On a crisp evening in Amana, a small but vibrant community nestled just outside downtown Iowa City, something remarkable was happening. The town, known for its rich German heritage and picturesque setting, was hosting a revival service that would forever be etched in the hearts of all who attended. The people of Amana, proud descendants of German immigrants, gathered together in one of the local halls, a place that had seen so many events over the years, from German festivals to community gatherings. But this night was different. This night, Lillian, an evangelist with a heart of fire and a soul on mission, was leading the meeting.

Amana is known for its history, as well as its seven interconnected villages that each hold a piece of the puzzle that makes this area so unique. With its German roots firmly planted in the land, the traditions of the Amana Colonies still run strong, and this night, those traditions were infused with a new, dynamic energy—the Spirit of God. The Amana Heritage Museum, a treasure trove of the town’s history, was located just down the road, but tonight, the history being made wasn’t about the past. It was about the present, and more importantly, the future.

Lillian had arrived in Amana with a word that would stir the hearts of the people. Known for her deep faith and her passionate preaching, she was a woman on a mission to spread the gospel and call the people to repentance, revival, and renewal. As she stood before the congregation, a hush fell over the room, and all eyes were fixed on her. The wooden beams above, so reminiscent of Amana’s German roots, seemed to almost echo with anticipation. Even the rich aroma of traditional German lagers from a nearby brewery couldn’t compete with the holy atmosphere that had descended upon the room.

“Tonight, we’re not just gathering in the name of tradition,” Lillian began, her voice strong and filled with conviction. “We’re gathering because there is a new thing God wants to do in Amana. He’s calling us to something deeper. He’s calling us to bring revival to this town, this state, this nation.”

Lillian spoke with urgency, her words punctuated by moments of silence, as if she was allowing the weight of each statement to sink into the hearts of the people. For many, this was a night unlike any other. This wasn’t a typical gathering where people simply came to hear a good sermon or to enjoy the comfort of familiar faces. This was a night of awakening.

“This town, Amana, is rich in history,” she continued. “But tonight, I want to tell you that God has an even richer plan for your future. I know this town holds many traditions. The German festivals, the shops, the food, the spirit of community. But God is calling us to step into the future with a renewed sense of His purpose. He is calling this community to shine as a beacon of hope, not just for Amana, but for all of Iowa.”

The crowd was captivated. Lillian had a way of speaking that didn’t just address the mind—it touched the heart. People who had lived in Amana for decades, who knew the history of the Amana Colonies like the back of their hands, were listening intently, some nodding in agreement, others with tears in their eyes. God was moving in the room, and His presence was undeniable.

“As the Bible says,” Lillian continued, “’For such a time as this, I am bringing My people to life—true life in Me.’ This is your time, Amana. The seeds that were planted by your ancestors, the very roots of this town, are now being stirred by the Spirit of God. You are not just inheritors of a legacy—you are called to carry that legacy forward with the power of the Holy Spirit in your lives.”

The people of Amana were used to celebrations and gatherings that showcased the best of their German customs. Whether it was the traditional German lagers, the incredible festivals that marked the seasons, or simply the camaraderie that existed in their tight-knit villages, the people of Amana had always found joy in their rich heritage. But tonight, Lillian was inviting them to celebrate a deeper, eternal heritage—one that transcended culture and history and pointed directly to the Kingdom of God.

“I know that many of you have come from different backgrounds. Some of you are well-versed in the ways of the church. Others might be here out of curiosity or seeking something more,” Lillian said, pausing to look around the room. “But no matter where you are in your walk with God, I want you to know this: God has something more for you. His heart is for you, and He’s calling you to rise up and partner with Him in what He’s doing in this hour.”

The atmosphere in the room was electric. Lillian’s words were like a spiritual wind, sweeping through the hearts of those present. Some were visibly moved, their eyes shining with a renewed sense of purpose. Others were deep in thought, wrestling with the call to step into a new season of faith. Amana, with its German customs and traditions, had just encountered a fresh outpouring of God’s presence, and the people were beginning to realize that this was a pivotal moment.

Lillian then shared a word of prophecy for Amana: “The Lord is saying to you tonight that He is bringing a realignment of the heart. There are people in this town who have been walking in the ways of tradition, but God is calling them to break free and step into the fullness of His plans for their lives. You are not just a town rich in history. You are a town called to bring forth new life—spiritual life—into the communities around you.”

The crowd was still. No one dared to move, as if they were hanging on every word that Lillian spoke. For many, it felt as if the message was directly for them. The realignment Lillian spoke of was not just for the people who lived in Amana but for anyone who was willing to hear God’s call. The revival wasn’t something that was coming from afar—it was happening right here, right now.

As Lillian prayed for the people, there was an undeniable sense that God was doing something profound in Amana. The light of revival was beginning to shine brightly, and the people who had gathered were ready to carry it forward. God was stirring something deep in the heart of this small, historic town, and the waves of transformation were just beginning.

Before the meeting ended, Lillian encouraged everyone to take what they had received and to go out into the streets of Amana, to share the love of God, to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, and to be the living witnesses of Christ that this town so desperately needed.

“Amana is ready for change,” she said, her voice filled with passion. “And it starts with you.”

As the meeting concluded, many stayed behind, praying, talking, and sharing their experiences. Some were overwhelmed by the power of the Holy Spirit, others simply thankful for the message that had been spoken into their lives. Amana had just experienced a shift, a move of God that would ripple out into the community and beyond.

The revival had begun.