“Heavy Rain”

by Kris Vallotton

(This book is updated and revised from “How Heaven Invades Earth.”  The release of “Heavy Rain” is a timely release for the Church for this moment in time.)

I read this books when it first came out, but I agree with Kris that is more timely and so relevant in light of all that is going on in the Kingdom and the world today. It is very deep and discusses lots of subjects near to my heart beginning with the premise that Jesus expects us to walk in signs and wonders and to work toward and believe in His prayer that God’s will be done on earth as it is in Heaven and that the miracles are a”catalyst to cultural transformation fueled by revival.” The idea of presenting to people the 2 kingdoms in contrast between the sick/diseased/possessed/dead and the healed / freed / living!

I found it very interesting and intriguing when Kris discussed his belief and word from the Lord that His Church is moving from denominationalism to apostleships; moving from unity around doctrine to unity as families. I am excited about this and find it so fascinating that I detected this as I began to follow Bill Johnson, Randy Clark and Heidi Baker. They embrace people across denominational lines to join together, to equip, and to move forward into the supernatural, ministry, gifts, and into the ministry and the Harvest of the world. It is not about control but empowerment. We live in such an exciting time!!

“Heavy Rain” also addresses the practical. To become a cultural catalyst, a thermostat instead of a thermometer, “we must gain influence by being valued by the gatekeepers of the environment. We only have a much influence in people’s lives as they place value on us.” I loved hearing some of the
details of how Bethel has pursued to transform Redding from their first meetings with the city manager, giving 10% of the people’s tithe to the city,later they returned to put 2000 students to work doing whatever they could to help Redding to become amazing! A couple of years later the city
commissioned them to build a park, and later when the City Council decided to close the Convention Center, Bethel Church wanted to buy it and run it as a service to the community with the ministry school paying to rent it. Amazing and beautiful to see the Church actually transforming a city! I
want to see that! I want to be and to see the Church influence society in such away that people are drawn to us. We have answers, creative solutions, and wisdom! May we be known for our love rather than for condemnation. May we be irresistible. May we help people to encounter God.

I also was intrigued by the discussion about Iraq in the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 37 days but it is taken years and lives trying to establish a democracy in a region that has been dominated by tyranny for 100s of years. Kris states that “The greatest challenge of replacing a dictatorship with a democracy is teaching people who have lived in virtual slavery how to make healthy choices for themselves and by themselves.. .. who don’t know how to behave in a culture of freedom and so construct other prisons for themselves.” In working with Haiti, I am so wanting to see the Kingdom transform Haiti into the jewel of God that it truly is. It is still all about loving people from the heart and bringing out the best
in them.

I highly recommend this book.  It will challenge you and the Church today to bring Kingdom transformation to the world.  The Church is the catalyst for miraculous change in the world.  Let us steward well what we have responsibility for.  “We are to be people of hope, no matter the circumstances.  Jesus has a victorious plan in place!”  Bill Johnson

 We live in exciting times!!

Blessings as you seek to bring “God’s will on earth as it is in Heaven!”

Jane

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