I read this quote some time ago but came across it again today.  It has a lot to say to us as we continue to pursue revitalization through the Fanning the Flame process.  It comes from Bishop Festo Kivengere who was chased out of Uganda by the genocide initiated by Idi Amin. 

Revival doesn’t come to respectable Christians.  If you think that because you are a good church member, or because you belong to such and such organization, you’re going to be revived, you had better forget it.  The basis of revival is men and women shattered by their failures – aware that all is not well, helpless to do anything about it. 

We need to carefully consider Bishop Kevengere’s thoughts as we continue to pursue revitalization and renewal.  We will not be renewed as individuals or as a church simply because we have completed a revitalization program.  We will not be revived and renewed because we are stellar people.  I mean no disrespect, but if we could be revived because we are so respectable and such good church members, we wouldn’t need to be revived in the first place. 

We will only be revived, revitalized, renewed when we each become deeply aware of how shattered, broken and needy we already are and then become desperate for God to do what only He can do in our hearts, our lives, and our church. 

I am grateful for all that God has been doing here at North River over the last year.  I am pleased to see the spiritual growth that is taking place in so many people.  We have made a lot of progress and the foundations are being put in place to make even more.  I’m encouraged.  Thank you for praying, serving and pursuing God together.  Keep it up.