"Everything is subject to change, and the pace of change is accelerating," said Mr. Marshall, representing the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Is seems that everywhere you look change is occurring at a breakneck pace.

By contrast, we are powerless to change the human heart. "Have you ever tried to change?" asked Mr. Marshall. The mark of the millennial age is that everyone is spiritual and yet none is changed.

Mr. Marshall recalled the Mayor of Tampa telling him, "I cannot change anything by politics," as he sought help in solving the problems of violence and broken families. The futility of changing the human heart by external means causes people to be angry or depressed.

The Psalmist said, "When I confessed not my sin, my body wasted away." (Psalm 32:3).

The number one reason people go on the internet is "soul search," according to Mr. Marshall They are searching for spiritual meaning and the power to change from within. Only 15% of those born after 1950 go to church, he said.

Jesus is the great change agent, said Mr. Marshall, and He came to change hearts. For that reason the first Billy Graham Crusade in the history of Jacksonville was launched. "God often gives in one brief moment what he has for a long time denied," he said, quoting Of Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis.

That moment for Jacksonville is upon us. It is the ideal time, this is the ideal city, and it is the ideal message, according to Mr. Marshall. For that reason he is enlisting from 20,000 to 30,000 volunteers to assist the advance team with planning the Crusade.

The Millennium is a historic time for reflection, and it is a historic moment for change. Christianity has shaped the modern world. History is His Story, and Christ promises the only hope for the future.

Change of character is good business, said Mr. Marshall.

He said the important thing to ask about claims of faith during the Crusade is, "Where are these people five years from now?" Genuine change will endure trials for those who say "yes" to Christ.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (II Coronthians 5:17)

Billy Graham, at 81 years of age, is an old man with a young heart, Mr. Marshall said. The Jacksonville Crusade is designed to bring together the churches, to bring the message of changed hearts – genuine, enduring change.

"Now I beseech you, brethren (Christians)by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (the one who Christians should follow) that you All (every follower) speak the same thing, and that there be No (not any) divisions among you; but that you be perfectly (maturely) joined (united) together in the same mind (the mind of Christ)and in the same judgement (His judgement)." (vs.10)

Was Paul crucified for you? or were you baptized in the name of Paul? The obvious answer to these penetrating questions is No, absolutely not. Christ is whole, one God with the Father, and the Holy Spirit. One God. He has one body, the bride of Christ, His church.

We should demonstrate the unity we have in Christ as His church which meets in many different locations in Jacksonville but one church with Jesus Christ as our Lord and Great Shepherd. (John 17:21; Psalm 133)

There are a large group of local pastors who believe this. They are called The Jacksonville Pastors and Christian Leaders Fellowship. They pray together at the city Rescue Mission, every Thursday from 11 a.m.-Noon. They pray for the church, pastors and church members, city officials, policemen, firemen, they pray for revival, and they pray for the lost in our city.

This group of pastors began praying together (across denominational, racial, and cultural lines) over five years ago, and are still praying together. God is bringing in more pastors to their group, as more pastors realize that the whole city will not be reached by any one church or any one denomination...God would not permit that as human pride would deflect His own glory.

Dr. Billy Graham, God's most effective and honorable spokesman of our century is coming to Jacksonville. God placed this desire in his heart. This will be the greatest opportunity in our life time to work together as the church in Jacksonville, demonstrate the unity we have in Christ, and our love for one another, and see the greatest harvest of souls in our history.

To God be the glory. Let us pray together and work together and see what God will do in our midst. The year 2000 will be the greatest year in our lives for the kingdom of God, Praise Jesus!

Contact: The Jacksonville Pastors and Christian Leaders Fellowship at JPCLF, PO Box 57417, Jacksonville, FL 32241-7417 or call Pastor Steve Hall (904) 636-5445