Writing is our passion! The Mission Hills Press (TMH Press) is a monthly publication featuring articles birthed by prayer and Bible study, and testimonies from our missions travels. If you're encouraged by reading feel free to share these with others.
Katherine Hill | December 2025
“WICAPIWAKAN, SHINE FOR THE HOLY ONE! Wicapiwakan, shine for the Holy One! Wicapiwakan, shine—”
“Hope, wake up!” Spark interrupted my dream. “Hope!” He called once again.
“Wake up! Hope! Wake up!” Twink’s alarming voice awakened me.
“I’m awake! I’m awake!” I looked around with blinking eyes.
“Hurry! We don’t have much time.” Spark could not hide his excitement. “Let’s go!”
“Wait, where are we going?” I asked as I followed. My friends were quickly weaving their way through the big and bright stars of the galaxy. They were too fast for a little one like me.
“Excuse me! Excuse me!” I said over and over, going as fast as I could between crowds of starry hosts. I was trying to catch up with my friends and I did not notice where I was going.
“Ahhh! I’m drifting!” I shouted. I felt so scared I cried out, “God, please help me. I don’t want to fall.” When I realized that I was no longer being pulled away, I quickly turned to my right and to my left. “Spark? Twink? Where are you guys?”
I found myself alone in the dark, and I became very afraid. “Where am I?” I asked as I turned around. “Whoa!” My eyes suddenly grew round. Billions and billions of stars from the galaxies were all shining and sparkling right before me. “I wish I was one of them,” I whispered to myself.
“You are, Wicapiwakan,” said the Mighty voice.
“Wicapiwakan? Me? No, I’m Hope,” I replied in fear while I searched for the familiar sound.
“I know who you are. I see you.” The Mighty voice revealed.
“You see me? You could see my itty-bitty light?” I could not believe it.
The Mighty voice answered, “You may be a wee one, but I always see you.”
“I still don’t understand how you could see me. I’m so small and so tiny, and I don’t even know my place in the galaxy.” I said to myself but somehow the Mighty voice heard me.
“Don’t be sad. I have made you as you are because you’re special to me. And because I made you, I know the perfect place for you,” declared the Mighty voice.
“Really?” I could not hide my excitement.
Then the Mighty voice asked me, “Will you go for me?”
I nodded joyfully. “I will! I will!” I cried out jumping up and down. Suddenly a great light appeared and swirled around me and brought me far to the East. There the great light came upon me and led me to my place. Then I heard the Mighty voice, “Wicapiwakan, the holy star, you have become! You will shine bright as the guiding light for the long-awaited King has come.”
I was just a little one from far, far away in the galaxy. I did not know that my Maker had a big plan designed just for me. Why He chose me, I will never understand. But because He chose me, I will obey His plan: “Wicapiwakan, shine for the Holy One!”
“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him” (Matthew 2:2 NKJV).
David P. Hill Jr. | December 2025
THIS FINAL 2025 INSTALLMENT of The Mission Hills Press is as unique as this season is to every other. Advent, the beginning of the liturgical year for Christians, focuses on hope, peace, joy, and love. When the holy star appeared to the wise men in the gospel narrative, its message of fulfilled promise contained unspeakable joy. The hope of heaven had come to earth. His love was now tangible, and His peace was available to fallen mankind.
The personification of the holy star in our featured article this month came from a short children’s story that Katherine wrote a few years ago. I believe that it perfectly illustrates what the Lord is saying to His people this advent season: Most often God chooses the seemingly overlooked for His divine purpose!
Just like the wise men from the east, often the Lord gives us a small glimmer of His grand design. The way in which He desires to reveal Himself to us, as well as when and where He wants to use us, can seem cloaked in mystery. As the holy star appeared, all the wise men knew was that they were to follow it.
Perhaps this holiday season finds you where I have been many times. God’s will seems a mystery. The way in which I believed He would work in my life is different than what I see in front of me. We search for the clarity of the light of day, and more often than not, the Lord gives us a single star to point us in the right direction.
As we have prayerfully considered the direction of The Mission Hills, and we continue to travel for church-edifying missions work, the Lord has shown us a great need. Pastors and ministry leaders who constantly engage with and serve those in need, are many times in need of ministry themselves.
It has been an unspeakable joy this fall to serve God’s servants through friendship. From the northeast down to Florida, our ministry travels find us sitting in diners, living rooms, and church offices. We have been listening to and praying with pastors. What an honor it has been to be a confidential prayer partner with those whose lives are dedicated to serving the people of God.
Admittedly, there have been many times that I have felt like the Lord had placed me aside. Like the holy star of Bethlehem’s story, I felt as if I was alone.
No doubt that many reading this publication may feel ‘overlooked.’ Beloved, it is during the times when the Lord seems distant that He is preparing us to shine brightly for Him. If you are in a holding pattern right now, don’t give up. Scripture is clear: To be faithful in much we must first be faithful in little. Before the Lord uses us in a visible way, He will often first refine us in the unseen places.
Katherine and I find ourselves asking, ‘Are we willing to be faithful to that small thing assigned to us in this season?’ Just like the holy star of Bethlehem, God sees the bigger picture and His grand design. The star that suddenly found itself at the apex of God’s redemptive plan is a good reminder to us today, that the Lord has a specific purpose for each of us. Unspeakable joy will come as we wait on Him to show us how to serve His purpose. It is only a matter of God’s perfect timing.
“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8 KJV).
Image by David P. Hill, Jr.
Grateful Waiting
David P. Hill Jr. | November 2025
WAITING IS NOT SOMETING THAT PEOPLE ENJOY. In a fast-paced and demanding world, anxious thoughts assail quiet hearts. Yet the Lord tells us again and again in His Word to demonstrate our faith through grateful waiting. We can be grateful because we know that the Lord will respond to the heart that will patiently wait for Him.
I was recently at a store to have tires put on our car. I walked around for a few minutes and then I decided to sit down on a bench and wait for the service to be completed. Less than a minute after I sat down, and before I could scroll through my phone, a man asked if he could sit next to me. He immediately began telling me his story. He had come from the VA that morning and seemed to be burdened. He began to share some of his struggles. A few Scriptures came to mind and I shared them with this lonely veteran. I told him that the Lord understood all about his affliction and pain. As I got up from the bench my new friend said that he needed to hear the encouragement that God had given me for him. If I had not been waiting for my automobile to be serviced, I would have missed an opportunity to share the love of God with a veteran in need. I was grateful to the Lord for the opportunity to wait.
The prophet Jeremiah demonstrated a greater patience in grateful waiting than most of us have ever known. His words from the book of Lamentations were born in great afflication. The prophet learned to hope in God when everything appeared hopeless. Even though his message was one of repentance and national restoration to the Lord, Jeremiah was persecuted by almost everyone to whom the Lord sent him. Those whom he prophesied to responded by beating him, putting him in stocks, and throwing him into a muddy cistern. As Katherine and I finished reading the book of Jeremiah together recently, it occurred to us that we have not been through anything for our faith compared to the trials of the weeping prophet. Jeremiah’s suffering was humiliating and yet his tears were for the restoration of those who persecuted him.
Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonian army in 586 BC. Even though Jeremiah’s nation did not turn back to the Lord in time, his message endured and God responded to his faith. The same prophet who pronounced judgment for Judah’s sin also declared God’s hope of restoration: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV). Jeremiah’s message brought hope to God’s people who were in captivity for the next 70 years after Jerusalem fell. Then the day finally came. The Lord moved miraculously and restored His people to their land.
How deeply the Lord must have worked in the weeping prophet’s heart! Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry was dedicated to bringing God’s hope to those who were rejecting and persecuting him. His ministry foreshadowed that of Jesus Christ, who suffered as no man ever has in history. He poured out His life even for those who persecuted, mocked, and crucified Him. We can be grateful that Jesus did not skip the suffering, but He waited patiently on His Father to act. He endured the agony to win a place in heaven for us. His Father did respond to His waiting Son, and the greatest miracle in history took place. The Father raised His Son from the dead!
Through what Christ endured there is hope for every lonely heart, every suffering soul, and every afflicted Christian patiently waiting through a difficult season in life. As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, God is teaching Katherine and I the secret of grateful waiting. A sign hangs over the door in our apartment, and it reminds us every day: A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.
Perhaps like Jeremiah you’ve been gratefully waiting and things are getting worse, rather than better. Maybe like the veteran I met no one seems to understand your affliction. Rest assured that waiting gratefully on the Lord is never in vain. He does His greatest work in us as we wait on Him. Miracles come after grateful waiting.
“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord” (Psalm 27:14 KJV).
Amicalola Falls. Image by David Hill.
The Way
Katherine Hill | November 2025
ON OUR RETURN TRIP FROM FLORIDA LAST MONTH, David and I made a brief stop at Amicalola Falls at the recommendation of pastor friends. While I will not easily forget the glory of God’s creation from that part of Georgia, it was a street sign outside of the state park, Antioch Church Road, that led me to a grateful contemplation.
It stood low, nearly camouflaged against the rich autumn foliage. It immediately reminded of the place where the followers of Jesus were first called Christians. In the Book of Acts, they were often referred to as those who belonged to The Way.
Thomas, one of the disciples of Jesus, once asked how they could know the way. Jesus answered and told him,
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6 NLT).
The Book of Acts also tells us that after the apostle Peter was arrested, he was questioned by the Jewish council. Peter replied with boldness from the Holy Spirit and said,
“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 NLT).
Jesus paid for our sins on the cross that stood uncamouflaged atop Calvary. He alone made the way back to God possible for all. And for that we can be grateful.
As followers of Jesus may we find gratitude in our hearts not only this Thanksgiving season but all throughout the year. And if you’re like most, who once were lost, may your heart seek The Way and hear Him saying, “Come.”
Seek Week, Central Triad Church. Image by David P. Hill, Jr.
One Heart
David P. Hill Jr. | October 2025
IT IS EASY TO FORGET that the birth of the church did not take place during a tranquil time in history. World population then was less than the modern United States. Estimates are between 200-300 million people were alive in the world during the first century.
It was not a peaceful time on earth. The gospel had its beginnings under the most oppressive government in human history. It was an epoch of constant war, intense ethnic divisions, and horrific persecution. However, the gospel not only survived in this setting, the book of Acts describes a church that thrived.
“The entire multitude of those who believed were of ONE HEART” (Acts 4:32, emphasis mine).
The age we live in has its own challenging realities. Yet for Christians, few things are as painful as when there is disunity in the body of Christ. The last church where I served as pastor experienced such a disruption of unity. I was slandered and betrayed. I looked around for minister friends to support me, yet I found judgment and vitrial instead. I walked away from the same church where I had grown up in order to avoid further heartache for those whom I pastored. This ordeal eventually cost me my credentials in the fellowship I had been a part of for 25 years.
It was a season of walking through the valley, but I have since been restored by the Good Shepherd. As I write this article, I feel in my heart that many believers may be going through similar circumstances. Nothing causes as much agony in the church as disunity. Yet the most painful experiences we encounter can bring about the most growth in our walk with the Lord. The greatest unity can come after the greatest division. No matter the work or schism of the enemy, God is always uniting His church. Unity is the very first ingredient for the move of the Holy Spirit.
In September, Katherine and I travelled to Winston-Salem to be a part of Seek Week. This regional revival conference was hosted by Central Triad Church, which has been experiencing a fresh move of God. As the first service of Seek Week came to a close, the enemy attempted to thwart the unity that is growing among believers in this region.
Something had been said from the platform—an innocent comment, void of any malice. As he always does, the enemy twisted the words and their meaning, seeking to disrupt the unity that is so vital to any move of God. The devil is good at making something beautiful appear ugly for a moment. Yet a moment is all that the attack endured, as the misunderstanding was promptly addressed from the pulpit. Monday night came and the sanctuary was full for the second service of Seek Week.
Apart from the unity that can come after the pain of division, there is a second ingredient for revival. Nothing attracts the presence of God like spiritual hunger! The hunger of those gathered for Seek Week grew each night until it was palpable. This hunger took the form of a united desire for the public glorification of Christ.
Herein lies the third and most important ingredient for genuine revival: The unity of the church, and the hunger that brings us together, must focus on the person and work of Jesus Christ!
As believers from diverse churches gathered for Seek Week, anointed guest ministers shined the spotlight on Jesus. The hosts of the revival conference, Pastors Michael and Annette Kelly, held a light hand on the services. God’s work was evident, and He taught us some truths.
America stands at a precipice between two spiritual destinies. The spirit of division that has gripped our nation may be bringing us to the edge of societal collapse. One does not need to be prophetic to see that we could be on the verge of civil war. Political idealogy, often held along racial lines, and harsh rhetoric in America have descended into violence and bloodshed. Yet in the midst of the intense pain of division, God is bringing unity in many churches.
In the sovereignty of God, the destiny of nations is something that He has left up to His praying people. What our divided nation needs is a united church. Our hunger for God and focus on Christ can bring us together. Every division and schism in the church must bow before the Lord. Are we willing to lay everything down?
Praying for One Heart,
David P. Hill Jr.
The Unexpected
Katherine Hill | October 2025
HAVE YOU EVER PRAYED for something for so long that you began to build expectations as to how the Lord will answer your prayer? If we are honest, we would all say that we have been there. Like myself, most girls who have been wanting (and sometimes dreaming) to find Mr. Right have been there.
The younger me believed that the Lord would bring Mr. Right into my life without me looking for him. But as I went from one disappointment to another, I became weary. Jane Austen’s novels did not help. I thought Mr. Right (not Mr. Darcy) was out there somewhere but had given up his search for me.
And so I prayed, and I prayed, and I prayed until one day the Lord finally answered my request. No, Mr. Right did not show up at my door. God showed Himself to me through the power of His Word.
“But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious” (1 Peter 3:4 ESV).
The Lord spent the last several years of my single life changing the desire of my heart from wanting to find Mr. Right to becoming Ms. Right. What no romantic movie nor a romance novel can do, the God of the impossible did. The Lover of my soul patiently prepared me before He sent my David to me. My heart would not have it any other way.
The Poconos. Image by Katherine Hill.
Heaven's Perspective
David P. Hill Jr. | August 2025
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (II Corinthians 3:18 ESV).
ONCE A MONTH we spend a day in the Poconos. After a little over an hour of driving west from New York, the hustle and bustle of the big city give way to the serenity of mountain streams and endless forests. We take this monthly afternoon retreat to reconnect with each other and more importantly, with the Lord. We are grateful that He has allowed us to live on our urban mission field, yet we cherish these times of solace and reflection. Life takes on a different perspective in the great outdoors.
The Apostle Paul shared an important principle of faith in his second letter to the Corinthian church. One might refer to it as ‘heaven’s perspective.’ We don’t need to go to the mountains to experience it. The Lord is much closer.
The call of the Holy Spirit through Christ is simple, and yet it is profound. Finite human beings can have an eternal vision. Seeing through heaven’s eyes is not a faith-principle that is confined to the New Testament alone however...
“That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple” (Psalm 27:4).
In this passage, King David is expressing His desire to see the Lord. The word gaze implies more than just a cursory glance. As Christians we are not like those who simply look to the Lord temporarily, during seasons of difficulty. To gaze means to look steadily and intently. It implies admiration in our contemplation.
David said, ‘all the days of my life.’ To see things from heaven’s perspective, to gaze upon the Lord, is a life-long pursuit. We are not simply looking to Him for help, we are engaging in worship.
The value of this kind of faith is priceless. It is greater than special revelation, and more precious to God than responding to dreams and visions. The Apostle Paul was no stranger to such experiences. He was caught up to the third heaven (II Corinthians 12:2). The odd thing is that in all of the New Testament writings that he authored, Paul only mentions this heavenly experience one time. A truth comes into view in light of the lack of more information about this revelation.
The Apostle Paul was as intentional in what he did not write, as in what he wrote in his letters. ‘Beholding the Lord’ is a choice. As we daily seek to walk with God, we will see things differently. We will have heaven’s perspective.
Let’s Go and Tell,
David & Katherine
Batangas, Philippines. Image by Katherine Hill.
The Answer
Katherine Hill | September 2025
I WAS A BACKSLIDER at the age of twelve. Anger and questions consumed much of my heart.
Why was I born to a poor family? Why did my father drink so much? Why was I to be sent thousands of miles from home? The list of questions only mounted and continued to remain unanswered.
I thought I could find the answers in the church. Yet I only experienced dismay. My Sunday school did not have the answer. The sermons I heard preached gave no help. Frustrated I left and turned away.
I had hoped to find the answers in my family, from the men and women of faith who raised me, prayed for me and encouraged me. But none of them understood the chaos inside my heart.
When I realized no one could help, I went and looked for it myself. I took a little stool and placed it before a wooden platform where my great grandfather’s Bible was kept. After stepping on the stool, I turned to what I then believed was the largest book on the planet. Desperate for answers I felt had been denied me, I opened it and began flipping through its worn pages.
For about three years, I read from it even when anger seemed to have pitched a tent in my heart and made a dwelling deep within it. However, it didn’t matter how many times I flipped through its pages, for even there, I did not find an answer. At least, that’s what I thought.
Then one Sunday morning, I woke up debating whether I should go to church or not—something I had not felt in a long time. But I knew that if I went, I would not want to be alone.
So I went to see a cousin I used to go to church with hoping I could persuade her to join me. I was on my way to her house when a beautiful sunset poster stopped me. It was small in size, and above the rich and warm hues of the setting sun, there was a verse from the Psalms.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life —of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:4).
The next thing I knew, I was standing at the door of my church, gladly being welcomed by an evangelist who prayed and patiently ministered to me since the day I turned away.
That particular Sunday morning was in January of 1994 when I gave my heart to my Lord and my Savior. Anger departed as if taking up his tent and abandoning his dwelling. As I left the church with an inexplicable joy within me, my eye caught something quite unexpected. Pinned up on the announcement board were the words that changed my life forever: “Jesus is the answer.”
I was truly glad I finally found the answer I had been searching for, but the truth is the Answer was the One who found me.
On Easter, over 700 from Church of Alpha Omega came out to worship in the sports complex, near the heart of the town of Naic.
The Greatest Revival
David & Katherine Hill | July 2025
WHAT A BLESSING IT WAS for us to share God’s love in the Philippines. Katherine and I ministered in two churches and saw many gather for public worship. During our missions trip, God reminded us of something...
While ministering a few years ago at a church in Fort Myers, Pastor Dan Betzer shared his favorite story with me from his long-running Revival Time radio program.
It is the story of Jay Robinson, a talented actor from Hollywood’s golden age of cinema. He played opposite Richard Burton in the book made Hollywood-classic, The Robe. Jay’s performance as Emperor Caligula was captivating and truly believable.
The story goes that for some time Pastor Dan had felt led to reach out to Jay, whom he did not yet know personally. At the time, the actor was struggling with cancer. One day Pastor Dan called him
and introduced himself and his ministry. Jay Robinson’s response floored my pastor friend...‘Is this Reverend Betzer? Fom Revival Time? You’re my pastor! I listen to your radio program every day.’
and introduced himself and his ministry. Jay Robinson’s response floored my pastor friend...‘Is this Reverend Betzer? Fom Revival Time? You’re my pastor! I listen to your radio program every day.’
What ensued next was a friendship and discipling relationship that gave Jay Robinson great peace as he lived out his final months dealing with cancer.
Many times as missionaries we measure success based on large results. Churches also seek to make city-wide impact. There is nothing wrong with this, but the New Testament focuses on something else...
Philip left Jerusalem to reach one Ethiopian who wanted to know God. The Apostle Peter ministered to one searching Roman Centurian. Our Savior Himself left the crowds to journey through Samaria, in order to reach one lost woman at a well. Scripture is filled with such accounts. The Lord does not see as we see. He sees one.
Our trip to the Phiippines was no different. Yes, we worshipped and ministered with many believers, from various churches. We made life-long memories with Katherine’s wonderful family. The highlight of the trip though? We will just call his name Angelo...
In a very personal moment, Katherine and I prayed with Angelo on the last day of our journey. He opened his heart and shared with us that he and his wife were estranged. As he shared we sensed that he was ready to commit to Christ. A few minutes later, Angelo prayed and asked Jesus for His help. His sincerity and the presence of the Holy Spirit were evidenced by the tears that he shed.
As Christians we are all missionaries. That is the message that the Lord has given to our ministry. No matter who we are, if God sees fit to place us before a Hollywood celebrity, a large crowd, or just one hurting person, let’s share the gospel of Jesus. We may experience the greatest revival of all—the revival of reaching one.
Let’s Go and Tell,
David & Katherine
Lift Up Your Eyes
David P. Hill Jr. | June 2025
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:1-2).
LIFT UP THE EYES of your hearts to the hills. Lift up the eyes of your hearts, above the things you planned. Lift up the eyes of your hearts, above the things that have clouded your vision. Let them go now.
This place will come into focus—Zion, where I dwell. This far off place is near you, in your hearts.
Let go of everything you have held onto, embrace Me and you will see the vision I have for you.
David and Katherine with the pastors and some of the members of the Church of Alpha Omega Pantihan 2.
Strength to this Generation
David P. Hill Jr. | May 2025
"O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation" (Psalm 71:18 KJV).
THE LORD HAS A WAY of preparing us for what He wants to do in our lives. Just a week ago I posted about a new desire that Katherine and I were sensing to pray for young people. Then yesterday we were privileged to minister to many young people in the mountains of the Philippines. We had heard reports of how many youth were being stirred to serve Jesus at the church recently. Seeing it firsthand, however, was a more exciting experience than we imagined. Although invited to minister to the church, Katherine and I were the ones who received the most ministry. God is doing a deep work in the youth of Alpha Omega Christian Ministries.
We are grateful for your prayers and support, as we prepare to travel back to the United States next weekend. Please keep praying for the young people of the Philippines, and especially the youth of every Church of Alpha Omega in Cavite. We plan to return very soon, and see how to serve this move of the Holy Spirit among the next generation more effectively.
Let's not only pray for the youth we know, let's become the surrendered vessels that the Lord can use to declare His strength to the next generation.
Come Alive in the Name of Jesus
David P. Hill Jr. | April 2025
OVER THE YEARS I have found that if God gives me a dream, two things indicate that it is from Him. First, the details of the dream are easy to recall at a later time. Unlike many dreams that we have, which are easily forgotten, a dream from God will be memorable. The details will stay with us. This is the work of the Holy Spirit, as He helps us recall and meditate on the things that come into our lives from God (John 14:26).
Second, a dream from God will have an anointing. While experiencing the dream, and often while recalling its details later, we will sense the presence of the Lord.
On Wednesday, April 23, I awoke at 4:59 AM, the vivid details of a dream still in my mind. In my dream, I was at my old high school. As a group of students began to gather in the parking lot, I had the idea to take out my guitar and sing some worship songs. Perhaps some of the students could hear and be impacted for Christ.
As I stood and looked around in my dream, suddenly the crowd had greatly multiplied. Where just a few students were standing moments ago, now a large group had gathered. Although these teenagers did not appear to have gathered for any particular reason, suddenly the singing began. The youth began to praise the Lord in sincerity. Not every young person joined in, and yet the volume of those who were singing reverberated through the spontaneous gathering.
I looked around again, and the large parking lot of the high school was completely filled with students. They also stood near the building, in many places where there was grass. As I took in the scene, I realized that there was no way to estimate the size of the growing crowd. As the singing grew louder and louder, the presence of the Lord settled down over the students as they sang—
‘Come alive in the name of Jesus, come alive in the name of Jesus, this is a house of miracles!’
My last thought before waking up was the source of the music. It seemed that the students knew the lyrics they were singing, but who was leading? I had not picked up my guitar. I looked over at the high school building and the music was playing loudly from a series of speakers that had been installed on the outside.
There were no worship leaders leading. There were no evangelists or pastors preaching. In fact, there was no platform of any kind, or a set place where ministry was coming from. The entire scene of spontaneous worship was the work of the Holy Spirit alone.
I awoke not knowing what this dream meant. But in my heart I knew that we should pray for all the young people we know to have a personal encounter with the Lord.
The Power of Repentance
David P. Hill Jr. | March 2025
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land" (II Chronicles 7:14 KJV).
GOD HAS GIVEN a powerful promise to His children. Our key verse of Scripture this week comes from the book of II Chronicles. At the time that this promise was given, the temple of Solomon was being dedicated. It was during this marker in Israel's history, that the Lord assured His people of a timeless truth: When they turned their faces toward Him in repentance, He would bless them. When they turned their backs on Him, God would punish them. Yet this punishment was not destructive in nature, but restorative.
As we consider the spiritual state of America today, it is easy to lose hope. The nation that was founded on the great promise of unity, stands bitterly divided in many ways. A people who have sent Christian missionaries around the world, now struggle with our own collective spiritual identity.
Yet there is hope. Our hope is not found in the arena of politics. New policies and laws, on the local, state, or even national level, cannot offer the transformation that we need. Our hope is not found in the strength of our military might, or in economic reform. Just as with ancient Israel, God is looking at something much deeper than these surface indicators of the health of a nation and a society.
America's hope is found in repentance. As simple as that sounds, it is true. The promise of national spiritual restoration is as sure for us today, as it was for Israel nearly three thousand years ago. The power to change is inherent in the heartfelt response of sincere repentance.
To break things down to an even more basic level, national repentance and restoration must start with the body of Christ. It must begin with individuals just like us. With these timeless truths in mind, we have dedicated the first three days of each month this year to prayer for America and fasting.
Ours is a small part to play, but an important one nonetheless. Individual prayer and fasting are the outward expressions of a heart of repentance. That repentance can lead to national spiritual restoration.
We invite you to consider joining with us and churches we are partnering with during the first three days of each month this year. Together, we believe that the Lord can use our faith in Him, and the power of repentance, to change America as only He can. Let's turn our hearts toward heaven.
The Girl Behind the Giant Chair
Katherine Hill | February 2025
IT IS HUGE. It is gigantic. It is enormous. And it sparkles all around. I have never seen such shimmering stones before. There are so many of them in different shapes and sizes, different colors, too. Each one looks really beautiful I cannot pick a favorite.
Its arms glitter more than my jewelry box. Even its feet shine like my Mama’s wedding ring. “Oh, how she would love to see this!” I say to myself. It is beaming, and dazzling, and glistening. But I do not think it is the right chair for me because it is way too big for my little body.
“Sam, what are you doing back there?” a voice from behind asks me. I turn and see a man wearing a robe so white looking at me as if He really knows who I am. His face is like an angel, very gentle and bright, yet He does not have any wings. I wonder how He knows my name. Maybe He is one of my Papa’s friends.
“I broke my blue chair the other day. I was just looking for a place where I can kneel down and pray, and I saw this from far away,” I answer Him as I look at the towering seat before me. “It scared me at first because it made me think of Goliath, you know, the giant that King David killed with just a sling and a stone. But when I came closer, I realized it’s not like Goliath at all, and I’m not afraid anymore. So I thought I could kneel behind it and pray. Then I looked and found this long line of people in front of it. Some of them look happy, but some seem so sad. There are those who are dancing, while the others are on their knees. There’s an old lady singing, and a little boy is crying. Do you know who all these people are?”
“My Father knows all of them by name,” He says. “People always come here. They come to worship. They come to make an offering. And they also come to pray…just like you. Come, and I will take you to My Father.”
As He stretches out His arm to me, I notice something strange.
I ask Him, “Why do you have such a big scar on Your hand?”
He takes my hand and says, “Because of love.”
Before I can ask another question, a different voice calls out my name, “Sam, Sam.”
I look up, and there I see the One who called me by my name. He is big like the giant chair! And He wears a golden crown on His head like a king. No, He looks so much better than any of the kings I have ever read about. He is the King of kings! I am so amazed that I do not know what to say except to ask Him, “How come You also know my name?”
The Father says to me, “My Son knows who you are because I know you. I knew you before you were born. I knew you before you learned how to walk. I know all the words you say. I know what makes you laugh. I know even every moment that you cry. I also know about your favorite chair, how you broke it, and why you kneel behind it to pray.”
He really knows who I am! Only my parents know about my blue chair.
“Yes, it’s broken now. It was a gift from my Papa,” I recall never forgetting the day when he made it for me. “I’m sure if he was still alive, he’d fix it for me.”
I try to look at the Father’s face, but I cannot, and I do not know why. I turn to His Son, who did not leave me but stayed beside me holding me with His scarred hand, “Is it okay if I kneel and pray behind His giant chair?” I ask Him.
“My child, you are welcome here anytime, and you may even bring Beltesh with you.”
Holding out my stuffed lion, I could not help but exclaim, “Wow! He knows your name, too, Beltesh!” My Papa was right. God watches over me everyday.
I am about to say, “Thank You” when another voice calls my name.
“It’s my Mama!” I open my eyes and see her walking into my room.
“Are you done praying? Go to bed now. We are going to the store in the morning.” She must have read the big “Why?” on my face because she says, “Don’t you want a new chair?”
“That’s okay, Mama.”
Looking somewhat puzzled, she holds my face between her tender hands, looks straight into my eyes and asks, “Are you sure? I know I can’t promise you a blue one, but I will try to get you a nice one.”
I give her a giant smile, and tightly wrap my arms around her saying, “Thank you, Mama, but I don’t need a new chair anymore. I already found one. And it’s big! It’s really big!”
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1 ESV).
Image by David P. Hill Jr.
The Great King and the Blessed Nation
David P. Hill Jr. | January 2025
THERE WAS ONCE A GREAT KING. His glory and renown filled the earth. Tyrants and oppressors feared this great king. His power was unrivaled, yet his mercy was without limits. The great king loved justice, and defended the downtrodden. He deeply loved all those in his kingdom, but especially the fatherless and the helpless.
One day a weary traveler, who had journeyed from a distant country in the kingdom, arrived at the royal city of the great king. With no strength left after his arduous journey, the traveler collapsed on the steps of the great king’s glorious throne.
"O great king," cried the traveler through tears, "come to our aid!"
Moved by the traveler’s frail appearance, and the urgency of his plea, the great king stepped down from his throne. He then placed his hand on the shoulder of the weary traveler to steady him. At once the entire royal court stood in awe and complete silence. All eyes were fixed on the scene now unfolding before the great king’s throne.
"Take courage, weary traveler," the great king spoke gently. "You are safe here in my city. All who travel here from any nation, yes everyone who journeys here will truly find rest."
Overcome with emotion at the great king’s kindness, the traveler began to weep so profusely that he could no longer speak. With a trembling hand he took a scroll from his weathered satchel. The great king motioned to his royal guard standing nearest to the messenger. The guard in turn took the scroll from the traveler and began to read it.
"A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command the air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. 'Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!' cries she with silent lips. 'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!'"
After listening, the great king gazed affectionately into the distance as he pondered. "Yes, I remember this engraving. It is etched on the foundation of the blessed nation." The great king then turned to his royal guard who held the parchment. "What news does the scroll contain from the nation that I have blessed above all others?"
The guard became visibly distressed, as he read silently and then replied. "O great king, the blessed nation that you gave as a light for the oppressed of the earth is now divided."
"Divided?" The great king echoed. "What do you mean? I have given this people my favor and blessings above any nation on earth. What could possibly divide them?"
"Great king," the weary traveler was finally able to lift his head to speak, "Our nation no longer rejoices in welcoming the poor huddled masses. Instead many seek only their own welfare and riches, while many of our nation’s leaders strive for prominence."
After contemplating the words of the messenger for what seemed like an eternity, the great king turned again to his guard. His reply was firm, yet filled with patience, "Strengthen this messenger with food from my storehouse. Clothe him with my royal garments, so that my authority is recognized. Escort him back to the blessed nation and let him plead, that they again commit to the purpose for which I planted them."
"O great king," the royal guard replied with trembling lips, utterly astonished at the rest of the words written on the scroll. "There is yet more here to read."
"More?" The great king asked.
"Yes, your majesty." Holding back his own tears, the guard finished reading the scroll. "The blessed nation that you established to welcome the poor of the earth is now filled with injustice. It is divided concerning the welfare of its unborn children. Sixty million of these children have now perished in this division."
"Perished?" The great king pressed inquisitively as he stood.
"Yes, your majesty," the royal guard replied, still visibly shaken. "The lives of their unborn are taken from them while they are still in their mother’s wombs. Many claim that this is their right to do."
The great king was no longer listening. He turned to the captain of his army and spoke with great authority. "Shake this nation from its foundation and divide it now, for they are divided in justice. Remove the wealth of the blessed nation and cause it to become impoverished, for they have trusted in their riches and murdered the fatherless."
"My king, it will be done at your word," came the swift reply. "Shall the blessed nation be uprooted, as you have done to other unjust nations in times past in your kingdom?"
The great king paused for a long time. "Not yet," he replied contemplatively. The better part of the royal court now saw the tears welling up in the eyes of the great king. "Not yet," he again spoke calmly. "First fully open the gates of my royal city. Send out every messenger now, and invite the poor and the broken of the blessed nation to come into my city for refuge. Do not uproot the blessed nation yet. I will first humble it, as I have humbled no other nation. We will wait to see if they and their leaders will seek my help."
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16 ESV).
