest that by teaching about righteousness as a gift, people are encouraged to live a sinful life. Not at all! Actually, this reasoning is both ridiculous and illogical. How would an increased awareness of your new righteous nature make you sin more? In fact, this is the only cure for sin. Religion teaches that you need to clean up your act, crucify your flesh, and deal with sin in your life in order for God’s blessing to flow. The gospel teaches the opposite. Receive the free gift of God’s righteousness and His blessing and “you will not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) Often the gospel believer and the legalistic person have similar moral convictions. Both groups believe that lying, stealing, adultery, etc. are wrong, but the reasons for pursuing holiness vastly differ. The legalistic person is seeking to be holy in order to please God, while the gospel believer lives holy because he has received the righteousness of God as a free gift. The legalistic person is seeking to be holy in order to please God, while the gospel believer lives holy because he has received the righteousness of God as a free gift. The gospel believer lives out who he is on the inside, while the legalist seeks to become something he is not. We live righteous because we have received Christ’s righteousness. Peter Youngren 2008-09-03T14:32:00-05:00 http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/eldoret_friendship_festival_gospel_revolution_seminar_2008/full_story http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/eldoret_friendship_festival_gospel_revolution_seminar_2008/full_story Eldoret, Kenya had become a flash point of conflict in Kenya early in 2008. National election discrepancies had resulted in post-election violence. Certain leaders, hungry for power, incited follower to fight each other along ethnic lines. The divisions played upon were tribal differences, and crafty leaders stirred up feelings of resentment and hatred among their followers. Neighbors fought neighbors in the name of their tribe. Eldoret, located in Western, Kenya, long known as a bastion of Christianity in Kenya, saw fighting among the brethren. Churches were burned to the ground, and attendance plummeted to 50 or 75% below normal levels. Despair and gloom gripped the psyches of the region. Kenya had long been known for its peace and stability, but was not on the verge of civil war. As Peter Youngren watched these horrific scenes on the CNN and BBC, he clearly heard the Lord speak to him that he must go to Kenya now. Peter had frequented Kenya many previous times for Festivals/Seminar in the early 2000's, but had since moved on to other countries whom were predominantly Islamic. Yet, when God speaks, one must obey. Immediately Peter had his representative, Rev Paul Cowell, travel to Kenya to survey the situation and meet key leaders. Rev. Cowell met with the Kenyan Vice President Kalonzo who implored him to tell Peter he must come now. He shared how physical aid was vital, but spiritual, mental and physiological aid was also desperately needed. Rev. Cowell also met with the pastors in Eldoret who with tears running down their faces rejoiced that God would speak to Peter Youngren at a time like this. Immediately plans were laid for the Eldoret Friendship Festival and Gospel Revolution Seminar. Anticipation was sky high. During the months that followed Peter took to the airwaves to share the need to his partners and friends around the world. The response was astounding. Supporters from all walks of life, both young and old, expressed their support for the efforts in Eldoret. God's hand of favor was on this Festival and Seminar in a special way. Only God knew the true significance of what was about to happen, but all could sense something meaningful was about to happen. Several days before the commencement of the Festival and Seminar in Eldoret, Peter and his wife RoxAnne flew into Kenya's capital Nairobi with his television producer and pastor friends from USA and Finland. Peter's advance team was there to meet him and take him to a national press conference. TV, newspapers and radio press agents hung on Peter's every word and subsequently report of the revolutionary friendship approach Peter was taking. Immediately after the national press conference in Nairobi Peter was taken to meet the former president of Kenya, President Moi, who ruled Kenya for many years until recent. With President Moi Peter shared that he was not there to speak of "morality" or "wisdom", but to lift up the cross of Christ alone through which both morality and wisdom would automatically flow. The meeting was a wonderful success. Finally the moment thousands had been waiting for. Peter was flying on to Eldoret. Upon arriving at the airport Peter was thronged by Pastors, thankful for his coming to their city at a time like this. They had seen and heard the press reports from the national press conference in Nairobi, which only served to heighten their anticipation of the forthcoming meetings in Eldoret. From the airport a welcome parade snaked its way through the city of Eldoret to the venue for Peter's second national press conference in as many days. Upon arriving at the venue for the press conference Peter and team had to fight their way to get into the room, which had become jammed with press agents eager to get a story from this historic occasion. Day one of the Festival and Seminar saw pastors from every corner of Kenya arrive to attend the Gospel Revolution Seminar with Peter Youngren and international guests from USA and Finland. Pastors, having heard of what God was doing, came from the Western Coast, Tanzania, Northern Border and Uganda. Something unique was in the air. The three-day Seminar was certainly not to disappoint. A spiritual explosion took place on day two of the Seminar. Pastors would later share how they had come into bondage through erroneous teachings by recognized teachers in Kenya. Teachings that espoused the belief that God had brought the violence in Kenya to punish them for their sins. Pastors shared openly how they had been afraid to confront what they knew to be false doctrine because of fear and discouragement. As Peter shared that God was not angry, but had poured out His wrath on Jesus 2000 years ago, and was now a Father of hugs and kisses, the seminar delegates exploded in a joy and excitement that is not easily relayed in writing. Imagine for a moment having devoted your life to a cause, as had these pastors committed themselves to the Gospel, only to think that it had been somewhat in vain, and God was now angry at you. Then imagine yourself coming to the realization that this was simply not true, and God's love and favor was still shining brightly upon you, and would turn what the devil meant for evil to good. This slightly touches the sensation of joy and ecstasy the pastors expressed. At the conclusion of the second day of teaching, one leading Bishop in the country took the mike from Peter and began to declare his own similar testimony. This only heightened the sense of freedom felt by the pastors as one of their own openly put to rest the devastating theological travesty that had begun to grip their country and empty out their churches. Later pastors would share that Peter had put them in a positive, yet challenging position, in their theological thinking. "You have provoked us to think and to develop a sharpness of following Christ", shared one pastor. Another pastor reported how the following Sunday he stood before his church and openly apologized saying, "Sorry for not talking about Jesus in my sermons. From now on I will speak only of Jesus." The simplicity of the Gospel gripped the hearts and minds of each pastor who attended. Running hand in hand with the seminar was the large scale Gospel Festival. Publicity had penetrated the region for the previous months, and again expectations were high. Not since the skirmishes earlier that year, had any gathering brought together people from different tribal/ethnic backgrounds. Most of the population had seen the first hand the atrocities, and had witnessed loved ones killed. A deep trauma had set into the minds of the population. Many had left the region, leaving those who remained with a sense of hopelessness and despair. Despite heavy rains at the commencement of the Festival, crowds eager to hear of God's, packed the field. As the sun shone brightly on the concluding day of the Festival, a new sense of optimism and hope began to sprout up among the masses gathered. Each day they heard Peter share that God was not angry, and then witnessed God touch the bodies of hundreds of sick and hurting. Thousands came to Jesus to be born again each night. Leaders shared how this type of crowd had not been seen in Eldoret for as long as they could remember. Having heard the astounding reports from Eldoret, Vice President Kalonzo invited Peter to join him at this office at the State House in Nairobi. There Peter again shared that the Cross of Jesus was the solution to all Kenya's problems. He shared that this was in no way to make light of the situation, but there was no more weighty solution that Jesus. Thank you partners and friends for the wonderful support of prayers and finances you provided to make this timely Festival and Seminar take place. Plans are being laid for follow up networks among the pastors and leaders of Kenya to ensure this Gospel of Grace continues to be spread throughout the entire nation. You made this possible! Thank you. 2008-06-27T17:28:00-05:00 http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/indonesia_report/full_story http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/indonesia_report/full_story Wow!! I know it’s only been about a week since I last wrote.. but soooooo much has happened! As I wrote last time, we were planning a huge youth festival, in the city of Balige. And although we had many supporting us, including the Regent of the area, there were also many against us. I began to hear of others calling on witch doctors and other sorts of things to try and stop our event from going forward. 2 days before the event I looked over the city of Balige and prayed for the young generation there and gave all of the worries and all of the event over to Jesus. I felt to read through the beginning of the Book of Acts. I was really inspired by the Apostles and how they lived their lives! No matter what happened they would not stop preaching the gospel! They only prayed for more boldness to continue on preaching the good news! Then I was blown away when I read these verses; Acts 5:38b-39a. “For if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing. But if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it.” This is exactly what I needed to remember! I knew that the youth festival in Balige was not my plan; I knew it was all God. When I read these verses I realized that no matter what others tried to do to stop the gospel from being preached… they couldn’t succeed! It was such a wonderful joy. And prepared me for the next day. The day before the festival. In the morning the police began to cause problems. Claiming that day they were going to come and take me and the team in and put us in jail. They would not accept the permission we already had for the event and field. Saying we needed a different one and so the event must be canceled. I would not let myself give in… I remembered this verse! This event was God’s plan… no one, not even the police or jail could over throw it! And then the next day I need to stand on this verse again: The day of the festival. Until an hour before the event we were still short about $2,000CAN. There was no more money to pay for the sound system, stage, everything already on the field. It looked like this lack of funds would hinder everything. So… what happened you ask??? God worked in AWESOME and INCREDIBLE ways!! Not only did I not go to jail. The chief of police gave us a new permission that allowed the event to continue as planned! And right before we started we received news that God had miraculously provided exactly the amount of funds that we needed! We began to dance around with joy!! It was ALL God!! No one and nothing can stop God!!! He so loved the youth of Balige that He called us there to bring them the good news of His love for them! And even though the first night it rained we still enjoyed a great and exciting night. And the second night it rained hard right at the starting time. But we gathered together in prayer… giving it over to God. And started the event… and by the end the sky was clear and a big crowd had gathered! The excitement and joy was beyond words!! When given the opportunity 100’s of youth raised their hands and prayed to receive God’s amazing love in the form of Jesus into their lives!! It was the MOST amazing thing I have experienced here in Indonesia… to be able to look at 1,000’s of young faces and share with them the great love of their father! It was the FIRST time this city had ever experienced anything like this! It is a city full of drugs and problems among the young people. But they all came together on the field and lifted their voices to praise God! Absolutely amazing!! Incomparable joy!! The local pastors and young people were like fire after the event! Sharing how a new excitement had gotten a hold of them! And while I am here writing this now the local youth have already began to follow up the youth who received Jesus on the field!! This weekend I will return to Balige to continue working with the local youth to follow up on these new youth! It is much more than a 2 day event… that was just the beginning of God’s amazing plan for the youth in that city!! Even my own band, 4LL 4 JC, shared how this event had changed their lives! Our newest member shared how he used to play in front of 1,000’s for the world. ‘It’s just so different.’ He said. For the first time he felt such joy while playing… because now he was playing for God! I want will attach many pictures… but I wish that you had seen it with your own eyes! It caused my eyes to fill up with tears of joy… God using us to bring the gospel to sooooo many! Thank you soooooo much for your prayers and support! Through all the struggles I felt the prayers of so many for this past week! I have attached pictures below. I won’t write a caption on each one… they are all from this past week in Balige. They range from me preaching, to our youth team, to what the crowd looked like, to me hugging the Regent’s wife there (who attended both nights), to the youth celebrating Jesus,to us handing out publicity the week before the event, to my band in front of one of our billboards, to me with our special guest singers, etc, etc… I am so thankful to God for His amazing and marvelous works! I am absolutely blown away at all that has happened this week… Thank you so much for being a part of this! God gave me this vision for young people about a year ago… but now. With your help, it has become a reality!! It is completely amazing and I canÕt wait to take it to other cities!! The young generation will not be lost to drugs, sex, and alcohol… it will be saved and change the nation!!! God is more awesome than we even know!!! Susan Joy   p.s. I’m heading back to visit Canada in just over a week. (I can barely believe it’s coming so soon!) Please pray for my travels there!! I plan to stay a few months visiting Canada before I come back to Indonesia again… 2008-05-09T17:23:00-05:00 http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/urgent_gospel_opportunity/full_story http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/urgent_gospel_opportunity/full_story   DEAR FRIEND, THIS LETTER WILL BE BRIEF AND TO THE POINT. LAST MONTH I SHARED ABOUT THE EIGHT GOSPEL FESTIVALS PLANNED FOR 2008. THEN SOMETHING HAPPENED...LET ME EXPLAIN! EARLIER THIS YEAR OUR TV SCREENS WERE FILLED WITH SHOCKING SCENES, 1200 DEAD AND 300,000 HOMELESS IN KENYA. THE EPICENTER OF DEATH AND ATROCITIES WAS THE CITY OF ELDORET. ONE OF THE MOST GRUESOME STORIES WAS HOW 50 PEOPLE HID THEMSELVES IN A CHURCH, ONLY FOR THE CHURCH BUILDING TO BE TORCHED AND THOSE WHO TRIED TO FLEE CUT DOWN WITH MACHETES. I HEARD THE LORD SPEAK IN MY SPIRIT, “GO TO ELDORET AND ANNOUNCE MY GOSPEL OF GRACE. THE NATION OF KENYA WILL BE WIDE OPEN”. NOW, FRIEND, MY THINKING WAS THAT WE SHOULD WAIT ONE YEAR AFTER THE ATROCITIES, BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT GIVE US A PERMIT TO CONDUCT A HUGE GOSPEL CAMPAIGN. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, JUST A FEW DAYS AGO A ROOM FULL OF POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS, MANY WITH TEARS OF GRATITUDE STREAMING DOWN THEIR FACES, PLEADED WITH OUR CRUSADE DIRECTOR, REV. PAUL COWELL, “PLEASE ASK PETER YOUNGREN TO COME NOW. WE NEED THIS MESSAGE OF GOD’S GRACE IMMEDIATELY.” THE RESULT IS THE “GOSPEL FOR KENYA NOW!” PROJECT. THE PRESIDENT, VICE-PRESIDENT AND PRIME MINISTER - ALL PARTIES ARE ASKING US TO COME.” THE NATIONAL MEDIA IN KENYA IS FOLLOWING THIS CLOSELY. WE WILL BRING THE MESSAGE OF JESUS ON TV, RADIO AND IN THE NEWSPAPERS TO THE ENTIRE COUNTRY. HEALING, HOPE AND THE REALITY OF JESUS WILL TOUCH THIS DEVASTATED AREA. PREPARATIONS ARE IN FULL SWING FOR A HARVEST OF 200,000 NEW BELIEVERS, STADIUM RENTALS, SOUND SYSTEM AND A LARGE PASTORS SEMINAR. SOMETHING HAS GONE WRONG. THE ATROCITIES WE WITNESSED ON OUR TV SCREENS WERE CHRISTIANS KILLING CHRISTIANS. I AM DEEPLY CONCERNED HOW VIOLENCE HAS CREPT IN. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH JESUS’ MESSAGE OF LOVE AND GRACE. I ASK FOR YOUR SPECIAL HELP AT THIS URGENT TIME. WHEN I THOUGHT OF THIS IMMEDIATE AND CRITICAL NEED, A SCRIPTURE LEAPT IN MY SPIRIT. WE READ IN PROVERBS, “THE RIGHTEOUS GIVES AND DOES NOT SPARE.” (PROV. 21:26B) GOD HAS GIVEN US THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF JESUS CHRIST. HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ALSO MAKES US GENEROUS. NOTICE THE CHARACTERISTIC OF A RIGHTEOUS PERSON: ONE WHO “GIVES AND DOES NOT SPARE”. THE SEQUENCE IS CLEAR. JESUS, THE RIGHTEOUS ONE, GAVE HIMSELF AND DID NOT SPARE > JESUS CHRIST LIVES IN US > WE BECOME GENEROUS; WE GIVE AND DO NOT SPARE! THANK YOU FOR TAKING THIS CHALLENGE TO HEART. I BELIEVE SOME WILL GIVE $300, $500 OR EVEN $1000. OTHERS CAN GIVE $35, $50 OR $100. ALL I ASK IS THAT YOU PARTICIPATE. I WILL LOOK FOR YOUR RESPONSE. PLEASE DON’T DELAY! DO WHAT YOUR HEART TELLS YOU TODAY. THANK YOU! YOUR FRIEND, PETER YOUNGREN P.S. I just concluded an outstanding 4 CD teaching album called, “God, You and Money.” I share things that maybe you have never heard anyone teach. No matter where you are at financially you will receive practical, insightful teaching of what the Bible really does say about God’s plan for your finances. This invaluable tool is available for everyone who is able to give at least $75 for this urgent GOSPEL FOR KENYA NOW Challenge. 2008-05-09T17:21:01-05:00 http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/10_points/full_story http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/10_points/full_story Friendship Festivals: ”Friendship Festivals” are huge soul-winning campaigns held throughout the world, with a strong focus on nations and people groups that are “unreached”. Crowds of 50,000 to 600,000 people regularly gather in a single service. Pastors & Leaders Seminars: Seminars for pastors and church leaders run concurrent with each Friendship Festival. The focus is on training pastors and leaders to advance the Gospel in their own region. Television/Media: ”Celebrating Life with Jesus” is seen daily on television and internet web sites throughout the world. The good news is spread through media to an ever increasing audience. Follow Up For New Believers: ”Salvation - God’s Gift to You” has been distributed to over 12 million new believers in multiple languages. Other follow up efforts include follow up meetings among locally organized churches. Bible Schools: Celebration Bible College (formerly World Impact Bible Institute) was established in 1988 and to date more than 3,000 students have been trained from more than 30 nations. Campuses are located in North America, West Africa, East Africa, India and Asia. Graduates are ministering around the globe, establishing churches, operating Bible Schools and reaching people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Literature & Resources Distribution: Peter Youngren is the author of over 20 books and study manuals that are translated in numerous languages. Missionaries: The commissioning of full-time overseas field missionaries takes place on an annual basis. Missionaries have been sent to Kenya, Indonesia, Gambia, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Ethiopia, Croatia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Philippines and Guatemala. Prayer Center: Prayer is an integral part of every ministry aspect. Thousands of prayer requests are received weekly via the phone, mail and email from every continent. Humanitarian Effort: Destitute orphans, who would otherwise be without hope, receive support and tender loving care at orphanages sponsored by World Impact Ministries. This support includes education, food and a home. Personal Ministry to Partners: Peter Youngren has a strong covenant commitment to his partners. He has carefully instructed all staff about God’s blessing upon partners who participate in the Great Commission. Strategically placed offices in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia minister to partners through literature, videos and prayer. 2008-04-17T17:24:01-05:00 http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/heart_for_africa/full_story http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/heart_for_africa/full_story The contrasts are striking; beautiful people, desperate needs, religious conflicts, tribal wars, corruption, AIDS... at times the suffering defies description. Physical depravation, emotional trauma, and a spiritual void. Through Heart for Africa, World Impact Ministries takes a multi-dimensional approach. Gospel Festivals that attracted hundreds of thousands... from every background and religion. Leadership seminars for pastors are preparing Africa's future leaders. Literature provides teaching for people who have not known the liberating truths of Jesus Christ. Bible schools to give in depth training and empowering to continue the move of the Gospel in Africa. Orphans are given a new lease on life through support each month. Please become a monthly partner with WORLD IMPACT MINISTRIES, or give your very best gift. The needs are so enormous. Those who can give $1000, please do so. Yet even a gift of $1 will make a difference. Please help new believers receive follow up, sponsor an orphan child, or the life skill training for one teen- ager without parents, or sponsor the training of Africa's future leaders, or get involved with Heart for Africa's literature program. Whatever you do, let's make a difference and let's do it now. You can change a life, one person at a time. 2008-03-10T17:31:01-05:00 http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/zaria_nigeria_tapping_the_untapped_possiblities/full_story http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/zaria_nigeria_tapping_the_untapped_possiblities/full_story Zaria, Nigeria: Friendship Festival 2008 Zaria, Nigeria is a city with that has been officially Islamic for almost 1,000 years. It is a city under Sharia Law. Zaria is a city that has never hosted a foreign preacher to conduct a citywide meeting in an open area. Such an event was unheard of, and until recent, not possible. Only by God’s divine favor did this Festival take place for Peter Youngren and World Impact Ministries. In November 2007 Peter and his team met with the Governor of Kaduna State, Governor Arch Mohammed Namadi Sambo, at the Governor’s request. The Governor had heard of the friendship approach Peter took towards other religions and officially welcomed Peter and World Impact Ministries to Northern Nigeria. This invitation paved the way for preparations in Zaria, Nigeria. “Through this divine favor from the Lord, doors, previously closed for at least a thousand years, were opened wide.” Peter was able to meet the top Islamic leader for Zaria, the Emir of Zaria, in his palace. That same day Peter met with religious leaders from both the Christian and Islamic faith at a Friendship Dinner. The Islamic leaders welcomed Peter to the city with open arms having heard of the incredible favor he had also received November 2007 from the political and religious leaders in Kaduna, Nigeria. At each meeting with both religious and political leaders Peter was strong in both his message of friendship as well as his faith. Peter clearly outlined the similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity (read Peter’s book, “My Muslim Friends” for details). However, he highlighted the need for common respect and friendship as fellow human beings, while at the same time recognizing there are differences. God’s hand of favor was on Peter as he shared. Both Christian and Islamic leaders welcomed the message with great enthusiasm. Religious tensions and violence had previously plagued this region of Northern Nigeria, and the approach of peace and friendship was a welcome respite. The Zaria Friendship Festival was a four-day event held on a massive polo field at the center of the city. The Festival was combined with a three day Pastors and Leaders Seminar. The Festival was incredibly well intended (see photo report), and leaders claimed it was the single largest gathering in the recorded history of Zaria. The Festival was carried on local radio throughout the entire region. This was a first for the city of Zaria. Only God’s favor can explain how and why these events all took place. Each evening of the Festival hundreds were healed in their bodies. The very first miracle to come on stage the first night was a 30-year old man deaf since birth. His ears were opened, and he could hear. Every night the field was filled with more testimonies that could possibly be interviewed. The local leaders were in amazement as many Muslim friends were healed each night of the Festival. Some leaders commented that there were perhaps more Muslim friends healed that even Christian. Such was the incredible favor of God present on this Festival.  Friendship follow up material was distributed to over 60,000 people during the Festival. The Pastors and Leaders Seminar saw Baptist, Pentecostal, Catholic and Anglican pastors and leaders join together to receive teaching from Peter and the team of pastors he brought with him from Finland to minister. Pastor Samuel Kujiyat, a pastor for over 30 years, commented after the Seminar concluded that this was the message he had been search for his whole life. He was not alone in his enthusiastic comments. Northern Nigeria has been known as a place where preachers are unwelcome, but God’s hand of favor is changing history. God’s message of love and peace is resonating with unmistakable clarity. Plans are already being laid to conduct more Friendship Festivals in Northern Nigeria. Friend, we need your help now more than ever.... both with your prayers, and with your finances. Whatever you can give today, both large and small, will help us prepare for future meetings. Thank You Partner for being a part of this incredible move of God. This same favor of God is upon you as we join together to bring God’s love to all people of the world. 2008-02-29T17:31:00-05:00 http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/live_a_bigger_life/full_story http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/live_a_bigger_life/full_story Please be sure to order the just released teaching, “Live a Bigger Life”. This four CD album is something extra special. You will hang onto every word as I reveal God’s bigger and better plans for you, your loved ones and your future. I promise you both revelation and inspiration in this album. It is a word God gave me to share with you in 2008. Please click here to order the album “Live a Bigger Life.” For this time only, when you request the "Live a Bigger Life" album I will have my staff send you a copy of my book, "Great Faith for Great Miracle" FREE of charge. This book has seen incredible results around the world. In Asia one precious lady read the book the very same night her loved one was stuck by a car and left for dead. She immediately put the principles she read in "Great Faith for Great Miracles" into action and prayed for her injured loved one who was left for dead. By the next morning the injury, which was deemed fatal by the hospital, had been completely healed. You too will find the same wondrous truths in this highly sought after book.   2008-02-26T17:35:01-05:00 http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/together_in_the_mission_field/full_story http://mycelebrationministries.com/celebration/news/together_in_the_mission_field/full_story In several days I am back in northern Nigeria in the city of Zaria, a predominantly Muslim city. I need your help immediately. We are still $110,000 short financially, and we only have a few days left to go.    Dear Friend,        You are an anointed partner, and we share together in the ministry of JESUS CHRIST. His love touches and heals today, just like in Bible days! HOW DOES IT HAPPEN? By Jesus releasing HIS RESURRECTION LIFE THROUGH US.        Miracles prove to non-believers that our message is genuine. During three decades of supernatural Gospel ministry, I have learned that if we approach Jesus, like the people did in the book of Acts, He will do the same today. JESUS HAS NEVER CHANGED.       The enemy has never succeeded in getting us off track; we have stayed focused on Jesus and what He has done. Jesus commanded that we T-E-A-C-H and D-O His gospel. Our teaching announces the incredible fact that our sins have been punished in the body of Jesus Christ. But there is more…in the same moment that Jesus carried our sins, He also bore our sicknesses.       THE DOING is just as important as the teaching. We mustn’t say, and not do. People will only believe when they see the Gospel confirmed with miracles. That’s why we must work together with Jesus. This is the mission of Jesus; it is my mission, and it is also YOUR MISSION…we all have a part.       Jesus has called every believer to participate in bringing Christ to people. Salute, your partnership is much more than a financial gift. Your giving puts you on location with me in the mission field. GOD SEES OUR PARTNERSHIP TOGETHER! Together, we are expressing Christ’s love and hope to hurting precious people.       Neighbors are close because they live in the same area. Families are close because they share a common blood relationship. We are close because of a COMMON VISION AND A COMMON FAITH. We are supernaturally connected together in a commitment for Jesus Christ and for souls without Christ.       One of my rewards is to see the results of your partnership. I try to share with you the wonders of what God is doing. Please look at the photo report from Kaduna, Nigeria.         There is an urgency right now. Northern Nigeria has been a spiritual wasteland. While revivals and churches flourish in southern Nigeria, Islamic Sharia Law has dominated the north. Preachers who have enjoyed success in the southern part of Nigeria have been declared “un-welcome” in the north. Churches have been burned, Christians have even been killed.       God has called us to break barriers in places that have been considered impossible. When the governor of Kaduna State invited me to an official State dinner, and then broadcast the entire event live (see the photo report), I could scarcely believe my eyes.       Here we were in a country where preachers had been disallowed and believers killed. Simply put, GOD’S FAVOR IS ON US. I say like Paul, “for a great and effective door has opened to me” (1 Corinthians 16:9) The local pastors, one by one, declared, “this is history happening right before our eyes.”      In several days I am back in northern Nigeria in the city of Zaria, completely dominated by Muslims. I need your help immediately. We are still $110,000 short financially, and we only have a few days left to go.       I encourage myself, because the same God, who has given me favor in impossible places, is also giving us (you and I) favor for finances. Jesus is our Source, and now we receive the blessing He has paid for.       I ask every partner to give a gift of $110. If necessary send two gifts for $55 each over the next 30 days. Any gift, $1000, or even $1 will be helpful. I need large gifts, but I never forget that the widow’s mite is uniquely blessed by Jesus. The bottom line is that I ask everyone, every friend and partner, to participate.      Thank you to everyone who has already responded in the past. Thank you for your response right now at this critical time. Please take these steps with me: 1. CLICK HERE and plant your very best seed gift today. THANK YOU! 2. At the same time send us your most urgent prayer request, I will pray and believe God for you.  3. Select the teaching, “Live a Bigger Life”. This four CD album is something extra special. You will hang onto every word as I reveal God’s bigger and better plans for you, your loved ones and your future.       Finally, thank you for honoring Jesus Christ by your seed gift.       I love and appreciate you.       With love and faith, because of Jesus Christ!      Peter Youngren P.S.  I promise you both revelation and inspiration in this album. It is a word God gave me to share with you in 2008. Please visit this giving page to ask for “Live a Bigger Life.” 2008-01-25T17:36:00-05:00