////////////////////////////////////////////
NATIONAL PASTORS'
PRAYER NETWORK
///////////////////////////////////////////
CONNECTIONS + CONVERSATIONS - 10/17/2001
Our Mission...
Networking Pastors and Prayer Leaders
...Toward The Completion of The Great Commission
Our Vision
...Pastors' Prayer Groups in Every Neighborhood & Community in America
...Citywide Pastors and Intercessors Partnerships
...Prayer Networks Focused On Community Transformation
...Serving The LightHouse Movement
...A Global Network of National Pastors' Prayer Networks
Our Process
€Networking
€Interactive Communicating
€Relationship Building
€Serving those who serve the Church
____________________________________
__Send Your Story:
phil@nppn.org
__Archived Connections & City Reports:
http://www.nppn.org/Connections.htm
http://www.nppn.org/CityReport.htm
__Subscribe//Change Email FormatUnsubscribe - See Bottom of This Message or
http://www.nppn.org/subscribe.htm
__Register A Pastors' Prayer Group:
http://www.nppn.org/ppg/
__NPPN Discount Resources:
http://www.nppn.org/Offers.htm
____________________________________
**SPECIAL NPPN DISCOUNT OFFER**
This Is Your Invitation To Join The
National Association of Local Church Prayer Leaders
A Strategic Network That Empowers the Local Church Prayer Movement
.Pray Locally .Network Strategically. Impact Eternity
Call 719-268-8213
Give the Discount Code: "NPPN"
To receive a 20% discount
(You pay $60 rather than $75) (You support the NPPN with your purchase)
The Mission of NALCPL:
"To serve the local church prayer leaders - Pastor or designate - empowering him or her to initiate, strengthen, and expand the prayer ministries of that congregation."
**SPECIAL NPPN DISCOUNT OFFER**
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I N T H I S U P D A T E ... and for our prayers:
* PASTOR PHIL'S SCHEDULE
1. TWIN CITIES, MN:
³THE DAY GOD MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH HIS CHURCH²
2. CONVERSATIONS ~ REPLY TO BARNA
3. CITY = URBAN AND SUBURBAN
4. SPIRITUAL WARFARE IN IDAHO
5. CINCINNATI: FROM CRUSADE TO TRANSFORMATION?
6. FRESNO, CA: UNITY OF PURPOSE AMONG PASTORS
7. HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO YOUR PPG?
8. CHARLOTTE, NC: PENTECOST WALK
9. FT. WAYNE, IN: PASTORS¹ PRAYERS IMPACT A CITY
10. PPG: WHERE TWO ARE GATHERED
11. DALLAS: CITYWIDE PRAYER LEADERS CONSULTATION
12. THE CITY OF GOD NETWORK INC.
13. "PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH" -
A PROFILE OF PROTESTANT PASTORS
14. MINNEAPOLIS, MN:
THE PRAYING CHURCH CONFERENCE
15. HOUSTON, TX: PASTORS' PRAYER SUMMIT
16. ELGIN, IL: 15,449 HOMES TO RECEIVE JESUS VIDEO
17. ELGIN, IL: PRAYING FOR AMERICA
18. CANTON, OH: PPG PRAYS FOR NY PASTOR
19. ATHENS, GA: CONCERT OF PRAYER + PRAYERWALK
* PASTOR PHIL'S SCHEDULE
Your prayers for my recent trips and ministry have been a comfort and a strength!
.One Great City drew over 175 for roundtable discussion and prayer; over 275 attended the banquet! I have been "commissioned" by the group to give leadership to the next step in our process of netting and working together.
.My trip to Atlanta to meet with the National Coalition of Men's Ministries resulted in an opportunity for the NPPN to partner with the NCMM to raise up men in the prayer movement. I have the honor of working with several Promise Keepers staff members on a February 7, 2002 gathering for Pastors and a male prayer leader.
.The good people at First Baptist Church Simpsonville, SC responded very positively to my Sunday morning message and that evening's Concert of Prayer. Pray for Pastor Randy Harling and his vision to become a praying church.
.At the "On Our Knees" conferences in San Antonio and at Ridgecrest, I received good response to my workshops: "What Would Jesus Pray" and Becoming A Prayer Driven Church." Pray for all who attended; most were Pastors and local church prayer leaders.
.Every month I lead a session on the "Partnership of Pastors and Intercessors" at the Elgin, IL House of Prayer. Pray for sheila Strak as she give overall leadership to this vital ministry.
In the next few weeks:
18 Rosemont, IL - Facilitate strategy session on reaching Gen-X
19-20 Camdenton, MO - Great Commission Prayer Conference (workshop)
23-27 Orlando, FL - City Impact Roundtable / Mission America Annual Meeting
28 Springfield, MO - Preach and lead Concert of Prayer @ FBC
As the Lord has given me more and more opportunities, it has gotten more and more difficult to keep up with the NPPN - your prayers about this are appreciated.
Just this morning, an intercessor called and blessed me by explaining how the Lord has had her praying for me for the past three years - even though we have never met nor corresponded. God is good!
May you have a blessed day, as you seek to be a blessing to someone in need,
Pastor Phil
___________________________________________________>>>
1. TWIN CITIES, MN: 911
³THE DAY GOD MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH HIS CHURCH²
>From: "Steve Loopstra" <paststeve@earthlink.net>
Everyone in America, and around the world will remember the date of September 11, 2001, and where they were on that day. That day has another very special significance for the metropolitan area of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota because that was the day God made an appointment with His Church!
As the horrific scenes of destruction were being carried out in New York City and Washington D. C., in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a small group of people was gathered in the Nehemiah Center to pray. To John Mayer, Executive Director of Religion Information Resources, Dan Thompson, pastor of First Covenant Church, Steve Loopstra, Carol Madison and Kathryn Redding of Prayer Transformation Ministries, it soon became clear as they prayed that this was a defining moment for the Church. This was the time for the Church to put aside labels and tear down walls and come together as the people of God. ³How about Sunday night?² John exclaimed. Someone else said: ³How about the Metrodome?² There was a slight chuckle among the group. The thought of even getting the Metrodome, the home of the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins seemed preposterous. Kathryn had attended several downtown council meetings where the director of the Metrodome had spoken. She came up with his phone number. Steve was soon making a cell phone call to the Dome with the r
equest.
The answer was not hopeful. It would be nearly impossible to do such a turn-around with a Twins game in the afternoon and a softball game that evening, but the director said, he would call back.
The group decided to go and pray at the Dome, which was just across the street. There on the sidewalk, outside the offices of the Metrodome, the group held hands, got on their knees and prayed for God to open the door. Simple prayers, but with a deep sense of destiny and anointing from God. In fact, one of the things God spoke to Steve was, ³keep it simple.² As the group stood to their feet, ³I just felt as we got up, that I should go in there and try to talk to them,² Steve remembers. Little did he know that on his voice mail back at the office, there were two messages from the Director of the Dome asking him to come over and talk about it.
³I was amazed that I was able to be led right into his office.² Steve relates. ³They were all waiting for me!² Steve shared that all they really needed was a place to sit and a microphone. Within twenty minutes, Steve walked out of the Metrodome offices with the use of the facility, a stage, sound setup, and security guards at no cost! This was indeed the Hand of God.
That was Tuesday. By Friday, most major churches in the area were canceling their evening services to come. Denominational district leaders were encouraging their pastors to suspend evening services and join for prayer.
Churches that had never been involved in citywide events were canceling events planned months ahead of time to come to pray with the rest of the Church in the city. The Salvation Army brought water to give away, and Minneapolis policemen volunteered their time to help. God was up to something big.
Sunday night, 24,000 people came together from all different denominations across the metro and celebrated a ³solemn assembly.² There were no names announced, no titles given, no churches or organizations mentioned. The purpose was to focus on Jesus, and not people or groups. It was not about ³who² was there, but that ³we all were there.² The service began with the opening words from the Robin Mark song, ³Revival² ³I hear the voice of one crying, prepare ye, the way of the Lord.² Joel 2 was then read, calling for blowing the trumpet and a solemn assembly. After a brief explanation of a solemn assembly, Steve Loopstra said to the 24,000 people gathered: ³Look around, I want to introduce you to the Church in the Twin Cities.² What cheer went up from the crowd as they gave praise to God for what He had done. The prayer time began with allowing a time of expression of emotions to God in prayer. Next came an extended time of repentance, led by Charlie Bench, of Native American heritage. It was felt strongly that repentance needed to b
e a key part of the churches coming together in such a solemn assembly. There were a number of leaders who were ready to read scripture and pray, but all realizing and understanding that they may not be called upon, depending upon how the Spirit led. Although there was an informal program, a ³listening team² consulted all through the evening to sense what was the right time for such segments as ³seeking God¹s Face,² ²Inviting Christ to come and make His presence known,² ³Intercession, which included praying for our enemies, our government leaders, and the victims of the Sept. 11th attacks,² and thanksgiving for God¹s mercy and help, prayed in Spanish and translated into English. The evening ended with Minnesota Senator, Michelle Bachman asking those to stand who were government officials, serving in the military, or who had lost a loved one in the tragedy, and inviting the crowd to close by singing God Bless America as a blessing over those groups, and over our country.
Plans are already underway for another meeting of the Church of the Twin Cities, on May 19, 2002. On Pentecost Sunday, the Church of the Twin Cities will gather together for ³The Invitation.² That will be a time of worship, prayer, and celebration after the phrase in the Transformations II video, where the question is asked: ³Why did God come in such power to these particular regions?² ³Because He was invited.²
God moved in a powerful way in that gathering. ³This city will never be the same!² exclaimed Steve Loopstra. ³God has done something here that man could have never conceived of.²
³God made an appointment with His people, they responded to his invitation, and they met together on Sunday night in the Metrodome.²
___________________________________________________>>>
2. CONVERSATIONS ~ REPLY TO BARNA
>From: "Dennis Fuqua" <DennisF@Multnomah.edu
Thanks for putting Barna's Chapter from "Boiling Point", entitled "The Local Church And It's Future" on your web site. Anything Barna writes is worthy of taking a close look at. However, as I read this piece, I couldn't help but think of the value of another study. The study I would love to read would relate to the "Local Church" rather than the "Local Congregation" as I think Barna's chapter actually addresses. I am not picking on words here.
There is a very significant difference that needs to be addressed. And our understanding of the "church" and the "congregation" has has huge implications for the future of the church. The following article was spawned by reading Barna's chapter and wishing more of us saw the Bride of Christ in the same way the Bridegroom does. I offer it with the hope that more of Jesus' prayer (John 17) will be answered.
The Third Paradigm of Ministry
By Dennis Fuqua, Director of International Renewal Ministries, Portland, Oregon
Since the time of the reformation in the 1500¹s the primary paradigm of ministry has been congregational. People gather in congregations and in that setting worship takes place, instruction takes place, relationships are formed, young people are called to ministry, service is provided to those in the community and missionary activity is supported. Whether large or small in size, whether located in the city or the country, these congregations formed virtually all of what we knew of church for years. An extension of the local congregation is the denomination. Congregations in different geographic areas are bound together by common confession, practice, relationship and history. Some of what we knew of church was expressed through these denominational bodies. For example, missionary activity and service to those in need were more easily accomplished by these groups, rather than the individual, local congregations.
But also throughout the years since the reformation, there has been a second paradigm of ministry. It has been there all along, but it has become more prominent since the first half of the 20th century. These ministries focused more on a specific task or target group. The Bible societies and the missionary sending agencies of the 19th century led the way, then ministries such as Youth for Christ, the Navigators, Campus Crusade for Christ, The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Young Life and Youth With a Mission sprung up. These are some of the nearly 1,000,000 ³parachurch² ministries serving in the United States by the year 2,000. These ministries became known as ³parachurch² ministries because people saw that they had a valid and valued place in the overall picture of ministry, but they were not really ³church ministry². They were ³an arm of the church². They were not the church, per se, but they did some church things. Hence they were called ³parachurch² ministries.
Congregational (and denominational) ministries are still the predominant platform of ministry, but the ³parachurch² ministries are also doing a very significant portion of the overall work.
In more recent years (I trace it back to c.1990) a third paradigm has begun to be more prominent. The March for Jesus, Promise Keepers and Pastors¹ Prayer Summits (as well as other events) began to help us see another form of church. Instead of defining church and the boundaries of ministry in terms of certain doctrinal and practical distinctions (congregations and denominations) or in terms of specific tasks or targets (³parachurch² ministries) people have began to see church ministry more in terms of geographic distinctions; the church of an area. This concept is not new, but it has received more serious attention in the last few years. In fact, this concept has been around since the New Testament. And it was the dominant paradigm of ministry prior to the reformation.
There is great value to the unique aspects of the denominations and congregations. And there is great value in what we have called ³parachurch² ministries. But the Biblical perspective of church is clearly not focused on doctrinal distinctions, differences in organizational structure, certain gifts or styles of ministry or certain groups to minister to. The Biblical perspective of the church is clearly the gathering of believers in a given location, regardless of their (nonessential) doctrinal or practical differences and regardless of their ages and stages of life. With one interesting exception (Rom 16:4), whenever Scripture gives us any further description of ³church² (other than the descriptions ³of God², etc.) it is always a description of a location.
Note these examples of city locations; the church in Jerusalem (Acts 5:11; 8:1, 3; 11:22; 14:27; 15:4, 22), the church at Antioch (Acts 11:26; 13:1; 15:3, 30) the churches in Iconium, Lystra, and Pisidian Antioch (Acts 14:21-23), the church at Caessaria (Acts 18:22), the church at Ephesus (Acts 20:17; I Tim. 3:5, 15; 5:16, 17), the church in Cenchrea (Rm. 16:1), the church in Corinth (I Cor. 1:2; 11:18; 14:23; 2 Cor. 1:1), the church at Philippi (Phil. 1:1; 4:15), the church at Laodicea (Col. 4:16; Rev. 3:14), the church at Thessalonica (I & 2 Thess. 1:1) the other churches of Revelation (Rev. 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7).
Or these examples of regional locations: (1 Cor 16:1, 16:19a, 2 Cor 8:1, Gal 1:2, 1:22, Rev 1:4)
Or these examples of house locations; (Rm. 16:5; I Cor. 16:19b; Col. 4:15; Philemon 1:2).
Geography was the only boundary that the New Testament writers allowed in the church. And when the church of the New Testament took any steps to be identified on a foundation other than that of geography, Paul slapped them on the wrist and told them to stop it! (1 Cor 1: 10-13, 3:1-9, 12:12-26)
So, the New Testament knows nothing of ³First Baptist Church² or ³Memorial Presbyterian² or even ³Maple Lane Community Church² in the way we speak of them today.
This third paradigm could be called the ³church of the city² or, since we don¹t all live in cities, the ³geographic church². More and more spiritual leaders are recognizing this as a significant (if not the primary) paradigm of ministry, without giving up on or leaving their primary ministry platform.
This perspective does not see the part (either the congregation, or the denomination, or the ³parachurch² ministry) AS the whole, but rather it sees each of these as a part OF the whole. It sees the individual congregation, as well as the denomination as well as the ³parachurch² ministry all as a vital part of the church of the city. Each organized unit is seen as ³partathe² church.
There are many questions that come to mind as we ponder this third paradigm of ministry. For example ³How does this affect the autonomy of the local congregation?² Or ³How does this impact the way we have viewed our leadership structure?² Or ³How do we practically live like there is one church and many congregations in our community?² Or, ³Won¹t we loose our specific identity?² Or ³What if we don¹t want to be identified with other parts of the true church of Jesus Christ?² And many, many more.
There are some answers to some of these questions, but the truth isŠ there are a lot of questions that cannot yet be answered. But, to the degree that we view His Bride in the same way Jesus does, we can be confident that He will hurry some answers to us!
(Thanks to John Repsold from Spokane, Washington, for research taken from his ³A Brief Apologetic for the City Church². The full text is available at www.missionspokane.org.)
___________________________________________________>>>
3. CITY = URBAN AND SUBURBAN
>From: "Lyris List Manager" <lyris@XC.Org>
Urban-Suburban Exchange
(Creating Community Between Suburbs and the City)
This exchange cannot be perceived as a program involving haves and have nots, or of one ethnic group helping out another. Pastors and congregations come together as equals. A spirit of "lording it over" the other cannot be tolerated. If that sort of spirit exists, the relationship should be terminated.
As Bishop George McKinny has said, "I am convinced that true progress will only be made in the inner city when people in sufficient numbers inside the wall come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and people from outside the wall come personally in sufficient numbers to make a difference."
These concepts would also apply to church plants and emerging churches.
Two-by-Two Partnerships formed --
A church that wishes to form a partnership with another church in the community will select a name from a pool of churches that are willing to interview and partner together. This process may not involve an atmosphere of haves and have-nots. No church or person may "lord it over" another when serving with or relating to other churches.
Both churches will be "full service" churches meeting the holistic needs of their neighborhood and the greater community. Holistic ministry involves addressing needs with scriptural solutions in all areas of life. Material, social, economic, and spiritual needs are examples of areas that Christians must be concerned about.
Together the partners will address suspicion, fear, and a defeated or apathetic spirit in the community they work with. The goal is Helping Obtain Purposeful Existence (HOPE). Jesus does that by giving purpose, dignity, and responsibilities.
By the leading of the Holy Spirit, pastors will share prayer, training, libraries, cultures, life journeys, lifestyles, and vision resulting in effective holistic ministries.
CHURCHES WILL SHARE MEMBERS' SPIRITUAL GIFTS, TIME, TALENTS AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES SO THAT . . .
· vision, planning, and implementation of those goals can be realized.
· organizational skills and resources will be available.
· holistic ministries are provided in each community.
· members are trained for service.
· life skills in the community are developed.
Christians pray consistently for pastors, staffs, churches, and ministries.
Principles to avoid frustrations --
Jay Van Groningen, a regional consultant for the Christian Reformed World
Relief Committee, offers these principles for avoiding frustrations.
1. Relationships work best when they are mutually negotiated/developed.
2. Relationships work best when they are reciprocal.
3. Relationships work best when they are mutually submissive.
4. Relationships work best when they are honestly and regularly evaluated.
5. Relationships work best when time is spent celebrating successes together.
6. The gift without the giver is bare.
7. Relationships work best when the giver expects to be changed through the relationship.
8. Aid will most often produce intended results when . . .
·the recipients have defined their dreams or goals for their own future and commit their own resources and energies to attaining them.
·it is a catalyst that adds to the energies and contributions the recipients have already applied toward their own goal attainment.
·it is directed at opportunities (new capacity) rather than problems.
Jay believes the key ingredient to successful Urban/Suburban partnerships is mutual exchange. Both parties emerge differently. Both parties grow and change. Both parties need each other and talk about how and why. Both parties are part of God's gift to the other.
Agreements
1. Pastors are Christians who believe Jesus is the only Savior for the whole world, that Jesus is God in human flesh.
2. Pastors are committed to the complete unity that the Lord Jesus desires for his church.
3. Pastors agree that the Bible is the inspired Word of God.
4. Everyone is responsible to follow the leading of Scripture and the Holy Spirit.
5. Prayer and prayer ministries permeate the church.
6. Each church is a Bible-believing, disciple-making, life-giving (outreach) church.
7. Churches are jointly concerned about bringing the kingdom of God (God's living presence, influence, and reign in our communities) to their area of influence.
8. Churches are a part of their community.
9. Members of each church are active disciples where they live, work, and play.
10. Pastors need not be bi-vocational, unless they wish to be.
11. Neither church should be restricted in ministry because of lack of funds, spiritual gifts exercised, or intercessory prayer. Resources are shared.
12. Weekly communication is necessary.
·Churches evaluate the relationship, the level and quantity ofcontributions, and the real impact and results on ministries.
·Churches engage in mutual vision and planning.
13. Each party states in writing what they can contribute to the relationship and what they hope to obtain from the relationship. These statements are circulated throughout both constituencies.
14. Each group has its own decision-making board. By mutual agreement there can also be shared or reciprocal membership on both boards.
15. The churches will celebrate accomplishments together and have joint worship services.
16. The churches share an attitude of learning, willingness to adjust, and mutual concern for effective ministry.
17. The initial commitment must allow enough time for the relationship to be successful. Times or periods of renewal are expected.
18. Leaders will spend time with each other monthly, including a mealtime with spouses.
Desired but not required (optional)
Spouses adopt a project, need, or direction just as a president's wife focuses her attention on some emphasis for which she becomes a torch bearer. This could be in the area of medicine, education, nutrition, financial planning, literacy, homemaking, and so on.
Van Groningen says that these kinds of exchanges can lead to three things:
1. Racial reconciliation and a deepening appreciation for the diversity within God's family
2. Relocation-when suburban people catch the fire of urban renewal, some will be drawn to relocate so that they can be more involved in it.
3. Redistribution-bringing a new economic capacity back to an urban area.
Jay Van Groningen, 50 West 3rd Street, Suite 206, Holland, MI 49423
616-393-9959 / vangronj@macatawa.org
City-wide Implementation
1. Establish relationships with organizations that communicate to all the churches in the city and adjoining suburbs.
2. Present the concept to denominational organizations.
3. Present the concept to every Pastors' Prayer Cluster in the area.
4. Arrange for coverage on religious page of local newspapers and Christian radio.
5. Mailing to every church in the area explaining . . .
· vision for the city
· Pastors' Prayer Clusters
· community building
6. Celebrate through news releases what God is doing as his people are obedient.
City pastors reflect on what this means for them. They feel that the relationship is so solid that it seems the city church and the suburb church are the same church. They even have picnics together. Their hearts have knitted together, and the partnership is priceless.
The church from the suburbs identifies with the challenges of the city church and use its resources (volunteers and finances), resulting in a larger, more complete ministry for both churches.
___________________________________________________>>>
4. SPIRITUAL WARFARE IN IDAHO
>From: "tedd" <jesuskids@earthlink.net>
I thought you might be interested in some testimonies of those who went to the gathering to share Jesus:
We just got back from Rainbow Gathering in Idaho yesterday. It took 12 hours to drive there (11 to get back)! Didn't think it would take soooo long. We were greeted by the Forest Service just before entering the Gathering and told that this was an illegal gathering and we could be subject to arrest. Well, that was not the news we were looking for after 12 hours on the road. So, we went in anyway, and managed not to get arrested or ticketed. (Thank you Jesus). We couldn't find anyone we were supposed to meet and it was just after sunset, so we found a bus that I'd seen in an e-mail, parked near it and slept in the van.
Talk about a little culture shock. We were "welcomed home" by the "family". There's a lot of "love" that goes around that place - a lot of people searching for *true* love. Some find it, but many are misled. I heard that there were more religions represented this year than in the past. (the Gatherings have been going on since 1972). It was a really bizarre place to be and quite hard to convey in an e-mail. Many of the kids that were there are homeless. Some work a few months of the year and then travel the rest. And they wear the most bizarre clothes - and some wear none at all.
There were quite a few Christians there, and many set up kitchens and would gave out free food. The Christian kitchens have a very good reputation for having good food. I would agree, and they had a good variety as well. Most dishes were vegetarian, because many Rainbow people are vegetarians.
Have you ever heard demons scream? I can't say I've heard anything like it before. There would be many people that would be up to all hours of the night drumming and getting worked up into some sort of frenzy and just screaming. It was blood curdling. Thankfully we were not camped near the main meadow where this was all going on, so we weren't kept up all night - just awoken periodically (to pray).
The 4th of July is their high holy day - their personal independence day.
They practice silence until Rainbow noon (kind of like Haitian time, if you know what I mean). They met in the main meadow clumped together in a circle to pray for peace and then right before the silence is broken, they back out to the edges of the meadow and hold hands in one HUGE unbroken circle. The Boise paper estimated that there were 18,000 people there. I'd guess there were a bit fewer than that in that circle. We went down to the main meadow that morning, and not wanting to participate in the circle, we backed out behind them to pray. They were supposed to break the silence with an "OOMMM" and then a scream. There were "priests" walking along the inside edge of the circle with incense. There was a group of Christians in the center of the circle, in their own little circle. Instead of the "OOMMM", only the scream came (around 1:30). And it came in waves that washed past you - and made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. It was definitely EVIL. After it came by a couple times, the circle was broken and the
Christians in the middle yelled "Jesus" 3 times - to signify to all who really got the victory.
I'd like to say that thousands came to their knees and accepted Christ, but I don't know that. I do know that many seeds were planted, and more were watered. There were at least 4 baptisms. One of the guys that was baptised we had seen the day before walking around ... with incense cursing everyone/everything(?). He was also doing the same thing the next day - before he found The Truth -Jesus. I don't know how that all went down - but it just proves to me what an Awesome God we serve - and that His Love can break through any stronghold - and Satan is powerless to stop it. Hallelujah!!
Thanks for praying! Wendy
___________________________________________________>>>
5. CINCINNATI: FROM CRUSADE TO TRANSFORMATION?
>From: To: Religion Today News Summary <newssummary@lists.crosswalk.com>
It wasn't written by a corporate bigwig or a religious leader, but "some guy" in Cincinnati sent a letter directly to Billy Graham, containing a heartfelt plea for Graham to help heal the city. The Rev. Larry Davis, pastor of First Baptist Church in Kentucky and chief organizer of the June 2002 Crusade, said: "That letter was instrumental in convincing Graham to hold a crusade in Cincinnati next June."
The city's April race riots and ensuing violence also touched Graham, especially after his June crusade in Louisville where racial issues mirror Cincinnati's. "Every bit of this has been a providential thing," said Davis. "Just so many things have come together that two years ago were not in place. "It is scheduled for June 27-30 at Paul Brown Stadium, and work begins today."
Ministers involved have said one of their biggest concerns is having a racially diverse coalition of churches supporting the crusade, and Davis expects even more African-American ministers to become involved.
Graham has called racism the worst sin facing America. Jeff Anderson, a Graham staffer and director of the Louisville crusade, said racial healing has become a dominant theme at Billy Graham crusades. "We saw it in Indianapolis and Nashville. More recently, it's been on the table in every community we've gone to."
(http://www.cincypost.com/2001/aug/29/graham082901.html)
Copyright © 2001 Crosswalk.com, Inc. and its Content Providers. All rights reserved.
--->NPPNote: Could it be that our cities' greatest problems are our grandest opportunities; to unite, to bring blessings, to see God release hope and healing, to welcome many into the Kingdom of our God...?
___________________________________________________>>>
6. FRESNO, CA: UNITY OF PURPOSE AMONG PASTORS
>From: Usprayercenter@cs.com
>From: Ruthiebrown@mediaone.net (Ruthie Brown)
My heart is heavy and aching as I write these words, and yet I am also rejoicing because God is still on the throne, and He loves us and yearns for our love.
We here in the Central Valley of California have been in the news a lot lately--Gary Condit, the Fresno State Bulldogs, and the location of Anne Heche's hospital stay last year. We will soon be in the news for another reason--revival. We have been gearing up for the next Billy Graham Crusade, which is scheduled to be held here October 11-14, 2001. Our valley, so rich and fertile, has a harvest of produce of one sort or another, all year round. Now, we are praying for a harvest of souls.
Never has there been such a unity of purpose among pastors, believers, city leaders in this city (Fresno) before. Our mayor, our police chief, our fire chief, our sheriff, and our school superintendent all love Jesus and do not allow their lights to be hidden. We are so very blessed to have that kind of leadership and are keenly aware that God has put each of these leaders into their positions.
The Central Valley Crusade has been in the works since last December. A crusade team has been here in Fresno, working feverishly to prepare for the harvest of souls they believe will come to Jesus during this crusade. We are nearly finished with training for the crusade. Every session has been filled to capacity and my understanding is that 20,000 volunteers are being trained. Many of us believe a national revival is going to begin here in our valley in just less than 30 days. The crusade is reserving Beiden Field (which is the baseball stadium) for overflow seating. They don't want to turn any away.
Now, at a time when people will either turn to or turn away from God depending on how they respond to Tuesday's terrorist attack, it is essential that nothing slow down the momentum that has been building toward the crusade. Getting Rev. Graham here is the first priority, considering both his health and also the logistics of physically bringing him here in a comfortable mode of transportation. We know the enemy will pull out all stops to bring our nation's revival to a screeching halt, and would ask for your prayers.
I thank you so much for your wonderful, informative ministry. I am learning more daily about the position of watchman, which God has called me to. It's not always a comfortable one, is it? I ache for believers who would rather keep their heads in the ground and hold on dearly to this "life" rather than to look up and yearn for the eternal life with our saviour. So, we need prayer for revival here in our valley, whether it be our pastors, 30-year Christians, or those precious souls who will have their first opportunity to hear the Gospel when the come to the crusade. And, we need prayer that this revival will spread through our state and through our nation. God's timing is always perfect and know this crusade is at this point in history because He knew the people of our nation would be calling out to Him.
Thank you and if you have any questions, please write. I will try to get any information you need. God bless you, Ruthie Brown, Fresno, CA
___________________________________________________>>>
7. HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO YOUR PPG?
>From: Ras Robinson <fullness@airmail.net>
A pastor and leader among pastors from another country was telling me last week about his father" in the faith and how he was so looking forward to visiting him while in America. He related how his "father" has 22 "sons" in the ministry and how on occasion the father gathers those sons together for a family meeting. That gave me the "warmest" feeling I have had for a while. It made me remember my own spiritual "father" and how much I miss getting with him, how much I have needed him and do need him. I have been lonely for my "father." But it also stirred my heart for those that look to me as a spiritual father. Gathering came to mind! The Lord impresses me: This is the day of my raising up fathers so that the hearts of my children can be restored. And in this process I will also restore the hearts of the fathers. It is a two-way street. Listen. Look around you. Discern the times. Fathers, be raised up! Children, receive your fathers. My family is coming together. The curse is being broken. Gather the fathers to t
he children and the children to the fathers. Gather fathers! Gather sons and daughters! In your heart, don't you love the
thought of being a son or a daughter? Be raised up.
Malachi 4:5-6 "Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. [6] "And he will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the land with a curse."
___________________________________________________>>>
8. CHARLOTTE, NC: PENTECOST WALK
>From: "Bob Lowman, Jr." <bob@metrolinaprayer.net>
On Saturday, 9/8, the Pentecost Walk came to Charlotte, NC as Tom Demaree and the crew continued their prayerwalk across America. The Pentecost Walk began on Pentecost Sunday in Los Angeles and will continue until the team reaches the Atlantic Ocean at Virginia Beach in a few weeks.
Tom and his group stayed with Grace Covenant Church north of Charlotte over the weekend, visiting area churches and resting for another week of prayerwalking. The group originally planned to prayerwalk to the north of the Charlotte area, in a more direct route toward the Atlantic, but sensed God's leading to turn south toward the Metrolina region, some 200 miles out of their way....but it was God's way for them to go.
On Sunday afternoon, 12 intercessors came together in uptown Charlotte to join with the Pentecost Walk team to prayerwalk the uptown area. Facilitated by the Metrolina Prayer Network and with 5 participating churches, the group began at First Baptist Church, and circled the center city, praying in the government center area, by the police department, the banking district, at First Presbyterian Church (the first church located in Charlotte proper), and at Settlers' Cemetery, where many of the founding fathers of the Charlotte area are buried, many of whom prayed for revival to come to our area. The local CBS affiliate, WBTV met us during the walk and did an interview which aired on the 11pm news. God blessed as we prayed together, and we asked for and believe revival is coming to Charlotte. Let it be, Lord!
After a Sabbath day of rest on Monday, the Pentecost Walk team continues their trek, while intercessors and churches in the Charlotte area continue to pray for a fresh outpouring of God's reviving power.
---------------------------------------
Dr. Bob Lowman, Jr., Metrolina Prayer Network
Encouraging, Informing, & Uniting Charlotte Area Christians to Pray for Revival and Spiritual Awakening / http://www.metrolinaprayer.net
___________________________________________________>>>
9. FT. WAYNE, IN: PASTORS¹ PRAYERS IMPACT A CITY
From: PastorsInPrayer@aol.com [mailto:PastorsInPrayer@aol.com]
September 2, 2001
(The following report was delivered before some 2,000 Christians in a meeting of praise and repentance. It was held in the new facilities of a well known local church. The pastor there had resigned after much misunderstanding and broken relationships. The remaining leaders invited a fellow pastor to come and preach God's Word. Churches from across the city were invited. In the opening assembly, over 20 pastors and wives joined in a procession following an all white banner, with one name inscribed. It simply said, JESUS! The evening of praise and repentance represented a true "solemn assembly" of believers in the city of Ft. Wayne, Indiana.)
37 years ago this week end, Marilyn and I moved to Ft Wayne. Looking back I realize more than ever before God's faithfulness and response to the prayers of His people.. Believers have been praying for His church to recognize her unity, over and over again. Those prayers do not have an expiration coupon attached, but continue to accumulate in heaven. God hears and is answering as never before.
"That they may be one, even as Thou Father art in Me and I in Thee, that the y may also be in Us, that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me." Jn. 17:21
In the early 60's and 70's walls were high between denominations and even within the same ones. There was envy, competition and turf wars, many thinking the enemy was the church across town or worse yet, the one across the corner. That began to change in the early 70's. Two men, a local pastor and a college president, met together for prayer at Broadway and Wayne in downtown Ft Wayne. They had just come out of a movement to reach the North American Continent for Christ- it was called Key 73. The Gospel of Luke was distributed house to house telling the good news, and many prayer groups met weekly. The walls separating us did not come down, but windows appeared in those walls and we could look out and see that other Christians existed..
In 1974 these two brothers believed the Lord had more for the church-and they began praying for a few pastors to meet in weekly prayer for the city. They were soon joined by a few others, who came together weekly to seek the Lord for the church in the city. They represented different denominations and races....they prayed for the next five years, every Friday morning.
>From those prayers a movement was born, a movement to call the church to stand against a growing hoard of obscenity and filth being distributed by four different businesses in the city. In 1982 I prayed for 100 pastors who would take a stand for Christ against this evil....the Lord gave us 118. Soon, 2,000 believers from 50 local congregations took to the streets, a few at a time, to pray and walk and stand against the influence of hard core porn. The picketing went on for nearly two years. Prayers intensified, and with the combined efforts of our prosecuting attorney, Steve Simms, the police chief, the mayor and the courts these four establishments were closed . The case was taken all the way to the US Supreme Court which upheld the local court ruling.
In 1993 the Lord gave a vision to John Nelson, a lay leader in our city. He called for pastors to come together and pray, with the desired outcome being the bringing of the lost to a saving faith in Christ Jesus. He invited 5 local pastors to join him in a four day prayer summit, meeting on the shores of Lake Michigan near Holland. Since then, over 100 different pastors and church leaders have attended one of the annual Pastor's Prayer Summits. This September 24th will mark the eighth year for of these life changing prayer times. Next March a pastor's wives summit will meet for the second year.
The pastors return to meet weekly in small groups with fellow leaders in their area. The entire group then comes together monthly for an full morning of prayer and accountability with one another and the Lord. These years of prayer and bonding have brought about a new spirit of unity and co-operation among many churches. Members of these congregations who move from local body to local body are no longer allowed to gossip about the church they left because pastors who pray together are of one mind and heart. Racial lines are being crossed, denominational lines erased. No longer Catholic, Protestant, evangelical, Pentecostal, Charismatic, black, white, Hispanic or Asian, but Christians.
Recently two pastors from this local body came to one of the monthly prayer gatherings. They were prayed for as men gathered around them, laid hands on them and cried out to the Lord for His blessing and restoring power. They i n turn invited the pastors to meet at this location the next month, which they did. From that invitation came the worship time tonight, as the church in the city comes together to celebrate Christ Jesus as our Lord and His body a s one.
What lies ahead? Only the Lord knows. A significant move is taking place a s the mayor, our police chief, the court system and the church are working together. Soon a large number of men and women will be released from our prison system. In former years, most would return, with no one to stand wit h them for a new beginning. Last week, a significant number of pastors and leaders graduated from the Value Based Initiative training program. The plan includes mentors assigned to those coming out of prison.....it is our prayer and hope that the church will be open to them, and individual believers will come along side to encourage and mentor them back to work and family and a church home.
This is only a beginning. We have a long way to go. Yet this gathering for worship, praise and heartfelt repentance signifies new beginnings. I have described but a very small part of what I see the Lord doing in our city and region. Has porn been stamped out, no! Has our city been reached for Christ, no! We are told that yet 50% of Ft Wayne is unchurched. There is no safe city until we have a saved city.
As I stand before this great throng of believers, I am reminded of another unity worship held in our coliseum. A dozen or so congregations canceled their morning worship to come together like this for the meeting of fellow Christians united under the name of Christ Jesus. We were breaking ground for such a gathering as this.
I must ask your forgiveness for the envy, pride and competition I have felt and acted upon in years past. Tonight may the Lord take all of that and cover it with His blood. Church, Jesus died for us to come together, to serve together and be one church.
May this night herald many more such times. We cannot do it in our flesh, but as the prophet Isaiah reminds us, " The Zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this!"
Bob Yawberg- Pastors In Prayer
___________________________________________________>>>
10. PPG: WHERE TWO ARE GATHERED
>From: rkbolton [mailto:rkbolton@bellsouth.net]
I am not presently leading a Pastor's prayer group. I tried to start a new group in the Buford area, but the Pastors would not come. I guess they are not ready to commit. I have received an email from a man who is preparing go plant a new church in the community and he is interested in praying together. If that works out, it may be the two of us.
blessings, Bobby Bolton, Harvest Worship Center
___________________________________________________>>>
11. DALLAS: CITYWIDE PRAYER LEADERS CONSULTATION
>From: "Hispowerportal" <prayerbot@hispowerportal.com>
>Written by: Stephen Wistar <wis@hispowerportal.com>
Although the approximately fifty US national prayer leaders who gathered at the Hyatt Hotel in Dallas for the recent National Intercessory Consultation did not attract paparazzi, nor show off their outfits one to another as some celebrities do at Hollywood parties, they did attract the power of God, Who showed up in spades.
Convened by Prayer Transformation Ministries Chairman, John Quam, the meeting sought to foment networking among the participants, who flew in from most sections of mainland USA except Alaska and Hawaii. The consultation took place during the last week of August, 2001.
God was present as prayer leaders gave short reports on what God is doing in their sections of the country, and participants listened to several talks. Jeff Marks, prayer coordinator for the March for Jesus-New England, told about spiritual victories in Massachusetts in Salem, the self-styled witchcraft capital of America. Pray magazine Editor, Jonathan Graf , told about the vicissitudes and the joys of producing America’s foremost magazine devoted exclusively to prayer.
On the morning of the first day, Transformation Ministries sponsored a drive-by prayer walk, with most participants boarding a bus, and prayerwalking blighted and arising neighborhoods of downtown Dallas. A particularly poignant moment occurred as participants visited Reconciliation Outreach, a ministry to the homeless , who were building a new recreation center. Participants blessed the facility in the Name of Jesus.
The Co-Chairwoman of the Nehemiah Partners Ministry gave an inspiring talk on combining business with government and church leaders to mobilize prayer for a region.
On the third day, Stephen Wistar, publisher of the Hollywood Prayer Digest, rose to exhort the participants to pray for Hollywood. He repented for the church’s rejection of the entertainment industry, and asked God to forgive us church members who have cursed Hollywood overtly, or covertly. Many intercessors in the room recognized the spiritual opportunity God is presenting to the church to begin praying for Hollywood, and expressed enthusiasm for the objective. All participants joined hands, and prayed for the film and television industries with loud and fervent cries for change, for God-centered filmmaking, and TV programming, and for Jewish evangelism.
Pray that God convenes more of these important meetings, where intercessors can meet prayer leaders, and even business and church leaders. Ask God to bless all future efforts of John Quam, and Mission America leader, Paul Cedar, to hold similar conferences across the US. May Christ’s Name be praised!
___________________________________________________>>>
12. THE CITY OF GOD NETWORK INC.
>From: George Nathaniel III <gnathanieliii@yahoo.com>
A gathering of pastors for prayer and strategic planning started September 25th, 2000 as I gathered pastors from various denominations, but with the one common foundation, Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, around the city and their intercessor to engage in networking and weekly prayer with monthly shut ins.
Since January of 2001, we have held a 8 hour shut in each month in prayer for our city. Our major target has been witchcraft. since then we have seen major drug bust around the country and these were the result of police investigation but Holy Ghost revelation.
We also hold weekly prayer for pastors and their intercessor. As a network we have held press conferences to stand with our chief of police. the next couple of days the Mayor and the Chief was working together. They announced it in the papers. however, it came back up again the week before the plane crash into the twin towers and it has not been brought back up again.
We've held a prayer rally with pastors covering the areas of marriage, pastors and wives ministries, pastors in government, singles, and crime.
We are now awaiting our next assignment which is a city gathering for prayer with our governing officials, Mayor, Chief of Police, and Pastors and their congregations from around the city at our newly built Miller Park baseball stadium.
I also coordinate prayer through our schools through a vision called, S.W.A.T. spiritual warfare attack team. I work full time, however i confess to be working full time in this line of ministry work very soon, so stand in faith with me for this.
___________________________________________________>>>
13. "PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH" -
A PROFILE OF PROTESTANT PASTORS
>From: Barna Research <barnaupdate@barna.org>
With October designated as Pastor Appreciation Month, here are some insights into the background of America's Protestant pastors. As you may know, I consider pastoring to be one of the toughest - and least appreciated - jobs in the world. (Okay, that fella in the White House has a pretty difficult assignment, too...) Did you know that among Protestant Senior Pastors:
· four out of every five consider themselves to be "evangelical.?"
· 94% of those who have access to the Internet used it in the past year to help them with their pastoral duties?
· just one out of every 12 claims to have the spiritual gift of evangelism?
· those who graduated from seminary are three times more likely than those who did not get a seminary degree to earn $50,000 or more per year?
If you want to find out more about one of the nation's most valuable resources - our pastors - then read the full report, which is now accessible on our web site. To get there, click on the link below or go to our home page through your Internet connection <http://www.barna.org>
___________________________________________________>>>
14. MINNEAPOLIS, MN:
THE PRAYING CHURCH CONFERENCE
>From: "'Prayeradvance@cs.com'" <Prayeradvance@cs.com>
The Praying Church Conference will present pastors devoted to prayer in the local church. These speakers take seriously the words of Paul: ³be devoted to prayer² and ³pray without ceasing.² They will help you prioritize your
life and mobilize your church family as a praying church. You¹ll be able to take their practical lessons home to impact your church. Plenty of time will be given to ask and wrestle with questions.
Leith Anderson, Senior Pastor, Wooddale Church, Eden Prairie, MN. Noted pastor, preacher and author who focuses on the challenges facing the Church in contemporary culture. His recent book is titled, Praying to the God You Can Trust (Bethany House: 2000).
Ben Patterson: Chaplain, Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. Noted writer, pastor, and now college chaplain, he will bring devotions each morning. Ben has witnessed revival first-hand. His recent book is titled, Deepening Your Conversation Relationship With God (Bethany House: 2000).
Dee Duke: Senior Pastor, Jefferson Baptist Church in rural Jefferson, OR. Dee¹s story of the turn-around in his own life and ministry is life changing and remarkable. He personally mentors over forty pastors in his area.
Buddy Owens is VP of Publishing at Maranatha! Music Publishing, Senior Editor for The NIV Worship Bible (Zondervan: 2000), a speaker for Promise Keepers, a guest lecturer at Fuller Seminary, and teaches in churches. Buddy represents Maranatha! as a worship and programming consultant with churches and various ministries.
There is no greater need than for the American Church to recapture its prayer life. But Š
What is a praying church? What does one look like?
How is one created? Why is it important?
To the churches of Asia Minor, Paul states flatly: ³Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Špray in the Spirit.² Since Acts 1, the Holy Spirit has constrained the Church to pray. The effect of Pentecost was a praying church. The first pastors stated it clearly‹their principle responsibilities were ³the ministry of the word and prayer.² They learned it from their Master because The Head of the Church prayed. Before his public ministry Jesus prayed forty days. Before choosing the Twelve, he prayed all night. He threw over the tables and drove the merchants from the temple, quoting the prophets. ³My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.² Jesus¹ greatest triumphs were coupled with great praying. This did not escape his disciples. ³Teach us to pray,² they asked. He taught them to pray radically. ³Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.²
Your hosts for The Praying Church Conference are ministries devoted to the local church becoming a house of prayer.
The National Prayer Advance led by Bob Bakke, is the prayer mobilization ministry of the Evangelical Free Church of America. Bob is author of The Power or Extraordinary Prayer (Crossway: 2000), executive producer of The
Nationally Broadcast Concert of Prayer, and a member of America¹s National Prayer Committee.
The Strategic Prayer Initiative, under director Dana Olson, is part of the Baptist General Conference. Dana crisscrosses the nation speaking on prayer, chairs the BGC Prayer Commission, and is also a member of America¹s
National Prayer Committee. Bob and Dana work together on the steering committee of the Denominational Prayer Leaders Network.
Pastor of Prayer Ministries- at Wooddale Church, Vicki Windfeldt is our on-site host. Wooddale Church is a dynamic community of 4,500 people with numerous daughter churches in the south and west suburbs of the Twin Cities.
Thursday, November 29
9:00 Worship and Prayer
9:30 Deeper With God in the House of Prayer
Ben Patterson
10:30 Break
11:00 The Pastor of a Praying Church
Dee Duke
12:00 Q & A with Dee Duke
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Equipping and Networking Groups
3:30 Free time/supper
7:00 Concert of Prayer
Friday, November 30
9:00 Worship and Prayer
9:30 The Life-Changing Power of Prayer
Ben Patterson
10:30 Break
11:00 The Praying Church at Worship
Buddy Owens
12:00 Q & A with Buddy Owens
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Equipping and Networking Groups
3:30 Break and Dialogue
5:00 Dinner and Address
The 21st Century Church at Prayer
Leith Anderson
Check our website for updated information at:
http://www.theprayingchurch.org
Name
Position
Address
City State Zip
Daytime phone ( )
Church name
Conference Fee
Before October 1: $99.00 After October 1: $119.00
Payment method:
q Visa q Master Card q Check
Credit Card # Exp. Date
Signature
Make check payable to The National Prayer Advance. Your registration will be confirmed upon receipt of payment and will contain map and additional information.
Register by
Mailing registration form to
Praying Church
901 E 78th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55420-1300
Faxing to
952-853-8474
Calling
952-853-8461
Accommodations
Holiday Inn Express Hampton Inn
10985 Red Circle Drive 7740 Flying Cloud Drive
Minnetonka, MN 55343 Eden Prairie, MN 55344
952-912-9999 952-942-9000
Both hotels have continental breakfast with a shuttle to the church.
Reservations must be made by October 28, 2001 to receive the special $69 Praying Church Rate.
Cancelation: If you cannot attend, you may substitute at no charge. You may cancel your registration up to five business days prior to the conference for a full refund. No refunds will be issued after November 21, 2001.
___________________________________________________>>>
15. HOUSTON, TX: PASTORS' PRAYER SUMMIT
>From: Jim Herrington <jhmh@swbell.net>
Greater Houston Area Pastors¹ Prayer Summit
March 1-2, 2002
___________________________________________________>>>
16. ELGIN, IL: 15,449 HOMES TO RECEIVE JESUS VIDEO
>From: "Chuck Straka" <straka1@usexpress.net>
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We sent a check today for the entire amount needed to send the Jesus Video to the entire east side of Elgin. Praise to the Lord! He is never late! 15,449 residents on the eastside of Elgin will be receiving the Jesus Video this Christmas by the grace and goodness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and financial support. Any money that comes in now will be applied to enchanting the English version of the video for Spanish or another language as needed. We have been blessed to be a blessing and you are truly a blessing!
Please keep praying for those who will be handling the arrangements for the mailing and the mailing itself. Especially pray for the 15,449 residents who will be receiving the video. Pray also for us! Thanks!
Blessings and Celebration in His name, Chuck & Sheila Straka, Jesus Video Facilitation Team
___________________________________________________>>>
17. ELGIN, IL: PRAYING FOR AMERICA
>From: "Chuck Straka" <straka1@usexpress.net>
Elgin¹s House of Prayer for the Nations
Pray for America
Noon Time Praise & Prayer
1st Thursday of each month
The Body of Christ joining together each month on the 1st Thursday at Elgin¹s House of Prayer for the Nations for an hour of Praise and Prayer for our nation. 12:00 noon 1:00 pm. Elgin¹s House of Prayer is housed at Templo Cavario 270 E. Chicago St. Elgin, Il.
Chuck & Sheila Straka Directors / 847-695-5133
___________________________________________________>>>
18. CANTON, OH: PPG PRAYS FOR NY PASTOR
>From: JStrawn321@aol.com
We held our first all day of prayer at Canton, Ohio on Sept 22. There were approximately 40 in attendance. It was good. Much to learn and to grow in. There were 8 churches represented. At our elders meeting the following Tuesday we could see more shaping taking place in our meeting. Out of that our sphere's of influence are becoming more clearly defined. Some who attended testified of wonderful breakthrough's in their prayer lives.
The PPG was held at our local Christian Bookstore on Oct 4. There were 11 in attendance. It was good. I believe it is going to continue to grow and develop into a wonderful group together. I was introduced to a new pastor in town. He is going to connect me with his lead intercessor. He has come to Canton from Michigan. The Chaplain from Stark County Jail Systems was also present. He shared and we prayed for him. Another pastor was in New York the day after the explosion and due to inhaling the polluted air has been suffering double pneumonia. Of course we had prayer for him. Our desire is to build a strong pastors prayer group in our county. I know there are many things that God is going to unfold in our midst as we continue to meet together. Canton is in serious need of prayer. It is very hard to minister here. Much division, skepticism, debris from various moves that ended in shipwreck. I will leading our county in the National Day of Prayer this year. Your prayers will be much appreciated.
I don't even know what to ask you to help us with at this time. We are so embryonic at this time. I just know we need your prayers. God Bless You, Pastor Janice Strawn
___________________________________________________>>>
19. ATHENS, GA: CONCERT OF PRAYER + PRAYERWALK
>From: Cross Over Athens <crossoverathens@home.com>
The Athens-Area Concert of Prayer was launched in November 1999, which means that next month we'll be celebrating the second anniversary(!) of these quarterly, multi-church prayer gatherings.
Our second anniversary prayer concert is Sunday evening, Nov. 4, at St. James United Methodist Church, West Lake Drive at S. Lumpkin Street in Athens, starting at 5:45 p.m.
The prayer focus for the November gathering is still being finalized, but we'll definitely be praying about the war situation. We'll also pray for the hope of Christ to spread throughout our city and across our land.
To learn about the Athens-Area Concert of Prayer, go to: http://crossoverathens.org/crossoverathensmain.htm .
On Saturday, November 3, your church or prayer group can be part of statewide prayerwalk that will cover Georgia from North, South, East, and West!
The northern route, beginning at the North Carolina state line on Highway 129, comes through Gainesville, Jefferson, Athens, Bishop, and Farmington.
To volunteer to cover a few miles, contact Ronald Olson at Crusade America: 952-937-6101, ext. 240.
For more details, go to http://www.crusadeamerica.org/walking_routes.htm
Joseph Slife, Lay Leader, Gateway Church (UMC)
=============================================================
Phil Miglioratti, National Pastors' Prayer Network. 1130 Randville Drive, 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/
Sheila Straka ~ Intercession: sheila@nppn.org
Chuck Straka ~ Web Master: straka1@nppn.org
Adam Shields ~ Tech Support: Updates@nppn.org
--->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.
--->Send all Email attachments as "text" (rather than in a specific program).
--->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.
--->Opinions reflect the views of each author or respondent, not the NPPN or any other person or organization
=============================================================
_______________________________________________________________________
Powered by List Builder
