In the 27 years of Turning Point Conference, for the very first time we are forced to cancel this keystone event in our Church calendar. Being the year 2020, unless you’ve been living under a rock, little explanation is needed as to the reason why. However, we will commemorate Turning Point later this month as we continue to forge ahead with the work of God’s Kingdom in spite of the restrictions.
Our late Bishop Ted Slack started Turning Point in 1993 to commemorate our move from the very first UPCA building in Belmore to our current location in Campsie. The name of the event is profound, not only because it memorialises the significance of this event but also serves as a reminder to us that there are times and events that can define and determine the trajectory and destiny of our movement.
It’s been repeatedly said; that we don’t measure life in minutes but in moments. In the two greek words for time; we live in the continuum of kronos time, determining the seconds, hours, days, weeks, seasons. However, we don’t remember the constant ticking of the hours and consistent passage of days or even seasons but we remember the Kairos or God moments. Kairos moments are when our faithful consecration and steadfast hope in God intersects with God’s timing and intervention. The turning point moments when we give our life to God, when we step out by faith to sacrifice, feel the touch of his hand, discern his still small voice. It’s when he breaks through in our lives with deliverance after a period of ongoing struggle, when he heals our chronic illnesses or when we are flooded with his blessings that become milestones of note.
The wedding day, the birth of our children, the promotion to an unexpected position, teach our first Bible study - these are moments that not only leave indelible marks in our memories but they shape our characters and transform our perspectives forever.
It is said of the sons of Issachar that they had an understanding of the times and knew what Israel should do (1 Chr 12:32). It is no doubt that 2020 is a turning point in the history of the Church and as God’s people we should have an acute and prophetic understanding of this time that we are living in. That we are in the last days and what we are seeing in our world is simply prophecy being fulfilled of the signs of the last days. I must confess that I have been frustrated and a little discouraged by the halting of the amazing momentum we have been experiencing the last couple of years, upon the lockdowns. However, I have clearly seen that despite every obstacle, God continues to bless his Church and use the Church to continue to make disciples and bring people to salvation.
This is a turning point year, and I am convinced this current pandemic will serve to spring board us to the next level of Apostolic Revival not only at POS but throughout Sydney, and Australia and also the world.