doorThe Kingdom of God is real.  It’s a real, living force that is emerging in some places, and being shut out in others.  Jesus prayed that the Father’s Kingdom would ‘come’.  What was He talking about?  Was he referring to a future event or something to be experienced in the context of this life?

Jesus suggested we pray it.  I don’t think He would suggest us ask for something impossible, or impractical. He knew the heart of the Father perfectly.  God desires to be invited into the affairs of men.  He chooses to be invited. Think about it.  The supreme power of the universe doesn’t need to be asked, but it’s how He rolls.

Our pizza day re-energized +15 new students to start coming out for music lessons - poor Dima!

Our pizza day re-energized +15 new students to start coming out for music lessons – poor Dima!

I pray this often, “Father let Your Kingdom come.”  I’m usually considering something that is broken, that needs mending. Relationships, governments, churches, me.

Basically wherever there is sin, there is need of redemption. The Kingdom of God comes into mess and cleans it up – it destroys darkness and restores order to chaos.  It brings hope and justice.

I think this is true personally in the corridors of our own heart as much as it is in a nation.  In fact, you could argue a nation is merely the sum of it’s parts – the hearts of it’s people.

We took a car load of students from Club 180 to Hillsong in Kiev last Sunday.

We took a car load of students from Club 180 to Hillsong in Kiev last Sunday.

As the Kingdom comes to us, personally and as a nation, it’s not without a battle.  Spiritual forces, many entrenched for generations, will not give up territory without a fight.

We are seeing this in our lives in Ukraine, and the surrounding countries that are reverberating from the spiritual freedoms we now enjoy here.

We take nothing for granted.  The histories are still fresh in the minds and hearts of those here.

[David Ryabokonenko & Matthew Zyrianov from Steiger Ukraine playing a quick song for our students at Lighthouse Cafe today – they will be hosting Feb 18th Worship Night 18:00 All Invited!]

This week we’ve been praying, and asking our supporters to pray with us for some specific victories in Belarus.  Stamps and permissions, that are seemingly so small to those in countries of religious freedom, are held on to elsewhere with firm grips.  Such permissions and even the requests for them come at great risk.  Doors close, and we realize there is more spiritual battling to be done before victory can be won.. before God’s Kingdom can come in new measures.

Aim your prayers this way.

Vlad, Max, and Brent at Club 180 this week.

Vlad, Max, and Brent at Club 180 this week.

Doors also open.  At the same time, as we look for ways around some closed doors, others fling open wide.  Today we met with some of the leaders of Steiger Ukraine.  Their passion is to impact global youth culture, and it’s not just a motto.

The ice rink has been used the most ever this year as weather has stayed under 0 all winter.

The ice rink has been used the most ever this year as weather has stayed under 0 all winter.

They are serving the Kingdom through concerts, creative outreach, and doing some amazing things in the Russian speaking world.

Valera, David and Matthew from Steiger dropping by afternoon music lessons.

Valera, David and Matthew from Steiger dropping by afternoon music lessons.

Today we merged our worlds, dreamed and planned some events that will rock our community for Jesus.

At the end of March, we will host a band from France, a youth ministry that is professional level, and look to rent out the local hall that seats 300-400.  Begin praying that God’s Kingdom comes, and

His footprint upon the hearts of 100’s of youth will be impacted!

We will need sponsors for this, as it will cost around $1,500 to bring in the needed sound, stage equipment and feed a crew of 20 for 2 days! Think Passion Conference level quality and effect, in a small town of of 8k people…  If you’d like to help us, contact me or donate here!

I am so thankful, blown away, by the talent in the Kingdom of God here in Ukraine and Belarus – the passion combined with this talent is a serious threat to the darkness – let your Kingdom come Lord – as it IS in heaven.

Bruce