For a second day, believers from all over Asia gathered at the Sentul International Convention Center in Jakarta for the Empowered21 Asia Regional Congress. Themed Fire and Glory, the four-day event is designed to strengthen and encourage believers as they seek a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
“Brokenness brings the presence of God, brings the power of God, and is the key to seeing the Holy Spirit work through your life,” said Lawrence Khong, senior pastor of the Spirit-empowered Faith Community Baptist Church in Singapore and co-chair of the Asia Cabinet.
After the morning worship session, delegates had options between several training sessions for Spirit-empowered ministry focused on the family, worship, the next generation, prophetic prayer, transformational ministry (including benevolence care and vocational training), discipleship, leadership and apostolic ministry.
Cindy Jacobs, co-founder of Generals International, spoke to delegates about intercession and encouraged them to fervently seek the Holy Spirit.
“This is a historic gathering of the body here in Jakarta that will bring about the greatest outpouring of the Spirit the world has ever seen,” said Jacobs. “Greater authority is coming to the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Great faith, great authority and greater outpouring.”
In the evening session, Night of His Glory, worship was led by Mark Harris and the Gateway Worship Team along with special music by the Lee University Campus Choir.
As Russell Evans, senior pastor of Planetshakers Church in Melbourne, Australia, shared about next generation ministry, he reminded delegates why God wants to pour out His Holy Spirit on all people, including teens and young adults.
“God is releasing the fire throughout the earth to bring people closer to Himself and to release His power,” said Evans.
Daniel Kolenda, president of Christ for All Nations and co-chair of the E21 Global Evangelist Alliance, reminded those in attendance that “to be great and have significant impact, we must have an authentic experience with the Holy Spirit.”
At one point in an afternoon session, Empowered21 leaders, including Asia host Pastor Niko Njotorahardjo, global co-chair Dr. Billy Wilson and global council member Tim Hill, prayed for each and every attendee, totaling about 4,000.
“This generation is the generation that can finish the Great Commission,” said Hill.
The Congress continues tomorrow with a full lineup of speakers including Dr. Wilson, as well as several more sessions on helping build the body of Christ in areas such as leadership, children’s ministry, youth ministry, family life, preaching the Word and miracles.