Because of the Times

1983-2003
20 years of BOTT

1983.  As major events go, it wasn't a huge year.  The three issues that come to the front when 1983 is researched include Korean Airlines Flight 007 being shot down by the USSR, US forces invading Grenada, and President Reagan proposing the Strategic Defense Initiative—also known as "Star Wars."  Not something that just rolls off the tip of one's tongue when one hears "1983."

It would be interesting to be able to listen in to the reactions of the spirit world when they hear "1983."  One can only imagine that a victory dance might break out in the heavenly break room . . . or the band spontaneously begins celebratory music in the heavenly orchestra room . . . or there is a mighty rush of wind on the earth as thousands of angels' wings beat majestically in a triumphant memorial parade around the globe. 

And, as long as we're imagining, it is only fair to tell both sides of the story.

There is probably a long period of silence in the deep recesses of the earth as the dark beings remember territory that was lost . . . never to be regained.  In the control center of blackness, red eyes gleam with fury and a gravelly voice snarls for that year never to be uttered again in his presence.  And the demons who were personally defeated (the ones who are banished forever in the deepest bowels of torment) groan only louder as they recall with anguish how it felt to be cast off and out and away.

1983.  A major year. 

Because of the Times was born!

Anthony Mangun had long possessed a burden that a meeting was needed for young ministers seeking anointing and spiritual direction for their ministries and their cities in the latter part of the 20th century.  Approximately 500-600 hungry hearts gathered in the G A Mangun Auditorium that year and were rewarded by a great outpouring of power.  The meeting more than doubled the next year, and word began to spread.  Ministers sold appliances and held garage sales to raise funds for the trip.  POA members began to open their homes for those who could not afford hotel rooms.  They sat on the floor, in the overflow rooms, the hallways . . . and have never been disappointed.  Just as the hunger produced revival in 1983, the hunger nor the revival has diminished in the 20 succeeding years.  The present sanctuary, overflow rooms, and G A Mangun Center are filled to capacity each year as hungry hearts gather for anointing and spiritual direction.

Because of the Times, He met us then.

Because of the Times, He meets us now. 

Because He doesn't change!