On April 22nd, Rick Joyner the President of The Oak Initiative came to Detroit to speak to local pastors and other Christian leaders and later in the evening for a general meeting at World Changers First Baptist Church on 7 mile in Detroit. Rick Joyner not only wants to be a world changer, but also a encourager and helper to those wanting to build and bless Metro Detroit. Rev. Joyner spoke to the pastors of one of his previous trips to Detroit, where he was accompanied by the World Champion Boxer; Evander Holyfield. During a tour around Detroit, Holyfield shared some instructions that both his mom and coach as he began his journey to the world championship.
The instructions were few, only three and relatively simple:
- Listen to instructions
- Follow Instructions
- You Can’t Quit
Evander Holyfield shared a number of illustrations with Pastor Joyner how those instructions held him in good stead during his college years and in his boxing career. Joyner applied this to each leader calling us to listen to the Scripture and God’s instructions and not to give up.
On the heels of a somewhat negative Dateline Report on the City of Detroit, Joyner shared about the rebuilding of a devastated city. Berlin, at the end of World War II was decimated both in property and persons. There were few men left and not many of the young men even survived. A population of primarily women, old men and children determined to stay in Berlin although many felt it should be abandoned and people should leave and start over somewhere else. Joyner shared about its vibrancy and the present day, saying it is one of his favorite cities to visit. Again, a powerful illustration and lesson for us in the Detroit area. I enjoyed both messages and managed to take a few pictures. (see slide show below)
When talking about the media he said “Every Christian should be a reporter”, I quickly applied that quote to this project at LookUpDetroit.com as we ask the community to join in this ongoing communication opportunity.
The Oak Initiative is a grassroots national movement to unite, mobilize, equip, and activate Christians to be the salt and light they are called to be by engaging in the great issues of our time from a sound biblical worldview.
Started by more than 300 Christian leaders from across the spectrum of the body of Christ, within months of its founding, The Oak Initiative had a presence in all 50 states and more than 65 nations, with Oak Gatherings and Oak Chapters springing up rapidly. – Richard Dalton
Link to The Oak Initiative Website
Link to Picture Slide Show of Meetings
