Report from Pastor Bobby Hill
July 9-19, 2001

One of the more spectacular ministry experiences of my summer occurred in the middle of July. We spent two weeks in Belgium and France. We were invited by two pastors to provide the teaching for a Pastor's gathering in Brussels. Vanguard Ministries cosponsored the event which was called an Institute of Ministry and Leadership Training. Over 80 Senior Pastors from 12 countries attended the 4 day event with around 140 total attendance. All of the sessions were interpreted in French and we provided French translated Institute syllabi for the attendees.

It was amazing to us how dark and pagan these western countries can be-so civilized and yet so dark. There is a heavy cloud of oppression and the spirit of antichrist prevailing over these European countries. But there are breakthroughs occurring! The pastors who attended the Ministry Institute were so hungry to improve and sharpen their ministry skills. Pastor Dan and Rhonda Backens of New Life @ Providence, a VM partner church, accompanied us and shared the teaching load. We taught four sessions per day for four days on topics such as balancing marriage and ministry, resolving conflicts in the church, leadership skills, sermon preparation, managing change, attitudes of leaders, etc. We also spent around 2 hours of just personal ministry during the final day. Dan, Rhonda, Carrie and I laid hands, prayed, and ministered through the gifts of the spirit to most of the attendees. It was so encouraging for these front-line ministers to receive hands-on ministry. God was faithful to speak and touch many of these battle-weary soldiers through us. PTL! At the final session, we distributed certificates of completion. They were so blessed and thrilled!

On Sunday following the conference our team ministered to several churches in Belgium and then traveled to France by train. We took a couple of days for refreshment and recovery in Paris. I was introduced to the Pastor of a large church (700 people) in Paris and preached on Thursday night. The pastor felt it was a breakthrough service in the life of their church. We have been invited to return in the future for a series of meetings.

In short, we all felt a strong sense of anointing and powerful flow in the ministry times while we were in Europe. We walked in a high level of unity and peace the entire time. The needs are so great and the leaders need encouragement and more instruction. We believe there is a wide door of opportunity for more ministry there in the future as God confirms timing and strategy.