“In some ways, our world is more divided than ever before. Opposing sides arise in the political, social, ethical, and religious issues. Are you for this candidate, or that one? Do you support this social justice movement, or that one? Our divided world needs a united Church. Why? Because the Church exists to show the world a better way. We are supposed to be the picture of heaven to our broken world.”  

How powerful and profound do you consider that statement? What if I told you that it came from the heart of a 17-year-old? There’s a lot of darkness in the headlines these days concerning the younger generations, and you don’t have to search very far to see it; in some cases, you don’t have to search at all. Stories like the one I’m about to share, though, offer us some much needed hope and can even be proof that the darkness provides opportunities for the glory of God to shine even brighter.

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Seventeen-year-old Zada Lola and her 20-year-old brother, Zion Cortez, are worship leaders at their local church in San Antonio. They are ordinary youth who were given an extraordinary vision from the Lord. Feeling bothered by a lack of unity among churches in their city, they decided it was time to act. They reached out to other churches, pastors, and worship leaders, and they shared what they felt the Lord was calling them to. So far, 10 churches have locked arms in sharing that  vision, and a movement — called Unite — has been born. 

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! (Psalm 133:1). 

“Unite was about bringing everyone together,” Zada said. “The week we chose the name, we noticed the devil began to attack families and friendships. The devil wants us divided, but God said: United.”  

As she puts it, the vision of Unite could be summed up this way: “Imagine if Gen Z changed the generational curse over the Church — of competition, offense, and division — and set a new standard of collaboration; we are better together.” 

Once a month, young people devote their Friday evenings to unite for the glory of God. Hundreds will pour into an evening service that is geared toward reaching, unifying, and building up the younger generations, although people of all ages are welcome. It is a night of worship and the word, as expected, but this entire service is led by youth and young adults. Afterwards, they are encouraged to stay, fellowship, and build relationships. Yes, churches can come together and support each other and not be in competition, these young people say. Even the Lord Jesus addressed the issue among His disciples:  

John said to Jesus, “Master, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn’t in our group.” But Jesus said, “Don’t stop him! Anyone who is not against you is for you (Luke 9:49–50 NLT). 

There’s no place for competition in the kingdom of God. We are one body, and we were always called to be that. The Enemy works hard to sow division and strife among believers, because he fears the power of our unity. Just look at the very first church in the book of Acts. 

They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus (Acts 1:14 NLT).

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all (Acts 4:32–33 NIV).

Notice the result of their unity: God’s grace worked powerfully in them. Don’t you want to see the Church return to this? I know I do. Remember what was said of this early group of believers: They have come here and turned the world upside down! (see Acts 17:6). A unified Church came and challenged the status quo. They were one Church with one message: Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. And we today are that same Church. We have been purchased and redeemed by the same precious blood that purchased and redeemed them. We are filled with the same Spirit as they were on the day of Pentecost. He is the same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead, and He is in us and with us. We have all been called to share that very same message: Jesus Christ is Lord! So, let’s do it — together, as our God intended from the beginning. 

When asked how long Unite nights would continue, Zada replied: “This is revival — I don’t see it ending until the trumpets sound! Until then, we are here to make heaven crowded.”

Yes, and a big amen to that! Can we praise God for the obedience and zeal of these young people? And those of you who have prayed long and hard for this generation: Can you see God at work in them? He is moving, so please continue to pray! Don’t let any influx of negative reports make you doubt the power of prayer — and the power of a unified Church.

Let’s pray together right now:

Father, thank You for hearing prayers for this generation. The Enemy is out to destroy them and to abort their destiny, but he has overplayed his hand. He has tried to use “wokeness” to stir division and disruption in this nation and the Church. Thank You for causing all things to work together for the good of those who love You and have been called according to Your purpose. Wherever the Enemy has used “wokeness” to bring disunity in the world, it has instead brought awakening to Your churches, especially among Generation Z. Lord, what You have done in Kentucky and are now doing in San Antonio, You can do anywhere. Let this awakening among youth spread like wildfire; we praise You for these testimonies of hope, and our hearts wait with eager anticipation to hear much more. Continue to stir and captivate the hearts of this generation. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Are you encouraged by what you see God doing with Gen Z? Share your prayers below!

IFA contributing writer Gloria Robles is a passionate intercessor with a prophetic voice for today. For more from Gloria, go to Spotify or Anchor and listen to her podcast, Something To Share. Photo Credit: Canva.