I met Dr. Bill Bright in the spring of 2002. I knew him personally, for just a little more than a year, before he went to his reward in the summer of 2003. He radically inspired me to believe for a great worldwide harvest of souls in our generation. Before he died he gave me a letter and special baton that represented a personal commissioning to be a part of a global movement of churches and believers who would contend for billions of souls to be converted and millions of churches to be planted around the world.
This year part of Dr. Bright’s unfinished vision is coming to pass as Dr. James Davis, of the Global Pastor’s Network, and many key pastors and Christian leaders around the world are partnering together to launch the “Billion Souls Campaign”. Seattle is privileged to host one of the regional gatherings, scheduled for Tuesday, June 21st at The City Church in Kirkland.
Some might wonder if this event goal is exaggerated to make a point or to just sound more exciting? Any of us might ask, “Is it really possible to see a billion souls converted?” Are those numbers realistic in today’s world? Can we really see that large of a harvest? I think, in the heart of every faith filled believer, a resounding “Yes!” should well up.
After the attack against America in September of 2001, millions of people went back to church to seek help from God. Today there is a continued spiritual hunger in many people’s lives. People are going back to church. Churches everywhere are growing and expanding. The largest churches in the history of the world exist today. An extraordinary harvest of souls is occurring each year with millions coming to Christ and evangelism crusades witnessing hundreds of thousands gathering in large stadiums and the fields of the world to hear the Gospel.
When certain apocalyptic events begin to coincide, an unimaginable ingathering of souls is surely possible. Signs will begin to take place in the earth, in nature and in the heavens. Turmoil among nations will stir the cultures of the world. Evil will begin to mature and manifest. And in the midst of it all, God will raise up a holy standard. He will pour out His Spirit on all flesh. He will stir the hearts of men from every nation to call upon the name of the Lord. The Lord will raise up evangelists to proclaim His good news. He will move apostles and pastors to plant churches in towns and villages and cities throughout the world. At the same time, a spirit of revival will come to churches and intercessors will cry out to the Lord. Believers by the millions will become bold in their witness for Christ, some even laying down their lives for Him and multiplied millions will be born again through their witness.
Yes, a billion soul harvest is possible. We can each do our part. We may not see a million come to Christ, but we can see one or two. Every church can work to fill their altars with new converts. Every preacher can re-dedicate his pulpit to the Gospel. Every congregation can host events to share Christ publicly. Every local church can plant another. Every pastor can support a missionary. Every apostle can train church planters. And every intercessor can pray in a great harvest. One by one, city by city, nation by nation and in every people group on earth- one billion souls is surely possible.