The Wilderness Refuge at Goshen offers an adventure in true kingdom living. The chance to learn to live with and love your neighbors. To build a kingdom family based on covenant relationships. Step away, to a simpler life full of blessing and joy. Where God takes preeminence in all aspects of daily life, and harmony abounds. The chance to step into the fullness of The Blessing under the shadow of the Almighty. To learn true mountain moving faith, and unwavering trust in God.
Mark Bevan, Founder First Light Ministries & Fields of Zion International
Contents:
- Goshen Introduction
- Goshen- A New Perspective
- Another Global Famine
- A Faithful Testimony
- The Great Exodus
- Into the Wilderness
- To Where Shall We Go?
- More Than a Destination
- Fields of Zion International Wilderness Refuge
The Wilderness Refuge at Goshen
The woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent.
Revelation 12:14
With each passing day, it grows clearer that this Earth, and the people which inhabit it, are facing challenges which are both unpredictable and extreme. Increasingly, people are becoming aware of these dangers, even observing similarities between the events happening around them, and that which has been Written from the beginning in the Word of God.
Many in our generation agree that we are living in what the Bible calls the Latter days, or the “end times.” Also, that the return of our Lord and Savior is imminent, and even at the doorstep.
The global climate is changing, and we’re not just talking about the weather. The dangers we face grow worse day by day, just as Jesus said they would. Famine, natural & man made disasters, earthquakes, volcanoes, wars, political unrest, are all increasing while our world economy teeters on the brink of collapse. Once predominately Christian nations are moving away from Godly values and embracing the very things the Bible calls evil. Just consider that the largest ever satanic gathering is scheduled to be held in Boston, MA in April 2023.
Who’s plan are you following?
These days, many people are waking up to the fact that the very ones screaming “Conspiracy, Conspiracy!” are the same ones involved in the conspiracy! It’s getting harder and harder to wade through the lies being shouted from every angle. The only real truth which cannot be questioned, is the truth which comes from God himself. Sadly, that’s not the truth which most people today hear. Instead, they don’t understand that many are falling into the enemy’s grand plan… the plan that leads to their own destruction and ultimately to spiritual death.
Our world governments and politicians would have us believe that they are the answer, but they are wrong. God has another plan, and what has been written shall soon be!
Goshen – A New Perspective
That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 1:9
History repeats time and time again. The book of Corinthians reminds us that the events which are recorded in the Bible happened to the Israelites as examples, but they were written down for our instruction, upon whom the end of the ages has come.
Goshen is the type, or symbol which we can look at to understand what God is doing in these days. In Prophesy, Egypt is well recognized as a type of the world system. Goshen in the natural, represents the best lands of Egypt, the Nile River delta. Spiritually speaking, Goshen represents a place of blessing and protection during the storms of life.
In scripture we find that Israel entered the land of Goshen at the beginning of the seven-year famine. A parallel can be seen in this to the seven-year tribulation period which Jesus spoke of, which is also indeed named in Jeremiah 30:7 the time of Jacob’s (Israel’s) trouble.
We can easily read from the book of Revelation, that a time of great trouble awaits this Earth. Jesus also warns in Matthew 24, that tribulation shall come to the people of God. However, Revelation also speaks of the church, (In prophecy, The Woman, REV 12) being carried into the wilderness to a place God had prepared for her.
The Lord our Passover
One other parallel exists in the type of Goshen. It was in Goshen that the Passover occurred. The Passover in scripture represents Christ’s Salvation. The sacrificial lamb was slain, its blood applied to the doorposts as protection against the destroyer, and its body eaten which represents partaking of the life of Christ. If we know that God’s word, the Bible is Christ, then we can see that we must be partakers of its entirety, otherwise we have no protection against Satan.
God, in our days, is calling people with willing hearts, ears to hear, and eyes to see. Their task is to prepare places, just like Joseph. Places like Goshen. In fact, The Lord has been speaking to many of His servants all over the world for many years. Warning of the days to come. Many individual Goshens are being established as this is written, all with a similar purpose.
It is in these places, which God is preparing, just like the ark of Noah, that His people will be sheltered and protected against the tribulation coming upon this earth. Just like in Goshen, the people of the world will look upon God’s people and see a literal demonstration of the Kingdom of God on the Earth. Those found living in Christ, and in His perfect will, are spared the plagues, multiplied and prospered there, by the favor of the Lord.
Part II – Another great famine is coming…
This is what I commanded them, saying, “Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you. Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but followed the counsels and the dictates of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward. Since the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have even sent to you all My servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them. Yet they did not obey Me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck. They did worse than their fathers.” Jeremiah 7:23-26
God in His mercy, never failed to warn Israel of impending judgment. Each time giving them ample time to repent and turn from their wickedness. Today is no different. God has indeed been warning His people for many years that judgment is at the doorstep. However, the majority of God’s people turn a deaf ear, just as Israel did.
The Lord has warned us through Prophetic events, such as 9/11, detailed by Jonathan Cahn in his series The Harbinger. He has warned others like David Wilkerson, whose congregation at Times Square Church, was warned days and months before the tragic event.
The message of coming judgment has gone forth, the prophets have warned for many years, so that God’s people might understand the times and seasons. God has been going to great lengths to awaken His people. Why? So that His people would be made ready and a great harvest can come into the Kingdom of God.
Kingdom Minded Preppers
Some are being called to make preparations in the spirit, some in the natural, some both. Some are being called to make preparations for themselves, some for many others.
Joseph heard the Father’s call. But we must remember the parable, Joseph was the least of all his brothers. God is using the least among His people to sound the alarm in these days, because those who have elevated themselves through pride to places of authority in the body of Christ are indeed deaf and blind to His word. These are not able to hear because their hearts are hardened, their spiritual eyes are shut, and their ears are deaf to what the Holy Spirit is speaking in this time. The message is out there, it is available to every believer, the watchman have sounded the alarm!
God has warned His people of many tragic events soon to unfold including, civil wars, nuclear disasters & attacks, earthquakes, great floods, famine, tsunamis, enemy invasions, asteroids and other cosmic events. This should not come as a shock to any Christian, for the Word warns of such things coming upon the earth. Remember Jesus said when they say peace, peace then destruction shall surely come.
A Faithful Testimony
My name is Mark Bevan, and this is the testimony of events that God has brought forth in my life which have led to the vision He has given to me regarding Goshen.
My close walk with the Lord began in the Fall of 2008, when I gave my life to Jesus, amidst a crumbling US economy. Since then, The Lord has revealed to me on many instances that He uses people and events to warn His people. One such event occurred on 9/29/08, when the stock market crashed a record 777.7 points, a 7% drop on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, which is translated The Day of Judgment.
Several years later, The Lord began to reveal to me the days and seasons which are upon all of us. He began to speak to me of the soon return of His son, and a desperate need to be spiritually prepared. I committed myself to study and following the leading of the Holy Spirit. The more I obeyed and sought His wisdom, the more wisdom and revelation I received.
He began to speak to me of the need to prepare not only spiritually, but also physically, him saying that the days ahead would bring much tribulation, uncertainty and confusion to those not found trusting fully in The Lord. Not only did He desire that I should prepare for my family, but more importantly for the needs of others, knowing that many would be unprepared for the coming calamities which would soon fall upon the Earth.
Back to our roots
The more I sought Him, the clearer the picture became. In 2011 He began to speak to me of the need to establish a place of refuge in the area where we lived. The refuge was to be based upon the concept of an agrarian society. The traditional diversified farm dates back thousands of years, and is time proven technique. Much more so than today’s methods of food production, which are heavily dependent upon cheap energy. An agrarian society is centered around farming, just as it was in the days of Joseph.
The Lord also revealed that a great migration was about to take place, which would affect many areas of the United States. One of which included portions of Maine & New Hampshire. For this reason, a large number of people would be traveling through the area which The Lord revealed to be a place of shelter or refuge. A modern day Goshen.
Over the next few years, He began to introduce people that shared a common vision, bringing them together into a small group of individuals fully committed to The Lord and to fulfilling the vision which He has given. As this group has grown, the vision has also expanded and come into sharper focus.
Through the leading of The Holy Spirit, God is moving the Assembly to prepare for many challenges which lie ahead. Doors are opening, people are being repositioned, and The Lord is pouring out His Spirit. Great favor and blessing also, upon many people to enable them to be a blessing in the days to come.
The Great Exodus
In our days, there is a great call going out. It resonates within the body of Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:16 – 18 Come out from among them… Revelation 18:2 – 5 Come out from Babylon!
Where then shall we go? Run for the hills? Venture out into the wilderness like pilgrims? To leave these worldly Babylonian systems behind is to venture into the unknown.
The ultimate destination on earth for the body of Christ is the new Jerusalem, but only a purified bride will live there with her King. However, the new Jerusalem, the bride is a community, a corporate body of believers. This body is not simply in “unity” with Christ is the head, but is much in unity with each of its diverse parts. Each part working… Loving the others, exactly as Christ loves them. How and where does this bride learn that kind of unity? Together in the wilderness!
The Holy Spirit is speaking and the call is going out, “Come out, my bride. Come away with me. I am coming quickly for you, but you must make yourself ready! Awake Mount Zion!”
Into The Wilderness
Luke 4:1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness… Luke 5:16 And He withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
The wilderness is a metaphorical symbol of a place where God chooses to refine, purify and test his children. It can be physical, spiritual or both. Learning to trust
The Choice… By Faith or by Force.
Willing or unwilling, the wilderness is a fundamental way point, a necessary layover in our journey with Christ. This wilderness is not our ultimate destination, nor our starting point, but a step along the way. A place to rest, a place to learn to overcome. A place to grow.
A common adage in Maine says, “You can’t get there from here!” Meaning that often times it is nearly impossible to go from point A to point B without going through point C.
It is impossible to get to our ultimate destination… The New Jerusalem… without going through the wilderness… willing or not.
Leaving the Green Pasture Behind
God desires that we would choose to be led in and through our wilderness layovers willingly by faith. However, if through fear or ignorance we choose to not listen or follow his leading, the Lord must resort to other means to persuade his children to make the journey. Why? Because He is bound by His own word to finish what He started in you. That means refinement and purification into the image of Christ.
If we won’t leave our green pasture, to venture into the unknown with Him, and the Lord must make it more inconvenient to stay. If we are not following the leading of the Lord, where out of covenant, and by our own actions, out of his blessing and protection. Only by moving along with him can we stay under his wing.
The only place where true safety and protection abounds, is the place where one dwells perfectly in the will of God. That means when He says “Go” you go, “Come” you come. It means walking so close to Him, that you know He as orders your each and every step. The means if He says come into this ark, or go into that ark, you say “Yes Lord, right away.” It is in this place, when he leads and we follow, where protection lies. To be outside of His will, to not go when called, to disobey, is to place oneself not only in a path of potential danger, but in a place where he must try to bring you back. Either way you’ve lowered the hedge of protection which God promises. Had Noah’s family failed to enter the ark, they would surely have perished with the rest. But, within the ark, they lacked no good thing. They were shielded from the wind and the waves. The same way Israel was saved from the famine in Egypt.
To Where Shall We Go?
God’s refuge is neither here nor there. It’s not contained by geographic boundaries. Let’s think a moment of Goshen not as a literal place, but is a state of mind… A state of living.
God’s wilderness refuge exists anywhere two or more believers agree to be in perfect unity together with Christ and with each other. Wherever they go, the blessing of the Lord is upon them and begins to establish THE GARDEN in all the circumstances around them. The blessing prospers, protects and guides them.
Yet the extent of that blessing is limited by their love, not just for each other, but by their love for everyone around them. When they choose to love others around them, the way God intended, community is the end result. Others see, and are moved by the love of God flowing through his witnesses, and desire to have that same love in themselves.
Fields of Zion Wilderness Refuge at Goshen
More than a destination… A way of life!
We create wilderness play schools where God’s people can learn to live in close harmony to the land, which provides for their sustenance, while fostering opportunities for faith building and spiritual growth. Our model SEED communities offer an opportunity for like-minded people to join together in a unique faith walk experience.
Goshen offers those willing to make the journey, an adventure in true kingdom living. The chance to learn to live with and love your neighbors, and not just the ones you sit next to in church. To build a kingdom family based on covenant relationships. To step away, to a simpler life. A life full of blessing and joy. Where God takes preeminence in all aspects of daily life, and harmony abounds. The chance to step into the fullness of the blessing under the shadow of the Almighty. To learn true mountain moving faith, and unwavering trust in God.
By the Lord’s direction, we have named the locations of our wilderness communities Goshen. They describe not a specific geographic region but a congregation, or community of believers in a particular region, focused on working together towards building a closer, more unified body in all aspects of daily living. Currently we are in the process of building two such communities. The first is well underway in Southern Maine & New Hampshire. The other developing project is on the north coast of Jamaica.
Our long-term goal is to create a working pattern for an intentional Christian community. One which is sustainable and able to be planted anywhere in the world.
Fields of Zion International
Fields of Zion International was established by God to assist in building environments where Christians can learn to live in community together. To learn to be one in Him and with each other.
Is this a new church? No. We come from many churches and religious backgrounds. The purpose of our Assembly, as The Lord Himself has defined it, is to manifest the body of Christ in these days. We are not limited by specific doctrine or creed, but only in submission to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He leads and directs our steps. He causes us to prosper in the way, enabling us to do His good pleasure and be a light for others.
We are tasked to build a refuge in the wilderness. A city set high upon a hill, that cannot be hidden, for all to see.
Is this assembly open to anyone? Yes and no. In these times The Lord has a place for every member of His body. Some are indeed called by Him to prepare, some to other works of ministry, but all are equal in the Body of Christ. God chooses whom He will. He may have chosen you as well. Only The Lord can say, and we leave it in His hands to decide.
If you’re reading this, there is a good chance The Lord is leading you for a reason. To protect you in the days ahead, and possibly even to use you to help others. If you believe this might be the case, we encourage you to seek Him for understanding. The Lord has promised to multiply our assembly in the days ahead, and you might be one whom He has called to take part. If so, God will surely lead your steps.
Resources
- David Wilkerson speaks on 911 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2OpxjwwrIA
- Jonathan Cahn “The Harbinger” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEJl_zpqBok
- www.FieldsofZion.org
- Fields of Zion International – Mission Statement
The Refuge – additional reading
- Jehovah our strong tower
- The Blessing of the Lord
- An unbreakable contract
- Jehovah the guarantor
- Jesus the mediator
- The heir of promise -Hebrews 6:17, Romans 4:14, Hebrews 11:9
- The Divine Romance
- Plan for an Interactive Farmstead & Cultural Learning Center