What began as a prayer burden turned into a major event—an event that gathered together members of the body of Christ with one simple desire—to exalt the Lord Jesus. The event, “Memphis Exalts Jesus” brought together several thousand Christians from a wide array of racial, ethnic, denominational and cultural backgrounds at AutoZone Park in downtown Memphis. For over four hours there was praise and worship, scripture reading, prayer, exhortation, and testimonies. During the whole time, no name was mentioned other than the Lord Jesus.
The burden for the time was birthed in the hearts of a number of Christians from various backgrounds as they sought the Lord concerning a possible response to the national Atheist Convention being held in Memphis on Easter Weekend.
“It was clear to us, that the idea of protesting or demonstrating was not what the Holy Spirit wanted,” said one of the event facilitators. However, something was in our hearts and we sought the Lord for direction. After several months or prayer, consideration, and fasting, the Lord seemed to be encouraging having an event focused only on the Lord Jesus Himself.
Two men who did not know each other, from very different backgrounds both had the same desire—to rent AutoZone Park and have “Memphis Exalt Jesus.” These men found each other through several mutual believers.
“At first it was laughable,” said one of the men. “I kept it in my heart and mind for at least two months before saying a word about it.” Then suddenly it emerged and there was a witness to go forward. In just 10 weeks hundreds of Christians came out of the wood work to organize and execute the event.
The gathering occurred on the day that many in the city commemorated the tragic death of Martin Luther King; on the day that the Atheists held their national convention in Memphis; on the day before the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. There was a sense that having thousands of Christians come together in “Memphis Exalts Jesus,” would not only impact the hearts and minds of many believers but also release chains imposed by the powers of darkness that have brought division and distrust among so many.
The venue, AutoZone Park, is the home of the AAA baseball team, the Memphis Redbirds. “The Lord provided the perfect weather day,” said Nate Rhoades. Rhoades is an air traffic controller. He indicated that the meteorologist that works with the FAA called for “Abundant Sunshine”—this was remarkable given that the weather leading up to and immediately after the event was rainy, stormy and dreary. “The perfect weather was the Lord’s grace,” he said.
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SOURCE: Charisma News
Steven Coplon
