In February, 1999, Stephen McDowell spent two weeks in South Africa speaking at two SYMSA conferences and at numerous churches, as well as meeting with many different government, education, and church leaders. SYMSA stands for "SYMposium for the biblical rebuilding of South Africa." A group of international speakers taught on how the gospel can impact the nation. Over 600 people attended a two-day conference in Capetown and 300-400 attended in Pretoria. Both were very successful.

        McDowell writes: "In 1992 and 1993 I spoke at some similar conferences in South Africa, as well as consulted with some people who went on to start a new political party called the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP). The ACDP received enough votes in the historic elections of 1994 to place two members in the national parliament and three in regional parliaments. During my visit in February I was very excited to see the fruit that has come forth from my previous trips -- teachers using our materials, people inspired to start new businesses, people serving in civil government, and many who have greatly benefited from our book Liberating the Nations."

        "My friend Kenneth Meshoe, who is a Member of Parliament and head of the ACDP, invited some of the speakers to a luncheon in Parliament one day. His colleague in Parliament and also a member of the ACDP, Luis Green, related how he came to join the newly formed ACDP before the historic elections 5 years ago. He had been the leader of the ANC (African National Congress, presently the ruling party) in the Cape Province when he attended SYMSA '93 and read Liberating the Nations. He said he had been a Christian in his heart, but after being exposed to the truth he learned in the conference and our book, he realized his thinking and action did not coincide with his Christian faith. From that time his life was turned around. He left the ANC and joined with Kenneth and the fledgling ACDP. Three months later he found he had been elected to the Parliament."

        "Luis' testimony is a great example of what is needed to bring godly reform to the nations -- the thinking and action of Christians must become consistent with their heart faith. This is part of the mission of the Providence Foundation -- to spread Christian liberty among the nations by educating them in a biblical worldview. To accomplish this mission we produce biblical worldview resources in many languages, provide introductory-level education, and provide comprehensive training of leaders to reform society."

        A pastor from South Africa whom McDowell visited in 1999 and spoke at his church wrote: "It is just amazing how much your visit on those short two days really started a great change in our lives. We are studying your material very carefully and have also started a course for leaders called Biblical Christian World View. Your book Liberating the Nations is the core handbook."

        Dr. Dominic Obott of Nigeria attended our Institute for World Reformation in 1991 and since then he has been doing much to teach others in his nation. Dr. Obott, who is founder and President of Redeemed International Seminary, recently wrote: "As a Providence Foundation Scholar, I have been playing a leading role here in training Christians to participate in politics and governance and ordering civil government. Before I attended your Institute for World Reformation, I used to think it was abominable for a Christian to be involved in politics or participate in ordering earth's government. In your school I was taught the political mission and mandate of the Church, etc, that opened my eyes to the truth and changed my perspective. Thank you once again for the vision of the Providence Foundation."

        Dr. Obott wrote that "in our seminary, we teach Principles for the Reformation of the Nations as a course. Our students like this course more than every other course that we offer in the seminary. The course is so educative, informative, exciting and liberating. I teach the course personally. All our students now have a new idea of Christianity and governance."

        John Jere is a pastor and the Executive Director of Zambia United Christian Action. His desire is to disciple his nation, beginning by educating pastors and Christians in their civil duties. Rev. Jere recently obtained some of our books and has been diligently studying them. He wrote:

        "Your books have transformed me and I will not be free till I put everything I have learned into practice. We want to begin by educating those in the 1500 churches throughout the country that are members of Zambia United Christian Action. . . . For your information I am in direct contact with the key political leaders. Some come to my house to consult on national controversial issues. President Frederick Chiluba's term is coming to an end. At the moment, we have two key brothers that are willing to stand as Presidential aspirants for 2001 general elections. One of these men is the Hon. General Godfrey Miyanda, the Minister of education. He is the only one in the ruling party who is capable of leading the nation. Most of the others are crooked. They may have the money, but they do not fear God or know Jesus Christ."

        Rev. Jere then writes of his great hunger and thirst for truth and training to help evangelize and disciple his nation. Under President Chiluba "Zambia covenanted herself to the Lordship of Jesus Christ." Jere is working to see that Zambia will continue on with the same heart, plus have the internal principles and ideas necessary to see the nation grow in the blessings of God. "We pray that the Providence Foundation may come some time next year to Zambia and teach a seminar on Liberating the Nations."

Chanda from Zambia writes:

        "I am compelled to write you after reading your book, Liberating the Nations. It is an amazing treasure of revelations and answered a lot of questions I have had about our nation. Most of our different political parties do not acknowledge the power of the gospel in governance. Even our current government, despite being led by a Christian president does not consist of men and women who accept and uphold the gospel's truths. . . .

        "The remedy to this nation is the promotion of the internal government of self, reason, will and Godliness rather than the forcing of external government powers. The church has also been misled by believing that Christianity and government (politics) can never work together. . . .

        "I read your heart in your book, Liberating the Nations, and this is why I have the courage to bother you this far, I feel the concepts in that book must be taught and taught and taught till they become the fundamental base of our politics, Christianity and life style of our youths in Zambia.

        ". . . I believe there is a call for the Providence Foundation in the republic of Zambia. We need to see the transformation power of the gospel in our cities, markets, streets, gardens, and schools and the political parties themselves. Please pray and do what you can do for this cause. America has been friendly and has given us donations after donations but this has never been the solution. We need the knowledge, the understanding and the revelation of the biblical principles of Godly and good governance. Please help the young in Zambia to understand this. They are the presidents, pastors, fathers, mothers and covenant keepers of tomorrow."

        The first week of May, 2002, Stephen McDowell traveled to Manila, Philippines, where over the course of one week he taught thousands of people. He writes:

        "Victory Leadership Institute invited me to conduct seminars on Biblical Education and God and Government, plus to speak at a number of Victory Christian Churches. Two years ago Victory Fellowship started a Christian school. Their vision is to produce students who will literally disciple their nation, and provide Biblical leadership in every sphere of life. To that end I was invited to conduct a three day seminar for their teachers, parents, and other interested people. Around 250 people attended this event, which not only included educators from their school, but public and private educators from throughout Metro Manila. The principal of the largest public high school in the world, with over 23,000 students, was one of those in attendance."

        "We also held a three-day God and Government seminar. Many present and future leaders in government and business attended, including 2 congressmen, a judge who is probably next in line for the Supreme Court, and a member of President Arroyo's staff/cabinet. During my visit I had numerous consultation meetings with various leaders and educators. I also spoke to three churches on how to fulfill the cultural mandate."

        "The seeds that were planted in these seminars will continue to be cultivated. Fruit will continue to come forth, not only through similar events in the future that we discussed holding, but also through the on-going programs of Victory Leadership Institute. In the schools and classes offered throughout the year, they will continue to train a new generation of leaders for the Philippines. The hope is to see this happen in other Asian nations as well. Three people from Singapore attended the seminars and they plan to do similar things in their nation. The next time I visit the Philippines, they have invited me to come to Singapore for a series of seminars."

        In the summer of 1988, McDowell traveled to Manila for a series of seminars and meetings. Over 300 people attended the multi-night seminar covering topics on Christian education, Biblical economics, foreign policy, providential history, and others relating to Godly reformation. Those in attendance included officials from the Mexican and British embassies and Makati City Hall, a former presidential candidate, two judges, one legislator and pastors and staff workers from twenty different churches.

        On campus in the Philippines, Stephen also spoke at the two most influential campuses in the country: De La Salle University and University of the Philippines. At DLSU, about 300 political science and economics students and professors gathered to hear Stephen speak on "Christian Economics." Most of those in attendance were socialists or liberation theology teachers. At UP, a campus known for its left-leaning political radicals, Stephen's topic was "True Revolution: Where Does It Begin?" For this meeting only the presidents, vice presidents and faculty sponsors of about 150 recognized student organizations were invited. These were the leaders of UP. The capacity crowd of fraternity leaders, student government leaders, and communist front group leaders heard an unforgettable message about Christian character and the fallacies of liberation theology, communism and socialism.

        Stephen told these 300 radical leaders at UP (many of whom were Marxist leaders or in training as Marxist leaders), "I am here to foment revolution . . . not a Marxist revolution, but a Christian revolution." Stephen went on to explain the difference between the two. Marxist philosophy identifies the root of public evil as the socio-economic environment or the present government. To remove the evil and bring "liberation" change must come through violent revolution. We have seen this occur in a number of nations in the past decades. Marxist "liberation" has always resulted in greater tyranny than existed before, because the source of evil is not the government or the socio-economic environment but the heart of man. Christ liberates the world from the evil within man. True liberation is possible only when it flows from the internal to the external. A Christian revolution begins internally.

With teachers in Manila, Philippines

        In the spring of 2003 Stephen McDowell, Bruce Anderson, and Alex van Vuuren traveled to Lithuania and Belarus to conduct seminars, meet with church and government leaders, and teach at various churches. Stephen writes:

        "Our trip to Lithuania and Belarus was a great success. The meetings in Belarus were possibly the most significant I have participated in. Over 325 people from 42 different churches and numerous political organizations attended a two-day seminar on Godly reformation. (Since the president of the country is essentially a communist dictator, there were probably secret police in attendance as well.) I was told there had never been any conference like it in the history of the nation. Many participants in the conference had been reading the Russian version of our book, Liberating the Nations, which had been printed in January. After hearing our teaching, many others bought the book to study."

        You can read more about this trip, and see many pictures, in the spring 2003 Reformation Report. See Newsletters, Reformation Report.

Bruce Anderson teaching at a seminar in Minsk, Belarus


McDowell with leaders at a prayer breakfast at the Lithuanian Parliament

        In April, 2003, Bruce Anderson and Stephen McDowell traveled to Belarus to speak at a conference on Godly reformation. The organizers had reprinted our book Liberating the Nations in Russian, and many that attended the meeting in Minsk distributed books and carried the ideas they taught to others. One pastor who attended was a part of a Russian-speaking church movement that begun after the fall of communism called New Generation. In the past 15 years this movement has grown to 200 churches throughout the Russian-speaking world, including two in the United States. This pastor gave a copy of Liberating the Nations to the leader of New Generation, Alexey Ledyaev, who was very excited to read it, as he had been seeing the importance of this message, even writing a booklet in 2002 on Christian reformation of nations. Alexey had been seeking for more on discipling the nations, but had found little until reading our book. Eager to have more teaching, he invited us to teach at New Generation's annual conference in Latvia. Mark Beliles and Bruce Anderson traveled to Riga, the capital, the end of November to teach the multi-national conference attendees.

        During the three day conference Mark and Bruce not only spoke to the 4000 delegates at large, but also had a three-hour question and answer time with 200 pastors and political activists. In addition they met with leaders of the First Party of Latvia, a new Christian-dominated party which has emerged in the last few years and now is the governing party, including the Secretary of Family Affairs, who is a Baptist pastor, the Secretary of Economics, a Pentecostal, and another government department leader who is a Catholic priest. Latvia is certainly one of the best examples of Christians in government in Europe today. The message of the Providence Foundation was eagerly received by everyone. We were invited to return and plans are already made for us to travel to parts of Russian-speaking Eastern Europe in 2004. Mark said, "This is the most significant trip I have ever had for the Providence Foundation. The potential is enormous for historic impact in that part of the world."

        Providence Foundation Conducts National Leadership Conference (1995)

        Anyone aware of the history of 20th century Russia, would not be surprised to hear that most Christians in that nation perceive government is evil, an adversary to avoid. However, in April of 1995 over 1000 Christian leaders from across Russia and the Ukraine gathered in Yaroslavl, one of the oldest cities in Russia, to learn a different view.

        Mark Beliles spoke seven times at a conference entitled "Russia 95" on principles for building a Christian nation, during which he presented the biblical view of government. Many Russians learned for the first time that God intends government to be a good thing - an institution established by Him to overcome evil in a fallen world and be a minister of God for good (Romans 12:21-13:1-4).

        Beliles told the attendants that "government is not only a good thing; it is God's thing. God calls government rulers ministers, just as He does clergymen. Both the church and state are holy and sacred institutions, which along with the family, constitute the Kingdom of God on earth."

        The pastors, businessmen, and leaders at "Russia 95" were taught the importance of Christians being involved in every area of a nation's cultural life, as well as basic biblical principles for discipling their nation. As a means of further training, each delegate at the conference received a copy of the Providence Foundation's new Russian translation of Liberating the Nations.

        Immediately after, and in conjunction with, "Russia 95," the Providence Foundation conducted a conference on Christian Leadership in Government. About 300 people remained to be instructed by Beliles and Marianne Schwarz of Germany. Schwarz, the Providence Foundation's German Director, provided valuable training on practical steps for involvement in politics from a European perspective. This complimented well Beliles' teaching on principles for building Christian nations.

        Scores of the delegates are preparing themselves for service in civil government. Hundreds have committed to go back to their cities across Russia and begin study groups and classes using the Russian version of Liberating the Nations in order to instruct others. Almost all the delegates will continue their own education in the principles of liberty.

        These Russians will not be without support. Lena Outeshinskaya, who served as Beliles' translator during the conferences, was so affected by the things she learned that she volunteered to become a Providence Foundation representative in Russia. Lena, who has been a leader and active speaker in the pro-life movement in Russia, plans to open a Foundation office in Moscow as a means of continually encouraging Christians to study and become involved in public affairs. She will be working with our representative in St. Petersburg, Rev. Benjamin Novik, to infuse godly principles into the nation of Russia.

        Lena is a member of Rosa Church in Moscow. Two American representatives of the Providence Foundation, Ray and Patty Cossette, had lived a number of years in Moscow, assisting the pastors of Rosa Church as their congregation grew from 50 members in 1989 to over 1000 today. Rosa Church pastors, Pavel and Marina, who had visited Beliles in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1994, oversaw the translation and printing of our book that was used at the conferences.

        Lena, an evangelical protestant, and Rev. Novik, a Russian Orthodox priest and theological professor, exemplify the broad spectrum of Christians who are awakening to their duties and responsibilities in the public life of Russia. For the nation to succeed in its move toward freedom, more and more Russian Christians need to be awakened.

        After witnessing what happened at these two conferences, Beliles said that it appears God is doing that very thing. "The principles of liberty taught to the 1000 delegates in Yaroslavl are being spread throughout Russia. Through study groups, classes, and distribution of Liberating the Nations, seeds are being planted that will potentially result in a permanent liberty and prosperity never seen before in Russia."

An email from a pastor in Russia:

        My name is Viatcheslav S. and I represent the Russian Far Eastern Union of the Evangelical Churches. We have churches all over the Far Eastern region of the country. A few years ago - I think it was in 1994 - somebody gave me the book called Liberating the Nations. I read it in a day, I was so impressed by the book. It changed my mind and my relation to the things around my common Christian understanding. So first of all I want to thank you for the book and the Lord for the opportunity to get and be changed by this.

        There are so many Christians (especially in our country and in our region) that do not realize all the things you mentioned in the book. They still think that Christianity is a kind of sub-society, that the government is their enemy, etc. The thousands of people in our churches need much education.

        Just recently I began to think about the possibility of publishing your book again in Russian. There is a great need for the book here. Though it will take years to plant the Christian philosophy in the mind of the society, we need to start moving forward. So what would you say about publishing the book again? [Some people in Minsk republished this book in Russian in 2003. See Belarus for more.] There are two Bible Schools that are part of our Union of Churches that could begin to use it right away.

        We also need you to come to the Russian Far East and have several seminars in different cities at churches and bible schools. We could even have some conferences with pastors from the whole region. . . . The topics you usually teach on (as I understand from your web-site) like Fundamental Principles of Christian Nations, Biblical Government and Law, Christ's Teaching on Public Affairs, Biblical Economics, etc. - in the whole region there is nothing like this. I know you have enough works to do, but please pray and just think about the whole region in Russia.

        I pray that you continue to develop your work and touch as many people and nations as the Lord planned for you. May our God bless you in everything you do for His Kingdom.

Beliles with Russian representative in St. Petersburg

McDowell reports on a visit to Guatemala the first part of 1997:

        "At the beginning of this year, I traveled to Guatemala to speak at a conference on bringing Christian liberty to the Latin American nations. About 700 people from ten countries attended the two-day conference. Participants included pastors, government officials, educators, political leaders, businessmen, and others interested in impacting society with the gospel. We later received a letter from a pastor from Costa Rica, who expressed the feeling of many about the conference, in which he said, 'It was indeed a powerful teaching time!' Everyone at the conference received a copy of the Spanish edition of our book, Watchmen on the Walls. One pastor immediately began using this book to disciple the members of his church. He wrote that it 'has been very useful in our church . . . and I have recommended it to a group of pastors of our denomination.'"

        In 1998 McDowell traveled to Guatemala and gave this report:

        "In February I traveled to Guatemala to speak to a gathering of 200 of the most influential Christian leaders in that country on how to transform their nation through Biblical principles. Participants included a former President and Vice President, thirteen (out of 80) members of congress, scores of ministers, including pastors of four of the five largest churches in Guatemala City, plus business and university leaders. We were able to impact many current and future leaders of this nation which has the fastest growing evangelical populace in the world (currently 30-35% and expected to reach 50% by the first part of the next century). A team of us also met with the leadership of the fastest growing university in Guatemala, advising them, at their request, on how to make all of their classes Biblical."

        "People eagerly received our books, Atalayas en los Muros (Watchmen on the Walls) and Liberando las Naciones (Liberating the Nations), as there is little material like this available in Spanish."

With Guatemalan church and political leaders

        In 1992 Stephen McDowell was invited to speak at two conferences sponsored by a number of national Christian organizations on igniting the flame of Godly reformation, one in Caracas and one in Maracaibo. Organizers translated into Spanish and printed 1000 copies of Principles for the Reformation of Nations (an earlier version of Liberating the Nations) for use as a tool for those attending the conferences to train others. Hundreds of people attended these multi-day conferences, and they in turn greatly impacted many others.

        In 1993 a Frenchman working on his doctoral dissertation on the influence of evangelicalism on government and society in Latin American visited us in Charlottesville. He told us that while in Venezuela doing research he had come across numerous people and groups who were using the Spanish edition of our book. This significant impact on so many people is one reason he came to interview us and learn more about our work.

        Liberando las Naciones is the Spanish title of our book, Liberating the Nations, that was printed in Venezuela in 1998. Our representative, Cesar Espanol, oversaw the publication and wrote a chapter on the history of liberty in Latin America which was included in the book. Cesar and those working with him see this as an invaluable tool for equipping Christians in Venezuela with the principles necessary to bring Godly reform to their nation.

McDowell teaching in Caracas, Venezuela

        In June of 2000 Stephen McDowell taught at a two and one-half day conference in Costa Rica dealing with the impact of Christianity in society. About 150 pastors, teachers, businessmen, and parents from throughout Central America learned how Christianity affects every sphere of life - family, church, civil government, the arts, education, business. While there, Stephen also spoke to the teachers of a newly formed Principle Approach school. He said, "I was encouraged to hear that the mission of the school was to disciple the nation through training their children. I wish all the Christian schools in America had such a vision. The people I met had a great hunger for Biblical worldview books, but there are not enough such books available in Spanish. Even when available, most people cannot afford to purchase books." While the Providence Foundation has some materials in Spanish, we hope to someday print large quantities to make the unit price cheap enough for wide distribution.

McDowell with teachers at a Christian school in Costa Rica

        Fabio Batista of Brazilia, Brazil, attended a number of Providence Foundation training course while in school in the United States. Upon returning to his home as our representative in Brazil, he established an organization to facilitate Godly reform. He and his team put out a newsletter, organized classes, and presented many talks and seminars. Fabio appeared on national television and spoke to a state meeting of the Four Square Church attended by 600 pastors.

        In July 1994 Batista organized a series of seminars and talks at which Stephen McDowell spoke. About 100 people, many in training for the ministry, attended an in-depth two day seminar on "Liberating the Nations" that was held in the national capital, Brazilia. To most of those attending, the application of Biblical principles to public affairs was a new idea, though one they were eager to learn. McDowell also conducted a seminar in Sao Paulo and spoke at various churches in both cities.

        In the spring of 1996 McDowell traveled to Managua, Nicaragua, to teach many pastors and church leaders their duties in the civil realm. As a nation emerging from communism, these Biblical ideas were eagerly received by those who had only recently begun to have a voice in government. Many involved in civil government also attended the seminars and meetings, including presidential candidate Dr. Francisco Mayorga.

        Pastor and former Congressman Orlando Zarco was recently named the Providence Foundation representative for Bolivia. Zarco has been working for many years to bring Godly reformation to his nation. A decade ago, as a congressman, he organized the first national Protestant prayer event in the history of Bolivia. Hundreds of pastors and government officials, including the President and numerous national leaders, attended this meeting. Over the years Zarco has become more aware of the necessity of educating fellow Bolivians in a Biblical worldview. When he heard Stephen McDowell speak at a training course in the fall of 1999 and read some of our books, he discovered the materials he needed to help him in training others. He started a class for about 15 politicians teaching them the material in Liberating the Nations and Watchmen on the Walls. Zarco's desire to train Christian government leaders, as well as all Bolivians, in a Biblical worldview led him to travel to the United States to meet with us and discuss working together. To help train principled leaders he plans to publish Spanish translations of some of our books and materials.

McDowell with Foundation representative from Bolivia

        In the summer of 2000 a missions team from Morning Star International ministries visited Peru and used some of our materials and a slide presentation to train the city leaders of Taraporto. A member of the team, Daniel Strand, wrote:

        "We are so thankful for the material you sent to us! We were able to translate the 'Liberating the Nations' presentation into Spanish. We made a presentation for the Mayor and her government department heads for the city of Taraporto, Peru. We had about 25 at that meeting, and after the presentation they asked so many questions on how to change their government, they stayed for another hour of question and answer! They were so open to the principle approach that they want to continue to sponsor this type of training. The 'separation of church and state' was not an issue there. The leaders are really looking for answers as they know their foundations are not that strong. Infighting, corruption, poor customer service, political greed are all too common. Thanks so much for your help as we were able to provide 'meat' to the saved and unsaved leaders in Tarapoto."

        Another team member met with the Dean of the only university in that region and gave him a copy of the Spanish version of Liberating the Nations. They have plans to bring Biblical worldview training to the university faculty and staff, as well as continue to work with the government officials.

        In 1990 Bertril Baird, who is a pastor and President of Faith Revival Ministries, attended our Biblical Worldview Seminar in Charlottesville. He was motivated to do so after reading our booklet In Search of Democracy, in which, he said he learned more about a Biblical view of government than in all his previous studies on the subject. In 1991 he invited McDowell to speak at a conference in Trinidad attended by Christian leaders from throughout the Caribbean Islands. He wanted these people to learn a Biblical view of God and government and show them that the church must prepare people to govern their nations. Pastor Baird is now a member of the PF Advisory Board, has participated in numerous events with us, and has advanced the message of Godly reformation all over the world.

        A lady who trains missionary teachers wrote to obtain Liberating the Nations for use in her Teachers for the Nations program. She was recently training teachers in Haiti the principles we highlight in our book. She writes: "As we taught on the theme of internal and external liberty, the teachers came alive. One person in the audience exclaimed, 'If all the teachers in Haiti would teach these principles, our country would be free!'"

        In November, 2003, Stephen McDowell, accompanied by his wife Beth, taught at a conference in Antigua, the West Indies. McDowell gave this report: "Paul Andrew, Pastor of Christian Assembly Ministries, had been introduced to our ministry by Providence Foundation advisor Bertril Baird, who is a pastor and international speaker from Trinidad. After reading some of our books, Paul ordered scores of copies of Liberating the Nations, Watchmen on the Walls, and The Ten Commandments and Modern Society and has been distributing them to key leaders in Antigua and throughout the Caribbean. Paul, along with other pastors in the area, had been very eager to promote the message of Godly reformation of society. To help educate his nation he organized a conference on "God's Plan for the Nations" and invited Bertril and me to speak. Hundreds of pastors, businessmen, and political leaders attended the week-long summit, included a bishop who oversees churches in many of the Caribbean nations. The last two nights I taught were broadcast live on a national radio program.

        "While in Antigua I also had the opportunity to speak at a pastor's prayer breakfast on "Fulfilling the Cultural Mandate," where numerous evangelical churches were represented. In addition, we met with the Governor-General of Antigua, Sir James Carlisle, and presented him with copies of three of our books. Sir James Carlisle is the Queen of England's representative to this British Commonwealth nation that gained its independence in the 1960s. This is more than a ceremonial role, for he is one of three men who appoints the members of the Senate. Also at this meeting was the lady who led Sir James Carlisle to the Lord many years ago. Hazel Bird is the daughter of the first Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, V.C. Bird, and sister to the present Prime Minister, Lester Bird.

        "The third verse of the National Anthem of Antigua says, "God of nations, let Thy blessing fall upon this land of ours." God is awakening his people in Antigua and throughout the world to see that obedience to His word, which affects all spheres of life, will bring His great blessing not only to individuals but also to the entire society. It is encouraging to see more and more Christians seeking to learn and apply His truth, and in so doing bring liberty to men and nations."

McDowell with Governor-General of Antigua and Caribbean pastors

        A Member of Parliament in Bermuda saw our video, The Story of America's Liberty, on TV, contacted us and arranged a visit to Charlottesville to get materials and ideas to help him bring Godly reform to his island.

        Twenty-five Christian leaders from five European countries met in Hilversum, Holland, August 26-28, 1999, to learn from one another and discuss how they could work together in bringing godly reform to Europe. Alex van Vuuren, the Providence Foundation director for Europe, organized the meeting with the goal of building up a network of Christian reformers who have a desire to extend the work of the Providence Foundation in Europe.

        The international directors of the Providence Foundation, Stephen McDowell and Mark Beliles, taught at the meeting and helped to facilitate discussion of expanding the network in Europe. Joining them from the States was Bruce Anderson, a pastor and co-author of Watchmen on the Walls. Mark, Stephen, and Bruce taught sessions on the Cultural Mandate, the Biblical Duty of Pastors, Christ's Teachings on Public Affairs, Providential History, the Fundamental Principles of Christian Nations, and Biblical Jurisdictional Authority to lay the groundwork for the discussions.

        Various European leaders taught at the meeting. Dr. Bert Dorenbos of Holland spoke on the prophetic voice of the church and ethical issues. An attorney from England, Richard Abbott, presented the history of Britain as a case study, and Professor Thomas Schirrmacher of Germany spoke on Trinity and Work.

        The Providence Foundation has been working for many years with people from many parts of Europe, but through these two and one-half days of meetings sought to build up a network of Christians who have a desire to spread Christian liberty, justice, and prosperity among the European nations. Participants included numerous pastors, businessmen, and Christian leaders from The Netherlands, Britain, Germany, Austria, and Italy.

        During the discussion of building a reformation network, everyone expressed their desire to work as a team to impact the nations. Plans were made to possibly start a magazine and to meet together again, inviting more people to participate. This is an exciting step forward in the Providence Foundation fulfilling its mission and goals in Europe.

        In one of his teachings, Bruce Anderson spoke on the inheritance of the heart and having a multi-generational vision. He said we must pass to the next generation the vision, truth, and worldview that God has entrusted to us. That which is in the heart of this generation must be passed to the next. The network that is springing forth in Europe is one small way in which this can occur.

Providence Foundation representatives from Ghana and Holland

        Richard, from England, wrote us of the teaching and writing he has been doing in the past few years. He said, "I have greatly enjoyed the opportunities that I have had to teach on Biblical worldview at a conference in Lithuania, write an article for the Jubilee Centre, and lecture at a university in America on European affairs. None of this would have happened had I not gone to the conference in the Netherlands back in 1999 when I met you."

        McDowell and Beliles traveled to England in 2001, where they met with numerous Christian leaders to discuss Godly reformation in the nation. McDowell spoke at churches in London, consulted with leaders of a Christian school in Oxford, and conducted a Christian history tour of Runnymede, the site where the Magna Charta was signed in 1215.

Giving a tour at the Magna Charta memorial in England

        The Providence Foundation has visited France a couple of times over the years. Mark Beliles first traveled to Paris in December 1988 and taught a three-day seminar on Principles for the Reformation of France. Over forty participants from France, Norway, Holland, South Africa, Ireland, Ghana, Yugoslavia, the Philippines, and Sweden attended. An earlier edition of Liberating the Nations (Principles for the Reformation of the Nations) was translated into French for use at the seminar. A team of people was also organized to help bring Godly reformation to France. Mark returned for meetings in 1992 and in 1999 Stephen McDowell traveled to France to teach a seminar and encourage the continued work of reformation.

        Mark Beliles conducted meetings in Germany in 1988. About 100 people attended a three-day seminar in Munich on Principles for the Reformation of Germany. In addition to those from Germany, people from Spain, Greece, and Italy participated. Marianne Schwartz was appointed Providence Foundation director in Germany. She and a team of people translated In Search of Democracy into the German language, as well as organized classes to provide ongoing training. Marianne has participated in a number of Foundation events in the U.S. and Europe since that time. Mark returned in 1992 for further meetings.

        In the summer of 1988, McDowell spent over a week in Australia teaching seminars, and speaking at churches and various organizations. Seminars conducted in Mebourne and Sydney were attended by various pastors and Christian leaders in the country. Stephen also addressed a newly formed homeschool organization, probably the first in the country.

        Over the years the Providence Foundation has conducted numerous seminars on "Liberating the Nations" for internationals in America. In addition they have participated in other such seminars hosted by other organizations. The PF's first seminar was held in 1985 in Texas and was attended by about 100 people from 30 different nations. In 1986 people from 11 nations attended an instructor training seminar. In November of that year we took about 50 mostly international students on a Christian history tour of Washington, DC, with the goal of introducing them to the principles that made America free and prosperous. One of our representatives met with the President of Honduras in 1987, presenting him materials on God's providence in history. In 1988 we traveled to the Philippines, Australia, France, Germany, and South Africa. In 1989 we produced In Search of Democracy in response to the cry for liberty in China, Russia, and Eastern Europe. We continue to train internationals at out Biblical Worldview School, have visits from leaders from many nations, speak at other conferences in America, and travel overseas.

        Two of many events sponsored by others to train internationals included:

        In 1999 McDowell spoke to a group of about 50 Latin American Christian political and educational leaders from 15-20 different nations. These men and women have been involved in their nations for years; many are presently candidates for national office. His teaching on fundamental principles for Christian nations was eagerly received. They bought many of our books in English and Spanish. McDowell talked with people from Brazil and Bolivia about possible future seminars in their countries, plus they discussed translating our book Liberating the Nations into Portuguese.

        In July, 2001, Stephen McDowell participated in an African Transformation conference that was held at Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Virginia. Business leaders, educators, pastors, and those working in government from numerous central and southern African nations were in attendance, seeking to be equipped so as to bring Godly change to their nations. Stephen taught on jurisdictional authority, fulfilling the cultural mandate, fundamental principles, Biblical economics and business, and governmental structures. A diverse group of instructors (including former US Congressmen , attorneys, businessmen, educators, and ministers) addressed law, education, trade issues, business, etc. Many participants said that their nations desperately needed the ideas and principles that were taught. Many purchased our books and tapes; some invited the PF to their nations; some asked for our books in French.

Representatives from Germany, Trinidad, and Brazil


Beliles and McDowell consulting with leader from Togo


Beliles with leader of Chinese student movement