Last night, I dreamt that Lynn and I had travelled back in time to an older CFNI. It's been bugging me all morning, and i might as well write it down in here. If you are reading this, and you were from CFNI years ago (how many, it dont know if it matters), and if you recognize anything from my dream, i'd like to hear from you. Comment or email me.
In the dream, the CFNI we travelled back to see had a big stage, but a smaller hall. The stage was wide and deep, much like those used for production pieces. There was music playing, and a brass band was on stage. It was a lot like a live musical; with dancing and singing on stage, performing to the crowd in the hall. I dont really know the reason we went back in time, but once we were there, I started walking around showing Lynn all the things like the band and the show, and kinda saying how much better it was then than when we were attending in the present.
The show was winding down, and I remember that the audience was seated along the walls, with the middle of the hall empty. In the hall, there was a slightly raised platform in the middle. I was standing in the back of the room near the entrance. Then I heard a piano playing the song "Give Thanks", and you know how the songs is so old that sometimes we roll our eyes when we hear the song, but this time, when the song was played and the the man was singing behind the piano, it sounded very contemporary and relevant. I looked at the musician, and he was probably in his 30s or 40s, wore glasses and a thin beard and moustache.
Then an older gentleman, balding, white hair on the sides of his head, with a slight beard, and he was gently inviting the crowd to respond to the calling of God and come to the middle. There was movement at first, and then it seemed like some of those who were moving toward the middle was hesitant, but more began to respond as the man continued to encourage people to come down. About 20 or so young people got down to the middle of the floor, and all of them were in tears, as they song "Give Thanks" was playing.
I remember in the dream, I knew who the two men were, and I was familiar with their style of ministry. When I saw those two men, I had a sense of respect and approval for what they were doing. Also when the young people came to the middle to respond, I recognized them as those who would make an impact for the Kingdom of God in our present time, where Lynn and I came from, and in the future. I was proud, in a good way, of what happened that night. As I looked on, I was in awe of the significance of the altar call, and of the people that responded.
The dream ended with me looking straight and continuing to slightly nod with approval at everything that was happening. Then Lynn came up behind me as I was doing that and gave me a hug, and says that she was going to give up school, but because of what she saw, she will continue. Then I awoke.
The first feelings I felt when I awoke was the strange realization that the CFNI that I know off today is not the same from the CFNI in the past. In the dream, it felt as though there was more freedom for the Holy Spirit to move and touch lives, and it felt like we had time to let God do what He wants to do instead of rushing through services. It also felt like although things are, of course, very much different now than what it was back when, it is not necessarily better now.
So, in following my invitation in my first paragraph, if you attended CFNI in the past, and you recognize anything in this dream, please comment or email me. If this is indicative, in any way, of the CFNI now or past, I would like to know. And also, I would like to assert that it is not my intention to defame or lower the image of CFNI in any way. I am an alumnus, and I have an affinity for this school. If anything, I just want to bring to light a dream that I had, and to gather some feedback as well as perhaps stir a new hunger and passion for God. Please do not decide whether or not to come to CFNI based on this post or my dream. If God has called you here, then by all means come. This is the place for you.
*If you're reading this on Facebook or on another site, please comment on the blog at www.thomasleong.net*
