1-2 March 2013
People representing more than 8 local churches and others who came from Outer Eastern Melbourne – came to Olinda for 24 hours blessings the Dandenongs with worship, prayer, declaration and engagement with local people in words and acts of blessing. We found that many of the local congregations are very small and mainly elderly and vulnerable to discontinuations; and they were generally very encouraged to have others come and pray with them for the mountain they have faithfully prayed for and blessed over many years. We saw the grace of God move through this simple gathering as we ministered in humility, unity, joy and passion as – the priesthood of all believers; one body of Christ in the region. Through prophetic words (below), we heard the Lord’s assurance that God’s presence is established on the mountain and that his favour and anointing is on his sons and daughters from this region arising as mighty men and women into a new inheritance on the mountain and a destiny that will impact the city of Melbourne.
Some of us took our first steps in approaching strangers to offer them blessing.
Mark Fergie
I can say on behalf of Ranges that we were all moved by the amazing time we spent in prayer and worship together in Olinda. It was fantastic to be a part of it and to be encouraged.
Josh Chesterman
I was honored to be asked to participate in the 24 hr service, and it was a real privilege to join the body in worship, prayer and intercession. I only wish I could have been there for the whole event!
The prophetic word came along with Psalm 87: 1 He has founded his city on the holy mountain. The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob. 3 Glorious things are said of you, city of God: 4 “I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me— Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush[— and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’” 5 Indeed, of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High himself will establish her.” 6 The Lord will write in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.” 7 As they make music they will sing, “All my fountains are in you.”
Here is the word I gave:
This mountain belongs to the Lord. By sacrifice and by fire He has consecrated it to Himself. The Lord loves the unity and praises of His saints on this mountain and His favour finds a special place on His dwelling place here. His saints. Glorious things will be said of God’s work on this mountain.
In the passage, cities like Babylon, Rahab, Philistia, Tyre and Cush are acknowledged as cities of great renown. It was said that those who are born in these cities were favoured and honoured. However, the passage lifts up in greater renown those born on the Holy Mountain of Zion. It is said that they carry high favour and honour from God simply for being born there.
I believe God is saying that as He establishes Mount Dandenong as His Holy mountain, great favour will rest on the saints born and living here.
I believe He is establishing a very special blessing and powerful overshadowing of His favour on the physical and spiritual children who are being born here. God will raise up mighty men and women from this place. A people called “Lo-Ammi”, “not my people” will receive a new identity and be called “you are my people.” Romans 9:25,26. 1 Peter 2:10.
People will say “this one was born in Mount Dandenong,” because of the honour and renown of God’s Presence on this mountain. This will be a place of music, rejoicing and refreshing will be found on the mountain. People will come here to drink from the deep fountains of His Presence which He is establishing.
A prophetic word based on Isaiah 9 was then shared by ___________, who said, “God has given us Isaiah 9….”
Isaiah 9 (AMP) “ But [in the midst of judgment there is the promise and the certainty of the Lord’s deliverance and] there shall be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time [the Lord] brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time He will make it glorious, by the way of the Sea [of Galilee, the land] beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great Light; those who dwelt in the land of intense darkness and the shadow of death, upon them has the Light shined. You [O Lord] have multiplied the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before You like the joy in harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil [of battle]. For the yoke of [Israel’s] burden, and the staff or rod for [goading] their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, You have broken as in the day of [Gideon with] Midian. For every [tramping] warrior’s war boots and all his armour in the battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from the [latter] time forth, even forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”
As the above words “God has given us Isaiah ….” were read, Mark Fergie’s grandchild – an infant called Isaiah arrived and the timely presence of little Isaiah –now from the Dandenongs – seemed to be prophetic confirmation of Josh’s word and the Isaiah 9 promises.
Rebekah Jackman
Sent us a further confirmation on 4th March – based on her discernment of God’s meanings behind her painting, ‘Golden Oil.’
During 24 hours of prayer and worship in Olinda in the early hours of the morning I painted beside Andee Sellmen whose worship both inspired and encouraged me. A few days later, I asked the Lord what my painting meant and I was led to read Zechariah 4.
Vs 2 and 12 ”I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lights on it, with seven channels to the lights (the eyes of the Lord) with two olive trees” (ones who bring oil) “beside the two gold pipes that pour out golden oil.”
Vs 6 This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.’
Vs 9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you.”
I believe there is gold in the heart and people of the Dandenong Mountains and the eyes of the Lord search for Zerubbabels He can anoint and pour out golden oil upon to build His temple and complete it. They will carry this anointing that will impact the streets of Melbourne with gold. Those who carry the fire of His Holy Spirit will lead a mighty wave of His love from the Mountains to the city.
The white horse represents many sons and daughters growing up into the full measure of Christ.
He has drawn them to Himself in the rivers of His loving-kindness and anoints them with the Spirit of the Lord to preach, to heal, to free, and to release the lost from darkness, to comfort, to crown with beauty as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest and a bride adorns herself with jewels, to give oil of joy and robes of righteousness to those in despair who will in turn display His splendour, to repair old ruins, to restore devastated places and cause righteousness and praise to spring up as soil causes seeds in a garden to grow. Isaiah 61
I know the favour of the Lord is on us to do great things and He spoke to me that even creation will be liberated from the bondage of decay into the glorious freedom of the children of God. Rom 8
Towards the end of 2012 I walked up the Dandenong Mountains where I have a perfect view of the city and stood with a large pair of wings as a prophetic act to pray for Melbourne. I felt foolish but the Lord said, “You bring the wood and the sacrifice and I will bring the fire!” So I interceded and declared favour with God and favour with people for all God’s children who have seeds from the Lord in their heart and dreams yet to be fulfilled. Then I witnessed in a vision the release of many angels and chariots going forth from the mountain across Melbourne. As I walked back down pondering what the Lord was doing about ten fire trucks rode by telling me that in 15 minutes a fire was being lit. I had only enough time to exit the bush before controlled back burning began! The streets below were blocked by fire-fighters and filled with warning signs that I was sure were not there 2 hours earlier. By the time I got past them I could already begin to see the smoke rising where I had just been. I know God’s wild but that was close timing and a sign I could not dismiss!
“ It was such a joy to participate at the 24 hours of blessing in Olinda.”
Sue Tinworth
Offering Blessing to Strangers:
During the afternoon on 2 March we went into the Olinda community to intentionally release direct words of blessings. One woman was quite hesitant until she understood that she herself is the blessing and God would bless through her – using her own gifts and personality. She went home in the break and baked three cakes which blessed a visiting group in her home and two new neighbouring families who received her so warmly she knew a relational door had opened.
We hadn’t yet seen the pattern of the prophetic words that God was highlighting – about “the very special blessing and powerful overshadowing of God’s favour on the physical and spiritual children who are being born here.” but Heide and I had numerous interactions with a young man that exemplified this. I saw this young man busking in the main street and bless his musicality and encourage him by acknowledging the life gift that he himself is. Later I felt impressed to sit on an area of grass at the back of the shopping centre and to our surprised delight, he then relocated there. At the end of the gig, he expressed that he was uncertain about what he wanted to do since leaving school. He wanted to do music but felt the lack sufficient theory. He returned again after loading his car. We had opportunity to repeatedly speak into his identity and destiny.
If God stirs you to host 24/7 prayer & worship to bless a region we really recommend collaborating with other local churches – and incorporating street evangelism. We learned a few things and are happy to share them!
