June 2009

June 2009 Dear Friends of Cornerstone, I was so thankful that Craig and Karen Hardy from the Cornerstone board could join Beccy and me in representing the American Church at the recent Call2All global gathering in Hong Kong. Here are my personal reflections from this historic Christ-event, and Beccy, Craig and Karen Hardy will tell you their own reflections firsthand.

• To meet fellow believers from over 100 nations and to capture their passion for Christ even though we often couldn’t communicate with language.

• To praise God with 1,000 people from the home Church in China, who had never before praised Christ in a large group.

• To see their commitment to give all for the sake of Christ;To see the joy they have while serving in difficult circumstances.

• To hear firsthand reports of thousands, yes hundreds of thousands of people coming to Christ in many places on earth.

• To share Pray-Care-Share and our lighthouse bookmark with people from a dozen or more countries.

I believe Pray-Care-Share will now be shared with people in China, northern India and Mongolia, and perhaps other nations around the globe.

I saw a glimpse of heaven, as a “great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language" praised Christ the Lamb (Rev 7:9).

I think I experienced Christ’s Olympics in Hong Kong. Thanks for your part in making it possible for us to go.

Reflections from Beccy DeWitt

I feel like I’ve witnessed a universal Church Olympics. Flags from all the countries represented (over 100) were marched and danced across the front of the giant meeting room. 3 or 4,000 Christian leaders speaking, praying, singing in many different languages – it truly seemed like Rev. 7:9, ”… a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language standing before the throne.”

Some of the most memorable times for me were walking, singing, praying with thousands over the large map of the world, and over the Silk Road map. Even tho’ so many languages and nations were represented at the conference, there was an amazing feeling of the unity of the Body of Christ.   The exciting numbers when the commitments were tallied are really astonishing. I can’t wait to hear the reports of many thousands of people finding Christ and sharing Him with others. ~ Beccy DeWitt

Craig ~ I think one of the most impactful things I took away from the conference was just how strong and alive the believers are in countries (over 100 countries represented) from around the world. When I took off my "western cultural" glasses, so to speak, I came to realize how myopic and limited my view is of the impact Christ has on the millions of brothers and sisters we have around the world.

 

I confess to being spoiled, pampered, selfish and self absorbed in my life and was blown away by the love and sacrifice of those from many countries that are not as well off as we are. It was incredible to see how fast cultural barriers are broken down when the common bond is Jesus.

In the first 30 minutes of the first day we met people and fellow believers from countries such as Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, Nepal, Mongolia, Brazil, India, Kenya, and over 1000 strong from China! The worship was just outstanding, and we all had tears in our eyes as thousands of believers sang hymns in their native tongue. To hear over 1500 voices in Chinese singing to the Lord "We Cry Holy, Holy, Holy...Is the Lamb" was amazing.

 

We were just in awe on the last night of the conference when they announced there were commitments from all the (thousands) organizations and people represented to bring the gospel to over 1.7 billion unreached people. It was amazing ... (and overwhelming). The good news is that Pray, Care and Share is alive and being practiced around the globe ... they just may not know it as this model! Our hope and prayer is that God will continue to use Cornerstone and all of us to help bring the Light (Jesus) to the lost. ~ Craig Hardy

 

Karen ~ It was a privilege and honor to represent Cornerstone Network Association and the United States at the Call2All Conference in Hong Kong with my husband, Craig, and Larry & Beccy DeWitt.

 

It is still hard to grasp what transpired ... still somewhat surreal … to worship with 3,000 people from 100+ countries in their native tongues. To witness a time of repentance, forgiveness, and healing by delegates who were representing countries in Europe and Asia regarding past history between these nations. To see the power of God bring healing amongst these people and unite us as one with one heart and purpose … His purpose. To see brokenness and tears while Prayer Walking on the 4K Map of the World … on every part of the world … China, North Korea, Africa, India, America. To see countless pledges to fulfill the Great Commission from all over the world.

One of the highlights for me was to see the joy of all the delegates singing “I AM FREE” each night during session. We Americans don't know the freedom we have to openly worship. For many in attendance, it was their first time. My memory is of thousands of hands stretched up to heaven coupled with an exuberance and joy one cannot explain. ~ Karen Hardy