Is Korea on the Verge of Revival? Is North America?

When most Western Christians think of the Christian community in South Korea they immediately remember the name David Yonggi Cho, so well known for being the founding Pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul which is approximately made up of 800,000 thousand members. As well the reputation of many large churches ranging in size from 10,000 to 80,000 thousand members is now an integral part of the South Korean landscape. Of course the “Prayer Mountain” model is also well known in South Korea and continues to this day, as busloads of Koreans make a trek of prayer and fasting up to the Prayer Mountain locations on a regular basis interceding for their country.

Over the past 7 years I have had the privilege to minster in many cities throughout South Korea Looking back at my first visit I so clearly remember the incredible thirst and hunger for more of Jesus, which made the Western church pale by comparison. Being a part of several prayer mountain groups, I became jealous of their zeal and excitement for more of Jesus and I experienced personally, such an increase in unction to pray and seek the Lord in a place of peace and intimacy.

And over the past few years, I have travelled usually two weeks out of every month to South Korea, China, or other South East Asian destinations, in response to invitations requesting teaching and ministry of Holy Spirit. Whether teaching 50 BEDTS students or 5000 in a large church setting, their hunger for more of Him is the same! They are eager to hear about the Gifts of Holy Spirit, Intimacy with Jesus and the Father’s love and they welcome the manifestation and demonstration of Holy Spirit and God’s healing power. I have been so privileged to be a participant in an incredible outpouring of Holy Spirit in South Korea and I continue in prayer and practice to see breakthrough to true revival. I think it would be wise to watch South Korea in the future as a forerunner, a strong influence in the Christian faith, to the world, as well as China, a nation that is experiencing incredible evangelism and multiplication via the underground church.

Korea has experienced true revival in the past and I believe may be on the brink of true revival now! They are certainly experiencing an outpouring which some confuse with revival. My friend Terry Sommerville has defined well the difference:

1. An outpouring happens in church, a revival happens in the community.
2. An outpouring focuses on the Spirit, A revival focuses on souls.
3. An outpouring changes man’s routine. A revival changes man’s heart.
4. An outpouring makes men pray. A revival is made by praying men.
5. An outpouring builds the church. A revival builds the Kingdom.
6. An outpouring follows signs and wonders. Signs and wonders follow revival.
7. An outpouring shakes the church. A revival shakes a city.
8. An outpouring receives God’s love for the church. A revival pours out God’s love for the world.
9. Manifestations of the Spirit dominate outpourings. Conviction of Spirit dominates revival.
10. Anointed men lead outpourings. Humble men lead revivals.
11. Outpourings produce giftedness. Revivals produce holiness.
12. After an outpouring the church returns to business as usual. After revival nothing is ever the same.

And it would seem that the only way to see an outpouring move into revival is to get out of the way of Holy Spirit and let Him have his way! The Great Korean Revival of 1907 still rings strong on the hearts of many as they cry out in prayer for another Revival. May it be so!

Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. NIV

2 Chronicles 7:14-15 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

At the same time, I am hoping and praying for true revival in North America. I hope and pray for leaders to arise who will fully embrace humility, mercy, justice, love, integrity, truth and prayer as their highest values.

In November of 2009, in Kansas City at the IHOP School, the young people experienced an outpouring which continues on through today with over 25,000 recently in attendance at the One Thing Gathering! There is developing a revolution among the young people there, to live with abandonment to Jesus, to experience His power, and to release His justice on earth. I am watching closely to see this outpouring move into full blown revival in Kansas City and beyond! In God We Trust.

God is now preparing prophetic voices from many different streams in the Body of Christ worldwide. These forerunners win the lost, heal the sick, help the poor, and work to see transformation in the seven spheres of society. The forerunner lifestyle is not reserved for the elite; it is available to all who are willing to heed the call to give themselves fully to Jesus,as they minister to others…….Mike Bickle, director, IHOP Kansas City