White Chalk and Hula Hoops

For many years I have been challenging believers in churches across America to follow the example of Gypsy Smith. 

Whenever the noted evangelist wanted to see God do His great work, he was known to draw a circle around himself with a piece of white chalk and pray, "Lord, send a revival, and let it begin inside this circle." 

Rodney "Gypsy" Smith was born in a tent, raised in a Gypsy camp, and never attended a day of school; yet he influenced millions of people for God through his powerful preaching. Not exactly a recipe for success . . . unless we take our eyes off of everyone else (refuse to compare), step inside a chalk-drawn circle, and say, "Lord, I need revival!" 

"But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding" (2 Cor. 10:12). 

Did you know that Gypsy Smith spoke here? 

I recently spoke in a church outside Chicago, and someone informed me that Gypsy Smith (1860-1947) had previously spoken there. I have shared the chalk story for more than a quarter of a century, and I couldn't help but reflect on the extended impact of that one life story. I estimate that over 200,000 people have heard me tell the Gypsy Smith illustration. 

During the past decade, I have taken bags of chalk with me to every church where I have done prep work for Life Action summits. My invitation at the end of my Sunday morning message is simple but profoundly effective in heart preparation: 

"Would you join me by taking a piece of chalk and placing it in a conspicuous place, perhaps on your nightstand or next to your mirror where you dress each morning, on your desk or in your purse or pocket? AND, each time you see it between now and the time our team arrives, would you stop long enough to ask God to 'send revival inside my circle, to my heart!'?" 

Hundreds typically come to the altar to take a piece of chalk and begin praying that prayer. 

The stories I've heard of what happens next are reminders to my own heart to take that challenge seriously. 

New York: A family drew a circle on a piece of cardboard and put it in front of their fireplace. Every morning for five weeks leading up to the summit, each member of their family would step inside the circle and pray, "Lord, send revival inside this circle." They later reported the unexplainable work of God that took place in their home. 

Pennsylvania: A lady drew a circle around her favorite rocking chair and prayed every day for six weeks for the Lord to work in her heart. 

Texas: A man was building a home and decided to have a circle engraved in the final piece of tile at the back door where he would enter his home each evening, as a reminder that revival in his home began with him. 

Michigan: One of our own staff families purchased a hula hoop and placed it in their living room, asking each member of the family to step inside it every day and pray the "circle prayer." 

Florida #1: Following the final church service where I was preaching, I walked outside to discover white circles all over the parking lot and on the sidewalk leading up to the front door. These church members said they did not want anyone inside their church to miss the opportunity to pray the prayer! (Wouldn't that change church?) 

Florida #2: I returned from speaking in Palm Bay to learn that a couple from there had placed a short video clip on YouTube. It depicts a discussion they at their kitchen table about the need to ask God to begin revival in them as a couple--except instead of a circle, they drew a heart on their kitchen floor! (There's some great theology in this simple kitchen conversation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJWTKabN-nw)

Bethlehem (PA, that is): Two weeks ago, I spoke in three worship services on Sunday morning. Between the second and third services, someone came up to me and inquired, "Did you know that some men are drawing a circle around the entire church building?" Sure enough, upon leaving the final service for lunch, there it was: a huge circle around the entire complex. 

This past weekend, much amazing face-to-face ministry occurred: 

• Pure in Heart conference in the Quad Cities area
• Men's conference here at the Life Action Camp
• Blue Team summit near Washington, D.C.
• Red Team summit in Bristol, TN
• White Team summit in Wabash, IN
• Women's conference with Nancy Leigh DeMoss at First Baptist Church of Dallas
• Jericho Partnership with Dave Warn (Collegiate Impact) at Montana State University 

We have a busy week ahead, as I'm sure you do; but don't forget to draw a circle. Can you imagine the difference that would make?

Got a piece of chalk?

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