Open Heaven Revival
Ian Johnson
New Zealand
There was an amazing revival in Ireland, that started with Patrick, the man they used to call "The one who raises the dead" He was the spear head who broke through, but the fires he started were fanned and fostered by many others who had seen God for themselves and burned with passion for the cross of Christ.
It is written that Patrick and his companions had come one day to a certain valley in the north of county Down, when suddenly they beheld and the valley they were in filled with a heavenly light and with a multitude of the host of heaven, they heard the voice of Angels, the sound of the heavenly choir. They were so overwhelmed they called the place "Vallis Angelorum" THE VALLEY OF THE ANGELS.
Bangor in Ireland was established in 555 AD by St Comgal in Vallis Angelorum. Bangor went on to become one of the most renowned centres of Celtic Christianity. Comgal succeeded in planting the longest running 365 day 24-hour 7 day house of prayer and worship since the tabernacle of David. 3000 men sang and prayed in continual thanksgiving to God for over 250 years. Like the Monrovians who came nearly 1200 years after them they believed that the fire on the Altar must never go out. Thus their continual praise and worship fanned the flames so that their was always at least 1000 voices being raised to the Lord any time of day or night for 250 years.
Comgal divided his 3000 men into three groups two thirds slept in their tents and huts while one third kept up the worship. Bangor succeed in doing what had not been done since the days of the temple in Jerusalem. From this community great centres of learning grew. Some say that the influence of this community became the very basis for western civilization.
This strategy of 24 hour a day prayer and worship created the most successful missionary thrust in Church history Large numbers went out and established daughter churches all over Europe. One Missionary Molua is alone reputed to have established over 100 churches. Men from Bangor "The Light of the World " planted as far a field as Russia & Bulgaria. It only ceased to be effective when the Viking invaders destroyed the city and murdered its inhabitants. As part of their conquest they took for themselves slaves, beautiful Irish women. These women influenced these uncouth savage beasts and turned their hearts to Jesus. So in one scene the revival and transformation of Europe continued even in what seemed like a defeat.
Forerunners are again pushing through and creating open portals where Angels are ascending and descending, where the breath of heaven is both heard and felt. Breakthrough is being seen in meetings and revivals around the world right now. Its very easy to sit back and enjoy the move, but now is not the time to sit back. Its time to rise up and take hold of heaven.
Last weekend when I was speaking the words came out of my mouth "God is an extremist" He will go to extreme measures to rescue his Children. He will anoint Sons & Daughters who abandon themselves to the purpose of God.
The 5th & 6th century Irish Christians used to hoist the sails on their reed boats and trust God to take them to their destination. You see these boats had no rudder they just trusted the Holy Spirit to take them wherever he desired. Thus All of Europe was evangelised. That's abandonment!
In the state of abandonment the only rule is the duty of the present moment. In this the soul is liquid as water, simple as a child, in receiving all inspirations of grace. This abandonment takes any form according to the mould into which it is poured, thus receptive to any form that God Chooses to give them. Jean-Pierre De Caussade. 1675-1751.
Open heaven revival is happening in many places right now, God is looking for abandoned sons & daughters to pour out into the mould of his purpose
The move you are experiencing could be a new Bangor. Your worship could inspire a new Vallis Angelorum, your city could become the new "Light of the world" Remember prior to saints like Patrick Comgal and Brendan, Ireland was held captive to witchcraft, murder and destruction. In the golden years of revival Ireland was used to bring transformation not only to the Celtic peoples but deep into heathen Europe. The Irish Christians took hold of the heart of God, Pushed until heaven opened, moved in greater supernatural power than their Druid brothers and changed history forever.
Arise sons & Daughters of the most high God, hoist your sails and abandon yourselves to Him! After all if you cant trust God who can you trust? You are carrying revival now fan the flames.
Ian Johnson