National  Pastors'  Prayer  Network

CITY CONNECTIONS
Loving Our Cities To Christ
06/08/2005

 


I N T H I S U P D A T E . . . . . and for our prayers:

 


 
CLICKS
 
FRESNO, CA: ONE GREAT DAY OF SERVICE
>From: "One by One Leadership" <contact@onebyoneleadership.com>

On April 2nd, hundreds of volunteers  gathered together to serve at 19 of  Fresno's Urban nonprofits.  Volunteers   restored historic buildings, cleaned parks, built houses, assisted  elementary schools, sorted food and clothing items, painted,  played with children, visited the aged and much more! The  morning kicked off at  One by One Leadership, on  L Street in downtown Fresno.  Volunteers came from everywhere -  Fresno, Visalia, Madera, Menlo Park - there was even a group from Rhode  Island who came to learn about Agents of Grace so they can implement a  similar day of service in their communities back home!  Volunteers  were joined that day by a special documentary film crew from Washington  D.C.  Agents of Grace is no small day of service - it is a great  event  that is receiving attention nation-wide.  Through sweat and smiles, everyone thoroughly enjoyed  their day.  
 
 Stacey Dykstra of the Well Community Church stated, "This  was an amazing opportunity.  My eyes were opened by the smiles and  experiences of those that I served - I definitely plan on coming back next  time!"  The next Agents of Grace will be held on November 19th 2005.    For more information, visit  <http://www.onebyoneleadership.com> .    Outcome:  Hundreds of "Agents  of Grace" from across the country served at Fresno's urban nonprofits -  the impact was felt across the entire community.    

One by One Leadership, 1727 L Street,  Fresno, Ca  93721
(559) 233-2000  *  (559) 233-1810 – fax
<http://www.onebyoneleadership.com>  
 
AURORA, IL: PASTORS PRAYER GROUP MAKES NEWSPAPER
>From: "Randy Schoof" <randyschoof@warehousechurch.org>

hey Phil,
God is at work out in Aurora.  The Beacon News has a front page story about (our) pastor's prayer group. It included a color photo (which isn't on the web site). What also wasn't mentioned was that there were black, hispanic, and anglo pastors together in agreement and love. But it does do a good job of highlighting the denominational diversity represented.

I'm praying that the Lord will use this article to show folks in Aurora that followers of Jesus love each other. Also that other pastors and leaders come to pray and worship together.

all praise to Jesus, He's building his church... Randy
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/top/a19peace.htm
 

Pastors join to pray for peace in Aurora
 

By Ed Fanselow

The Prayer Coalition for Reconciliation will have a prayer vigil for shooting victim Duranthony Evans at 4:30 p.m. today near Farnsworth and North avenues. Evans, 34, an elder at Mount Olive Church, was killed near the intersection on Oct. 31, 2004 as he drove in his car. Police are still looking for the assailants.

AURORA — Admitting that they are too often territorial, jealous and overly concerned with their own personal agendas, leaders from more than a dozen Aurora congregations gathered Thursday to pray for unity and understanding and for the community they minister to.

The pastors — Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian and nondenominational — say that while their beliefs and methods might be different, they share a common goal: bringing the people of Aurora closer to God.

"No matter how we approach it, we all love Jesus," said Randy Schoof, pastor of the nondenominational Warehouse Church on the city's near East Side. "We're here to pray for the church of Aurora and all God's people here."

Schoof has been hosting the noon-time prayer group every Thursday and says the weekly meetings have been a valuable learning experience for all involved.

At this week's session, for example, several of those in attendance sat with their arms outstretched and responded to prayers with gasps of "Amen!" or "Yes, God." Two Catholic priests and a Methodist minister, meanwhile, remained mostly stoic.

But for all their differences, the group members say they hope to be more united in their quest to rid Aurora of problems like gang violence, drug abuse, poverty, homelessness and divorce.

"Lord, we are in deep need of your presence here in Aurora," said Robby Dawkins, pastor of the Vineyard Fox Valley Church. "And we pray that we are ambassadors for you here."

They also prayed for teachers, police officers, government leaders and even The Beacon News.

They prayed that as the Christmas season commences, more people will be drawn for the first time to their respective congregations and will stay once the holidays are over.
11/19/04

>At: http://www.acmn.org/
   “The Aurora Christian Ministry Network is a network of like-minded churches, organizations, clergy, and individuals
      dedicated to meeting Aurora’s urban challenges by giving the light of the Good News of Jesus Christ through
      responding, mobilizing, and supporting.”

 
Adopt-A-Block - City-wide love & prayer / Contact: Pastor Derick Jackson, (630) 653-1044 x111

 Pastors’ Prayer Time - Every Thursday at Noon (except 2nd Thursday, prayer time follows ACMN meeting)
The Warehouse Church, 302 E. Galena Blvd. / Contact: Rev. Randy Schoof, (630) 859-0600

 Prayer at City Council Meetings - 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 6 p.m. / Contact: Rev. Paul Hernandez, (630) 844-9510
 
 KANSAS CITY, MO: WORKPLACE COALITION FOR CITY TRANSFORMATION
>From: "International Coalition of Workplace Ministries" <os@marketplaceleaders.org>
Rick Boxx is a workplace leader in Kansas City who saw the need to begin such a coalition. "The Workplace Coalition of Kansas City was begun in early 2004 as I felt the Lord leading me to develop a citywide model that would be effective in living out John 17," says Rick.  "The desire to see a unified effort between the different ministries that had influence over the workplaces of Kansas City led me to contact several ministries for our first meeting. The first meeting took an unexpected direction as I realized that most of these ministries knew very little, if anything, about the other ministries represented. We determined to begin meeting on a regular basis to see what God might do with this group," says Rick. Their first cooperative dinner meeting had more than 600 in attendance. They are now seeking God's vision for transformation in their city. Similar coalitions are now under way in many cities in the US including Atlanta, Raleigh, Austin, Spartanburg, San Marco, Chicago, and Minneapolis just to name a few.

ICWM News is a publication of the International Coalition of Workplace Ministries. www.icwm.net <http://www.icwm.net>  To list an upcoming event on our calendar click here.  <http://www.icwm.net/pages.asp?pageid=10844>  Subscribe: ICWM-subscribe@MyInJesus.com
 
SACRAMENTO, CA: NEW CITY REACHING BLOG
 >From: "Joe Walsh" <walshusa@pacbell.net>

Please visit the new Sacramento City Reaching blogsite.  Visit it often and tells others.  What do you want Sacramentans to know??  
    http://sacramentocityreaching.blogspot.com/
 
Let us hear from you.
 Joe Walsh, City Reaching blog, administrator

 
CORVALIS, OR: CITY REACHING LESSONS FROM GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER
>From: Joe Walsh <walshusa@pacbell.net>

 Global Day of Prayer Conference Call debriefing for Corvallis, Oregon

The Mission America Cities/Communities Ministries “Last Tuesday” Conference Call <http://community.gospelcom.net/Brix?pageID=13209>  was a very helpful update on the Global Day of Prayer <http://www.gdopusa.com> outcome for the surrounding area of Benton/Linn Counties, Oregon.

Please go to http://cityreaching.blogspot.com for the recap of the conference call.  It has the basic points presented, links, helps and a place for you to leave your COMMENTS.  Or you can address them to me at Joe Walsh (walshusa@gmail.com <%3Ca%20href=%22mailto:walshusa@gmail.com> ). If you have a "city reaching" article, comment or word of encouragement write us, so it can be included at City Reaching Blog <http://cityreaching.blogspot.com> .  

God bless you all !
Joe Walsh
CCNews Network <http://www.ccnews.org>
Sacramento City Reaching <http://sacramentocityreaching.blogspot.com>
California Christians <http://californiachristians.blogspot.com>
 
 PRAYER ACROSS AMERICA: COVERAGE FROM THE STATE CAPITALS OF WY, UT, NV, CA, OR, WA, AK, MT, ID, ND, SD
>From: "Phil Epperson" <jpepperson@comcast.net>

CHEYENNE, WY
    Dear friends of the vision,
    Wyoming lived up to its reputation.  Yes, it was windy and very cold.  I am constantly amazed however, the way the Holy Spirit works.  He wants this task completed!  We had nearly 30 people present standing and praying in the cold.  The hearts of these wonderful people are so tuned toward the hope of a great awakening. We had three wonderful churches who supported us along with some friends from Greeley, and Denver, CO.  This unusual effort made for a very good prayer meeting at the entrance of the Capitol building in Cheyenne.  
    We attended three different church services on Sunday.  Sunday night, we shared the vision of prayer Across America.  We anointed people with oil and commissioned them to a commitment of prayer.  They were so responsive to the Holy Spirit.  There is a great hunger for a great awakening here in Cheyenne, WY.
    We were able to spend some extended quality prayer time in one of the local churches.  How refreshing to find a place that wants the presences of the Holy Spirit and gives time and place for that to happen.  The burden of each state seems to get heavier on our soul.  We really struggle three days before our Thursday prayer meeting at the capital.  We know that it is the burden of the Lord that we are carrying and that in the heavenlies much is being done.
    There is so much going on in America that we do not agree with!  We must increase our own individual prayer life.  It is what the Holy Spirit wants to accomplish in this great country.  The coals of fire have now been placed in 26 capitals.  Soon the wind of the Spirit will begin to blow across America.  We must be ready for that moment and open our hearts to what the Spirit says.  
    Thank you for your love and support.  With your prayers we can make it!
 
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
    Dear friends of the vision,  It was a sunny but a cool day high up the hill to the capitol building and plaza..  The plaza where we prayed is surrounded by the Senate and House building, the Financial building, the Governors office, and the four year renovation capitol building.  The twelve, plus Vicki and I, truly touched heaven with prayers of faith!
    It was not easy stirring up interest for our prayer time but some key intercessors helped us greatly by leading us to a two hour prayer time on Saturday.  We attended three churches on Easter Sunday.  We were able to go to one of the churches each morning for prayer.  This helps us so much to find that special place of prayer.  We need the strength it brings as well as prophetic insight for future situations.  All of us must be very aware of what is going on in America concerning the preservation of life and laws and courts that are taking it from us.  We must all awaken from our slumber and discover how far we have fallen from Gods love for human life!
    As all of us know, forty percent of the population in Salt Lake City, belong to the Latter-Day Saint church.  However, there is a new stir occurring in the Salt Lake Valley!  There are many intercessory prayer groups as well as new gospel preaching churches in this great valley.  
    We left coals of fire in the capital city and the wind of the Spirit is about to blow across this land.  Most of our prayer times at various capitals have had wind present.  There is another wind coming that will stir this nation in a way that we have not seen.  The coals of fire of Ezekiel 10: will purify this nation and those who will not respond, it will separate them from God forever!
    We are headed for Carson City, Nevada tomorrow.  Pray that we will find churches that will respond to our mission as well as parachuch ministry groups.  It takes so much energy to make contacts, find churches, and get a group of people together by Thursday.  The good part is, when we pray at the Capitol building, great things happen whether the number is small or large.  Call us with leads for the next 24 capital prayer meetings.

CARSON CITY, NV
    Dear friends of the vision, when we came to Carson City nearly one week ago, we had very few contacts and truly wondered if we would have much support at our capital prayer meeting today.  Early this morning high winds and cooler temperatures had invaded the valley.  I was quite discouraged as I thought of one more cold and windy day at the capitol steps.  Well, we were wonderfully blessed, the wind lessened its force and people from prayer groups, two key churches, and National Day of Prayer leader driving from Snoqualmie, Washington, came to help us pray.  Three shofar blowers made a joyful sound, as we opened with the shout of the shofar, repented for the sins of the nation, and celebrated at the benediction with faith and confidence that God had heard us.   Two of the shofar blowers drove 9 hours from Southern CA. There were several other people, including some home schoolers, and a group of ladies who could pray with great passion for America.
    Nevada is a state that has great promise for the Kingdom  of God.  Like so many of our states, sin has a stronghold in gambling and other destructive habits that destroy the will of people.  Pray for this historic state which was organized in 1861 under the presidency of James Buchanan, two days before Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated on March 4th.  On October 31, 1864, Nevada became the 36th state admitted to the Union.  Votes from new states were needed to support Lincoln’s proposed 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery in this country. Now, it is time for the freedom of the soul to sweep across the state that helped make freedom for others.  We have placed coals of fire in this capital city.  We were taken by one of the security to the top of the dome in the capitol building and joined hands in prayer over this vast valley for a great awakening!  It is truly coming to pass even as we continue from state to state.
    There are many ministries on the cutting edge of what the Holy Spirit is doing in these crucial days that are before us.  I was so encouraged by the help of a volunteer lobbyist in the Senate and Assembly.  A legislator came to our prayer time and allowed us to pray for her and bless her in her service for the great state of Nevada.  The Holy Spirit wants to accomplish so much in all of our lives if we would trust Him to intervene in the affairs of humankind.
    Meet us in Sacramento,  California next Thursday with your prayers of agreement as we pray for a state that is starting to awaken to its great duty of prayer.  

SACRAMENTO, CA
    What a challenge to get from Carson City, Nevada to Sacramento, California. We started out from Carson City Friday morning in a snow storm and were stopped at Donner  Pass.  We had to put chains on our RV or turn back.  We received a phone call while we contemplated our next move.  It was one of the timeliest calls we could have asked for.  This dear heart prayed fervently for wisdom and asked that we might know what to do.  We went to a gas station on the opposite side of the I-80 interstate looking for more room to park our RV and car in-tow. There was none as cars and trucks were packed in everywhere.  We learned of an RV park just six miles back from where we traveled and found an opening for the night.  The next morning the sun was shinning and the highway was open to all traffic.
    What a beautiful sight as we came down into the Sacramento valley.  Everything was green and flowers were blooming.  We needed that so badly!  
    Our next few hours were filled with meeting some relatives and determining where to go to church.  We drove Sunday morning to a home mission’s church in Ione, CA. where my second cousin, Pastor Dan Epperson, perhaps named after my father, Daniel Boone Epperson, is pastor along with his wife Colleen, and two children, Canaan, and Annelise.  They were wonderful host and are doing a great work in a growing town.  
    Tuesday evening was spent with a great family related to my eldest brother’s wife.  These wonderful people have been missionaries around the world, including some years in Israel. They shared their family reunion with us!  I had longed for some home cooking and I was blessed!  This great couple joined us at the Capitol steps Thursday, led us in Amazing Grace and prayed God’s blessing and protection on us.
    There were a goodly number of people present.  Three pastors joined us along with several members of the Light House Ministry (Women’s Aglow), along with NDP district and state leaders.  Church members and their families made up a great gathering of sincere hearts.  God is truly helping us in ways we never thought possible.
    On Wednesday evening we attended a large church in the city where a speaker from Uganda shared his heart for not only Africa but America.  My wife and I wept as he shared how a nation was dying of aids and ruthless slaughter from a previous savage leader, a few years ago.  Today it is over 50 percent Christian.  In a few years they will be over 90 percent Christian. He spoke so fervently about America. He said that America will either pray out of desperation or devastation!!  He said we prayed briefly out of devastation after 9-11-01.  We are now praying little. To you that remember, it was early March of 2001 that I was awakened in the early morning hours and heard this question from the Lord, “Why would I want them in my house?  They never talk to me!”  It was then March 29, 2001 at 2:30 AM that I heard, “pray across America in every state in the union!”  How this confirmed to my heart that we are hearing and obeying God as we pray across America.  We are praying out of desperation as we fight for each prayer time at each capital.  The warfare is so great until we step on the steps of the capitol building at 1:00 PM, and begin the prayers of faith.  The great awakening is coming!  The pastor from Uganda used those same words, the great awakening is coming!  We dare not miss it!  Keep praying in desperation for America and remember us!

SALEM, OR
    It was truly a beautiful day in Salem, Oregon.  The wind came up some as we prayed on the steps of the capitol building.
    We were so blessed to have several people from different organizations and churches, present to pray with us at the thirtieth capital in the United States.  Those with us represented were Capitol Prayer Center, Oregon State Prayer Center, CWA, NDP, YWAM, Strategic Prayer Network, and some local churches and pastors.  We were so blessed to have a dear friend originally from Chicago, join us with his beautiful family, now pastoring in Astoria, OR.  The pastor from Peoples Church was so kind in allowing us to come each day and pray at his church and attend services.  He took the time from his busy schedule of pastoring a large church and prayed with us at the capitol steps.  There will be great reward in heaven for those who can hear what the Holy Spirit is saying about praying for America.
    The state of Oregon has become extremely liberal.  With much prayer from the above mentioned groups and churches, they have experienced a great victory as the State Supreme Court ruled that over 3,000 homosexual marriages were illegal.  Other bills are being carefully monitored and testified for and against by these courageous groups.
    There is serious concern of a possible Tsunami on the west coast.  Scientific evidence recognizes the potential of a major earthquake in this area.  Much prayer is being offered for the safety and protection of those who live near the coastal area. Prayer has always been the answerer to problems that face the human race.  We must be diligent in our prayer and devotional time with the Lord.  We are living in perilous times!
    Keep praying as we head for Olympia, Washington.
 
OLYMPIA, WA
    As I prayed early this morning, I struggled with a heavy heart.  It was much stronger than I had felt before.  Our contacts seemed to be few and caused me to wonder if anyone would be there to help us pray.  When we arrived earlier than usual, we were greeted by, what Vicki called the Generals of the faith.  The Holy Spirit sent us some great warriors to help us do battle in a county that has the most witch colonies in the nation.  Those helping us were CWA state director, NDP State and National area leader of Western states, America 21 National Prayer Director, Pastor from My Father's House Ministries, great shofar worship and a lady who found us on the computer from capital events.  How anointed these people were.
    The weather was overcast to partly sunny with a gentle breeze blowing as we prayed.  The coals of fire will soon begin to blaze in a great awakening across America.  It was repeatedly stated how the Holy Spirit has been raising up a remnant that is now numbering several million people of prayer and intercession.  
    As Vicki and I drove the west coast of Oregon and Washington, we passed signs that said, "Tsunami Hazard, go to higher ground."  Then, we visited Mount St. Helens still giving off steam.  Scientists and geologists, are studying the volcano continuously and predict another major explosion like the one on May 18, 1980, will take place soon!
    I am reminded of what Jesus said in Matthew 24:7b-8 "There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.  All these are the beginning of birth pains or horrors!"  We must be about our Fathers business.  Keep praying for us as we fly to Juneau, Alaska for the National Day of Prayer.

JUNEAU, AK
    It was a beautiful day in Juneau, Alaska!  It rains often here but we were favored with warm temperatures and a gentle breeze coming through the valley.
    This prayer time was unusual in the fact that it was National Day of Prayer across America.  There were surely thousands of people at their state capitals, city, or town halls, praying with thanksgiving, repenting for the sins of the nation, praying for national and state leaders, and for our military.  There was a strong turnout in Juneau with Academy school students, parents, state leaders, and the color guard.  It stirred our hearts to see the unity of several churches and pastors who not only participated with the NDP, but remained after school children left and continued with Prayer Across America.  
    There is a great need for an awakening in Juneau and other major cities in Alaska.  Much like most states in the mainland, we must be in obedience with what the Spirit of God is saying and doing, to prepare America for a new day in the Spirit. There are many that oppose the Word and the Spirit of God, but there are many who will not be denied and are constantly pressing the throne of God as to what and where and how we are to go forward as a great army.  We have left the political arena unattended too long!  There are some great miracles happening in many states and the Holy Spirit is changing hearts and minds concerning laws and justice in America.
    We press on to Boise, Idaho as we fly back to Seattle and pick up our RV and car.  We will stop in Pasco, WA where Pastor T.G. Morrow began his ministry as a young pastor.  It will be good to visit where the one who mentored us in Quincy, IL, started his life-long love for the Word and winning people to Jesus.  When he challenged us to come to Chicago some 26 years ago, he reminded us that you can't convert fence post to John 3:16.  I took the hint and we moved to Chicago for a ministry challenge that would changed Vicki and me, and our family forever!
    Pray for us as we step to the capitol building in Boise, one of the most conservative states in the union.  However, it is being marked for change by other forces.  It is time to not only to hold fast in our faith but get deeply involved in the prayer groups, organizations that can affect change in our local, state and national policies.  Our window of opportunity is brief, do not be remiss in this great privilege of Kingdom work!

BOISE, ID
    As we entered the great bowl of the Idaho desert, we were greeted with rain showers.  They are setting a record for May of over two inches.  It is a beautiful valley with irrigation as its source of life.  
    We were also greeted by a negative experience from last weeks National Day of Prayer.  The NDP always gets the main capitol steps as it is recorded on the capitol calendar.  Due to some change over in clerical work, the NDP was not listed and a group that claimed to be atheist took the main steps.  All was not lost as political figures joined NDP at another location at the capitol building and the prayer time was completed as scheduled.  This disturbance did hit the local paper and citizens responded.  I quote two of the respondents in their reply to the editor.  “So exactly what is the cost to “reserve” the front steps of the Capitol building on a specific date for 10 years? Their first-born child?  Eternal damnation of the soul? Crucifixion?  His closing paragraph was, “Religions are just cults with more members.  They need to get over themselves.  The second responder talked about being pigheaded.  “Soon there will be a flood of letters to the editor decrying the ongoing abuse of Christians by activist judges.  Of course, based upon today’s headlines, the inevitable accuracy of this prediction does not mean I am prescient (clairvoyant).  The closing paragraph, “Let’s stand pat with the idea that even if the founding fathers personally preferred Christianity, they clearly intended to create a government which would not give preferential treatment to Christians.”
    Idaho has the reputation as being one of the most conservative states in the nation.  It is truly under attack and needs our prayers to withstand the onslaught.  The mayor removed the 37 year standing of the Ten Commandments in Boise with no input from the citizens. He resisted persistent calls from the community to hold a public hearing before a final decision was made.
    By the time we came to the capitol steps today, we were somewhat discouraged.  The number was small but when we prayed those Holy Spirit anointed prayers, we knew God was hearing us.  We also made new friends of Eagle Ministries, and NDP.  The seven state coordinator of NDP, was present to pray and blow the shofar.  What a blessing she has been.  It is people like this that encourage you in your weakest hour.
    We found a wonderful church to do our Morning Prayer time.  The former Pastor, now deceased, had many angelic visitations.  We had some pie and coffee with his widow after the Wednesday evening service.  She shared briefly how much she believed in what her husband had experienced.  I remember reading about these encounters in the late 1970’s in his book “Angels on assignment.” He was so far ahead of his time that many people did not believe.  Since my 9-11-01 experience, I can appreciate how the Holy Spirit is and will continue to use Ministering Spirits (angels) to accomplish the will of God.  
    During these next few years, our window of opportunity, we will need all the help we can get to fight this demonic wave of evil that has come against America. We cannot be ashamed of Jesus Christ and we cannot be afraid to cooperate with the way the Holy Spirit wants to work.  This great awakening that is coming to America from sea to shinning sea will be one of the greatest Spiritual Tsunami’s in the history of our nation!  
    Keep your daily payer life strong!  Stay in the Word of God daily.  Pray for one another and pray for America to be healed!

HELENA, MT
    Our day of prayer was started with a rain shower early this morning.  By the time we made our way to the Capitol steps, it was mostly sunny and a light breeze was blowing.  
    We were quite oppressed on Tuesday and Wednesday as the burden of the Lord for the State of Montana had settled firmly upon us.  There is so much ungodly effort going on in this beautiful state.  The governor opened his inauguration with a prayer to Buda, repeated legislation for the gay rights agenda, and many national parks being placed under the control of the UN.  Yes, ninety percent of Nevada is owned by the Government and sixty percent of Montana is.  However, with the environmentalist pressing the gay agenda to reduce population and save the land, bills have been signed under previous administration, to use the UN as a control of special and sizeable land masses all over the world including the United States.
    I did not understand why I was so burdened, even to the point of not feeling well at all in my body, then today the insight was given and I understood more clearly why we must pray and act now in every area possible in our political system.  
    We were so blessed to find a church where we could spend about two hours each day to pray and intercede.  This church also had an outstanding Masters Commission which they brought to the capitol steps to help us pray.  What a victory!  It was CWA who once again came through with the State Director and her associate, to help us not only to pray but understand the dire situation that exist in our government.
    America is in trouble in many was!  The Church of Jesus Christ must wake up now!  We have left the political area unattended too long!  When the Church awakens we will once again hear the prophetic voice of the Spirit and learn the true condition of America.  Once we learn this, we can move in a dimension of fasting and prayer such as we have not known before.  As America repents God will hear us and heal our land!  It is not too late!  We can experience another great awakening if we will pray and go into action now!    
    Believe me, we must turn to God and seek the face of our Lord Jesus Christ!
 
BISMARCK, ND
    My, how the wind doth blow!  Yes, it was windy and quite cool as we huddled on the steps near the wall leading to the main entrance of the capitol building in Bismarck, ND.  They predicted rain but it just remained cloudy throughout our prayertime.
    Bismarck was our 35th capital prayer meeting.  It remains a challenge each week as each new state, capital city, and church to attend, presents new, and sometimes difficult settings.  
    We found a great church to attend.  This gives us a prayer closet during our week in Bismarck.  This is so important as the burden for the state settles firmly upon us.
    About the time I think we can't stand too much more of the challenges, we get a wonderful breakthrough that lifts our spirit and rekindles our faith.  We enjoyed being taken to lunch on two different occasions and heard the hunger for Jesus and the anticipation of what the Holy Spirit is doing.  There are pockets of sincere, deeply dedicated, and interceding people across America.  Pray that all of us are spiritually alert enough to recognize this great awakening so that we will properly respond to it.          
    The people that came today to face the elements to pray, were those who value prayer and know that prayer is the first order of business if America is to receive mercy and not judgment.  As each of the prayers were prayed by both ministers and lay people, they sincerely touched heaven. We could leave believing that God had heard us pray and that He will now move across North Dakota like only the wind of the Spirit can do.
    We head for Pierre, SD over the Memorial Day week-end.  We have an excellent connection in SD with a great church, CWA, and pastors.  Pray for good weather, so our bodies don't become too weary resisting the elements.

PIERRE, SD
    Last night, twelve hours before our Thursday capital prayer time, thunderstorms rumbled through the area.  A tornado was reported north of Pierre, SD.  My dear friend from Kankakee, IL called us about 10:30 pm, hearing the news on the weather channel, to see if we were alright!  What an encouragement that was to our hearts.
    Today was one of the best days in many weeks.  the sky was partly cloudy, a gentle breeze, with 70 degree temperatures.  What a day to stand on the steps of our 36th capitol building and pray to the only God in the universe, the Lord God almighty! At our prayer gathering, we were surrounded by a most diverse group of people since Springfield, IL.  My, they blessed our hearts as they prayed the prayers with great faith.
    Those great prayer warriors who joined us were so wonderfully unique.  The state director of CWA was outstanding in bringing people from different walks of life, occupation and ministerial background.  The SD Family Policy Council, St. John's Catholic church, state representative, Secretary of State, Reformed church, Community church, Pastor near Miller, SD, associate staff and of New Life Church, shofar blower from Sioux Falls, are some of the wonderful people to join us for prayer.
    Our hearts were so encouraged as we heard the Secretary of State, and state representative prayed with such faith.  We then turned everyone's heart in unison and laid our hands on them asking for God's blessing, wisdom, and mercy as they serve the people of SD.
    The motto of the state of South Dakota inscribed in the State Seal simply says, "Under God the People Rule."  The seal was adopted in 1885, four years before the state was admitted to the Union.
    The coals of fire have been placed in one more capital city for the winds of the Spirit to blow upon and bring a great awakening to America.  South Dakota is already poised with both the expectation and the placements of key leaders in government.  
    The people were so kind and helpful.  We found our church to pray at on Saturday and attended Sunday services.  We enjoyed to freedom of praying in the sanctuary daily until we went to the capitol building for our time of intercession for the state and the nation.  
    We are headed for St. Paul, MN.  We will take two days to make the journey.  This state has been a challenge to get a permit.  We have now obtained that permit for our prayer time next Thursday.
 
Bless you for caring!
Pastor Phil and Vicki Epperson
PO Box 253, Oak Forest, IL  60452
708-227-1447
www.prayeracrossamerica.org
 
National Pastors' Prayer Network
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