February 2001

Dear Christian Friends,

On a wall behind my desk at work hangs a picture that has been in my family for well over fifty years.  It was a favorite of my father, although I do not know where he obtained it.

The picture portrays Jesus on a hill overlooking Jerusalem during the night hours.  The scene is very dark with faint lights coming from some of the little homes in the distance.  Jesus' face is slightly illuminated by the moonlight.

Inspiration for the picture comes from Luke 19:41 which gives the account of Jesus weeping and praying for those He loved.  Since I was a little boy, I have loved and been inspired by the truth the picture imparts.

I am convinced that our country desperately needs believers who will follow our Lord's example and will take on the burden of intercessory prayer.  Our cities, villages and rural areas need for God's people to fall to their knees and pray.  Christians must cry out to God with the tears of a heavy heart.  When Christians get the burden of interceding for a sinful and immoral nation, God will heal our land.

Someone asked me recently whether we were in the midst of a great revival or a great falling away.  My reply was simple, "Both." I based my answer on the many dedicated Christians I see who are receiving wonderful blessings and are growing deeper and stronger in the Lord.  Then we see the opposite and many seem to be only lukewarm in their walk with God.  Yet others openly and blatantly reject God and His call upon their lives and are heading for hell with no concerns about their soul.

It would be wonderful to see a great spiritual awakening during this first year of the new millennium.  I ask you to join with us to pray for revival across this great land.

David Buttram
Harvester