In 2020 the Newman Revival was not just for the Baptist church – It was also for the township of Newman – It was for the benefit of every person who was lost through spiritual darkness. The Church is called to ‘be’ a spiritual lighthouse, casting a strong beam of light far and wide, helping those who are battling against the deadly elements of everyday life in their ‘sea of sin’.

Jesus says to those who are called by His name, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16).

The scope of my mission was every person of the Newman Community Baptist Church who did not have a saving relationship with God… also those who suffered through ignorance of God’s truth… and those who were off-side with God through hypocrisy or half-hearted faith. For the church family, the scope of their mission was the township of Newman. The light of Christ needed to be reflected toward them! However, unless the church was revived, and kept revived, then the primary existence of their lighthouse at Newman would be purposeless!

What’s the source of light of a spiritual lighthouse?… Church attendance? No! Knowing the whole of the Bible? No! Rigorous observance of rules and ritual? No! Jesus, and only Jesus, is ‘the’ light, and the Holy Spirit indwelling believers is the transmitter of His light. The Lord says, “I am the light of the world. If you follow Me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12).

Holy Spirit revivals do not need to be limited to short, single events but are meant to be ongoing everyday ‘norms’ for consecrated believers who “follow the Lord” through living holy and blameless lives… 24/7, not just two hours of religious pretence on Sundays.  That was/is the focus of my energy at NCBC… inspiring, teaching, and coaching the members to rise-up and step-out through practising the whole of their faith at home, at work, and within their general township. As they did this through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit the light of Christ would intensify within and would automatically be reflected outward, impacting those in their circles of life who were being prepared by God to be drawn to Him.

Friends, Holy Spirit revived lives are the world’s spiritual night lights that reflect the radiance of the Lord, Jesus Christ… attracting those who are touched by His love, grace and mercy. It takes just one small ‘spark’ to ignite a Holy Spirit revival… It takes just one person… you! The revival at Newman Community Baptist Church invigorated and enlarged my faith… and spoiled me for the ordinary.

Best wishes, Bill Joukhadar