“Return to the fire”. Pastor Bill Prankard’s voice pierced the air as his arm made a wide, sweeping arc to emphasize his statement.

My sister and I were attending the IAOGI (International Assemblies of God International, Canada) annual convention, for pastors, ministry leaders and their guests.

The theme of the conference was “Return to the Fire”. Pastor Bill Prankard, who informed us that he is 82 years, was the Keynote Speaker and he delivered a soul stirring message about “Vision”. He talked about a vision God had given him 50 years ago – that Canada will be saved. He recounted the challenges, opposition and obstacles, the seasons of discouragement and lack. The vision seemed too grandiose at times, even ludicrous, but it became his anchor, and life mission because he knew the vision was rooted in Jesus.

Every Minister who brought the Word at this convention underpinned the theme of “Return to the Fire” in their messages. We heard scripture-based truth with an emphasis on the urgency to return to the fire of God. Their zeal and fervency were unmistakable and can only be attributed to the presence of the Spirit throughout the convention.

Pastor Bill Prankard’s message was a trumpet call to the people, to run with the vision God had given each one of us.

Those that have recognized their vision are expected to run with it (the vision). The word ‘Run’ is an active word. Unless we act on it, it will remain fruitless. Unfortunately, many of us find ourselves “praying about it” for years, allowing the enemy to steal our time, purpose, and destiny.

The Lord chose the most unsuitable, unqualified, unskilled, meek people to do great things in His name. Gideon was hiding from the Midianites and Moses was tending his sheep when God commissioned them. They both tried to disqualify themselves with valid excuses as to why they were not the ideal candidate for the task, but the Lord saw beyond their limitations.

A vision without the fire of God remains an earthly goal. Passion without a vision from the Lord will lead to confusion and lack of direction.

Take a moment to reflect:

• What is the vision that God has given you?
• Does the fire still burn within you or has the enemy intercepted your vision and made it into an unrecognizable smouldering heap?
• Did you start well but now feel overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps?
• Are you still praying about a vision that God had given you years ago?

It is never too late. Ask the Lord to rekindle the fire and step out in faith. The smallest deed done in obedience to the Lord, is greater than our biggest intentions. Not all of us are called to register a ministry or preach behind a pulpit but every single one of us has a vision that has been assigned to us.

Pastor Bill Prankard and his team are still running with the vision God had given him 50 years ago. Time has not dimmed his focus. They have even built and established churches in the Canadian Arctic Circle to reach the Inuit and First Nations communities.

Canada will return to the Fire. Canada will be saved! Our young children will dance and sing His praises in the streets, our youth will shout His truth from rooftops, our elders will prophesy and we will see revival in this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. A staggering vision given to 1 person who is obeying the call. What is keeping them still running? The fire of God.

Imagine if we all had that same tenacity to believe in a vision and take God at His Word. The gates of hell cannot prevail against God’s people who are vision driven.

Run with your vision!

In His Service,

Sohani Faria
Director
Sound of the Lord Mission