International Watchmen Summit
9-16 August 2024
With waves of anti-semitism rising across the nations, representatives of 20+ nations gathered for an international “watchman” summit in Herrnhut, Germany, August 9-16. The focus this year was the “Spirit of Elijah,” Malachi 4:5-6, “Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers. Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” As the rages of war rise in the nations, our purpose was to meet with the Lord, hear from Him, get refreshed, and mobilize forward.
In times when the enemy is working overtime to separate people, the Summit was marked by remarkable unity. As a result, there was a profound sense of the Presence of the Holy Spirit. We thank God for the plowing of the local Herrnhut community that has worked to pave the way to host such an atmosphere of His Presence. As a result, there was a resiliency amongst participants to change course as the Lord led us into stronger and deeper encounters with Him.
This year we navigated a first. A 24 hr. International Worship mobilization that wove alongside the onsite Summit on 13 August. The 13 of August this year was both the 9th of Av and the 297-year anniversary of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Herrnhut, Germany. On the afternoon of the 13th, we were privileged to be at the Berthelsdorf Church, where the outpouring began, and worshipped the Lord. A group from Sri Lanka joined us and blessed us with the song “The Blessing.” It was an incredible joining of hearts, and people were blessed to give to the church as a result. One of the Czech representatives was an organ player and closed the session with powerful worship from the majestic pipe organ in the church. We all left encouraged and exhilarated. The 24 hours began and ended with worship/declaration sessions at Jesus Haus. As a result, we witnessed a “push-back” of the looming attack from Iran with distinct manifestations of God’s intervention.
If there was an overall sense from the gathering one could articulate, it would be “covenant realignment.” This was expressed in a number of ways. Worship, joining Native American, 1st nations, with Israelis, produced a profound sound that penetrated hearts and opened the heavens. There was a surprise unveiling of the origin of the “Hatikva,” the Israeli national anthem, through Czech participants. It was revealed the anthem was written by a Czech composer. “The Czech composer thought a national movement is like a river, you can’t stop water, just as you can’t extinguish hope. Smetana’s symphonic poem, My Country, including Die Moldau (the German name for the Vltava River, the longest Czech river), became a sort of Czech anthem without words.[1]” Another reflection was through a message on the “salt” covenant and what it means for us today. Salt flavors food and can bring healing, and symbolizes friendship, unity, and peace (Mark 9:50). In a prophetic act, combining salt from different nations was used as an expression of re-alignment with God and healing for the nations.
With that sense, there were several themes that arose, the Elijah and Elisha call for spiritual mothers/fathers and sons/daughters, one new man, and the watchman as a messenger. It was great to see the generations cross-pollinating. Out of cultures today that are increasingly resistant to biblical values, there is an emerging inter-generational favor that is bringing to pass the reality of Mal 4:5-6…the hearts of the fathers are turning to the children and children to the fathers. It is not a passing of the baton, but rather running a race where we all work to win for the Kingdom. Another sign of the spirit of Elijah was reflected by Native Americans who spoke and led worship. Count vonZinzendorf spent some of his time in exile going to America to bring the gospel to the Native Americans. Having them present in Herrnhut is an expression of the nature of Elijah, Mt. 17:10-11, a full circle restoration. A foundational understanding of the one-new man was eloquently expressed, and the value and strength of a “Ruth” company was nurtured. Finally, a fourth characteristic of the watchman was added. We have defined the individual, corporate (community) and end-time call. Now, in the spirit of Elijah, the watchman as a “messenger” was birthed. See goals below.
Meetings like this in summer in Europe can be tested with heat and seasonal flu. We were tested. But from the beginning, complaints were few and far between. Instead, the challenges were met with people willing to work out solutions. What emanated from it was a “company of compassion” that continued to manifest days after and now into weeks after the summit. It was a spiritual test that, when apprehended, fed the family. Relationships emerged stronger and more connected than if we had not had them. In many ways, we may look back at this gathering as a hallmark for the new season. If we had not had challenges, we may have had a great time, and experienced His Presence and love, but gone home to “life as usual.” That is not what is in the future. In a small microcosm, we are being prepared for the shakings to come and to not live “as in the days of Noah,” Mt. 24:37. God used it to deepen relational strength and resolve we would not have otherwise experienced and unlocked a company of compassion to ready us for the future.
An atmosphere of challenge, powerful teaching, worship and Presence of the Lord , and compassion of Jesus, was a recipe for a revival atmosphere and “Baptism of love.” We experienced it! It is a timeless reality and fodder for a deep dive into corporate intimacy and transparency with the Lord. In the historic well of revival where people overcame their differences, God not only met us, but gave us the challenges to nurture His love forward in ways we never expected, but will forever treasure. Our hearts are distinctly different having experienced it. Now, may it multiply and mobilize us forward.
In times when the enemy is working overtime to separate people, the Summit was marked by remarkable unity. As a result, there was a profound sense of the Presence of the Holy Spirit. We thank God for the plowing of the local Herrnhut community that has worked to pave the way to host such an atmosphere of His Presence. As a result, there was a resiliency amongst participants to change course as the Lord led us into stronger and deeper encounters with Him.
This year we navigated a first. A 24 hr. International Worship mobilization that wove alongside the onsite Summit on 13 August. The 13 of August this year was both the 9th of Av and the 297-year anniversary of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Herrnhut, Germany. On the afternoon of the 13th, we were privileged to be at the Berthelsdorf Church, where the outpouring began, and worshipped the Lord. A group from Sri Lanka joined us and blessed us with the song “The Blessing.” It was an incredible joining of hearts, and people were blessed to give to the church as a result. One of the Czech representatives was an organ player and closed the session with powerful worship from the majestic pipe organ in the church. We all left encouraged and exhilarated. The 24 hours began and ended with worship/declaration sessions at Jesus Haus. As a result, we witnessed a “push-back” of the looming attack from Iran with distinct manifestations of God’s intervention.
If there was an overall sense from the gathering one could articulate, it would be “covenant realignment.” This was expressed in a number of ways. Worship, joining Native American, 1st nations, with Israelis, produced a profound sound that penetrated hearts and opened the heavens. There was a surprise unveiling of the origin of the “Hatikva,” the Israeli national anthem, through Czech participants. It was revealed the anthem was written by a Czech composer. “The Czech composer thought a national movement is like a river, you can’t stop water, just as you can’t extinguish hope. Smetana’s symphonic poem, My Country, including Die Moldau (the German name for the Vltava River, the longest Czech river), became a sort of Czech anthem without words.[1]” Another reflection was through a message on the “salt” covenant and what it means for us today. Salt flavors food and can bring healing, and symbolizes friendship, unity, and peace (Mark 9:50). In a prophetic act, combining salt from different nations was used as an expression of re-alignment with God and healing for the nations.
With that sense, there were several themes that arose, the Elijah and Elisha call for spiritual mothers/fathers and sons/daughters, one new man, and the watchman as a messenger. It was great to see the generations cross-pollinating. Out of cultures today that are increasingly resistant to biblical values, there is an emerging inter-generational favor that is bringing to pass the reality of Mal 4:5-6…the hearts of the fathers are turning to the children and children to the fathers. It is not a passing of the baton, but rather running a race where we all work to win for the Kingdom. Another sign of the spirit of Elijah was reflected by Native Americans who spoke and led worship. Count vonZinzendorf spent some of his time in exile going to America to bring the gospel to the Native Americans. Having them present in Herrnhut is an expression of the nature of Elijah, Mt. 17:10-11, a full circle restoration. A foundational understanding of the one-new man was eloquently expressed, and the value and strength of a “Ruth” company was nurtured. Finally, a fourth characteristic of the watchman was added. We have defined the individual, corporate (community) and end-time call. Now, in the spirit of Elijah, the watchman as a “messenger” was birthed. See goals below.
Meetings like this in summer in Europe can be tested with heat and seasonal flu. We were tested. But from the beginning, complaints were few and far between. Instead, the challenges were met with people willing to work out solutions. What emanated from it was a “company of compassion” that continued to manifest days after and now into weeks after the summit. It was a spiritual test that, when apprehended, fed the family. Relationships emerged stronger and more connected than if we had not had them. In many ways, we may look back at this gathering as a hallmark for the new season. If we had not had challenges, we may have had a great time, and experienced His Presence and love, but gone home to “life as usual.” That is not what is in the future. In a small microcosm, we are being prepared for the shakings to come and to not live “as in the days of Noah,” Mt. 24:37. God used it to deepen relational strength and resolve we would not have otherwise experienced and unlocked a company of compassion to ready us for the future.
An atmosphere of challenge, powerful teaching, worship and Presence of the Lord , and compassion of Jesus, was a recipe for a revival atmosphere and “Baptism of love.” We experienced it! It is a timeless reality and fodder for a deep dive into corporate intimacy and transparency with the Lord. In the historic well of revival where people overcame their differences, God not only met us, but gave us the challenges to nurture His love forward in ways we never expected, but will forever treasure. Our hearts are distinctly different having experienced it. Now, may it multiply and mobilize us forward.
COMMENTS FROM THOSE ATTENDING
- We were forged more deeply as family who understand/walk in our identity as sons and daughters of God. DB
- As leaders shared vulnerably from the platform, they set the example and gave permission for others to open up to one another, especially in small groups. We went deep fast. Much heart healing was happening over that week.
- The unified sound of indigenous worship opened the atmosphere for healing, repentance, and deeper fellowship to happen [principle of Firsts].
- Repentance always precedes revival. The genuine, deep repentance that took place over the week opened the atmosphere for the Holy Spirit to move and bring the greater unity that we began experiencing. People serving and caring for one another, whether in sickness or fellowship or some other need, without being asked, was a demonstration of Love in Action. It was grassroots and relational. So all of that makes me ponder the bigger picture of our gathering - I believe as we moved in repentance, tears, godly compassion, and brotherly love, we also experienced a measure of outpouring of the Holy Spirit, revival, and a baptism of love. We tapped into this "ancient well" in Herrnhut and moved as one in the spirit of Elijah and the spirit of the Moravians, which is the restoration of family by the power of Love Himself. DB
- An ancient well like Herrnhut is not just a place where something spiritually significant happened in the past but rather a place where the same thing is possible in the present moment for those who will seek it out. It will not look like it did in the past because it's a new expression of a timeless reality; if we will enter in with whatever level of hunger, whatever level of faith, whatever level of hope or need we have, we will come into agreement with the purposes of God and the great cloud of witnesses, the "synergy of the ages" (to quote Dutch Sheets), which has always been for covenantal unity and oneness in Christ. DB
- We also want to say how we had received from the LORD so much of HIS love and impartation while in Herrnhut with the Global Watch Family. The relationships forged and hearts knit are beyond words, and our hearts are overflowing with gratitude. We sense such a new strength from this week-long gathering and we have a renewed joy to reach out and touch our people here. JR
- I am still overwhelmed with everything God did and said at Herrnhut. It was also so good to meet face to face, make new friends (family) and join the incredible worship times. I am full. EE
- During the last session in Herrnhut I was reminded of this quote of Heidi Baker, “If you have God’s presence, you have favor. One minute of God’s presence, you have favor. One minute of God’s presence can accomplish more than 20 years of your striving.” JB
- In the last days at Herrnhut, I felt this word forming…The sound and the earth are being brought into position for the next phase of manifestation from the Lord amongst His people and in His Land. In the midst of Israel and in The Nations. His victories will be won. I feel the challenge. Will we allow Him to shine His light in us to fill us and to release the sound of Heaven upon the earth? Get ready Get ready. CR
- We also had angels joining into our worship with flutes while singing in spirit. It happened the morning our First Nations brother Alex and his wife led worship for the first time in our morning sessions. Later in the session Karen Davis, being a Messianic Jew, was called up to join them on the piano. She began playing in Spirit, Alex joined in with his beautiful flutes also playing in Spirit. That moment I heard several more notes played by different flutes than only the ones played in natural, perfectly harmonizing on higher notes. Angels joined. I strongly sensed the Lord's Yes and support as Israel represented as very First Nation joined our brother and sister representing the First Nation of America. KWTestimony update: I was limping when I arrived in Herrnhut, unable to move quickly. Stairs were not easy, and I was not able to participate in the dancing like I normally do. Thanks to all the wonderful people who prayed over me, I am 97% healed and able to take stairs with my left leg now. (Before, I would have to crabwalk sideways) PTL! Thank you, Global Family! KU
- The love of the Father in each person manifesting Christ the lover, Christ the provider, Christ the healer, Christ the hope, Christ the comforter, Christ the shepherd, Christ the prayer itself, Christ redeemer of every moment….. tears, pain, intercession, faith, love, oneness, bringing beauty for ashes, the garments of praise for the Spirit of heaviness and the oil of joy turning the mourning into dancing. MJ
- Before the summit the Lord gave me the song, "The Power of Your Love," as an anthem for me personally for the summit. I felt the Lord saying that He would release a dimension of His love whereby we would experience not just an awareness of His love but the power of it. This had a profound personal impact; for the first time in my life, I did not have to contend with debilitating social anxiety! The power of His love was real. KW
- Personally, I had an encounter with the activation of the spirit of Elijah ... I can’t articulate how joyful I am! It’s not only about sharing the joy with the joyful people (Romans 12), but also seeing the beauty of West-East, inter-generations, especially seeing their love for Israel! HT
VISION FORWARD
These are the Elijah tasks for the Global Watch family that emanated from the Summit:
Without being presumptuous, and from what people have spoken since, God graced us with a taste of revival, the “baptism of love,” that continues to feed our spirits. We came one way and left another. As we venture forth, there is a distinct sense that we are at a new level as a community of watchmen: “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” Heb 10:35-36
Let’s remember that the “drum beats of war,” will one day be the “drum beats of heaven.” In fact, do you hear them now?
[1] Shlomo Maital, “Hatikvah-the real story behind Israel’s anthem.” https://www.neaman.org.il/Files/Hatikva-The%20Real%20Story%20behind%20Israels%20anthem_20180709094501.208.pdf
These are the Elijah tasks for the Global Watch family that emanated from the Summit:
- Intergenerational focus on Elijah, Elisha 2 Kings 2:1-15
- Elisha spoke in this passage, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” three times: Gilgal, Bethel, and Jericho.
- We are in a time now when there is an intergenerational grace to connect, and bring restoration to fathers/mothers/children.
- Develop Schools of the “Watchman”
- When Elijah and Elisha took off together, schools of the prophets emerged in Israel. There were at least three schools of the prophets in Israel, Bethel, Jericho, Gilgal 2 Kings 1:1, 3, 5
- Ruth Company-Jew and Gentile working together
- This “one new man” expression is building as we speak. We, as gentile watchmen and as a community in the Global Watch, build and encourage the commitment to uphold our Jewish friends and Israel.
- Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you." Zech 8:23
- For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. Eph 2:14-18
- Develop an Israeli led watch: God wants to raise up the “Shamar” watchmen in Israel to contend for the nation’s destiny. It is the ultimate Elijah task when Israel lines up with God’s destiny and purpose.
- Isaiah 52:8, Isaiah 62:6-7 speak to this vital fact
- Your watchmen shall raise up their voices, with their voices they shall sing together, and see eye to eye when the Lord brings back Zion. Is 52:8
- I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; They shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent, And give Him no rest till He establishes And till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. Is 62:6-7
- When this Israeli led watch develops, it will be pivotal for the nations and signpost of the end times as God moves to restore, realign Israel as a nation back to Him.
- Isaiah 52:8, Isaiah 62:6-7 speak to this vital fact
- Build Governmental/cultural influence by building bridges from local, regional, to national government/cultural leadership.
- Elijah had influence with the King; Esther stepped forward to influence the King.
- Isaiah 9:7 declares, And of the Increase of His government, there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever
- Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 1 Tim 2:1
- Restoration of prophetic in the church.
- We encourage watchmen to be engaged with their local churches, build up a relational trust so that when the time comes, you can speak forth your word and people will listen.
- Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy… I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied. 1 Cor 14:1,5
- We encourage watchmen to be engaged with their local churches, build up a relational trust so that when the time comes, you can speak forth your word and people will listen.
Without being presumptuous, and from what people have spoken since, God graced us with a taste of revival, the “baptism of love,” that continues to feed our spirits. We came one way and left another. As we venture forth, there is a distinct sense that we are at a new level as a community of watchmen: “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” Heb 10:35-36
Let’s remember that the “drum beats of war,” will one day be the “drum beats of heaven.” In fact, do you hear them now?
[1] Shlomo Maital, “Hatikvah-the real story behind Israel’s anthem.” https://www.neaman.org.il/Files/Hatikva-The%20Real%20Story%20behind%20Israels%20anthem_20180709094501.208.pdf
Sri Lankan blessing, August 13, 2024, Berthelsdorf Church...
a most unusual convergence!
a most unusual convergence!
