We thank the Cottonwood County Citizen and Dave Fjeld for this write up! God Bless you all!
Cottonwood County Citizen Article By Dave Fjeld Preparations underway for ‘Peacemakers’ Revival
The theme of the revival, planned for Nov. 10-11, is from Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the
Peacemakers.”
Ask Pastor Dewey Moede if he’s ready for another revival in Windom and he’ll answer the question with a question: “Can we start tomorrow?”
The Windom native returns to Windom Nov. 10-11 for a second revival in as many years at the BARC Auditorium in Windom. But the list of featured speakers and musicians will be mostly different in 2017.
Certainly, the revival’s theme, “Blessed are the Peacemakers,” is different. The theme is taken from the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:9 in particular: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
“We live in such a time of hate and anger that we, the body of Christ, need to be peacemakers in everything we do and say,” Moede says.
So, who’s on the list to speak during the event, which runs from 5 to 9 p.m., each night? It’s largely a local slate of people involved in this non-denominational, come-and-go-as-you-please event.
“No matter where I do a revival, the Lord puts on my heart people to ask to participate in the revival,” Moede says. “And we may have a couple more surprises as we go, we don’t know yet. But, yes sir, it is local and I think that is just wonderful, because there are so many people in Windom who have so much on their heart that they’d like to share.”
For starters, Moede will speak both nights as will Rod Byam and prayer warrior Clara Nelson of Windom. Byam spoke at last year’s revival and Nelson, who attended both nights last year, has continued to faithfully pray for the revival.
Also appearing both evenings are well-known Windom pianist Pat Fisher and violinist/vocalist, Shari Johnson, dubbed “The Jesus Chick.” Both shared their talents in last year’s revival and Shari again will travel to Windom from her home in Virginia. Joining them both evenings will be autoharpist Barney Wall of rural Mt. Lake.
Two new speakers scheduled for Friday night are Windom residents Pat Dunnick and Jennifer Anderson. Both have stories about how God has worked in their lives. Anderson attended last year’s revival and developed a friendship with Moede.
“Jennifer was going to the prayer meetings that Pat Dunnick started after the revival last year and still does,” Moede says. “Jennifer has a tremendous story to share on how God saved her life.
“The story she’s going to share is that she has been tremendously helped by the body of Christ. So, when someone like Jennifer gives her testimony, it should encourage us all to take care of each other, love each other, accept each other and help each other with our walk with Jesus.”
The revival also is an opportunity to recognize an area couple and their family, who have devoted their lives to sharing the good news of Jesus, both in word and song. Gene and Margaret Duerksen of rural Delft and their longtime work with Maranatha Ministries will be the guests of honor on Saturday evening. Gene will speak and their daughter, talented singer/songwriter Lynn Stoneking, will lead worship that evening.
“We’re going to honor this family for all their years of ministry,” Moede says. “I’ve never met a more faithful man in my life than Gene Duerksen despite all the trials he has been through. We all can learn from him.”
Although the revival is still a month away, Moede is asking people to pray for the event.
“Revival starts with prayer,” Moede continues. “So, I would really appreciate that everybody pray for this revival, pray for the Lord’s will to be done and pray for a powerful movement of the Holy Spirit. Pray that hearts will be prepared to hear the gospel, pray over all the speakers and musicians, pray for safe travel for myself and for Shari.”
Moede quoted a piece about old-time evangelist Gypsy Smith, who asked his audience if they truly wanted to see a revival begin.
“When the people said, yes, Gypsy replied, ‘Then go back home draw a circle around you on the floor, then get down on your knees in the middle of that circle and ask God to convert everybody inside that circle. When you do that and God answers, you are experiencing the start of revival,’ ” Moede, says quoting the piece. “So it starts with us — in our homes.”
To say that Moede is excited to again return to his hometown to share Jesus with others is an understatement. However, his excitement is heightened by the talk this revival has been having around the Windom area.
“I think with what we’re doing on the radio and in the newspaper, it’s just caused more interest this year. Praise God for that,” Moede continues. “I think people are realizing that this is all for God and all in the love of Jesus. It’s all about being a peacemaker. It’s all about helping each other.”
Moede also emphasizes that what he and others are doing is not just a “drive-by revival or ministry.”
“We just don’t come and leave an area. I think we’re showing people that we’re here to stay,” Moede says.
As an added bonus, Moede will speak in his home church, American Lutheran, during the church’s Wednesday evening and Sunday morning worship services.
“This is my home church where my Christian foundation was started,” Moede says. “I’m going to talk for about 10 to 15 minutes and share how important it is for people to go to church and Sunday School.
“I’m still in disbelief about speaking at ALC. I think that’s a gift from God.”
Moede concludes that there is a tremendous amount of work done behind the scenes to hold a revival.
“I have so many friends in Windom and I’m living proof that God has long arms,” Moede contends. “He has reached into Windom and Albuquerque and stirred the hearts of these people.
“I really want to thank all the people who are helping with this. There’s just a lot of help there in Windom and a lot of love.”
