Dear Friends from the Dunamis Fellowship International,
What an amazing time we had at our Dunamis Fellowship International Annual Gathering in Black Mountain this year! For the first time ever, we held a “hybrid” event which saw 50 people attend on site and between 60 and 100 people attend via zoom each day.
Our theme: “A Release of God’s Power Will Come with the Refreshing”
This led us through a time of
- Remembering God’s faithfulness,
- Being refreshed in His presence,
- Through His power be released,
- To propel us forward.
We considered how in 2020, we saw the expanding of our tent pegs, the exciting connections of global prayer, fellowship in new streams and healing taking place as part of restoring (John 17) unity to the body of Christ.
Brad Long (PRMI Executive Director) and Cindy Strickler (PRMI Director and Head of Staff) then challenged us as to why God had called us together now.
We prayed for the Holy Spirit to prepare wineskins that can provide shape and direction and restore our unity in Jesus Christ, to go deeper, and then out further than ever before.
We prayed for the Holy Spirit to empower us, for clarity of call and a willingness to serve wherever we are.
And that was just the first evening!
Worship Sessions at the Dunamis Fellowship International
Morning Prayer was led so ably and sensitively by Lauren Rittman. Everyone who took part joined in through zoom and a few were gathered in person. This was Lauren’s idea, and it worked extremely well.
I was excited to see the unfolding of how the Lord led us. And as the themes connected with the words given throughout, surely came from heaven.
This year, our worship sessions had been led by three anointed worship leaders.
- Marcia Bronson led the evening sessions,
- Jordan Wilson assisted by Amanda Whelden in the morning,
- Followed by Nicola and James Nicholson streaming from the UK via zoom Saturday and Sunday.
Each brought a freshness and uniqueness as we were led into the Lord’s presence. Often uplifting, sometimes deeply moving but always ushering into a place of receiving.
There were many Kairos moments.
Ben Torrey was on point each morning for a time of the “Worship and the Word.” Ben managed to keep those in the room and those on zoom united together, as He was led by the Holy Spirit.
It was an unhurried time, which participants expressed great appreciation.
Remembering God’s Faithfulness
Thursday morning Dave Westra spoke on “Remembering” and shared a strong message of encouragement and hope as he unpacked the journey of the weeping prophet, Jeremiah.
Remember my impoverished and homeless condition, which is a bitter poison. I continually think about this, and I am depressed. But this I call to mind; therefore, I have hope: The Lord’s loyal kindness never ceases; his compassions never end. They are fresh every morning; Your faithfulness is abundant!
Lamentations 3:19-23 (NET)
As Jeremiah calls to mind God’s mercy, nothing has changed, but there is hope. Newness is coming and faith is growing in him. The testimony of what you have done is my heritage, both personally and corporately.
True for Jeremiah then and true for each one of us today. Dave encouraged us to position our hearts to receive hope; to respond to the pressure by turning to God and being filled over and over.
That corporately God was birthing hope and faith in us as a ministry and we choose to say, “Yes” to God and follow Jesus.
Refreshed in His Prescence
We swapped the schedule around on Friday, so those in different time zones could join in the Worship and the Word. Friday afternoon, Stephanie McClain led us in a time of “Refreshing.”
Stephanie began by speaking from the book of Ezekiel and the valley of dry bones.
Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and tell them: ‘Dry bones, listen to the Lord’s message. This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: Look, I am about to infuse breath into you and you will live. I will put tendons on you and muscles over you and will cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will live. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”
Ezekiel 37:4-6 (NET)
We then had an extended time of flowing in and out, dancing with the Holy Spirit from the Word and Worship session. People were deeply moved, and the presence of the Lord was tangible.
(This session is not accessible to watch due to copyright limitations with the music.)
Released in God’s Power as a Fellowship
On Saturday morning Jay Knoblock spoke on being released in God’s power. We are called for an increase of community. But we may need to go deeper in what we think we know and ask God to reveal more to us. That wherever I go, I can be the aroma of Christ!
Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and who makes known through us the fragrance that consists of the knowledge of him in every place. For we are a sweet aroma of Christ.
2 Corinthians 2:14-15 (NET)
Jay shared how this year showed him how much he still wanted to be in control and how we as willing vessels of the Lord have to be fluid, willing to flow like a river with Jesus.
I can witness to God wherever I go.
Yes, plans will get altered; it is not the end of the world!
We were challenged as a fellowship to let God release and enhance our perception of His Kingdom and be willing to continually be in a cycle of being filled, sent out, and back to be refilled once again.
Founded in Christ
On Thursday at the Fellowship, Brad and Cindy led us in Affirming our Foundation. To review the vision that God gave us as we looked back at 2020, and then looking forward to 2021.
That He is our primary purpose, our real focus, and He is preparing the way for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Thursday evening Todd Westphal (Roeh, or Shephard of El Shaddai Congregation in Frederick, VA) talked about Hesed (the depth of God’s love for us); the blessing that is running after us, and the picture of One New Humanity.
Ben Juster (President of Tikkun America) identified that we are the temple of the Living God, He has healed the breach between Jews and Gentiles.
In a Kairos moment, we saw a mighty stream converge as the Lord is bringing us together under a canopy (chuppah), as we were led to pray for healing throughout the nations.
Invitation to the Thirsty
Friday morning Father Gregory Gresko taught us about the Lectio Divina. We were invited to soak in the Living Waters of grace; seeking to soak in the divine will of the Most High God.
Through the steps of reading, speaking, reflecting, and listening Fr. Gregory encouraged us to allow God’s heart to speak to our heart. To go at God’s speed and to rest our heads on Jesus’ heart.
If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. Just as the scripture says, ‘From within him will flow rivers of living water.’
John 7:37-38 (NET)
This teaching was valued and appreciated, and many had a desire to explore further.
On Saturday morning there was a symbolic passing on of the “baton” on to the next generation and then a deeply moving time of receiving their thanks and appreciation for walking with them, for encouragement and mentoring.
We walked the land and spent time in the PRMI Prayer House and enjoyed the Walk of Refreshment, both on site and virtually.
To Be Propelled Forward
Our heartfelt thanks also go to:
- JuleAnn Martin who led overall intercession (both onsite and online), assisted by Pierce Johnson and Cindy Smith online.
- Katy Martin (onsite) and Joanne Rozendaal and James Kearny (online) for leading personal prayer ministry. It was such a blessing to see the two teams joining together to provide ministry.
- Our wonderful tech team: Chris Walker, Adam Wilson, Jeff and Brynn Dudletts, Richard Dudletts, who all did a wonderful job so that more could hear the vision and participate as a global family.
- Stephanie and Lauren for providing amazing hospitality, especially the Friday evening “Party” that was apparently out of this world! Something I so look forward to enjoying next year in person!!
- Sandy Doss, for organizing and devising the “phenomenal” Walk.
Dunamis Fellowship International Charge Forward
Janet Lammers and Trevor Peyton leading the renewal of the DFI membership.
People used the words, encouraged, strengthened, refreshed, inspired, challenged, equipped as they expressed how they felt during the Gathering.
At the time of closing, Cindy gave a charge that propelled the Dunamis Fellowship International forward into the next year. The worship led by the Spirit, so pure. This time of refreshing is for you also to take part in.
As a fellowship team we are looking at ways to improve and develop as we prepare for next time. Although it was disappointing for many not to be able to attend in person, it was delightful to still all be connected and see each other and fellowship together.
Please pray for us and keep in touch!
Much love,
Hilary Clark
DFI Associate Director
