There is quite a bit of talk about several communities around the world where revolutionary, surprising, or as researchers of these phenomena like to describe it “transformational” things occurred! You might not (yet) find information about these communities on CNN, ABC News or other major News Networks, but media outlets located close to these places have taken notice and can not write off the positive developments as coincidental.
I am referring to communities such as Cali, Columbia, Almolongo, Guatemala and a small community in the northern Arctic of Canada. Cali of course has long been known for its hospitality to drug lords and their dubious businesses. Multiple murders where a daily reality.
Almolongo was a place of poverty and despair The Native community up north was known as a statistical example of problems found in many similar places, such as alcohol- and drug abuse, violence, skyrocketing suicide rates and abuse of all kind.
To listen to the people from those places, the positive changes that have taken place not only in the lives of individuals but numerous community members, are quite mind boggling. In Cali, most of the drug lords have left, got killed or were convicted of their crimes committed. The violence of the cities past seems to be history. In Almolongo many people have experienced freedom from former destructive habits, the economy is growing rapidly and the area has become known for its produce. Reports tell of carrots the size of men’s forearms, which are exported to many countries including the US. Actually, the US government has sent USDA officials to the area to study this agricultural prosperity. Residents of the Inuit community share with tears running down their faces how they seemed to be doomed for extinction because of all the destructive behavior and the suicides. Now, healing has taken place, addictions have been overcome, violence and domestic abuse severely curbed. Caribou, which for a long time have been a staple food for them and were nearly gone from the area, have begun to return.
Does this sound too incredible? By now you are probably anxious to know what caused the change?! Were those phenomenal changes the result of generously funded programs from governments or foundations? Did some leaders who are known to be “winners” initiate and see these changes through? None of the above!
What is common to all these places is that very ordinary people began desperately praying to God. They were united in their conviction that only God could make a lasting difference, save them and transform their deplorable circumstances. Earnest, persistent prayer, humility and unity among the believers are characteristics found wherever such a transformation has taken place. Acts 3:19 encourages us to “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord”. We would be wise to take our clues from this tried and true course of action, because God has promised to respond to this kind of invitation!
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