Illinois Cultural Issues

Front Page Article

"Ekklesia Awakening in Illinois" by Joyce Geiler

     Christians are grabbing hold of the idea that they can work together in local Ekklesia units to impact their local territories so that the promises and blessings of God can overtake the work of the enemy of God in our state. Illinois can find the pathway to walk in spiritual and natural health. The reports that were given at the meeting of the Illinois Coalition of Apostolic Alliances CAA) held Monday, August 5 in Chicago were intriguing, exciting, challenging. This was only the second meeting of the Coalition, yet already experiences of God-breathed progress were reported.
     Before recounting the stories, let us begin with the CAA backstory. Most reading this article are familiar with the 2003 fifty-state tour done by Chuck Pierce and Dutch Sheets in which they proclaimed that Illinois is an apostolic state and a prototype. That prophecy has been prayed into by many people and great effort has been expended to understand how to bring Illinois into the fullness of the prophecy. The formation of the Coalition is one of those efforts. The history specific to the formation of the Illinois Coalition begins with the 200th anniversary of Illinois’ statehood. Noting that no particular celebration was scheduled in the state capital of Springfield on the anniversary date of December 3, 2018, Dr. Patti Amsden began to ask what should be done. She felt that God commissioned her to host a gathering when God said to her: “If you will appear at the Timed Gate, I will overlay the government of the Kingdom on the government of Illinois.”
The day hosted celebrations of worship and speakers from around the state.  The closing speaker, Rick Curry, told of his vision of the Appeal to Heaven flag and told of the current Kentucky awakening of which he was a part. He then entrusted the travel-worn Appeal to Heaven flag to Dr. Amsden saying “awaken Illinois.”
     The agenda was given. Yet, the question remained: What do we do as a governing Ekklesia council to guide the state of Illinois into awakening? The call went out and those with an ear to hear gathered at Sycamore, Illinois on March 4 and 5, 2019. It was recognized that intercessors have held the words of the prophets in their spiritual wombs, and now it’s time for the apostolic leadership to take its place. On a large Illinois map were marked the seven cities with thrones of iniquity identified by Chuck Pierce. These are to be converted to Freedom Outposts. Another prophecy called for eight apostles to arise in Illinois. As the group discussed and sought wisdom, it became apparent that the fulfillment of this prophecy would be found in recognizing territories from which God would begin to move throughout the state to build apostolic councils beginning with eight and then multiplying to 16 and on to 64. Some of the attendees grabbed hold of the vision and returned to their respective territories to begin grassroots, organic gatherings of local people who could look beyond their own particular churches and ministries to cooperate and coordinate with others in building the Kingdom of God locally.
      Here are some of the stories from those territories with thrones of iniquity destined to be overturned and become Freedom Outposts.

Rockford: Apostle Roxie Elliott and Apostle Don Lyons gathered ten to twelve apostolic, emerging apostolic and intercessory people who were excited to identify strongholds in their area and to strategize. They decided to begin with the city of Woodstock where they identified several strongholds including the prominent Buddhist temple in the city. They prayed over the Kishwaukee River at its headwaters and at Sycamore before going back to Woodstock to release worship in the park. Afterward, Apostle Roxie’s son dreamed that he was standing in the clear waters of the Kishwaukee River.
     Several take-aways were seen in this story. Apostle Don Lyons has raised up a powerful people, in that area. They also noted the wisdom of utilizing their local giftings rather than frequently seeking help from other places. “Don’t worry about the people you don’t have; let God begin with what you do have.”

Marion: Beth Swartzendruber and Apostle Cheryl Weaver invited people they knew from the Southern Illinois area for a strategic meeting; about fifty came. Dr. Patti Amsden shared the vision of the impact possible by a local Ekklesia but many participants were hesitant; because in the beginning days of rising awareness and functioning of the current-day apostolic movement, many had experienced abuse and disillusionment. Therefore, the CAA meeting was conducted in such a way as to give anyone who wished a chance to express their uneasiness. Then collectively, those in attendance discussed a more healthy view of the apostolic, one in which the apostle is not at the top of some hierarchical pyramid but rather gathers together, equips and undergirds as the Body of Christ to function together and to function locally. A local jurisdiction knows their enemy and history and has the best interest of their territory at heart.
     Jeff McCluskie was identified as one who had carried a heart for the territory for many years. Along with Beth, Jeff and his wife, Tina, prayed and made a list for a smaller task force to plan a larger meeting. Each town in their region has intercessors but people have been clannish with no vision to work together. They now are beginning to communicate with each other. By virtue of stepping into the grace for this day of the Ekklesia, things they’ve prayed about for years are now coming to life. For example, they were given permission to go into one of the grade schools and pray.
     The story of the developing work in Southern Illinois illustrates several principles. Ownership and love of territory can bring the Ekklesia together. Alignment with the apostolic sets an order; then comes the download and fruitfulness. The level of yoke determines the level of unity. Holy Spirit presence, authority and involvement work with us identify what God is doing and how it can be partnered with.

Granite City: This area has held three meetings led by Dr. Patti and Apostle Dennis Amsden. One of those attending was Pastor Roy Boyer, who pastor’s a church in Granite City where Chuck Pierce released the word about Illinois cities that were thrones of iniquities. Pastor Boyer is carries a strong vision for the area. His research fills a large notebook with articles and information about the overflow of the Cane Ridge, Kentucky Revival into the Goshen settlement camp meeting. Pastor Roy has held it in his heart for twenty years believing there would come a people who would share his vision to re-dig the wells and bring awakening to this area. That would certainly overthrow the throne of iniquity at Granite City and establish it as the Freedom Outpost of God’s intention! The developing Ekklesia in this region now is planning worship at the Goshen settlement site.
     The take-away from this territory was expressed by Dr. Patti. She recounted from scripture where Moses told Joshua to go into the land, which was a set territory with set boundaries. Moses also told the Israelites that there would be assets in the territory that they had not build but that they would be able to use as they took possession and built a kingdom expression in that promised land. Today, we would say our assets are ministry gifts and spiritual assets of the territory as well as the land itself. Possession of the Granite City territory, which includes Cahokia Mounds, has been given by God to the local Ekklesia. They are aware of the iniquity. Now they are discovering the assets, the rich spiritual history, and will build altars of worship.

One final testimony: At the Coalition meeting in Chicago, Apostle Rodney Williams testified that God is moving in Peoria and that the CAA members might look to undergird those who labor in that city. As there were no apostolic leaders from Peoria present at the meeting, the collective wisdom decided that Apostle Rod would inquire of Peoria’s local people and see if they would want the CAA to undergird them and how we could best serve them as they seek God for their area.

Note:
The seven cities that were identified as having thrones of iniquity are:
Granite City
Springfield
Peoria
Chicago
Campaign
Rockford
Marion

Currently apostolic alliances are already formed or are forming in all the cities except Springfield. Although there are doubtless good works and unified endeavors going on in the capital city, no one group or one apostolic leader has yet joined with the CAA. This city is important in fulfilling the prophetic word released through Chuck Pierce. Please be in prayer for Springfield to be joined with the network of apostolic alliances. Also, Moline and the Quad Cities were designated as one of the eight freedom outpost cities. Pastor Scott Reece from Moline was present in Chicago at the CAA gathering.