Serving at the Edge of Satan's Kingdom

New England was once the cradle of Christianity in North America. Twice national revivals have swept our nation, both started in New England. But these days finding Bible believing churches preaching the gospel in New England  can be a challenge. Though estimates vary, studies reveal that only a small portion of the population, between 4 and 8 percent, attend a Bible believing church on a regular basis. There are some historical churches that have remained true to the gospel, even as they watched other churches in their denominations drift leftward theologically. There are some new churches that have sprung up in the last 25-30 years in an effort by various groups to re-evangelize New England. But added together, both the historic and the new, bible believing churches are much less numerous in New England than in other parts of the nation.

But because people are basically spiritual beings, many things have sprung up in New England that attempt to fill the spiritual void. Some of that stuff is just empty philosophy or ritualism, but other parts of it are much darker. This causes many people sense a spiritual darkness in New England. Some have called the region a "preacher's graveyard." Some think New England is the devil's territory. There is even a sign that says so. While out exploring, my family and I came upon a state recreational area in New Hartford, Connecticut called "Satan's Kingdom." Legend says it was originally inhabited by a group of tough people who were hard to get along with, which how it got its name. A preacher came to visit the area and prayed for the "destruction of Satan's Kingdom," referring to the spiritual side of things and not realizing it was also the name of the physical area. Needless to say, the prayer did not go over so well with the local populace and many of them decided not to be on speaking terms with the Lord. I do not know if the legend is true or not, but I do know that many in New England are still not on speaking terms with God.

The good news is that God is still on speaking terms with them, even if they act like they are not listening to Him. God has not left Himself without a witness. Historic churches continue to hold up the Light of Christ. New churches are springing up to join them in pushing back the darkness. Perhaps the numbers are not what we wish they were, but they are growing, slowly, but growing. It is not always easy to minister on the edge of Satan's Kingdom, but all who do carry the promise of Matthew 16:18 "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hell will not overpower it." God will build His church, and hell cannot defeat it.

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Dr. Terry W. Dorsett is a church planter and author who has lived in New England since 1993. He is a happy father of three young adults, a blessed husband of one great wife, a joyful grandfather, a thankful cancer survivor and convinced that New England needs Jesus more than ever!