Posted By:Scott Tompkins

The YWAM world got a little smaller Thursday (or Friday depending on where you were) as the GENESIS videoconferencing technology brought together bases in Switzerland, Mexico, Australia, Norway and Hawaii for "One Voice," a simultaneous global worship and prayer event.

"One Voice" launched from Lausanne, Switzerland, as GENESIS Centre pioneer Markus Steffen and event coordinator Luzanne Laubsher of South Africa led out in prayer that God would united the hearts of YWAMers around the world.

As the cameras moved from place to place a spirit of worship surged with them, including worship in Spanish from Ensenada, Mexico, Hawaiian hula and Korean fan dancing from Kona, and songs of praise from Townsville, Lausanne and Wiler.

YWAM pioneer Dean Sherman came out in Ensenada, sporting a big sombrero. He likened the event to the joining of the wall of Jerusalem in Nehemiah's time. "There is power in worship, power in coming together," he declared. "Every time we exalt Jesus like this it scatters the enemies of God."

The One Voice events began back in 2003, and bases from over 20 nations have participated so far. The purpose of these events is to bring greater unity in the YWAM family, and all have been marked by joyful celebration.

Darlene Cunningham gave a word for the mission about the measure of faith needed for the next season of YWAM's ministry. "God wants to increase our faith. In the story of the widow and the oil from the Old Testament, the prophet told the widow to 'Go and get vessels, not a few.' That's the word of the Lord to us. God will fill these vessels as we go. There is new revelation he wants to give us, new ways of evangelism, education and mercy ministries."

YWAM Lausanne began the event with a week of 24/7 prayer and the neighboring center in Wiler will continue that prayer vigil next week.

There will be four "One Voice" events next year, one in each quarter. They always present a logistical challenge because of the many time zones and technical issues. but it's been well worth it to see the unity they bring.

For more information on GENESIS go to www.go-genesis.com