This musical and cultural festival draws over 20 thousand young people to Leipzig every year. The pictures below give you an idea of the scenery in Leipzig this weekend:
The EFG Jacobstrasse (our future German home church) is hosting a group of American students from Berlin who will be attending the festival in hopes of speaking with young people about Jesus. Would you pray for God to lead them to the right people? Would you pray for the students' boldness and sensitivity alike? Would you pray most of all that God would be glorified and that hearts would turn towards Jesus this weekend? Pray against evil forces and spiritual warfare surrounding the city this weekend and ask God to protect young people living in Leipzig from being drawn to a lifestyle not pleasing to Him.
I can't help but think of the events described in Acts 2 - the day of Pentecost. Almost 2000 years ago, the Holy Spirit fell upon the believers as they were gathered together, filled each one of them with His presence permanently, and enabled them to speak in various languages. The city of Jerusalem was full of Jews from all nations, each of them hearing the believers speak in their own tongue. How could this be? - they were wondering.
Of course, Peter took this occasion to preach the good news of Jesus Christ and encouraged them: "'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off —for all whom the Lord our God will call.'" (Acts 2:38-39) and again he said, "'Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.'" (Acts 2:40)
The result? "Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." (Acts 2:41)
We serve a powerful and gracious God, sovereign over all, mighty to save, worthy of praise!
Wow! I would love to be able to attend that festival. I myself was totally involved in that culture back in the day, wearing black lipstick, etc. There are a lot of redeemable qualities in "gothic culture". I'll be praying :)
ReplyDeleteLooking at pictures, I think there is a range of people attending - from dressing fairly normal to appearing to meddling with some dark things. And I'm sure activities range from harmless to the other extreme as well.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that young people all have the same needs...to be loved...to feel part of a caring group...to have fun...to be safe. I pray for all these things for the people at the festival and that their hearts would be open to Jesus.
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