The Initial Vision
The Initial Vision
Paramaribo, Suriname
August 1989
In August, 1989, while ministering in the presence of several hundred Christians at the Stadszending of the Moravian Church in Paramaribo, Suriname, the Lord allowed me to see what I believe to be a portion of His plan for calling the world to Himself in these last days before His return. I do not claim infallibility on this: I am not an “expert” in visions. This is one of a mere handful of vision experiences I have ever had. Yet, as I saw what I am about to describe, the Lord was at that same time giving to my brother in His service, Samuel Doctorian, a word of knowledge, a running verbal commentary as it were on what I was experiencing visually. Moreover, subsequent dreams, experiences of His leading in prayer, affirming prophetic statements by other Christians, and the very “playing out” in obedience of my role in that plan seem to confirm again and again that this is from the Lord.
As the Holy Spirit fell upon us that Saturday morning· in South America, I felt as though the congregation in front of me were dissolving into a hazy background, and a large, color map of the Caribbean area appeared to me in its place. I saw a small white flame begin burning through the map at Suriname, and another white flame burning in a similar fashion in Jamaica. Both flames were of the type one could easily start by focusing the bright heat of the sun through a lens onto a paper on a bright day. As I watched, the two flames grew in intensity until Jamaica and Suriname were consumed.
Then, the flames began to flow, like water, eastward from Jamaica and northward from Suriname, until all the Caribbean islands were aflame. The flame spread, like fire consuming tissue paper, except that the map was not consumed. The Caribbean basin was filled with flame, and the flames grew in intensity until it shone brilliantly white hot.
This is Phase I: the outpouring of the Spirit upon the Caribbean, beginning in Suriname and in Jamaica and flowing from there to the rest of the countries of the area. The Caribbean will be the birthplace of a major renewal, a readying of God’s people, a preparing for service, and equipping for intense spiritual warfare. Samuel Doctorian’s prophetic words echoed through the visual display.
I watched as, from the ball of white-hot flame that was now the Caribbean, huge flashes of lightning blasted across the Atlantic to Europe, igniting similar flames in Amsterdam, Brussels, and London.
This is Phase II: Spirit-filled Christians from the islands and from South America will be carrying the power, the presence, and the promises of the Lord back to Europe, and from these Caribbean missionaries, a great revival will draw many in Western Europe closer to Jesus and into deeper, more powerful Christian servanthood.
From Europe, and from the Caribbean, huge balls of flame drifted westward and northward across North America. It was at this point that I too heard the Lord speak: “One more time”, with a sense of reluctance and weariness in His voice.
This is Phase III: to the United States and Canada from Europe and from Central and South America there will flow a stream of missionaries called to bring conviction and an invitation to the Kingdom. There is a stoniness in North America, and the revival will be deep, but not broad. Fewer will be reached than in Europe or in the Caribbean, but those who give themselves to Jesus will be equipped with incredible Spiritual strength and ability. The North American revival will be brief, even unnoticed in many areas.
There is a Phase IV: the Pacific rim. That is not for now. But soon. And in the meantime, I am commanded to be as tinder for His flame, to be part of this wonderful spiritual igniting. If the Spirit of the Lord excites you in the sharing of this vision, you may be called to be part of it as well. Pray for His direction.
Douglass P. Norwood, Jr.