Prophetic Focus for Detroit and the Surrounding Region
Momentum is building in the atmosphere in Detroit
Stand in the City and ask yourself, “What am I sensing in the atmosphere?” The first thing you will notice is that the strong oppression that has been over the City of Detroit for decades is not prevailing any longer. As you continue to discern the atmosphere you can feel hope arising and a sense of building momentum! Wow! This is revolutionary! This is worth noting!
A BIG TURNAROUND for Detroit – we are experiencing transformation!
In 1999, the Renaissance Center looked different – the front of the building opened up to big walls that divided the RenCen from Jefferson Avenue and the rest of downtown Detroit. These walls typified a divided Detroit that was struggling to survive under a great cloud of oppression. Also in 1999, the reconstruction of the RenCen was underway and a model of the new RenCen was in the lobby of the building. This model showed a RenCen that opened up on the Detroit riverfront, a RenCen that had no walls of separation between the building and the City. When I saw this model I sensed the Lord saying that He was turning Detroit 180 degrees and when the RenCen opened up the riverfront this would be a sign of the transformation of Detroit.
The 1st International River Days in Detroit
Detroit just celebrated its first International River Days Festival. This was also the celebration of the opening of the river walk and the development of the Detroit River front. This inaugural celebration was a resounding success! But the most exciting part is that it is a sign from God – a sign that the times have changed and Detroit is in the midst of an incredible transformation. You can feel it in the air! You can feel hope and momentum building and you know in your gut that things have changed; they are not the way they used to be. God is faithful and His hand is on Detroit; He loves this City and the surrounding region. News articles may say that Detroit is on the bottom the list compared to many cities; but God says we are a land of influence and prosperity. Detroit is a cradle of invention that impacts the world! There is a sound rising in Detroit and it is the sound of victory. Be encouraged and do not grow weary in well doing for God’s now time is upon us in this region!
Every time you see the RenCen with its beautiful frontage on the River of Detroit remember that God is at work right here in our midst. Transformation is in full swing; walls are coming down and new alliances are rising up. Pastors, business leaders, citizens, government officials are rising up shoulder to shoulder to further the transformation of Detroit; to see revival and revitalization sweep the City and region.
The Prophetic Significance of the Love Fest of 2007
The Love Fest of 2007 represents a shift in government. No longer would the statements of the 1967 Manifesto that was birthed out of Port Huron rule Detroit or our nation. Twelve is the number of government. The twelve locations throughout Detroit of the Love Fest of 2007 symbolize God is establishing His government in a new way in our City and territory. These are historic days in the Body of Christ in Detroit and the region. Days to rejoice. Days to participate in history being written and the future being carved out!
Here is a portion of a report sent out by Pastor Barbara Yoder of Shekinah Church in Ann Arbor. This will give you a historic overview of the significance of what took place in Port Huron in 1962:
Port Huron Report
"On June 15, 1962 in Port Huron Michigan, Tom Hayden - a 21 year old University of Michigan student - led a gathering of 59 college delegates from 11 campuses asking the question "If we wanted to change society, how would we do it?" This gathering developed a document known as The Port Huron Statement that became the founding manifesto for the Students of a Democratic Society (SDS) and handbook for a generation of student activation. The manifesto turned a younger generation to humanism, free love, sexual immorality, drugs, violence and served as a voice that turned the nation away from God. This SDS became the largest organization of the Left and ended up, a bare seven years later, calling for war against "Amerikkka" and creating the Weather Underground - the first terrorist political cult." Robert Bork, in his book Slouching Toward Gomorrah stated, "The sixties were born at a particular time and place, June 1962, the AFL-CIO camp at Port Huron Michigan. The Port Huron Statement was the most widely circulated document of the Left in that decade and brought SDS to national prominence. SDS became the largest student led anti-war organization in the United States. SDS grew from 600 members in 1963 to over 100,000 in 1968 and at its height, SDS organized "10 Days of Resistance" leading up to the largest student strike in US history. From Port Huron Michigan, our state incubated, released and mobilized a movement that established a throne of iniquity manifesting in acts of free love (sexual immorality), the rise of humanism (the intended removal of God from society) and violent rebellion against the society of the United States. Void of God, it caused destruction and rebellion rather than a holy revolution.
Please keep Port Huron in prayer this Friday [June 15] as they gather to address this issue. Following the Port Huron event, Detroit churches are holding a "Love Fest." [June 16]. This event, sponsored by 12 inner city churches and 12 suburban churches will provide food, clothing and medical services for up to 100,000 people of Detroit. Neither Port Huron nor Detroit was aware of each other's plans. Port Huron removes the reproach of our past; Detroit serves to manifest the nature of God.
Blessings to you,
Suzi Armstrong
Life is an adventure / People are a blessing
God is amazing / We are winning -- Right here in Detroit!