Spiritual change is sweeping through Europe - Darlene Zschech

Dearest friends... well, it is with great delight that I sit to write this column, as it has been a crazy yet outstanding couple of months! Myself, my family and an awesome team flew off into the amazing European life, of which is full of beauty and art and expertise, but also full of religion and a reputation for being quite unwilling when it comes to contemporary church, or expressive praise and worship.

To be honest, I have been quite a few times before, but there was definitely something very different happening in the atmosphere.

Change is well and truly making its spiritual, magnificent entrance throughout Europe and beyond, as people came from all over to worship Jesus, and to be involved in worship events that brought the generations together to sing a Holy song.

Night after night we were staggered at the hunger, and the desperation that filled so many people who were NOT prepared to leave without experiencing the glorious presence of God in a fresh way.

The Spirit of God was so evident, to the extent that not only did people receive Christ, but also, many people decided to sponsor children through Compassion which is just another indicator of God moving in people's hearts. Whenever He does move in your life, it ALWAYS results in so many others being blessed ... just more evidence that He is a good God and does good things!

I was also very aware that there have been centuries filled with faithful men and women who have prayerfully and faithfully gone before us, paving a way to make the gospel accessible to all - what sacrifice. And how grateful we are... eternally.

In Geneva, we were in an arena full of hungry, yodelling, on fire, young and old Christians, crying out to God. In fact, after this night, there is just no way that you could call this part of the world conservative... they are SO up for change... just want permission and leadership.

In Romania, we were officially ruined for life!! Pastor and leaders from all over... Prague, Austria.... And then the pastor of the church that was hosting us stood up, weeping, saying that it was for this purpose that they prevailed and built the church building in the midst of vast and crippling financial lack in the Nation... that the praises of God would go forth.

There was such an intensity in the Spirit and a heavy awareness that the harvest is so very ripe... and people worshipped and worshipped in Spirit and with strength.

This is where you see the miracle in worship rising again and again, as the word of God through music and song becomes literal strength for the journey. Rolf Fjell, our drummer, got up from behind the drums and spoke with such conviction on the revelation of being a Royal people, a Holy Nation, set apart for this season in history.

Rome was again so full of expectation... we started the first meeting at 6.30pm and finished at 20 to 1 in the morning... we were all on a high, and were moved to the core with compassion for such an incredible people.

France was amazing, demons screaming out, nuns in the mosh pit, priests going crazy with high praise, a night never to be forgotten ...

Holland was beautiful, we teamed up with Michael W and his team, and worshipped and worshipped, the people sang, and the Lord was glorified in truth. The night finished with Agnus Dei being sung unaccompanied across the stadium... about 18,000 people just joined in one accord... 'Hallelujah, for the Lord God almighty reigns'....

There is so much more to say, but just let me leave you with a scripture... Psalm 145, a little from the message bible... 'I lift You in high praise, my God, O my King! And I'll bless your name into eternity. I'll bless you every day, and keep it up from now to eternity. Yahweh is magnificent, He can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to His greatness. Generation after generation stands in awe of Your work; each one tells stories of Your mighty acts....'

With all my heart friends, I encourage you to continue to pursue Christ through worship, and let the song inside you speak of His greatness... there is NOTHING too difficult for our God. With that, I leave you... until next time, and with much love... Darls.



Darlene Zschech is Worship Pastor of Hillsong Church in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Her best known song is "Shout to the Lord".