National
Pastors'
Prayer
Network
CITY
CONNECTIONS
04/30/2004
2004 Year of Prayer for Pastors
http://www.prayingpastor.com
I N T H I S U P D A T E ... and for
our prayers:
* A NOTE FROM PASTOR PHIL
1. NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER - PRAYER GUIDE
2. NDP: METRO CHARLOTTE
3. NDP: ELGIN / CHICAGO, IL
4. NDP: MINNESOTA
5. NDP: NEW YORK STATE
6. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FAIRGROUNDS
7. CONTINENTWIDE PRAYER OVER AFRICA
8. CHICAGO: HIKE FOR LIFE
9. CITYWIDE UNITY
10. ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
11. CITY REACHING WITH THE YOUNGER GENERATION
12. YOUR CITY REPORT...
13. CITY IMPACT ROUNDTABLE: CHICAGOLAND
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
* A NOTE FROM PASTOR PHIL
Citywide prayer initiatives are bringing the Body of Christ together; kneeling
at the foot of the Cross in humility; seated in the heavenlies with authority.
This expression of the unity we have been given in the Spirit blesses God and, I
believe, brings good fruit from our praying.
Several states are represented below but you can find yours at
http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/campaign/
Click on your state on the map of the United States.
While you're surfing the web, click over to
http://www.prayertransformation.com
And register for the Citywide Prayer Leaders Consultation.
Your city/region ought to be represented.
Phil
P.S. I know this is a long one ... (:>)
___________________________________________________>>>
1. NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER - PRAYER
GUIDE
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
Thursday, May 6, 2004
Let Freedom Ring
If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
HOW TO PRAY AND LET FREEDOM RING
10 Ways to Pray on the National Day of Prayer
1. Pray for our nation: that we will turn to the Lord in repentance and know
God's protecting, freeing power.
2. Pray for Iraq and the military personnel serving there.
3. Pray for Afghanistan and our troops serving there.
4. Pray for the families of our military personnel, especially those who have
lost loved ones during the war on terrorism.
5. Pray for President Bush and all of our nation's leaders.
6. Pray for the election process this year, that God will be honored, and
that moral, godly men and women will be elected to local, state, and national
positions of leadership.
7. Pray for the Church in our city and across the nation, that we will
experience genuine revival and spiritual unity in Jesus' name.
8. Pray that you and your family will become bold intercessors, praying God's
blessings for your neighbors and friends.
9. Pray for wisdom and maturity as we face spiritual warfare, so that we can
live free of the bondage of evil.
10. Pray for a spiritual awakening in America as individuals become aware of
their desperate need of Jesus Christ, and the freedom He alone can bring.
For more ways to pray, visit these websites:
Intercessors for America: www.ifapray.org
<http://www.ifapray.org>
National Day of Prayer: www.nationaldayofprayer.org
<http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org>
Metrolina Prayer Network: www.metrolinaprayer.net
<http://www.metrolinaprayer.net>
Contact us by phone at 704.377.9953, or email: prayer@metrolinaprayer.net
___________________________________________________>>>
2. NDP: METRO CHARLOTTE
Uptown Prayer Gathering:
12 Noon - 1 pm at the Government Center Plaza
With praise and prayer directed by area pastors and leaders
600 E. 4th Street (at 4th and Davidson Streets)
Groups are encouraged to join us...some school classes are coming to
pray...children, youth, adults...all ages are welcome!
(In case of inclement weather, we will meet at First Baptist Church of
Charlotte, 301 S. Davidson Street)
Center City Prayerwalk: 1 pm
(Immediately following the uptown gathering)
Spend time with God and with others, celebrating freedom during this important
time of united prayer.
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer...Do not be
overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:12, 21
WHERE TO PRAY AND LET FREEDOM RING:
National Day of Prayer Breakfast: 7:30 am at the Dowd YMCA, 400 E. Morehead
Street, Charlotte.
Lancaster Community Prayer Breakfast: 6:45 - 8 am. Hosted by Covenant Baptist
Church in Lancaster, SC. Call 803.283.8409 for tickets.
Cornelius Town Hall, 12 noon, sponsored by area churches. Located on Catawba
Avenue in Cornelius.
Southpark National Day of Prayer Gathering: 12 noon, on the lawn at the Coca
Cola building in south Charlotte.
First Presbyterian Church, W. Trade Street in uptown Charlotte: 12 noon
Central Church of God, 12 noon, at 5301 Sardis Road.
Carmel Baptist Church, 12 noon, at 1145 Pineville-Matthews Road in Matthews.
First Assembly of God, Concord: 3 - 3:45 pm, at 150 Warren Coleman Boulevard,
Concord.
~ Many churches are open for prayer on May 6...go wherever you can, join with
others, and practice the privilege of prayer!
___________________________________________________>>>
3. NDP: ELGIN / CHICAGO, IL
As part of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, we feel privileged to
invite you to the 53rd Annual National Day of Prayer Observance on Thursday May
6, 2004.
We are inviting all Christians to join together to pray for our nation, our
government leaders as well as our community.
This year's observance will be held at Elgin's House of Prayer for the Nations
from 7:00 8:30 pm. Elgins House of Prayer is housed at Templo Calvario located
at 270 E. Chicago Street.
If you have further questions please call:
Chuck & Sheila Straka, 847-695-5133 / <straka@sbcglobal.net>
___________________________________________________>>>
4. NDP: MINNESOTA
proclaim liberty throughout the land to its inhabitants. (Leviticus
25:10)
Open Prayer
Hope Church
7477 145th St W
6am - 6pm
Contact: Hope Church, (952) 431-6500
The church sanctuary will be open for those wishing to find a quiet place for
personal prayer.
National Day of Prayer Service
Apple Valley Municipal Building
7100 W 147th St
Noon - 12:30 pm
A simple and brief service is planned which includes music and a time of
prayer and intercession.
BLOOMINGTON
12th Annual Prayer Observance
Northland Executive Office Center
3600 West 80th St.
Concourse level meeting room
12:30 - 1:00 pm Program
1:00 - 1:30 pm Corporate prayer
As part of our program, we will hear from Jeff Cavins, host of
nationally-broadcast "Morning Air," the live morning show on Relevant Radio.
BURNSVILLE
Evening Celebration of Prayer and Praise!
Amphitheater - Civic Center Park by the hockey arena
Civic Center Pkwy & Nicollet Ave
Wednesday, May 5
7 pm - 8 pm
Contact: (952) 890-9595
Participants include our mayor and special music by Brian Mowery. Bring
chairs and blankets. Youth oriented! In case of rain: City Hall, lower level.
Prayer Breakfast
Prince of Peace Church
McAndrews & Nicollet Ave
6:30 am
Contact: (952) 435-8102 for tickets and info
Meet your friends for breakfast!
Note: Passes given to students for tardiness.
Reflective Prayer and
Nationally Broadcast Concert of Prayer
Berean Baptist Church
County Rd 42 & Portland Ave
6 pm: Prayer Walk
7 pm: Nationally Broadcast Concert of Prayer
Contact: (952) 890-9595
Visit www.concertofprayer.org
<http://www.concertofprayer.org/> for more information about the satellite
broadcast.
Ecumenical Prayer Service
River Hills United Methodist Church
11100 River Hills Dr
7:15 pm
Contact: (952) 890-9595
Scripture - Prayer - Song - Meditation
All are welcome!
DETROIT LAKES
National Day of Prayer Observance
Historic Holmes Theater
in the Detroit Lakes Community & Cultural Center
806 Summit Ave
Noon
Contact: Deacon Randy Bauer, (218) 847-1393
Coordinated by the Lakes Area Ministerial Association.
EAGAN
2nd Annual Eagan Community Observance
Central Park Pavillion
Pilot Knob & Community Center Pkwy
5:30- 6:30 pm
Participants include the Eagan's Men's Chorus, Eagan Women of Note, elected
local and state officials, pastors from several Eagan churches, and education
and media representatives.
JORDAN
Community Prayer Walk
Saturday, May 1st
Join others from your church, your neighborhood, a friend, your
spouse, son or daughter and walk your neighborhood or other places in your
community where you are led to pray and speak the Lord's peace as we prepare for
our National Day of Prayer on May 6th. If you can, join us at Mill Pond at 3 pm
to mark your path of prayer on the Jordan city map and to close the Prayer Walk
with a Unity Prayer.
National Day of Prayer Gathering
Hope Lutheran Church
201 Hope Ave
6:45 pm
Contact: (952) 492-2099
We will begin with the blowing of the ram's horn and then the opening will be
led by our council members. Five area pastors and others from the community will
share leadership of the service. The Boy Scouts will present their flag
ceremony. Fellowship time to follow.
LAKEVILLE
"Meet at City Hall"
11th Annual Prayer Rally
Lakeville City Hall
20195 Holyoke Ave
Noon - 1 pm
Contact: Joanne (952) 469-2914
This year the rally will be led by Pastor Jim Connor of Valley Christian
Church .
MADISON
National Day of Prayer Event
City Hall
404 - 6th Ave
12:15 pm
Contact: (320) 598-7396 or teresabrown88@hotmail.com
All area churches are invited to participate in this prayer service with a
special program.
MEDINA
Gathering for the State Capitol Prayer Rally
Woodridge Church
1500 County Rd 24
10 am
Contact: Cindy Doop at Godsplan4u2@msn.com
We are inviting families and children from the western suburbs to meet at the
church before heading to the Prayer Rally at the State Capitol in St. Paul.
NEW HOPE
Moms United in Prayer
Crystal Evangelical Free Church
4225 Gettysburg Ave No.
9:30 - 11:30 am
Contact: (763) 416-0516
We are gathering moms together from across our state to unite in prayer for
our children and schools.
PARKERS PRAIRIE
National Day of Prayer Event
Parkers Prairie City Hall
Noon
Please join the Parkers Prairie Boy Scouts to honor and celebrate the
National Day of Prayer. Guest speaker will by Army Specialist Nicolas Jensen.
PLYMOUTH
7th Annual National Day of Prayer Breakfast
Vision of Glory Lutheran Church
1/4 mile east of I-494 at Hwy 55
6 - 8 am
Contact: Dar, (763) 473-3730
Tickets $13, RSVP by April 26th
Childcare available by reservation.
A non-denominational event open to the community. Prayer for our nation and
leaders followed by keynote speaker Mary Kiffmeyer, Minnesota Secretary of
State, and soloist Mark Everhardt, worship leader at Brooklyn Park Lutheran
Church. Master of Ceremonies is
Rev. Jim Johnson, Dean at the AFLC Bible School.
Prayer Walk
Wednesday May 5, 2004
Vision of Glory Lutheran Church
1/4 mile east of I-494 at Hwy 55
5:55 pm
Contact: Dar, (763) 473-3730
Prayer walk around the church to pray over the church and speakers for the
prayer breakfast event (see above).
ST. PAUL
Pastors' Day on the Hill
State Capitol, Room 118
75 Constitution Ave
9 - 11 am
Contact: Dan Hall, (612) 790-2000
Limited seating, register for e-tickets: Office@MidwestChaplains.org
Hear first hand from our elected officials and pray for them to be Godly
leaders: Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer, Speaker of the House Steve Sviggum,
and Senator Michele Bachmann.
Prayer Rally at the State Capitol
75 Constitution Ave
11:30 am - 1 pm
Contact: Prayer Transformation Ministries, (612) 278-1717
Youth Rally at the State Capitol
"Share the Light"
75 Constitution Ave
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Contact: Prayer Transformation Ministries, (612) 278-1717
Nationally Broadcast
Concert of Prayer Broadcast by satellite, May 6th, 7-10 pm at the following
locations:
Burnsville: Berean Baptist
Eagan: Woodcrest Church
Minneapolis: Bethel Assembly of God
Minnetonka: Ridgewood Church
New Hope: Crystal Evangelical Free Church
Your servant in Christ,
Steve Loopstra, Executive Director, Prayer
Transformation Ministries
We would love to expand this prayer and information
group. To subscribe send and email to: PTM@prayertransformation.com with the
word subscribe-intercessors in the body of the message. This email group is
for the purpose of prayer and information. Your email address is not supplied to
any other group.
___________________________________________________>>>
5. NDP: NEW YORK STATE
Let Freedom Ring is the theme of the 53rd consecutive National
Day of Prayer. During the noon hour on May 6, Christians in 8,000 cities and
towns will gather to pray for our country, our states, and our cities and for
the elected officials who govern them. There will be meetings in the following
cities:
ALBANY:
New York State Capitol
East (downhill) Steps n 12 Noon - 1 PM
Contact: Pastor Steve Lalor, 434-2201 or 432-7100
Schenectady:
Schenectady City Hall n 12 Noon - 12:30 PM
Contact: Pastor Tony Solomon, 875-6571
Troy:
Monument Square n 12 Noon - 12:45 PM
Contact: Pastor Curt Morgan, 629-4848
East Ridge Community Church-at 8pm- will host a satellite down link of the
broadcast of the CONCERT OF PRAYER. Call 629-4848 for directions. Check
http://www.concertofprayer.org/2004
Sponsored by:
Renewal Prayer Network * Pray Capital Region
Capital District Ministers Fellowship
Capital District Association of Evangelicals
Local Pastors will lead us in prayer for our local and state government
officials, some of whom will be present. Let us not take our God given freedoms
for granted. Let us gather to bless our governing authorities. (1Tim. 2:1-3)
Let us be grateful to God for our freedoms and pray that they be preserved.
Jay Richmond
Ministry Facilitator
Renewal Prayer Network / Pray Capital Region
550 Ontario Street
Schenectady, NY 12306
<http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps.py?Pyt=Tmap&addr=550+Ontario+Street&csz=Schenectady%2C+NY+12306&country=us>
pray.capitalregion@verizon.net
tel: 518.374.6509
___________________________________________________>>>
6. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FAIRGROUNDS
National Day of Prayer Event at the So. California Fairgrounds
18700 Lake Perris Drive
City of Perris
6:30pm to 9:30pm
Parking is free
Worship Music by Dennis Agajanian and Ted Pearce
Circles of Prayer
Prayer for our Country, Leaders, Military and the People of our Land
We will have fellowship following the observance.
Please email for free passes, or if you have any questions: info@nationaldayofprayerusa.org
___________________________________________________>>>
7. CONTINENTWIDE PRAYER OVER AFRICA
25 MILLION AFRICANS SET TO PRAY FOR TRANSFORMATION OF THEIR CONTINENT
By Peter Wooding, UCB Europe Senior News Editor
Special to ASSIST News Service
danjuma1@aol.com /
http://www.assistnews.net/
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA (ANS) -- Christians from every part of Africa
will tear down their dividing ethnic and denominational walls, and join together
in prayer in more than 1,100 stadiums this Sunday, May 2nd, for Transformation
Africa.
The initiative, which began just three years, was the vision of a Christian
businessman in South Africa, as Transformation coordinator David Spangenverg
explained in an interview.
The vision began in 2001, when Christians gathered together in Cape Town for a
day of prayer and repentance, he said. Then the next year the challenge was to
extend the event to the provinces throughout South Africa. The third one in 2003
took place throughout the whole of Southern Africa. Then the fourth leg this
year is the whole of the continent.
Spangenverg then explained more about the extent of this years event: Last year
in Southern Africa, there were 77 regions and 27 of the countries on the African
continent participating in 136 stadiums. And so far this year throughout Africa,
there will be more 1,100 stadium events taking place. The African continent
consists of 53 African countries, and then the five surrounding islands. All 58
are on board for this years day of prayer on May 2nd, which includes the
so-called 10/40 window, where it wont go to stadiums, but instead to cell groups
or house groups.
There are 52 towns and cities in Egypt alone thatll participate, just to give
you an idea of the north side of the continent, and its amazing what God is busy
doing. The figures that were getting in are well over 25 million that will pray
on the ground, interdenominational, intercultural all at the same time.
Spangenverg explained how God has enabled them to overcome the logistical
challenges of organizing such a huge event: You know a remarkable thing that we
can actually put through as a witness is that, its difficult to travel, and its
difficult to actually communicate with the African people because of a
infrastructure, but God has his ways and people contact us to say they heard
about this, they had the same vision from God, they had the same bible verse II
Chronicles 7: 14, saying that If we humble ourselves, then God will heal our
land.
When asked what was their greatest prayer need, he replied, Our prayer is that
church leaders will come into unity. The biggest frustration that all the towns
and cities in Africa is theres a huge gap between denominational Christian
churches. The second prayer need is for people around the world to pray that God
will touch Africa on the 2nd of May and heal and change our continent.
Right from the early days of the Transformation prayer initiative it had a great
impact, as David said: From 1999 to 2001 there were about 22 bombs that exploded
in Cape Town, and since they started to pray, there have been no explosions or
even bomb threats. This has now boosted the tourism industry. Nobody visits
South Africa if they cant come to Cape Town, as this is the gateway through to
Africa. This has had such a positive impact on our economy. The crime rate in
some of the eastern parts of Cape Town has come down between 45-55%. From last
year until now since the people got together and prayed and the communities
started to work together, we tackled the giants of poverty, AIDS, and the gender
issue. Weve prayed through these issues right through the year, which has made a
tremendous impact. Weve had so many testimonies of people in the smaller
communities of churches leader coming together for the first time to form a
fraternal, and they dont think just between the four walls of their churches
anymore.
In Malawi the president has said hell fund all of our transportation costs. He
senses that he needs to do something to support the Christians, and its changing
the whole council of workers in Malawi, the agricultural side, and even some of
the government ministers are making great changes to how they do things.
This Sunday, on May 2nd, when Christians gather for the Transformation Africa,
stadium rallies, David Spangenverg explained what will be happening: Weve
identified seven giants in Africa, which the people will pray for. Then the
highlight will be South African time, between 3-3:15pm, theres a specific
prayer, based on the Lord Prayer, and every country around Africa, will during
the exact time pray that specific prayer, raising a canopy of prayer across our
continent, asking God to hear us and to heal us.
Then there will be trumpet blowing, according to the word of God, claiming the
land. There will be chafers blowing towards the north, south, east and west
uniting Africa.
David is also expectant that Africans around the world will be joining them:
Weve also had requests from New Zealand, Australia, Russia, the UK, Argentina,
Canada, from Africans who want to join us in praying for the continent on May
2nd, as theyve heard about us through the media.
David is also excited to announce that the whole event will be broadcast live on
radio and TV across the globe: It will be broadcast on our local TV station
SABC2 and SABC Africa, from 2-3:30pm. It will also be on TBN from 1:30-5pm, and
on GOD TV throughout the world from 2-3:30pm. Finally at the recent UCB
International conference 220 radio stations said they would broadcast the
prayers live from 3-3:15pm.
To find
out more you can access the official Transformation website at:
www.transformationafrica.com <http://www.transformationafrica.com/>
Note: You can also broadcast a short segment from Peter Woodings radio
interview. Contact Dan Wooding at danjuma1@aol.com
for a download of the mp3 file. For longer segments of the interview you can
contact Peter Wooding at news7@ucb.co.uk,
and hell gladly give you details of how the download them through the UCB ftp
site.
** You may republish this story with proper attribution.
If this story has been forwarded to you, click here for your own subscription to
Assist News. <http://sheperd.com/assist/us/subscribe.htm>
___________________________________________________>>>
8. CHICAGO: HIKE FOR LIFE
>From: "Susannah Schwarcz" <sschwarcz@carefirstpc.com>
The CareFirst Hike for Life is Saturday, May 8. It is a fun 5 or 10 mile walk,
run, rollerblade, biking event that raises money for CareFirst Pregnancy
Centers. Registration begins at 8 AM. There are 3 different hike locations:
Chicago Lakefront, Elk Grove Village Busse Woods and Libertyville Lake County.
It is a great opportunity to support a pro-life ministry with your small group
either by hiking, volunteering or sponsoring a hiker. Visit www.hikeforlife.org
for more information or call (888) TOP-HIKE.
Last year CareFirst served over 7,500 women, over half of whom were new visitors
to our centers. Almost 1,400 ultrasound exams were performed. Ultrasounds have
been one of the most influential tools in encouraging women to choose life for
their children. Over 400 babies were born to CareFirst clients last year. We
also witnessed an enormous increase in women choosing to accept Jesus Christ as
their Lord and Savior. Almost 150 women became Christians last year; well over
two times the amount we saw saved the previous year! Praise God!
Susannah Schwarcz
Coordinator of Church and
Community Relations
CareFirst Pregnancy Centers
104 S. Michigan, Ste. 610, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 263-9400, ext. 127
sschwarcz@carefirstpc.com
www.supportcareone.com
www.hikeforlife.org
___________________________________________________>>>
9. CITYWIDE UNITY
Building Unity in the Church of the New Millenniam
Dwight Perry, General Editor
www.moodypress.org
21 Chapters on unity between races, classes, genders in the Church.
___________________________________________________>>>
10. ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINA
Metro Area Multi-Church Prayer Meeting
Join with area congregations of all denominations and cultures to share the
truth of God's Word and to pray for our Lord and Savior to transform our lives,
churches, communities and nation.
Friday, May 21, 2004 from 7:30-9:00 pm
Del Ray Baptist Church
2405 Russell Road
Alexandria, Virginia
Childcare provided
We are meeting together to pray for revival in Gods Church and spiritual
awakening in our area. We believe that Jesus Christ, Gods Son, is the only hope
for the salvation of lost and sinful people, and that Jesus accomplished this
salvation through His sinless life, His substitutionary death, His bodily
resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and that He will
return one day in power and glory.
For more information, or to receive prayer, contact the Metro Area Multi-Church
Prayer Network at (703) 922-5183 or richnilsen@aol.com
___________________________________________________>>>
11. CITY REACHING WITH THE YOUNGER GENERATION
>From: "Doug Clark" <dclark@nnym.org>
God Stuff in Local Networks
by Doug Clark
State of the Nation. State of the State. The early part of the year is
the season for presidents, governors, and even mayors to summarize what has been
done by their administrations, and lay out their agenda for their constituents.
The media and the spin doctors work overtime, and politicians choose up sides
like cross-town rivals trumpeting their schools basketball teams.
All politics aside, what is the state of the Network? More specifically,
what is the state of the Networks the primary level of partnership that
determines how well the movement nationally is accomplishing its mission?
All over the nation and worldwide thousands of youth workers in hundreds
of local gatherings pray, plan, encourage one another, and work together to
reach teenagers for Christ. In the early part of 2004, how is it going, anyway?
Local Coordinators report what God has been doing in their Networks at
the end of each year. Their stories indicate the pulse of how Networks are
faring, and also reveal the unique DNA of each group. Here are some examples.
Relationships and Prayer
Youth ministry is hard have you noticed? Thats why so many groups make sure
their Network is a safe place, a grace place, and a chance to meet with God as
peers.
In the beach area of Los Angeles County, Mike Farmer is excited
about growing relationships. We have several small 'mini-networks' going. This
is where three or more youth leaders get together on a regular basis to pray and
sometimes plan events. In Olympia, Washington, one familys trial brought
people together. Coordinator Mark Schaufler reported, We are able to prayer for
each other on some of the heavy issues. One youth pastors first-born son was
born with a number of life threatening complications. We have been able to pray
with and for him
Leaders in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas hosted a retreat in
January for youth workers in the Metroplex called Sanctuary: a mini Sabbath
(learn more at www.convergedallas.com <outbind://53/WINDOWS/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/OLKB070/www.convergedallas.com>
).
Uniting Around Many Causes for One Commission
Every snowflake is different. But one thing they have in common is that they
form and crystallize around a speck of dust in the air. They each have a
nucleus. Likewise, there can be many things at the nucleus of youth workers
uniting to reach teenagers in their community. Sometimes, special events
work. Richard Baker told us, In Marshall, Minnesota, I gave a pastor the
opportunity to have Reggie Dabbs come to his community for school assemblies and
an evening rally. The catch is that he had to pull it together in 30 days. He
built a network of pastors and youth workers in that time. More than 200
students came to Christ that day.
Sometimes the unity is to reach urban centers like Cambridge,
Massachusetts, where Coordinator Virginia Ward says, New leaders have
surfaced and are ready to unite to reach the youth in our city for Christ. They
are calling to establish regular monthly meetings for the network.
School shootings and other tragedies have driven churches to work
together to plan for Crisis Response (the Network has new material to
help with this need). Other Networks come together around Disciple Now or
True Love Waits or See You at the Pole.
The Networks new More Mentors for Youth initiative could be
another impetus for youth workers to come together maybe in your community?
United Prayer Impacts Racism
In Galveston County, Texas, Brett Rachel reported the remarkable
impact of united prayer. When leaders learned the Ku Klux Klan was planning a
recruiting rally in Santa Fe, the Youth Ministry Network countered with a
prayer walk and youth festival that included groups, speakers, and members from
churches of all races. Long-time citizens agreed that God answered the prayers
of the people, because there was not much participation or coverage of the Klan
rally. The city has had a long standing reputation as a racist community - which
the residents wish would fade away.
Helping Volunteer Youth Workers
George Barna has reported that there are 500,000 church-based youth workers
in America. Many are busy, often bi-vocational volunteer adults who must
be included in any vision to reach the teenagers in a community, since they
outnumber the rest of us! An increasing number of Networks are finding ways to
include and come alongside them.
Shane Vander Hart in Des Moines, Iowa says their group is starting
to reach out. We are starting to really go deep in our relationships. We are
also going to plan a second meeting that will focus on volunteer/part-time youth
directors/pastors who can't make it to our daytime meeting. When the volunteers
get involved, it builds momentum, as Laurie Staib and Keith Farley in
Lycoming County, Pennsylvania learned. Laurie wrote, More youth workers are
getting involved with us; we're exploding! Many are volunteers, whom we have a
special desire to help.
Reaching Schools
One of the most common nuclei that draws youth workers together is the
desire to establish a ministry to every school. Its been said, Fish hang out in
schoolsso do teenagers. Although not every teenager is in school, most spend
many hours there each week. Campus ministry is more than student-led clubs, but
in places like Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Joe Ball shared First Priority has
taken off like gang busters on our campuses. Whether using FISH, Club 121, a
Campus Life club, FCA, or other format, clubs are still vital.
In Shasta, California, Rick Caldwell reported that their Network
has gained access to high schools and junior highs through our YFC campus life
and youth chaplain program.
Networking rubbed off on student leadership in St. Cloud, Minnesota,
where Nate Schroder reported, We kicked off the school year with a weekend
retreat for local church youth group leadership kids and campus Bible club
leaders. We held it at a remote camp on an island on a nearby lake. Over 40
teens attended from eight high schools. It was a homerun event and a great
jumpstart for the school year!
Wrestling With Turnover
In Fergus Falls, Minnesota, a youth worker asked, How does a network
stay networking when the faces change? When a large percentage of the youth
workers in an area leave, it can be a severe blow to momentum, as Todd Beaudin
found in Soldotna, Alaska: We lost four full-time youth pastors in our
Network this year. We are a rural area so this is hard.
In Brevard County, Florida, Eric Ball summed up the only way to
handle turnover: get to know the new youth workers as they come: We have had
major turnover in youth pastors in the last couple of years and therefore, the
God stuff is simply building relationships and re-forming a solid Network. It is
coming.
Question of the Year
When you think about it, shouldnt every youth worker have the choice to
be involved in a healthy local Network? How is the health of the Network in
your city or town?
To help support the growth of local groups, the Network is committed to
finding mature, pastoral full time Regional Coordinators in every region.
Keith Krueger, a youth pastor in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, joined the
Network staff as Great Lakes Regional Coordinator on December 1. Search
Committees have been created for the Southeast, Great Plains and
South Central regions, working alongside existing Network leadership to
find Gods person for each area.
For assistance in developing a healthy local Network in your community,
contact your Regional Coordinator or the Network office Field staff. There are
resources and training to help you or others lead a group where you live. Were
here to help!
___________________________________________________>>>
12. YOUR CITY REPORT...
Send us your report on how God blesses on National Day of Prayer!
Pastors' Prayer Groups?
City Hall?
Prayer Breakfast?
Homeschool Network?
Send your story or comments to: phil@nppn.org
___________________________________________________>>>
13. CITY IMPACT ROUNDTABLE:
CHICAGOLAND
Two recent events have given new hope for reaching Chicagoland for Christ!
The Chicagoland Prayer Summit
exceeded my expectations! (participant
feedback)
Many of the Pastors and Ministry Leaders who spent three days together at
the Chicagoland Prayer Summit offered prayers and petitions for revival in
congregations that results in authentic transformation in our neighborhoods and
suburbs. Ongoing expressions of unity and passion-driven prayers were
infectious.
The City Reachers Nationwide
Conference Call
was called stimulating, productive ...
A meaningful exchange of sharing and ideas. Im encouraged!
The April Call discussed and dissected the trends and trials of reaching our
cities.
Read the transcript at
http://www.cityreaching.com or
http://www.nppn.org
For the Lord to answer those prayers,
Many more of us need to sit at the same table, taking time to listen to the
Holy Spirit and to one another ... So that we work together to increase
communication, improve cooperation, and inspire collaboration.
We need you at the City
Impact Roundtable!
Tuesday, June 1st
9am 3pm
Crusaders Church West in Naperville
(1805 High Point Drive, 630-577-0551)
Bring $10 to cover coffee and and lunch ... And a ministry colleague
RSVPlease: phil@nppn.org or 847-991-0153
___________________________________________________>>>
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http://www.nppn.org/calendar.htm
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http://www.nppn.org/ppg/
Church Prayer Leaders Network
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___________________________________________________>>>
National Pastors'
Prayer Network
1130 Randville Drive ID, Palatine, IL 60074
847-991-0153 * 847-358-9337(fax)
http://www.nppn.org * email:
phil@nppn.org
Register your PPG:
http://www.nppn.org/ppg/
Phil Miglioratti - Coordinator: phil@nppn.org
Carol Miglioratti - Office Manager:
office@nppn.org
Sheila Straka - Intercession:
sheila@nppn.org
Chuck Straka - Web Master:
straka1@nppn.org
Adam Shields - Tech Support:
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Carol Karr - Administrative Services
___Unless clearly identified as "Personal To _____" or "Confidential" all
information and comments sent to phil@nppn.org
will be considered for use in a future NPPN Update.
___Copyright 2004. However, permission is granted to freely redistribute to
those who will partner in praying for and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ
with everyone in our nation and beyond.
___Opinions reflect the views of each author or respondent, not the NPPN or any
other person or organization