<strong>REVIVAL BEGINS WITH ME</strong>

When we consider the things that are occurring in our city, we conclude that we are living in difficult and distressing times. I know that every generation looked at the things that were presently occurring and compared them to the things of the past and determined that they were living in difficult and distressing times. However, the anger, rage, disrespect, lack of morals and values, lack of common sense, and other principles that were held and standard in our communities seem to surpass anything that we have ever seen. Paul shares in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, “<em><sup>1</sup> But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: <sup>2 </sup>For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, <sup>3 </sup>unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, <sup>4 </sup>traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, <sup>5 </sup>having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!</em>”

In the midst of what we face, we cry out for someone to do something… We cry out for God to do something… I believe that God is about to do something. However, it is not what we imagine. I believe that the City of Milwaukee is in need of revival. I believe that God is preparing us for revival in this city. I believe that God is preparing us for more than “Institutional church activities – as usual.” I believe that God is preparing us for life transforming ministry in this city.

Consider these quotes that I have previously shared:
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	<li>Pastor Carlson Adams, “There is too much in my ministry I can explain. If I</li>
</ul>
can explain it, God did not do it.”
<ul>
	<li>Warren Wiersbe, “The church once lived on the dangerous but exciting edge of miracle; today the church has both feet planted firmly on the ground</li>
</ul>
and doesn’t dare to venture out where the bushes are burning.”
<ul>
	<li>Pastor C. V. Harrington, 1964, “Together shall we continue to grow and this church shall be as a flaming mountain standing out as a beacon light leading men to Christ, giving our children better religious training, our mission giving</li>
</ul>
aid to those in need and here may the downtrodden find solace and peace.”
<ul>
	<li>Pastor Leroy B. Mixon, 1983, “Our hope is that these facilities will enable Pilgrim Rest to engage in a more fruitful Christian ministry to the Milwaukee community.”</li>
</ul>
Pastor Martin Childs, Jr., 2002, “Pilgrim Rest possesses the power necessary to stabilize the downward spiral of hopelessness and despair that is prevalent in our community. Even more, we possess the vision and resources requisite for the liberation and transformation and re-unification of our community.”