Samuel was born into the nation of Israel at a time when the word of the LORD was rare and there were not many visions (1 Sam.3.1). Later King Solomon spoke of a situation “Where there is no vision” and of the consequences of such a situation for the people and for the nation (Prov.29.18).
It was during a Missions Conference in October 2013 in Alaska, where Jack McKee, founder and pastor of New Life City Church in Belfast, Northern Ireland, spoke about a ministry project that he had participated in called “One Nation One Day” in Honduras. At that moment, and from that phrase, “One Nation One Day”, the Lord planted the seed of an idea into Jack’s heart based on two simple numbers: 39 + 1. That seed grew into a vision and that vision is now being brought to fruition with the 39 +1 Outreach soon to take place in Belfast under Jack’s leadership.
It became clear to Jack that the 39 represented 39 Days of spiritual and practical renewal with activities to facilitate and encourage hearts and lives changed by Jesus. The 39 days would culminate on 1 Special Day when the changed lives would be solidified and celebrated. Good Friday, April 18, 2014 has now been set apart as that special day. The 39 are the 39 Days leading up to Good Friday. The Challenge is to “bring change in a Day”; on that One Specific Day, but to also work towards that One Day during the preceding 39 Days by encouraging change in self, change in the church; and change in the community, city and nation.
The 39 + 1 outreach will start on Monday, March 10, 2014 and conclude on Good Friday April 18. During the 39+1 days there will be Cross Walks, Cross Vigils at conflict locations, a Prayer Tent between the Dividing Gates, and much more. On Good Friday churches and individual Christians will be challenged to raise crosses throughout the city of Belfast at street corners, on building tops, and other visible locations. A 200 square foot cross made of white material will be spread out on Black Mountain overlooking the city of Belfast, reminding the city of the One Special Day that changed the world 2,000 years ago.
At the same time a new cross will be raised between the Dividing Gates in Belfast that separate conflicting Protestant and Catholic communities. The cross will be metallic and will be called “The Cross of crosses.” It will be made up of several crosses representing the years of conflict in Northern Ireland when over 3,700 lost their lives. Formed together into one large cross, this cross will represent the fact that one person, the only begotten Son of God, died for all of us, regardless of religious, cultural or ethnic background.
At the very end of 39+1 there will be a Worship Event, including 40 hours of uninterrupted worship starting at 8 PM on Good Friday and ending at 12 noon on Easter Sunday morning.
Please pray for this amazing vision to bring change to Northern Ireland in One Day, Good Friday, through the 39+1 outreach. For any who wish to support the financial costs of this city-wide effort to change the people and culture of Belfast, gifts can to given on the HBI website or sent by check to PO Box 5465, Charlottesville, VA 22905. Write “39 + 1” on the memo line to designate the gift properly.
For more information you can follow Jack and 39+1 on Facebook:
