Joyce Meyer with Hillsongs, Delirious Revive Mumbai

'The Festival of Life' organised by the Joyce Meyer Ministries kick started, with more than 45,000 participants, all over the country, storming in to see the live conjugative musical concert of Delirious, Hillsongs and the inspiring sermons from Joyce Meyer and Brian Huston, January 17–20.

Stunning was the view which saw the MMRDA grounds, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, one of the costliest commercial complex, which saw people throng in large numbers, to get a glimpse of the charismatic Christian author and speaker, including worlds influential Christian praise teams.

A Christian Today reporter at the venue noted that, the whole Mumbai city is covered by banners and hoardings of the huge event, which has been described as one of the largest Christian musical concert in the country, with live performances.

"Until now, these grounds were being prepared for the arrival of super stars from India and all over the world. But this week, it's being prepared for the arrival of the King of Kings, the Creator of the Universe, the Beginning and the End, the only Living God– Jesus Christ," remarked the Joyce Meyer Ministries.

The festival began with the praise and worship of local church teams, whose Bhajans and traditional singing in Marathi and Hindi, made the crowd feel homely, spreading hope and cheer in the minds of people. Bollywood's popular Anil Kanth and Vijay Benedict, added few tapping numbers.

Accompanying later was the praise led by English Christian rock and worship band, Delirious, whose worship impacted the crowd. Surprisingly, the crowd echoed in loud voices when the band sang the popular hit 'Majesty' in Hindi – Hey Prabhu.

On her first stage appearance in Mumbai, Joyce Meyer said, "I’m here to urge people to enjoy everyday with God.”

Meyer who claims to have visited India more times than any other country said, "We see people of different creed, color, caste and languages, but do not forget we are one army in Christ, who serves and loves the Almighty God.”

Quoting tales of King David and the blind Barthemius, from the Bible, Meyer referred to her struggles in life – about how she fought off a troubled childhood and a sexually–abusive father to emerge as the person she is today.

Urging people to believe and trust in God, she added, "God wants to bless and help us in our life. Trust and believe in his word, and your life will change."

Brian Houston, Pastor of the Hillsongs Australia encouraged the people to be away from the mind of negativity and live positive in life. "Negativity is the indication of inner defeat. Negativity always justifies itself, excuses itself, and finds a reason for its existence," he said.

In the evening, at least 2.5 lakh people gathered to hear Hillsongs live. Their scintillating performance sparked the heart of worship and led the people in unison and grace.

Worship Pastor Darlene Zschech, later prayed for the worship leaders and encouraged them to worship God truthfully in spirit and not to be concerned over the performance or popularity.

One of the event holder, while interviewed by Christian Today said, "I have never seen or been to such an amazing event. Marvelous is the presence of God here and I feel moved and encouraged by the sermons and music."

"And more than all, when I see my brothers and sisters from different caste and color, joining together, am just full of grace. I feel like Jesus Christ visited India and moved our hearts to serve him and love him more."

Dr Pinto, chairman of the event said, "Mumbai will change its face. Great things are to begin in our country. It’s just a start."

In Mumbai, Joyce Meyer Ministries has been involved in extensive social work. “We have 10 centres in areas like Ghatkopar, Bhandup, Vikhroli and Kalva, that provide food to children in the city. We also run a transformation home for commercial sex workers in Badlapur where sex workers are provided vocational training.” said Scott Norling, Director–Asia, JMM.