Ikon Plus
There was a full house when Soul Survivor's Mike Pilavachi visited Cornwall recently. Ikon's Pete Gray reports for Kernowyouth...
On the 10th February 2008, 450 people filled Emmanuel Baptist Church, Falmouth to its capacity. The main hall of EBC is able to house 300, and due to high ticket demand an overflow section was put together in the rear hall, where there was a live video and audio link. Why did 450 people attend a Baptist church on a spring Sunday night? The reason was that Mike Pilavachi, the founder of Soul Survivor was speaking at Ikon Plus, a Christian worship event which is aimed at youth and students. Mike is well known for his humorous talks and is an internationally renowned speaker.
The meeting started with lively praise to our God in heaven. It was great to see such a diversity of people joining as one in song – while the monthly Ikon event is for youth and students only, the February Ikon Plus event was opened up to all ages. Following the worship it was over to Mike, he talked from Zephaniah 3.17, his favourite bible verse “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
Mike was his normal funny self, telling stories but also preaching clearly and concisely from God’s word. After his talk there was time for response during which around 10 people came forward to make first time commitments and a further 50 people or so came forward for prayer. Following the talk was a time of more reflective worship which then linked to a more anthemic end.
Throughout the evening God’s Spirit filled the church. Many people emailed and phoned afterwards to say how much they had enjoyed it. We give all the glory and praise to God for he is the one for whom it is due.
As ever, the normal Ikon continues (2nd Sunday of the month – Oct-July). Our next Ikon Plus event is 
on the 9th November when we have Mark Ritchie coming to speak. Mark is an associate evangelist for J.John so we look forward to hearing from him then. Keep your eyes peeled for when the tickets go on sale as we sold out for the Mike Pilavachi event almost two weeks before the event. To see pictures of the February event or for more information on Ikon visit www.ikon-org.co.uk, our Myspace page (www.myspace.com/ikonorg) or if you are on Facebook - join the Ikon Appreciation Group.
Report by Pete Gray
Photos by Pete Gray & the IKON Team.