* * S P E C I A L   N P P N   D I S C O U N T   O F F E R * *

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   I N   T H I S   U P D A T E        ...    and for our prayers:
    **   SPECIAL PK PRAYER BULLETIN
    1.   NPPN WEB SITE UPDATE
    2.   CITY STORIES
    3.   NATIONAL MARKETPLACE PRAYER SUMMIT
    4.   WESTERN NEW YORK: PPG SINCE 1989
    5.   UNITY DEPENDS ON WHICH WAY YOUR RIFLE IS FACING
    6.   WISDOM AND CONNECTIONS FROM PASTORS.COM
    7.   STAMMER? MAYBE IT WAS GOD'S IDEA
    8 .  RECONCILIATION JOURNEY STOPS IN PHOENIX, AZ
    9.   "AND REACHED OUT TO OTHER MINISTERS..."
   10.  COMMENTARY: PASTOR, WHEN CAN WE MEET TOGETHER
   11.  NPPN, GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
   12.  PHOENIX, AZ: ROUNDTABLE
   13.  ALHAMBRA, CA: PPG REQUEST
   14.  CAN I USE NPPN ITEMS IN OUR NEWSLETTER?
   """""QUOTE /  UNQUOTE"""""
   15. BRIDGING THE GENERATION GAP
   16. WHY HOLD AN IRM PRAYER SUMMIT?
   17.  CHARLOTTE:, NC: JUST A FEW GREAT IDEAS...
   18. NEWARK, NJ: 50 MINISTERS
   19. NEW ENGLAND PRAYER JOURNEY
   20. NDP - PPG HELPS BRING UNITY TO FLORIDA COUNTY
   21. WEST VIRGINIA: PRAYERWALKING SCHOOL HALLWAYS
   22. NEW JERSEY: A STATE READY FOR TRANSFORMATION
   23. ORLANDO, FL: MARCH FOR JESUS / JESUS DAY 2001

Give us some FEEDBACK about this update

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

**SPECIAL PK PRAYER BULLETIN
>From: "Ron J. Williams" <RonWilliams@pknet.org>

Phil, I need to enlist your support and NPPN for the Chicago Promise Keepers conference.

*     Would you have the members of your network pray for the glory of God to come down and that his anointing would be more powerful than we at Promise Keepers have ever experienced.
*    The few visits to your city have made me more aware that the walls of denominations, race, culture are very thick, and very high.  Would you have them pray for the different denomination and cultures that they may put their differences aside and come together to receive the full blessings of God.
*    Phil, we are having some difficulty generating and creating momentum for registrations for the event.  Would NPPN pray that God would convict the hearts of men and create a spirit urgency that men will no longer hesitate to register for the conference.  We know that God wants the United Center filled with men that will be transformed moved with the spirit of revival bringing change to the city of Chicago.
*    We have our prayer time at the Denver office from 1-2 PM Monday thru Friday, maybe you could have those who can come together and pray at 2-3 PM your time, through the work week, as we know there is power in agreement. We need to cover this event with pray as I feel there is a strong hold that is keeping Chicago divided.

³Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.²  Ephesians 5:21
Ron Williams, Director U S Ministries
303-964-7718    /    303- 964-7753 (fax)
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1. WEB SITE UPDATE

Visit http://www.nppn.org ...

   >Check out our new web based prayer requests for Pastors and Cities!
   >Get interactive - Check out our "Comment" and "Roundtable" features
   >Take the NPPN Survey
   >Download (and distribute) one of our 40 E'zine articles
   >Pray for one of our 525+ Pastors' Prayer Groups
   >Take advantage of the special discounts on prayer resources...

Log-On ... Sign-In ... Link-Up
___________________________________________________>>>

2. CITY STORIES ---> phil@nppn.org
   -How is God moving in your PPG?
   -How can others connect with you?.
   -Respond to something you've seen posted
   -Submit a prayer request for your city or region
   -Share a model or resource for prayer evangelism
___________________________________________________>>>

3. NATIONAL MARKETPLACE PRAYER SUMMIT
>From: Marnie Demond <Mdemond@MULTNOMAH.EDU>
   Amidst the wonderful diversity that exists in the IRM Prayer Summit movement, there are several values that are held in common.  One of them is giving God all the glory with no self-promotion or self-seeking.

   A Word from Dennis Fuqua, Director of IRM --
Let me tell you a little about the first National Marketplace Prayer Summit that took place in Orlando March 23-24, 2001.  There are many stories but because of space, let me just share a few thoughts.

We sense that a significant wave of God is breaking onto the shore of His Church.  We have all believed in our theology that there is not a division between clergy and laity.  However, practically we not only have allowed it, but also have encouraged it at times.  This building wave recognizes both theologically and practically that God calls people to the marketplace as their primary ministry just like He calls others to pastoral ministry.  They are in their job, because God has called them to minister in that setting. This summit was offered for people who have felt that calling.

We partnered with people from Campus Crusade for Christ, Mission America, Marketplace Leaders, ROI (Prayer is the best Return On Investment) and Nehemiah Partners in planning the logistics.  IRM facilitators (Bob Yawberg, Dave Halbert, Jody Mayhew and I) joined with respected leaders from those ministries to facilitate the time.  We learned much and came back very excited.  We were excited about the time together with these 65 brothers and sisters as well as the sense that God may be opening a whole new arena for Prayer Summits.  At least one city (Jacksonville) is planning a Marketplace Summit for the fall.

The summit was not only for the marketplace; it was in it!  God taught us and moved in and through us.  We watched people who had known they were called to minister in their workplace, but never felt a release to actually do it be affirmed amid tears of gratitude and joy.  Then when the finances came up short we saw God provide above and beyond the shortfall.

Obviously there is more to tell.  For a taste of this summit, please look for testimonies that will be posted on the IRM portion of our website soon.
   http://www.multnomah.edu 
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4. WESTERN NEW YORK: PPG SINCE 1989
>From: Genemile@aol.com
    Since 1989 a group of pastors in Wellsville, NY have been praying each week for revival in this town of about 7000 in western NY.  God has met with us repeatedly and relationships of trust among many denominations have been built that have endured.  Out of this prayer meeting have grown many community events and evangelistic outreaches into the broader Twin Tiers area of New York and Pennsylvania.  Our prayer group has had its ups and downs but through the years there has been a determination to persevere in faith for our rural community where many struggle with lack of  hope and poverty.  Over the years, many lay people in the Wellsville area have expressed appreciation for the high level of trust and cooperation among participating pastors.
     We haven't experienced revival/awakening yet but we're seeing good things happening and we're not about to give up.  We're expecting a spiritual awakening in our area.  But even if it doesn't come in the way we expect--we would rather be praying together than not praying.  In recent years, pastors from as far as 20 miles away have been praying with us regularly.
     Out of this prayer meeting has grown a regional Pastors Prayer Summit with excellent resourcing from International Renewal Ministries (IRM) in Portland, OR.  Attendance has grown at each Prayer Summit since our first one in 1997.  Pastors are coming from a geographical area measuring about 250 miles east to west and 150 miles north to south.  Last month's summit was a precious 4 days of meeting with God.  During the last two years, Tom White from Corvallis, OR has taught six one-day seminars on strategic principles of prayer and city reaching at strategic locations across the Twin Tiers.  Together, we are laying a foundation for what God wants to do here in western New York.
   Gene Miller
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   "Remember that you are made in My image
           ...and I like the way I made you."

    Submitted by Ras Robinson <fullness@airmail.net>

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5. UNITY DEPENDS ON WHICH WAY YOUR SWORD IS FACING
>From: "Jeff Beacham" <firepowerministries@attglobal.net>

Sixty thousand Australian soldiers left their homeland between 1914 and 1918 to fight a war half a world away in Europe. This relatively low-tech conflict was mainly fought in the trenches as men spent months living in near squalor keeping their heads low for fear of having them blown off!

Unlike the video-game precision of modern warfare, with its remoteness and impersonal destruction, these men relied on each other for their very lives. The nature of trench warfare was that you depended on the man on either side of you for your life, like links in a chain depending on each other for their strength. And  so they became "mates,"  not in the American sense of spouse, but like a best friend who you entrust your life to and vice versa.

Returning home, this egalitarian bonding became interwoven into the fledgling Australian culture. But it runs much deeper than the popular greeting of "G’Day Mate!" It fostered an idea that; “we’re all in this together." whether it was the trenches of Europe or life in general; the former with Germany as the enemy, the latter was "us against the world!" This sense of commonality was further enhanced by several other Australian terms of endearment such as "The Aussie Battler" and "Digger" (e.g. digger of trenches), which along with "mate" were both derived from the trenches.

Unity comes relatively easy in a culture that tends to direct competition more outward than inward, (Politicians have known for centuries that there's nothing like a good old war every now and then to stifle rebellion and to unite the people).

In one of my most recent articles entitled "Internetworking" (see: http://www.firepowerint.com/archivelist.htm)  I said: "If the world has been confused about the message of the Church, then it is because we have presented it with a cacophony of voices and messages that would rival the confusion of Babel. If we are to ever impact our communities, we must speak with one voice! We need to build bridges between emerging networks, cementing them together in a true apostolic style that is recognized and accepted primarily through function and servant leadership, not merely by attaching a label. I believe this is the next step along the road to reawakening in America."
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6. WISDOM AND CONNECTIONS FROM PASTORS.COM
>From: "Pastors.com" <e-newsletter@pastors.com>

"Every week I ask the pastoral staff to share four things with me. We used to do it on little report cards. Now we just do it through email. These are the four things that I want to know: 'I have made progress in the following areas... I am having difficulty in the following areas... I need a decision from you on...' and then 'Praise reports and Prayer reports. " - Rick Warren

Amsterdam 2000 Conference <http://spiritual.crosswalk.com/billygraham/archivedbroadcasts/0,8667,,00.htm>  -
These are the archives for the Amsterdam 2000 Conference

Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization <http://www.gospelcom.net/lcwe/LOP/>  -
An archive of papers for the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization

Saddleback Church
<http://www.saddleback.com/home/welcome.asp>
Resources
   <http://www.pastors.com/pcom/>
Pastor's Forum
   <http://www.pastors.com/my/discussions/>
Free Email
   <http://www.pastors.com/my/email/default.asp>
World News
   <http://www.pastors.com/portal/news/>
How to Assimilate Members in a Purpose Driven Church
   <http://www.pastors.com/pcom/specials/HowAssimilateMembers.asp>
Innovative Worship Style Crucial to Church Plants
   <http://www.pastors.com/pcom/specials/InnovativeWorshipStyle.asp>  - Bryan Mize
Purpose-Driven Church Conference (May 15-18)    
   <http://www.purposedriven.com/conferences/pdc/pdc.html>
Celebrate Recovery Summit 2001 (Aug 22-24)      
   <http://www.purposedriven.com/conferences/celebrate/cr_2001.html>
Discipleship Journal Software <http://www.pastors.com/pcom/specials/DJ.asp>
   Copyright © 1996-2001 Pastors.com, The Encouraging Word
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7. STAMMER? MAYBE IT WAS GOD'S IDEA
>From: Arrow Publications" <RiverofLifeMailer@InChristsImage.org>
   Moses is sure his particular weakness, stammering, will disqualify him [from speaking before Pharaoh]. How can a man who cannot speak for himself speak for God? Yet, not only is the Lord unhindered by human weakness, He asks, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes him dumb or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?" (Ex 4:11) Amazingly, the Lord not only accommodates Moses' condition, He takes credit for it!
   It is a profound thought: God stripped Moses of his worldly place and training, afflicted him with a heavy and slow tongue, and then commanded him to serve Him in this specific area of weakness: speaking!
   The Lord could have instantly healed Moses! He could have given him oratory skills greater than what he possessed in Egypt, but He did nothing to cure Moses. The slow speech is God's idea.
   Perhaps we have spent too much time blaming the devil for limitations that actually have their origins in God. What truly matters with the Almighty is not the eloquence of our words, but His power to fulfill them. It's a fitting combination: stammering words backed up with immutable power. "I ... will be with your mouth" (Ex 4:12). This is the alliance that makes for victory.
   Perhaps your last place of service to the Lord seemed completely unanointed. In your mind you feel that you failed God. Yet, it is possible that the Lord has simply been making you perfectly weak. Perhaps it is now time for Christ to reveal Himself as perfectly strong within you.
   Pastor Francis Frangipane
Please visit our website at: http://www.inchristsimage.org 
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8. RECONCILIATION JOURNEY STOPS IN PHOENIX, AZ
>From: RArcher821@aol.com

Greetings and rich blessings from Phoenix, AZ, The Valley of the Sun (Son):

Our time here began by attending a Net Menders Conference, hosted by Hal & Cheryl Sacks of Bridge Builders, International and featuring Roosevelt Muriel and Ruth Ruibal from Cali, Columbia - leaders featured in the Transformations Video by George Otis and The Sentinel Group.  If you haven't seen the video, you MUST get it, watch it and share it with fellow Christians.  Roosevelt is the head of the Pastors Association in Cali and Ruth's husband, who was a major mover in bringing the Church in Cali together to combat the increasingly encroaching darkness and death in that city, was assassinated by the Medillin Cartel in Cali - one of three Pastors killed by the Cartel in a three month period in 1996.  For several years now the Church in Cali has been having all night prayer meetings in local stadiums with upwards of 60,000 attending and resulting in a tremendous move of God's Spirit in their city, unprecedented unity in the Church, transformation and restoration in the city and the salvation of countless thousands of people.  With that has come tremendous persecution, murders of pastors and Christians, kidnappings, extortion threats from the Drug Cartel, from the Paramilitary, from the Guerillas.  With it has also come the cooperation and support of the City Government as they have provided the stadiums, stages, sound systems, etc. - free of charge - because they see the effect the praying church is having on Cali.
   --->NPPNote: For information on the Transformations video email "SentinelGp" <SentinelGp@aol.com>

The Sunday night after the conference we attended a sort of Concert of Prayer in the West Valley of Phoenix.  Approximately 30 pastors from 15-20 churches have been praying together weekly for the past 4 years.  Over the past 2 years they've been bringing their congregations together for prayer once a month, are working together to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, and do outreach and evangelism together in their part of the city.  I'm still trying to get details on one story which was highlighted that night as the Pastor of a Caucasian church presented the Pastor of an African American Church a check for $10,000, resolving a conflict between the two churches and making a tremendous statement of reconciliation.  Together these churches are also paying the salary of a young couple who are ministering to "Fatherless" children in their area.

We took the three and a half hour journey from Phoenix to the White Mountain Apache Reservation along with Pastor Roger Hackenberg.  We met with Pastor Robert Jimenez who pastors an Assembly of God church in White River.  It was a delightful time of getting acquainted with him and hearing of the wonderful things God is doing through his people there.  Of the 17,000 Apaches living on the White Mountain Rez, over 5,000 are now believers and followers of Jesus Christ.  The goal of the "Christian" tribal Chairman, Dallas Massey, who I met last year, is that the White Mountain Apache will be the first Indian Nation to be fully Christian.  What a vision!  Let's support them with our prayers.

Ron & Roberta Archer on a North American Reconciliation Journey
Cell: (805) 657-5642
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9. "AND REACHED OUT TO OTHER MINISTERS..."
>From: "Crosswalk.com" <newssummary@lists.crosswalk.com>
>http://news.crosswalk.com

Cross Offers Congregation a New Beginning--
Pastor Kim Harvey's congregation meets in the facility that was once known as "The People's Temple," headquarters for cult leader Jim Jones and his followers before they moved to Guyana, established Jonestown and committed mass suicide.  Jones' twisted presentation of the gospel deluded many in Redwood Valley, Calif., and nearby Ukiah, Calif.

When Harvey came to pastor, nearly 20 years later, people remained distant.  He said, "I knew if I tried to promote the Redwood Valley Assembly of God church too strongly, the
people would associate me with Jones' manipulative methods."  Instead, Harvey let people see his dedication to restoring a building plagued with bad memories into a home
for a thriving church.

For two years he restored the building, landscaped the grounds and reached out to other ministers to promote friendship.  Harvey said, "This church never had a cross - so we built an 18-foot cross and put a beautiful fountain in front of it .... A 'Raise the Cross Sunday'
offered closure and hope, and the congregation was told that the cross of Christ can cover any - even tragic - memories from the past."

   (By Scott Harrup, A/G Online:
http://ag.org/top/news/news_article.cfm?ArticleID=5303&NamedFormatID=PlainArticle&Sear)
   To view this story on-line, go to:
http://news.crosswalk.com/religion/item/0,,339921,00.htm
   News from ReligionToday is Copyrighted by Crosswalk.com.
___________________________________________________>>>

10. COMMENTARY: PASTOR, WHEN CAN WE MEET TOGETHER
by Mark Simpson

(Pastor Mark Simpson has been active in pastors prayer groups since the late 70's when there were interdenominational pastor prayer gatherings being held in St. Louis. He currently attends three of them: two in the city where he serves, and one Hispanic pastors gathering in the greater Chicago area.)

   In 1980, after having been involved in pastor/minister prayer meetings in both St. Louis and Guatemala where we served as missionaries, I heard Costa Deir explain one of the many Bible principles that undergird such a practice, using this passage: "Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices, they shout joyfully together; for they will see with their own eyes when the Lord restores (turns back, causes to return or repent) Zion." (Isaiah 52:8 NAS)

   Brother Deir explained that it wasn't necessary for the Lord's watchmen over a city, the elders and ministers and pastors, to expound doctrine or preach a lot when they gather, since their organizational and doctrinal differences would make such an endeavor difficult. All the Scripture called them to do was to cry out, lift up their voices, sing, and rejoice together. "At least we can pray together!" was  his exhortation.

   In our nation today, such a practice is no longer an option.

   Everywhere we turn, pastors talk about conflict problems in their churches, about people leaving and not coming back, about blatant sin even in the lives of their leadership, and a multitude of other spiritual problems. Churches are not growing, new people are not being won, the hardened are not softening and the obstinate are not repenting. In some places there have been temporary moves of revival, but they have for the most part come and gone.

   What will it take? I heard one church advertising the arrival of comedians to minister. What next? When are we finally going to give in and just begin meeting to pray?? In all our struggles it is time to acknowledge one fundamental and missing ingredient in our city's church life: the lack of manifest unity, between those who are born again, beginning with the pastors. The pastor prayer group, which can cause the churches to get healed and become supportive of each other in spiritual harmony, is the yeast, the catalyst, that will cause the Lord's "living bread" to rise.

   According to Acts 2, when the leaders were "in one accord in one place," God came. "They were all filled." This is because the unity of the leadership in a city is the container that must be present so that God's dynamic power has something to permanently fill. Otherwise, whatever heavenly blessing comes, soon leaks out. In the Acts 2 meeting, 500 were instructed to be there but only 120 were actually present to "pray through." We have been instructed for years now to come in one accord but many still refuse to press in, even though we all read the same Bible that shows us the Acts 2 church being virtually unstoppable when the preachers were in unity.

   Unity among Bible believing leadership is the cause of revival.

   In our cities we get reports from churches and ministries about thousands of people who "prayed to receive Christ." Yet almost all of those are missing from a church. Why? Because they were often not birthed into a unified city church and became like eggs placed under a dead hen. Tom Tenney says it's like birthing babies out on the sidewalk, with no "basket" to catch them. He goes on to explain that a basket is made of reeds softened in water until they are pliable, so they can be woven in and out among their "brother" reeds. This process creates a basket that, when dried again, assumes strength to hold many.

   We can all be soft and broken and spiritual and "anointed", but we still need to be woven together in unity! Otherwise the babes (and many others) are falling out between the reeds.

   Why won't we come together? In some cases we value individual agendas over a city mandate from God. In Nehemiah, when the gatekeepers stayed at their gates on behalf of the whole city, the wall was built. It's not about "my" church. We don't have any churches anyway; they're His.

   Guarding the gates also means that I guard the reputation of my leader brethren, refusing to tolerate in public or private any negative comments about them. This is loyalty, or the "salt of the covenant." Are you "salted"?

   In other cases, we have doctrinal positions that are so dogmatic that we're not even sure God would hear our fellow pastors when they pray, so misguided are they compared to the great light we have. Or, they might get a bit more emotional in prayer than we tend to be. Tradition, along with traditional ideas of conducting a prayer time, along with fear, keep us alone at home around our own coffeepot. Safe. This is more sad than funny.

   In other cases our denominational structures prevent us. From Bible school or seminary days we were taught the historical and doctrinal distinctives of "our group" and were encouraged, openly or subtly, to keep building "that group." I talk to pastors that have the ambition of becoming state, then regional, then national leaders within "their groups." "Revival and growth of OUR group" is the motto and the passion. The pastor down the street? He's not of us. Beside, we have to attend one to three monthly clergy gatherings sponsored by our own group, leaving no more extra time to meet with "those other pastors in town."

   Here we are guilty of "not discerning the body." (1 Cor. 11:29) The "body" in the Bible was always the church in a city. Think about it; if the epistle of the Philippians were delivered today to your Assembly of God, or Baptist, or Alliance, or nondenominational group, would it get the rest of the body? Would you consider a true word from God, a letter like this, something that must be gotten out to the rest of His body--white, black, Latino, Asian, etc.--in town?

   Charles Finney, who presided over one of America's greatest spiritual awakenings, taught that if we would have His blessing, we must pray that it come to all the other churches in town, and then us last. Is this how we pray? How long will the Lord stand at the very edge of heaven, ready to pour out a blessing (Psalm 133), with full vessels ready but no "basket" to pour them into?

   "The only unanswered prayer of Jesus, is also the only prayer that the church can answer. It's time to link arms and hearts in one accord. The time for talk is over. Now is the time to act. It's time for the Lord's prayer to be answered." (T. Tenney)

   Pastors, when can we meet to pray together?
                                                                          Mark Simpson
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11. NPPN, GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
>From: "Terry J. Hallock" <watcong@galesburg.net>
   Thank you so much for including my prayer for comfortable Christians in one of your latest mailings. I have received responses to it from as far away as New Zealand. God bless, Terry J. Hallock
___________________________________________________>>>

12. PHOENIX, AZ: ROUNDTABLE
>From: RArcher821@aol.com

The first Phoenix Reconciliation Roundtable meeting Thursday evening was attended by about 20 people representing a good cross section of the Body of Christ in The Valley of the SON - Pastors, Leaders, Intercessors, Researchers, Messianic Believers, representatives of the Mexican American / Hispanic community and several Native American Nations.  

The Spirit of the Lord was manifestly present and we were surprised at how quickly those gathered were willing to lay bare the wounds of their hearts, their people group or church affiliation.  The wounds represented are many and deep and only God through Jesus Christ can ultimately heal them. We have much to learn, especially how to give the gift of listening and compassion, but I'm convince God will lead us, give us sensitivity to each other and teach us how to be his healing agents to the Church and the Nations.
   The Story of the Land is Powerful - "They overcame him by the word of their testimony."  Rev. 12:13
   The Story of the Land is Painful - that we saw vividly expressed on Thursday night. In order to be healed we have to confess the pain and the sin that caused it and allow the healing oil of God's presence to cleanse and anoint.  
    The Story of the Land is Precious - "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isa. 53:5 NIV

I've handed the ball off to John & Marcia Glueck, [yochg@earthlink.net / 480/897-2957] Messianic Believers and leaders of Melech Yisrael.  They have a heart for seeing the people of God reconciled, have a history of inter-faith involvement, and, as indigenous peoples, have the ability to relate to and bring together Native Americans and others from the Church here to continue the process.  God has already been preparing them for many years for just this role of identification and facilitation for the purpose of reconciliation. They have already met several of those present and are desirous of meeting those of you who were not able to attend.

Probably the most important thing I learned Thursday night is how MUCH I still need to LEARN about Reconciliation Ministries, especially as we move out of our own narrow ethnic and denominational contexts into the bigger, broader Body of Christ. The challenge is to truly "hear" each other and discover the "real" issues that wound and divide us and "discover" God's heart and strategy for the healing of the nations.

With all our love and gratitude, Ron & Roberta Archer
North American Reconciliation Journey - Roundtables of Reconciliation, PO Box 3278, Ventura, CA  93006
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13.  ALHAMBRA, CA: PPG REQUEST
>From: "butlig" <butlig@integrity.com>

My name is Joseph and I am part of the pastors prayer group here in Alhambra, California.  We have been praying for our city and going through the book "Informed Intercession" by George Otis.  We are looking for any videos or materials concerning on what God is doing in Modesto, California and in Houston, Texas.  We are still learning on how God wants us to pray for our city and would find it helpful to know the great things God has done in these two cities.  Thanks for all your help, Joseph
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14. CAN I USE NPPN ITEMS IN OUR NEWSLETTER?
>From: Rick Skiba [mailto:richard-henri@mediaone.net]

Pastor Phil, Thanks for the item on leadership by Jim Spradin.  It was especially meaningful to a non-pastor.

Does the following mean I can use NPPN items in the newsletter I publish?
   "Copyright 2001. 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."

Rick Skiba

   --->NPPNote: Glad to hear God blessed you thru NPPN, Rick - that is our aim and our joy ... so, "Absolutely!" - please use whatever has the potential of edifying your readers. All we ask, is that you identify us in a way that makes it easy for your readers to contact us. Something like: Used with permission of the National Pastors' Prayer Network - http://www.nppn.org


"""""QUOTE


"Has the Church and the preachers lost the art of Praying? It would seem so. Praying seems to be too small a business for the big men of the Church to do; too taxing a business on time and strength for busy ones or the lazy ones of the Church to do. It is easier to run the Church with money than with prayers. So we move on, collections full, God absent."  (E.M. Bounds, from: Impact Prayer Ministries <Donna@tanaya.net>)

UNQUOTE"""""


15. BRIDGING THE GENERATION GAP
>From: TAKE5@YouthWorkers.Net
>At: http://www.youthworkers.net
>By: Bill Eakin, Central Indiana Youth for Christ

How long can you maintain a ministry to young people?  When you have been around the ministry for several years, it can be easy to convince yourself that there is no future for you in youth ministry.

The ENEMY will tell you that you are too old, you can’t relate anymore, or you are just too tired to go on.  It is easy to lose sight of your self-worth, your value to ministry and the Lord.
 
For almost 52 years, I have had the privilege of working with kids on a full-time basis.  I still minister to about 100 kids a week.  The excitement, enthusiasm and love for kids are still there.

I would like to share with you why there is a great ministry for you and me, regardless of our age.  

God's Faithfulness

1 Thessalonians 5:24 tells us that because He calls us to the ministry, He is faithful to make it happen.  Our effectiveness is not based on how young or old we are, but His faithfulness to our calling to Him.  For me, that is the bottom line.  

Our Perseverance

Philippians 1:6 is a constant reminder that what God begins in us, He completes.  It requires tenacity and perseverance.  Hanging in there is the name of the game.  1 Corinthians 15:58 is my "can do" verse.  How about you?

Our Motivation

What motivates us to keep at it, even though it never seems to get easier?  2 Corinthians 5:14 is the key.  The love of Christ is the spring of our actions.  It is the driving force to serve kids and bring them to Christ.  His love for them is revealed through us.  

Our Initiative

We must be willing to continuously pay the price to be with young people.  If we are to understand their culture, their lifestyle and their needs, we must be directly involved with them on a continuing basis.  

Most people drop out of the ministry because they do not spend time with kids on their turf.  I’m 71 and I still meet kids on their turf.  It makes the difference.  Being with young people keeps you fresh and young!

My model for hanging tough for the Lord is Caleb (Joshua 14:10-11).  Because of his faithfulness at the age of 85, the Lord gave Caleb the vigor he enjoyed at 40 years of age.  I claim from God that same promise for you and me!
-   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -  -
For 52 years, Bill Eakin has been in "hands-on" ministry with teenagers.  He began with YFC in Ohio.  He also pioneered Youth for Christ in New York City before moving to Indiana, where he currently directs the high school ministry and staff training.  

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16. WHY HOLD AN IRM PRAYER SUMMIT?
>From: Marnie Demond <Mdemond@multnomah.edu>

As I have been able to get to know the Prayer Summit movement from more of a "front row seat" this past year, I have seen that there is one word in Dr. Joe's original question that is looming larger and larger.  Remember the question out of which the summits came?  "What would it take to see a move of God initiated and sustained in a geographic area?"  The one word that is being highlighted for me is the word "sustained." The value stated above reflects this.  Our commitment is to help spiritual leaders see a sustained and sustainable move of God impact their cities.

Personally, I have seen Prayer Summits not as an annual event, but as an annual expression of the relationship, the fellowship, the renewal, the movement of God in a "summit community."  My observation is that those who view Prayer Summits in this manner benefit more from the summits and also contribute more to the ongoing movement of God as well.

"Oh, God... keep teaching us about what it means to be in Your presence enough to see both ourselves and our communities experience a sustainable change!"

Dennis Fuqua ­ Director of IRM
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17.  CHARLOTTE:, NC: JUST A FEW GREAT IDEAS...
>From: "Metrolina PrayerLetter" <prayerletter@viafamily.com>

P r a y N e t 2 4 / 7   -   A Constant Covering of Prayer Over Metrolina
We are working to compile a comprehensive listing of prayer meetings and ministries in Metrolina. This listing, along with other on-going prayer ministries in local churches, is the beginning of what we call PrayNet 24/7. Its purpose is three-fold: (1) to inform the churches and Christians of our area about on-going prayer ministries, (2) to encourage participation in these prayer ministries as God directs, and (3) to work to connect these ministries in a constant covering of prayer for our region. If you would like to include a prayer event or group, or if you want to discover more about PrayNet 24/7, please contact us!

Could Your Church Pray for One Day?
If your church is not able to do a 24/7 prayer ministry within your own congregation, please pray about joining with Christians and churches across Metrolina in PrayNet 24/7 by choosing one day each month when your church family could cover the 24 hours of that day in prayer. There is no limit to the number of days a church can commit to pray! For more information, or to schedule a visit with your church to explore prayer ministry possibilities, please contact us.

New Life 91.9 Prayer Support
This month, we have been asked to join with New Life 91.9 in praying for the requests they receive from listeners in the area. They have asked that we help them pray by logging onto their website <wrcm.org> and go to the "Pray" page. Lift up those requests as often as you can during the month. New items are added daily, so visit the site often during May to intercede for those individuals, families, and churches who request prayer support.

The Powerful Privilege of Prayer
It is a prayer conference specifically designed for YOUR church family that will help reveal the wonderful opportunity God has given us in the ministry of prayer. We are ready to work with your pastor and leadership to design a conference for your church family in 2001. Dates are available for summer and fall conferences. Call 704.737.7770 to set up a planning meeting.

Shield a Badge with Prayer
This prayer ministry with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has had a burst in growth during the past few weeks! 99 officers have asked for prayer covering, and as of May 1 we had 98 intercessors either assigned officers or ready to be assigned.
   The police department continues to actively promote the ministry with their personnel.
If you would like to pray for a police officer, please contact Gail Caraway at 704.737.7005. And, if you are an officer or employee of the police department and would like to have someone assigned to pray for you for the next year, please contact Chaplain Bill Fogarty with CMPD. Brochures and bulletin inserts are available.
   With 1,800 officers and personnel on the force, we need many more Christians who will volunteer to protect and serve these men and women through the powerful ministry of prayer. Contact us today, and ask your pastor if your church could get involved in Shield a Badge.

Center City Prayerwalk
In Uptown Charlotte Each Wednesday, 12:30 - 1:30 pm. We begin at the corner of Third and Davidson (across the street from First Baptist Church), and as we go, we follow the leading of the Spirit. It¹s warmer now, so we believe you¹d like it! You are welcome to join us, as we ask God to do a new work in Charlotte. If you have a specific request for prayer on a Wednesday, or if you have questions, call 704.737.7770.

Summer Kids' Prayerwalks
If your children need a way to use up some energy this summer, how about taking a walk....a prayerwalk? We are ready and willing to help coordinate Kids Prayerwalks for Vacation Bible School groups, day camps, or anyone who¹d like to be outside praying for our communities this summer. For more information, call 704.737.7770.

Do you have a burden for the school your child attends?
Yes, summer is just around the corner, but now may be the best time to pray about joining other mothers who pray for their children, for their school, their classmates, their teachers and administrators. Moms in Touch is a wonderful opportunity for mothers to join together in prayer, interceding for our children and our schools. For more information on how you can join an existing prayer group at a school in the area, or how you could help start a group for your child¹s school, contact us at 704.737.7005.

The vision of the Metrolina Prayer Network is to see God send revival and spiritual awakening to the Charlotte area through prayer mobilization. We are a multi-denominational and multi-racial ministry, on mission to encourage, inform and unite Christians in prayer.

Encouraging, Informing and Uniting Charlotte Area Christians in Prayer
Bob and Mary Lance Sisk, Co-Chairpersons
Dr. Bob Lowman, Jr., Executive Director. Phone: 704.737.7770
Gail Caraway, Ministry Coordinator. Phone: 704.737.7005
PO Box 26723, Charlotte, NC 28221
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18. NEWARK, NJ: 50 MINISTERS
>From: "Frank P. Dupree" <Frank.Dupree@verizon.net>

On Thursday, April 26th, 50 Ministers gathered ... at our monthly Gatekeepers Gathering at the Oakeside Mansion. After a great time of fellowship around the coffee pot we entered into a time of powerful worship and as we sang the Presence of Jesus became so real. A song, some praise, another song, some worship... it was great!  Dr. Naomi Dowdy spoke of the present condition of the church and how the dynamic growth and worldwide spread of the gospel was hindered by the concepts that began in the 4th Century. How the church and the world entered the "dark ages". Everyone could clearly see that there was a dramatic difference between the early church and the church of our day. Many of those present asked Dr. Dowdy about returning to do a Conference with a Team from Global Leadership Network.

Our next Gatekeepers Gathering is Thursday, May 24th at 10am.
This gathering is "gathering steam" Please keep us in your prayers.
In His Service, Frank Duprée
Clik HERE <http://home.earthlink.net/~fivefoldnetwork/>  for our updated webpage

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19. NEW ENGLAND PRAYER JOURNEY
>From: NecPrayer@cs.com

Prayer Watch Conference and Prayer Journey
Can you imagine New England Covered by 24 hours of prayer?????

Sponsored by:
Connecticut House of Prayer             New Covenant Christian Center
Latter Rain Ministry                              Partners for Christ
New England Concerts of Prayer      Gateway Christian Fellowship
Hearts for Boston                                Anonymous Intercessors        Interprayer

Prayer Journey 2001 is to awaken and revive God's people to the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ in New England.  Our prayer is that He would saturate our region by His Spirit that we might see His Glory.

*   In unprecedented unity
*   Expansive conversions in our region
*   Vibrant local churches
*   Transformed countries
*   A spiritually radically altered six state region that touches every area of life.
*   Fulfillment of our destiny to be a city set on a hill and light to  the nations.

For more info see attachment containing the full brochure and itinerary which includes contact info and Check out NECP website: http://www.necp.org 
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20. NDP - PPG HELPS BRING UNITY TO FLORIDA COUNTY
>From: Religion Today News Summary <newssummary@lists.crosswalk.com>

In a county divided by the Presidential election recount and its own racial and political divisions, the 2001 National Day of Prayer in Daytona Beach seemed to spread a healing balm.  

"There was so much turmoil in our county over the national election," says Bobby Smith, pastor of South Daytona Christian Church. "There was this murmuring that 'every vote should count, every vote should count.' So we took up as a sub-theme for the National Day of Prayer that every soul should count." Smith, along with Brad Durtschi and Tommy Dove of White Chapel Church of God, helped organize the event that drew approximately 5,200 people to Daytona International Speedway.

According to Durtshci, the National Day of Prayer brought a sense of unity to the area. "We were one of the counties that had to go through a recount. The amazing thing is that the National Day of Prayer is something that is bringing the church together. Historically, Volusia County is kind of divided - there are the east coast cities and the west side cities and the middle of the county is sort of vacant. This has become the event that pulls all the churches together."

Daytona's gathering didn't have any speakers or big-name bands. "We decided that the only celebrity we needed to show up would be Jesus," says Dove.

The seeds for Daytona's NDP event are rooted in an ongoing prayer gathering of 30 to 40 pastors who meet monthly, rotating among their various churches. They have been praying together for close to two years. "When pastors are willing to do that, and they stop criticizing each other and the churches that aren't exactly like theirs, then the tone for something special begins to come about," says Durtshci.
   (JC - Religion Today)
To read the rest of this story, go to: http://news.crosswalk.com/religion/item/0,,345137,00.htm 
Copyright © 2001 Crosswalk.com, Inc. and its Content Providers. All rights reserved.
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21. WEST VIRGINIA: PRAYERWALKING SCHOOL HALLWAYS
>From: <bob@metro-design-group.com>
   "The Presence of God has come to Stonewall as Christian men have been walking the halls this week silently praying.  The name for this type of ministry is PrayerWalking.  Several weeks ago several of us were discussing the possibility of impacting our community for the Kingdom of God and the educational system was suggested as a place to start.  Then we decided to take a small bite at a time, rather than the whole thing.   Since it would seem that Stonewall is the most desperate school in our system, we decided to start there.   Desperation always seems to be a prerequisite for transformation.  Just this past Friday a vice-principal left the school with heart palpitations as a result of the stress. Another student threatened suicide with a pair of  razor sharp scissors.   And there were the usual fights, tardiness and absenteeism plus general disruption.
   
    On Monday the invasion began!  Men, wearing the badges of "Hall Monitor" began to walks the halls and pray throughout the whole day.   Immediately the atmosphere of the school began to change--after only one day!  The teachers have been encouraged and the students have been comforted.   And the momentum has continued to build!  The County Superintendent of Schools happened to visit yesterday and he saw first hand what is happening.  The Principal of the school invited these men in and she has said that if there is a marked difference in the school as a result she will go before the School Board to tell the story--putting her on job in jeopardy.   But she will not deny her Lord.  Stonewall Jackson Middle School is in the midst of transformation!  Today is a day off for the students, but the teachers will be there and these men are going to serve them lunch!  What manner of love is this?"  Contact Pastor Ron
    Personal Note: Partners is changing -like everything else in life that is alive.  I want to experiment with its format and content.  Please be patient with me as I try some new things.  It has been primarily a news report of important trends and events in Tidewater-especially those relevant for leaders. While still doing some of that, I'd like to write more in depth pieces about certain issues, ask for more feedback form readers to share with others and offer ad space to help defray the cost of producing and distributing it to about 1000 folks here, nationally and internationally.  Please let me know of your suggestions. May God have His way with this transition-Blessings-Bob

Need Computer Help?  Some of our services can be done by email and phone calls no matter where you are in the world.  Call Bob Fox at 474-0729
? Database Configuration Needs
? US Bulk Mailing Procedures and Setup
? Use of ACT or GoldMine for congregational databases and congregational communication
? Setup of software for mass communication by fax, email, auto-dialing
? Setup for multiple sites or laptops to use same database and remotely synchronize their data
? Use of Palm Pilot¹s/Handsprings with ACT or GoldMine to track church members or clients
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22. NEW JERSEY: A STATE READY FOR TRANSFORMATION
>From: capitalag@juno.com
>From: "Patricia L. Wenzel" <patl52@usa.net>

Dear Pastors,
I could use your help.
Would you be so kind as to spread the word about an upcoming opportunity for Pastors in New Jersey?

The New Jersey Family Policy Council in association with Focus on the Family is hosting "New Jersey, A State Ready for Transformation".  We are hosting these events for Pastors in the state of New Jersey at four different locations.  The locations are:
Tues., June 19th - 8:30 am - 11am - breakfast meeting at Victoria's in Stockholm
Tues., June 19th - 1:30 pm - 4 pm - luncheon meeting at the Woodbridge Hilton in Iselin
Wed., June 20th - 8:30 am - 11 am - breakfast meeting at The Mansion in Voorhees
Wed., June 20th - 1:30 pm - 4 pm - luncheon meeting at The Ramada Inn in Vineland

The speakers are:
   Rev. Gordon Houston, who is Senior Pastor from San Jacinto Assembly in California.  He and his church were featured on the Transformation video and was sighted in the book "Informed Intercession"
   Dr. Laurence White, who is Senior Pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas.  He is a frequent guest on pro-life, pro-family programs such as Focus on the Family, D. James Kennedy and is Pres. of the niemoller Project, an organization designed to increase pro-life, pro-family Christian participation.
   Rev. Jack Cairns Jr., Senior Pastor at Capital Assembly of God who will bring a message about what God is doing in our state capitol of Trenton.

You are invited to come and hear about the doors the Lord is opening in NJ and across the nation as the body of Christ lays a foundation of prayer and then moves out into the culture to be salt and light.  Admission is complimentary to Pastors and their spouses.  You will also receive a resource package for Citizenship Sunday.  However, if you plan to attend it is important that you register no later than June 14th.  Call 1-888-657-7293 to register.  If you have a question and would like to speak with me please feel free to call me at 1-800-653-7204.

Blessings, Patricia Wenzel, Director, NJ Prayer Network / Community Development
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23. ORLANDO, FL: MARCH FOR JESUS / JESUS DAY 2001
>From: "Maureen Bravo" <maureenbravo@earthlink.net>

Saturday, June 2nd
   - a grassroots effort by the whole Body of Christ!
   - a "BODY-WORK" for all believers in JESUS CHRIST!

Will you and your family, friends and church members be there to take part?

We are preparing for Jesus Day 2001 and the March for Jesus, and invite you to join us!

The 2001 MFJ will take place on Saturday, June 2nd  as we take to the streets on International Drive.

We will be forming up at 8:30 AM (at the intersection of Oakridge and I-Drive)  and beginning to march at 9 AM.

Please make or ask to have pulpit announcements this weekend, to invite everyone to come out!

Bring banners and shofars, youth and seniors, and worship teams and intercessors and praise dancers to help fill International Drive with song and celebration as we March for Jesus that day!   Everyone is needed-everyone is welcome!

MFJ is truly a BODY OF CHRIST effort!  This year, the Hispanic and Brazilian churches are participating as never before, and their pastors are talking about us using the Citrus Bowl for the MFJ 2002 (confirmation!)   We believe that this is just the beginning of a whole new era for Jesus Day and the March for Jesus.   Please pray for a good turnout this year, that many will join in the celebration!

How we long to see thousands of joyous believers united in love, taking to the streets to celebrate our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

We have tried to get the word out, yet realize that there are still many who do not know about it-who are missing.  They are all needed to fill in and complete the picture-ONE "Church of Orlando"-one beautiful Body of Christ in the "City Beautiful". 

Will you pass the word along-tell everyone you know-send out e-mails to your own contacts, and feel free to copy the attached flyers and pass them out!   Thank you!   (And please call or e-mail to let us know if we can count on you being there.)

Blessings!  
Maureen Bravo, City Coordinator /  407-332-7286
Fernando Pinto, March Organizer   /  407-443-5815

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Phil Miglioratti     ~     National Pastors' Prayer Network / US     ~     1130 Randville Drive, Palatine, IL 60074
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