Who Are We, and Why Do We Host Gatherings?

We are men and women who were drawn to the love of Jesus by the Holy Spirit during the “Jesus People Movement.” Most of us were part of  Gospel Outreach. A central message we heard often was “Purpose and Vision.” Our “Purpose,” is that in everything God receives the glory. The “Vision;” that the Gospel of the Kingdom is preached throughout the whole world, that we personally are conformed to the image of Christ, and that we seek the unity of the Body of Christ. It is to that end that we have hosted gatherings from time to time over the past several decades. 

Ron  Juncal shared a short history of these Gatherings to help in understanding their purpose and the gentle changes God has made in the gatherings over time.

Over many years (almost 40) the Lord has encouraged us to periodically gather to worship him and refresh our old friendships once the Jesus Movement had drifted into the past. These times of gatherings were a continuation of a vision I had in the early 1970s concerning the Body of Christ. The original vision was based on the travels we had around the West Coast as part of the evangelistic outreach of the Lighthouse Ranch. Seems everywhere we went, we met small groups of fellow believers who were excited about the Lord and were hungry to learn more. It was a time of innocence and a pure desire to become one with all who named the name of Jesus!

I pictured a place where all these groups could join in celebration, and it would be called The Festival of the Son. A place where we could move from campsite to campsite and share the love of Jesus together. No agenda, simply an environment where the Spirit was stirring our gifts and passions. These times were memorable and ministered to all who took part. Of course, as we know, the Jesus Movement began to wane and in the process, many were left bruised and discouraged.

It was at this time (pre-internet), that the Gatherings were used to draw together many old friends to bind up wounds and provide a place of healing and friendship. Our wonderful friends, Tony and Jane Tuck put so much into these times together as well as so many of you reading this. Well, the healing took place and the joy of being together in humility kept the Gatherings going. Once the internet arrived on the scene, it was an easy place to stay in contact and encourage one another in the Lord more regularly.

We continued to have the Gatherings as the Lord gave direction, every couple of years. Because it was not a money-making operation and there was little structure involved, it was very much of a seat-of-the-pants faith walk in putting these on. Thanks to all of you faithful saints who pitched in and gave of yourselves to facilitate these great times together. And thanks to all who attended for being pliable, understanding these were not meant to be professional, polished events, but rather, designed to remind us of the purity and joy there is when we come together as one in Him!

As you noticed over the last 15 years or so the Gatherings have included more and more people who were not a part of the Jesus Movement. We have had to share our time of reunion and sweet memories for a greater purpose.

Ron Juncal

I want to say along with Ron that it is my heart as well to walk in unity with the generations that have come after us. We desire to be a support and a resource. We are not ready to retire or hand off the torch. Instead, we want to learn how to “run together.” Mentoring without control is our true heart’s desire.  Since our gathering in 2018 in Vista CA a number of gatherings have been formed around the country under the name of “The Jesus Gathering.” Ron Juncal and I have been overjoyed to partner with those gatherings. I know that some of you have been able to attend as well. These times of worship, prayer, and prophetic ministry with the youth gathered have been a highlight of our time together. The testimonies of what God is doing are reminiscent of the early days of the Jesus People Movement.  

While we would like to encourage you to find ways to partner with what God is doing with a younger generation around the country, we are aware that there are times when we need to have time to gather as a Gospel Outreach Reunion Gathering. To that end, we invite you to join us September 5-8 2024 in Phoenix. 

Jim Durkin Jr.