“America is fast becoming a mission field once again. We are surprised that the Americans who preached to us, the passion they had is almost gone. We hope to save the country that brought us the faith.”

This startling proclamation came from the lips of an African pastor who is traversing the United States in hopes of sparking a spiritual revival. He concludes, “In America, the values are crashing, the largest number of abortions occur, divorce and school shootings exceed all other nations. These things are very sad. As America goes, so goes the world. We cannot allow Christian influence to diminish in this country.”

But how is Christian influence best manifested?

After being in vocational ministry for 33 years, I am convinced the kind of influence that produces change does not come via the government, education, or even media. Rather, at the end of the day, it’s the dynamic force of changed lives. That’s why Life Action measures success by asking ourselves the question, Are lives being genuinely transformed by God?

Last week, I heard of a pastor resigning his church. On his final night, there was an opportunity for congregants to share what they appreciated about his ministry. Three of the individuals thanked the pastor for having Life Action in their church years earlier . . . because it changed their lives. One came to Christ. Another reconciled with their spouse. And all were changed from that day forward.

As I was preparing to write this brief report, the following stories came to my inbox. All of these are from one church in a community where our team ministered just a few weeks ago.

·       My father committed suicide one year ago in October. He left a legacy of judgment, anger, and shame. I was picking up where he left off in the department of judgment and anger. God has also shown me that I can be a cactus at times. I want to be a magnet for Him. I need to show my sisters Christ. They need to see His unconditional love and know He can forgive. I am so thankful that God showed me the pride and anger in my life, and most of all that He forgave me! His grace and mercy are wonderful!

·      I am a Bible teacher, and yet I hadn’t been reading my Bible, let alone studying it. And though I was part of a prayer group, I was not meeting the Lord daily for a time alone with Him. I felt like I was dying. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Life Action team pinpointed my sin and led me to confess it, turn from it, and replace it with obedience. It has been exciting to hear God speak to me and see how He is answering my prayers. “O Love who will not let me go” is my life song.

·      Two weeks ago, God found me bitter and defensive. I couldn’t surrender everything to God. A couple of years ago, a neighbor molested my younger sister, and I had never forgiven him. I would say hateful things and think bad things about him. Now I have truly forgiven that neighbor as a result of the Life Action summit. Thank you, Life Action team. God bless you!

            If America is going to truly change, it will begin in hearts, in individuals’ relationship with God. Then changes in relationships with others will transpire in powerful ways. Forgiveness. Reconciliation. Restitution. Love. Joy. Freedom. These are the dramatic results that display the power of God to redeem lives and change our culture.