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NATIONAL
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CONNECTIONS + CONVERSATIONS - 12/04/2001
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~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I N T H I S U P D A T E
... and for our prayers:
* PASTOR
PHIL'S SCHEDULE
* SEND US YOUR "STATEMENTS"
1. 1800
PASTORS & CHURCH PRAYER LEADERS...
24 DENOMINATIONS / 34 STATES / 4 NATIONS /
215 CITIES
2. THE METROLINA PRAYER NETWORK
3. PRAYER: OUR UNTAPPED RESOURCE
4. RACINE, WI: BUILDING UP A PRAYING COMMUNITY
5. REPORT ON HOLLYWOOD PRAYER INITIATIVE
6. ELGIN, IL: PASTOR INTERCESSOR PARTNERSHIP
7. CONVERSATION ~ "WE HAVE FAILED
AMERICA"
8. VENTURA COUNTY, CA: PASTOR'S PRAYER SUMMIT
9. AZUSA, CA: CITY-WIDE PRAYER GROUP
10. PASTORS AND WIVES GROUP
11. REDWOOD CITY, CA: THE JESUS MOVEMENT AGAIN?
12. CHICAGO: 200 PRAY FOR UNIVERSITIES
13. BALTIMORE, MD:
MAYOR ENDORSES CITY PASTORS' CRY FOR 'GOD'S HELP'
14. 911 -- INTERVIEW WITH HENRY BLACKABY
15. A PASTOR'S CRY FOR CALIFORNIA
16. NEWARK, NJ: SOLEMN ASSEMBLY
17. ARKANSAS, ALABAMA, VIRGINIA...
18. CHICAGO GEN X MINISTRY
19. DIVERSITY MUST BE OUR STRATEGY
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
* A NOTE FROM PASTOR PHIL
Thanks to Vision New England and several other city-wide networks, our Pastors'
Prayer Group web directory has grown past 590! We are still aiming at /
praying for 2,000 so, we need you to help us find them ... Add a PPG at http://www.nppn.org/ppg/
... or, send us a PPG eddress at: updates@nppn.org
Please don't expect a quick reply to any emessages you send this week. I'll be
in San Diego, CA for the Mission America Team meeting then Carol and I get to
spend a few days with Jorie (daughter) and Tim (son-in-law) in Chino Hills.
All of us at NPPN are grateful for your support through prayers, reports,
rebroadcasts of our e-letter, and opportunities for ministry. May the
Christmas season be a blessing to you and your family,
Pastor Phil
___________________________________________________>>>
* SEND US YOUR "STATEMENTS"
>From: "Paul Dozeman" <pdoze@cityrestoration.org>
We are making the following appeal as a partner with Phil Miglioratti and the
National Pastors' Prayer Network:
Often we are asked for model mission statements, vision statements, and
statements of faith. So we are asking Pastors' Prayer Groups and city
facilitators to send us their statements. We will compile them and make the
collection available to others as requested.
Please e-mail pdoze@cityrestoration.org
or phil@nppn.org or mail to
City Restoration Ministries, PO Box 193, Hudsonville, MI 49426
or
National Pastors' Prayer Network, 1130 Randville Drive 1D, Palatine, IL 60074
Thanks for helping new Pastors' Prayer Groups and existing groups to sharpen
their focus.
___________________________________________________>>>
1. 1800 PASTORS & CHURCH PRAYER LEADERS...
24 DENOMINATIONS / 34 STATES / 4 NATIONS / 215 CITIES
>From: "Ted Mehl" http://www.nalcpl.net
Making Room for His Glory
Reflections on the NALCPL Convention
by Wesley Tullis, Director of NALCPL
A quiet reverence fills the air. The presence of the Lord permeates the
auditorium, people experience a deep personal encounter with their God, most
already on their knees. Hearts and lives are changed forever. I was reminded of
the words A.W. Tozer wrote many years ago, "silence before the Living God
is the highest form of worship and prayer."
And this was just the first session of worship!
In the months preceding the convention, the planning committee sensed this
invitation from the Lord-if you make room for Me, I will come...and come He did!
The 2nd Annual NALCPL/PrayerQuake Convention was a complete success, from the
workshops to the general sessions. More than 900 pastors and Local Church Prayer
Leaders attended the daytime sessions and evening sessions swelled to 1800. We
were excited to have participation from a broad spectrum of the Body of Christ -
24 denominations and more than 100 non-denominational churches representing four
nations, 34 states and 215 cities.
This year's convention was held at Pastor Gary Kinnaman's church, Word of Grace,
in Mesa, AZ. The leadership and attendees are grateful to Pastor Kinnaman, his
staff and his praying congregation for hosting such a wonderful event. "The
facilities were terrific!" a convention attendee commented.
Everyone came expecting to receive from God and that's exactly what happened.
Everyone went home with a fresh touch from the Spirit of God combined with
practical insight on being a better Local Church Prayer Leader in their church.
"I came to the conference for two reasons: To learn from the speakers and
equally as important to spend time with the Lord," said David Guthrie, a
Local Church Prayer Leader from Colorado Springs.
This year's convention was held in conjunction with PrayerQuake2001, which was
birthed 8 years ago as a vision of the Ministry of Prayer at 1st
Institutional Baptist Church of Phoenix, pastored by Dr. Warren Stewart, Sr.,
one of this year's convention speakers. His session, "It's Praying
Time," was one of the highlights of the conference.
Highlights - - -
"Wow! I couldn't get enough," said an attendee. "I went home
and my husband asked me, 'How was it?' All I could do was weep!"
A few of the highlights from the convention included the worship sessions with
Terry MacAlmon, which was a favorite of conference attendees. One attendee
noted, "Terry M. added a greater depth to this NALCPL conference-bring him
back! Another said, "The best and most enjoyable time for me was praise
with Terry M."
Everyone enjoyed Terry Teykl's humor as MC of the event. His quick wit fueled
many times of laughter during the conference. He will be back next year.
God mightily used Cheryl Sacks to direct our focus from simply building prayer
ministries. She inspired us to build the House of Prayer out of intimacy and
communion with God. The house God is building is with people (living stones) who
have been in His presence.
In one session, which greatly impacted us, Esther Ilnisky led a group of
children to the platform to model prayer. It was incredible to watch young
children prayer warriors press into God's presence. One attendee called a model
that will change his church. Others called it "unforgettable!"
Friday evening's session with Pastor Tommy Barnett challenged us to prayer and
fasting as the foundations for a faith filled vision which will impact our
world. He expounded upon what it takes to bring revival to a local church,
giving examples from his own church, one of the largest in the country.
Each of the workshops offered practical training; more will be offered at future
conventions. One of our members gave this comment, "Wonderful practical
helps to really give us 'hands-on' methods to use in our church." Another
said, "We found that the workshops were valuable-actually more valuable
than most of the main sessions."
We departed from the convention with a strong resonance to see 30,000 Local
Church Prayer Leaders raised up across our nation equipping the church to become
Prayer Based for the purpose of changing the spiritual climate in America.
Comments
"This conference blessed me more than any Christian conference I've
attended, which spans many years. Many thanks and blessings."
"This was more than I expected and will promote it in my area. I have been
blessed immeasurably!"
"I will attend again and I feel on fire to go to my church and town to work
for a praying church, town, country."
"The NALCPL conference was very well organized. I appreciate the variety of
speakers from different denominations and the spirit of unity towards prayer
that was promoted."
"God ministered to me through this conference in a powerful way. It has
been wonderful! I have been renewed and challenged to press forward for His
purposes."
"Thank you for giving to the Lord. I have a life that has been forever
changed! I will go back to San Diego ruined for the ordinary!"
The 3rd Annual NALCPL Convention will be June 13-15th, 2002 at New Life Church
and the World Prayer Center in Colorado Springs, CO. Mark your calendars now and
plan to attend next year's conference! It promises to
be great.
___________________________________________________>>>
2. THE METROLINA PRAYER NETWORK
>From: "Metrolina PrayerLetter" <prayer@metrolinaprayer.net>
Calling Local Church Prayer Leaders
We believe that prayer leaders in our local churches need to be connected, so
that they might meet together, pray together, and build needed relationships
with one another and between area churches.
If you are a prayer leader in your church, or if you know the person in this
important leadership role in your congregation, please call 704.377.9953 to be
sure you are included in our listing of leaders.
There is a sense of urgency to this request - we believe that these leaders need
to be connected as soon as possible to facilitate as wide a covering of united
prayer among Christians in our area as possible by year end.
We hope to convene this group of prayer leaders soon, with the goal of meeting
monthly. Please pray that God's will be done in this, so that the Body of Christ
in Metrolina can know the encouraging power of unity in Jesus' name!
Great Revival in Carolina Bicentennial Tour Report
On October 20, we gathered at Hawfields Presbyterian Church near Mebane NC to
remember the bicentennial of the camp meeting there which was at the beginning
of the Great Revival in Carolina. On October 16-20, 1801, around 3,000
individuals met together at Hawfields, and the power of God was among them,
changing hearts, reviving churches, touching a region for Christ.
Fifteen of us met this past month to remember what God did there.
Representatives from Mebane, Durham, Hillsborough, Charlotte, and Clinton, SC
remembered, worshiped, prayed, celebrated communion and asked God to send
revival again to Carolina. Afterward we shared a meal together, building
fellowship and networking for Kingdom purposes.
Our next stop on the Bicentennial Prayer Tour will be on January 5, 2002. Stay
tuned to your PrayerLetter for more information on that visit to Randolph
County, NC.
Where are Pastors meeting to pray?
One of the purposes of the Metrolina Prayer Network is to encourage pastors to
pray with other servants of the Lord in our area, developing unity in the Body
of Christ in these crucial days.
If you are currently involved in a prayer fellowship for pastors beyond your own
church family, please let us know...
1. What day do you meet, when, and for how long?
2. Is this group open to others who may want to participate?
If you are not currently involved in a pastors' prayer group, please pray about
joining a new one, so that we can encourage and pray for one another in Jesus'
name.
We are hoping to facilitate the beginning of a weekly pastors prayer group in
the uptown area of Charlotte, one on the west side of Charlotte/Mecklenburg, and
one on the north side of Charlotte/Mecklenburg. We are aware of groups already
meeting on the east side and the south side of town.
Yes, pastors are busy, but that is all the more reason to join with fellow
ministers to pray! So, if you're involved in a pastors' prayer group, or would
like to be, please call or email us today.
Bob & Mary Lance Sisk, Co-Chairpersons
Dr. Bob Lowman, Executive Director, Phone: 704.377.9953
PO Box 26723, Charlotte, NC 28221
704.377.9953 / Fax: 704.377.9990
http://www.metrolinaprayer.net
___________________________________________________>>>
3. PRAYER: OUR UNTAPPED RESOURCE
>From: Prayusasf@aol.com
A life changing seminar on prayer!
Are you encountering barriers in your communication with God? Do you know
when God is speaking to you? Equip yourself to go to the next level in
prayer.
"Our Untapped Resource" is Pray U.S.A.!'s newest seminar, and
was developed for both new and experienced Christians to grow into a deeper
communication with their Heavenly Father. Pray U.S.A.!'s founders, Bill
and Pam Malone, will be presenting topics which include:
"How Do I Know God Hears Me?"
"What Happens When Men & Women Pray?"
"The Results of Prayer"
"Taking Your Problems To God"
"Hindrances To Prayer"
"Bad Attitudes"
"Depression"
"Marriage"
"Finances"
"Stress or Anxiety"
"Worry"
"Prejudices"
and much more. A 60 - page, fill-in-the-blank, workbook will be used and
will become a valuable tool individually and as a reference for teaching others.
Tuition: Individual - $50.00 / Married Couple -
$75.00
Free workbook for individuals and one per couple.
Scholarships are available if there is a need.
November 26th - 28th, 2001
Nightly from 7pm - 9:30pm
Captivila's La Teresita Restaurant (Upstairs meeting room)
3248 W. Columbus Drive, Tampa, FL
To book this seminar or to request information on other Pray U.S.A.! Prayer
Seminars see their web site: http://Letsprayusa.org
or call 727-524-PRAY (7729)
___________________________________________________>>>
4. RACINE, WI: BUILDING UP A PRAYING COMMUNITY
>From: Donna Peters dpeters@graceinracine.com
--->NPPNote: I had
the pleasure of leading a Concert of Prayer for Grace Church in Racine,
Wisconsin in early January of 2001 and am very glad to read how the Lord is
accelerating prayer and relationship among the congregations!
Dear Phil,
We look forward to your return to Racine and your ministry to our congregation.
We are thankful for what the Lord has accomplished during 2001 in Racine,
Wisconsin. He is building up our praying community and connecting churches
together.
These are several first time events:
1. Grace Church Racine hosted community-wide Good Friday
communion/worship service (4-13-01)
2. Fellowship of Christian Believers Church coordinated city-wide
"Gathering" of God's people (07-15-01). Over 25 area churches
proclaimed Jesus Christ is Lord.
a. 24 hour per day for
seven days, prayer vigil for revival for our city, church unity, the
lost..week before 7-15-01
b. Watch of the Lord from
9 p.m. to midnight to start off the 24/7.
c. Prayer walk
around site for the "Gathering"
3. Pastor Worsham of Grace Church begins the fall series from
Jeremiah "Stable Living in an Unstable World" (09-09-01)
4. Grace Church invites community to noon prayer service (09-13-01)
5. Racine's faith community unite to pray for our nations' unity,
healing and peace (09-16-01)--standing room only at Festival Hall
Sincerely, Violet Ohlwine, Chairman of Prayer Ministry, Grace Church
___________________________________________________>>>
5. REPORT ON HOLLYWOOD PRAYER INITIATIVE
>From: John_Robb@wvi.org
Dear Friends, we had a wonderful time in Hollywood yesterday. About 40
participants took part- actors and actresses, a TV producer and his wife, as
well as church and parachurch ministries focused on the city and the
entertainment industry. We started with an uplifting time of worship followed by
two hours of non-stop repentance and confession of both personal and corporate
sin. This led to a time of lifting up to the Lord the names of celebrities of
all kinds from movies, TV and the news media for His touch of mercy and
salvation. There was such a desire to pray you could hardly get a word in as one
after another poured their hearts out in a spirit of desperate, determined
intercession.
During our discussion, we identified the following ongoing prayer concerns:
The Harry Potter movie being released today, a
potential blockbuster that attractively portrays witchcraft and wizardry to
children and adults. Pray for protection and a repulsion at such practices for
those
who see it.
A series of programs for TV based on the "Left
Behind" series of books dealing with the return of Jesus Christ. Pray
that obstacles and problems will be overcome for this production to air and
bring glory to God.
For the Church to be moved to pray for Hollywood and
its influential media industry in a positive, faith-filled way rather than
cursing it for its shortcomings. For renewed unity, holiness, passion and
humility for ministries and Christians working in the city and entertainment
industry and that they will want to come together more and more for prayer and
cooperative service.
Love in action with effective ways to reach out to the
homosexual community, street people and youth drawn to Hollywood by its
seductive promise.
Deliverance for those involved in cults like Scientology,
witchcraft and other occult activities and that their power over the city and
entertainment community will be broken so that the atmosphere is
cleansed and changed.
That believers in the motion picture studios and
involved in local ministries will no longer have a defensive mindset but go on
the offensive to boldly share the love and power of Jesus Christ with others.
Several of the group are going to undertake some spiritual research on the
dynamics operating in Hollywood so that we can pray more intelligently in the
future. Our plan is to meet on Monday the 26th to plan this effort. Please pray
for protection over this group and all who met yesterday. The evil one hates
this and has sought to divide Christ's Body for years. I hope to share their
findings with you over the coming months.
We hope it will be possible to meet together again in the next couple of months
and that this kind of coming together to share, pray and strategize can become a
regular occurrence, building trust between the various ministries. Personally I
can't think of anything more strategic than praying for a media megacenter that
influences the entire world. I will update you as things develop.
In conclusion yesterday, we all held up actual mustard seeds (tiniest of all
seeds) pooling our little faith together to believe God for the impossible-the
transformation of Hollywood. Please join your faith to ours, and we will see the
Lord of the impossible bring changes which will astonish us all.
Thanks for your prayers, John Robb
___________________________________________________>>>
6. ELGIN, IL: PASTOR
INTERCESSOR PARTNERSHIP
>From: "Chuck & Sheila Straka" <straka1@usexpress.net>
NPPN Pastors and Intercessors
"Live at the HOP" with Phil Miglioratti
Founder and Facilitator of National Pastors Prayer Network
Praise & Prayer 9:00 – 10:00 am
PIP Forum: 10:00 – 10:30 am
This time of interaction will help us discover strengths and weaknesses of the
pastor- intercessor partnership. These Forums will take place each month on the
third Tuesday. Designed as an open forum we hope that the information that is
gleaned will help those who subscribe and read PIP (Pastors and Intercessors
Partnership) published on the National Pastors Prayer Network.
Tuesday December 18 and January 15
Elgin's House of Prayer for the Nations
Housed at Templo Calvario 270 E. Chicago St. Elgin, Il.
Chuck & Sheila Straka Directors
847-695-5133 / Straka1@usexpress.net
"By His Grace & For His Glory"
___________________________________________________>>>
7. CONVERSATION ~ "WE HAVE
FAILED AMERICA"
>From: "Remco Brommet" <rbrommet@integrity.com>
As I have prayerfully watched the unfolding events and upheld the nation in
prayer along with millions across the land, I have made a couple of
observations. Allow me to share them with the NPPN for what they are worth in
the throe of voices already providing answers:
1. Many of us involved in serving movements of prayer for the last two decades
have seen fervent prayer for revival rise and ebb. During the last 3 years in
Southern California I have observed pockets of prayer activity among pastors,
increased activity among intercessors, but almost complete apathy toward prayer
and revival among the Christian masses. It has brought our ministry all but to a
standstill. Despite the growing unity in national coalitions and networks the
groundswell of prayer we saw in the last decade and a half appears to have
regressed to where we were 10 years ago. Revival anticipation fatigue,
preoccupation with other matters, and an appetite for new fads have set in. It
has stoked our belief that it would take a calamity of national proportions to
return the church to rank-and-file extraordinary prayer - the kind of prayer to
which God responds - let alone to return our whole nation to prayer.
Judging from the many e-mails and prayer bulletins that cross my computer,
most would share in that belief. The massive upsurge in prayer from government
to media to filled churches is indeed unprecedented and is appearing to be the
kind of movement we have dreamed of and prayed for.
2. However, there is a sobering implication for us as a Church. In my humble
opinion, we have failed America. We have lost the fervency and passion for God,
and with that for prayer and revival. I believe the statistics published in a
recent NPPN e-mail by the Barna Research Institute bear this out. The lack of
day to day devotion of my fellow believers in church bears this out. My own
struggle to be consistently hungry for God and not fall prey to the myriad
comforts of my daily life bears that out, even though I am a prayer leader. In
light of the fact that our praying almost always seems to be motivated either by
desire of by despair, I have asked myself this question: Could it be that the
tragedy of terrorist attack and the unspeakable loss of human life is in part
due to America's Christendom losing its desire for intimacy for God (the very
core of our faith), thus allowing God's hand of favor and protection to be
removed and opening the door for a painful calamity to bring the nation, and the
Church, to prayer out of despair? Punishment - no! Discipline - yes!
3. As a result I call for our prayers, our preaching, our outreach efforts to a
confused and seeking nation, and our participation in rescue and relief to be
mixed with deep repentance, brokenness, and humility. Let us also seek God for a
deep, inextinguishable resolve to keep praying, keep hungering, keep putting Him
first lest our desire to pray ebb away once more.
Humbly, and respectfully, Remco Brommet
Executive Director, Southern California Concerts of Prayer
--->NPPNote: Your
reply is welcome. Add to the conversation...
___________________________________________________>>>
8. VENTURA COUNTY, CA: PASTOR'S PRAYER
SUMMIT
>From: Joey & Fawn <Fawn@gracebridge.org>
Report on Ventura Country Pastor's Prayer Summit 9/27/01 held at Rancho Del Rey
Retreat and Conference Grounds.
Because we strongly believe that God builds His kingdom with gifts of friendship
we took more time than usual getting to know each other. Each of us met someone
we didn't know, heard their story and then introduced them to the group. We then
plunged into our prayer meditation focus on Isaiah 61.
Our question to God was "In light of September 11th where do we go
from here?" We took one verse at a time from the chapter and let God
sculpt our praying. We ended up praying quite fervently for the Islamic world.
We then took our traditional "Listening Hike" where we sent the
pastor's out to simply listen to what God likes about them.
John Dawson then joined us for a historical overview of what he felt God was
saying concerning this critical juncture in history. He based his remarks on
Luke 13 and said he felt we should ask God to give America another 100 years. We
would be the intercessor pleading for the life of the fig tree, willing to
fertilize it with the humus of our own lives, and water it with the tears of our
own fervent intercession.
___________________________________________________>>>
9. AZUSA, CA: CITY-WIDE
PRAYER GROUP
>From: Yarberrys4Prayer@aol.com
Pastor Phil,
Just had to write you and let you know what a blessing and encouragement to us
your NPPN has been. We recently started a city-wide prayer group birthed
out of a year of intense prayer for our city, the pastors and the churches and
the community as a whole.
Our church also just started a weekly corporate prayer time which started with
worship, a short message from the word and an awesome time of prayer. We
have also been praying fervently for local pastors and congregations of the
denomination we are a part of. We are praying for an outpouring of the
Holy Spirit and revival for both the city and community as well as the
denomination.
Rejoicing in Him and Fervent in Prayer, Dusty and Sue Yarberry, Azusa, CA
___________________________________________________>>>
10. PASTORS AND WIVES GROUP
>From: "Claudia" <GCSinkule@msn.com>
Our first Pastor's and Wives small group meeting was held May 20th. And
has been a monthly meeting ever since...It was birthed out of the pain endured
by my husband Glenn and I when we actively served in the pastoral ministry...We
decided to take the lemons we were given and make lemonade...it is still in its
early stages but with each meeting there is a little more sweetness of the Lord
that is added to give it just the right taste.
Being in the beginning stages of this group we are still learning...but that's
what the Christian journey it about...it will always be a process...
The group it is growing slowly... yet it has blessed and produced fruits in the
life's of those that attend...including my husband and myself...it is quality
that is desired not quantity...Just to see one person walk away strengthened
because of the new Jesus friends they are making and the prayers and
encouragement they are getting is such a blessing...it makes any pain worth
going through...
We have started this group with a very humble beginning... the love of
Jesus that manifested itself through two broken vessels is now at work and we
leave it in the Lord's hands to do with it as He will...we are just trying to
follow His lead...abiding by the two greatest commands of "Loving Him with
our whole hearts, and than "Loving our neighbors as ourselves...(Matt.
22:37-40)
We have also started a monthly local Clergy Newsletter which is in its 5th.
issue come December...The letter started with a mailing list of 6 and is now up
to 23...it does not go out to everyone all at once...it is sent as relationships
are built...and some of the clergy are even writing articles here and there for
it...It is my hope to one day start a web site for our local community
Clergy...and transfer the newsletter to it...
All in the Lord's time...I am willing...just waiting on Him...
Below is a summary of Just What the Pastor and Wife Small Group is all about...We
would be honored if you would add us to your prayer list as this group
is much needed in many ways...Primary to support those in the pastoral
ministry and Secondary to break down walls of the
denominations...Thank you and God Bless, Claudia & Glenn Sinkule -
760-34-24-474 - GCSinkule@msn.com
The newly combined Pastor and Wife Small Group was born on May 20, 200...It is a
support group that consists of pastoral ministry peers...it is primarily for
Senior Pastors and their Wives...however, all pastors and wives are
welcome with the ok from their Pastor...he is the one to make the finale
decision for his team players...
It does not require both man and woman to be present for participation. It
exists to give support, exchange ideas, and edify those in the pastoral
position...Its goal is to heal hurts, relieve built up stress, build
relationships and break down walls as we come together Connecting for the
Kingdom with One Purpose Under One God...
It is a safe place where one can be theirrself as they share what is lying heavy
on their heart and where confidentiality is highly regarded. it's a place where Pastor's
leave their doctrines at the door and come together to experience the Lord
in their mist. Where respect and genuine love is given. A place where no one
will judge you...Admonish you, yes at times, Hold you accountable,
yes at times, but not judge that is the Lords privilege...
It is a place of belonging and a refuge from the pressures that go along with
ministry life...It's a place to come together both men and women from all
denominations to show concern for each other as they grow in love and in the
Lord...and it is for the welfare of the whole Body of Christ...
It is a place to believe on the Lord's Promises, share in His Hope, Live in His
Joy, and Go in His Peace...
The Pastor and Wife Small Group is not a place for control, gossip, or
secrets... It is not a quick fix solution to problems or a place that calls for
perfection...It is not a one on one conversation or counseling session... Nor is
not meant to be an escape from reality, or a time to forget about troubles and
cares... but a place to deal and overcome them by the Word and the Spirit of God
(Hebrews 10:24-25)
In addition the Pastors and Wives Small Group is not for everyone...It is only
one tool in many to gain a truer picture of the reality of the calling and life
in the ministry...Only one tool to build the bonds and friendships that are so
hard to find in profession such as this...
It is A place to gather together in the name of Jesus Christ with like minds...a
place where one does not feel alone and the where walls of the denominations can
be broken down...It is a place all can come together, let your hair down,
confess to one another and anticipate God showing up...
___________________________________________________>>>
11. REDWOOD CITY, CA: THE JESUS
MOVEMENT AGAIN?
>From: "Consuming Fire Prophetic Network" <lionheart@gci.net
>
>By: Pastor Chip Worthington (Rohnert Park Assembly of God)
>At: http://www.injesus.com/MyGroups.cfm
The valley between the streets and the church was filled by the Holy Spirit. We
saw people of all ages on the streets sharing their faith last week. We
scheduled Chad Taylor for a series of meetings at Rohnert Park Assembly of God
this month. Starting Sunday night we invited a number of churches to attend, the
Santa Rosa Vineyard canceled their services to join us . After so many
renewal speakers I was discouraged to have experienced good meetings where
everyone was touched, but also where many left with a "bless me"
attitude and nothing in the city was changed. My prayer was that something
radically different would happen and it did!
As Chad shared his heart about the Lord of the Harvest, I noticed historical
references to revival in his speaking. As he spoke of past revivals my
heart was stirred as I remembered the Jesus movement of the 70's and the
spontaneous witnessing on the streets that occurred as a result. After
Sunday morning's meeting, we challenged the church to come again Monday at 11:00
AM and nightly at 7:00PM to be equipped to go out on the streets to practice and
give away the anointing that they had received. (Pastor Chip was one of
the board members for the Jesus West Coast concerts and was intimately involved
with the Jesus Movement as well as close friends with many of the key leaders of
that revival such as Keith Green and others).
There is a real book of Acts thing happening here in Rohnert Park, CA. The
flow of renewal and revival is going beyond the four walls. Remember when
Ronald Reagan said to Gorbachev, 'Mr. Gorbachev tear down this wall!' Well
the four walls of my church have been torn town and the gap between the streets
and the altar is almost non existent. We are committed to a Holy spirit
service where we will worship, pray for the sick, and then hit the streets every
week and RELEASE what we have been receiving. "Freely received freely
give..."
It has been over 23 years since I have seen such a release of anointing to share
in the public square. The Jesus movement was mainly youth, this is,
whatever you want to call it, a true fulfillment of Joel's prophecy where all
ages experience the latter rain with power not only to the church, but also to
the neediest ones on the streets. God is moving in California!
Surfer dude, Pastor Chip Worthington , yes at 55 I still surf. chip@sonic.net
FOOTNOTE: Chad is planning a return trip to CA. If you would like to
network and have him come to your area and church, email Consuming Fire now and
begin to plan. lionheart@gci.net
Chad WILL be in Redwood City, CA. November 9th - 11th.
Marie Cantwell, Harvest Christian Center of Redwood City benjican@pacbell.net
(650) 969-9242
___________________________________________________>>>
12. CHICAGO: 200 PRAY FOR
UNIVERSITIES
>From: Chicago Chi Alpha <Dave@ChicagoXA.com>
Despite thunderstorms and heavy rains well over 200 "gathered" for
prayer and intercession for the Universities of Chicago.
On August 25th well over 200 people gathered together at the Illinois Institute
of Technology campus, near downtown Chicago, and cried out to God for revival
among the 62 universities and colleges in the city.
Peter Hong and his band led "The Gathering" in a powerful time
of worship with different campus leaders and students from eleven universities
leading the crowd in intercession.
___________________________________________________>>>
13. BALTIMORE, MD:
MAYOR ENDORSES CITY PASTORS' CRY FOR 'GOD'S HELP'
>From: charisma@strang.com
>By Eric Tiansay
City Turns to Prayer, Fasting and Repentance to Beat Crime
Church leaders, city officials and lay ministers are utilizing an unconventional
weapon to reduce crime and drug activity in Baltimore: prayer gatherings.
According to "The Baltimore Sun," a group of mostly Pentecostal
ministers last weekend launched three days of prayer, fasting and repentance
over the shootings and domestic violence afflicting city neighborhoods.
"Oh, God, in East Baltimore, in West Baltimore, in South Baltimore, in
Northeast Baltimore, all over our city we are being infiltrated with violence
and crime, crime of every nature, crime on every corner," Israel Baptist
Church pastor H. Walden Wilson prayed during a Friday gathering attended by more
than 100 people, including the mayor and other city officials.
"We've seen too many fathers and mothers weep over the graves of their
children," Wilson continued, the "Sun" reported. "Prayers
have gone up, and we are waiting for your blessings to come down, that our
streets will be safe, the corners will be safe, that violence will come to an
end."
With Mayor Martin O'Malley's backing, Wilson and several ministers joined forces
for Peace for the City, the second annual three-day weekend of prayer and
fasting. The effort included simultaneous prayer rallies in each of the city's
nine police districts and petitions for God's help for politicians, police,
firefighters and teachers. O'Malley, who officially declared the three days of
"citywide prayer and fasting," said his administration needed divine
help to combat violent crime and drug addiction.
"Ultimately, we're not the ones who write the script... It's not just about
action but faith and having the humility to acknowledge we can't accomplish
anything without God's help," said O'Malley, who noted that Baltimore has
"far too much death, far too much despair."
Bart Pierce, pastor of Rock City Church in Towson, who spearheaded the prayer
initiative, said he hoped the spiritual mood of the city after the Sept. 11
terrorist attacks would make people even more receptive to their entreaties.
"We saw with 9/11 how much comfort moments of prayer brought to so many
people," Pierce said, the "Sun" reported. "We hope it just
brings an awareness, no matter what is happening in the country and world, that
prayer is so needed and prayer is a silent but powerful force."
A separate yet related Baltimore prayer effort is also taking "a message of
hope and healing to neighborhoods victimized by drugs," the "Sun"
reported. Israel Cason, a former addict and dealer, leads a series of prayer
rallies throughout the city to help drug addicts, dealers and criminals follow
his life-saving course.
After Cason led about 200 people in praise and worship at a meeting last week,
four people acknowledged their addictions and asked for help, the
"Sun" said. "The goal is to get addicts drug treatment, to bring
about awareness of the disease of addiction," Cason said.
Trumpeted at its Web site as "The Greatest City in America," Baltimore
has an estimated 60,000 addicts and 8,000 treatment beds. "We started doing
this because we realized that calling the police would only do so much,"
said Doni Glover, a local radio personality who has helped coordinate the
rallies since August.
Copyright 2001 Strang Communications Co
___________________________________________________>>>
14. 911 -- INTERVIEW WITH HENRY
BLACKABY
> usapray@aol.com
GAINING GOD'S PERSPECTIVE
"America Under Attack" September 11, 2001
An interview and dialog with Dr. Henry Blackaby, moderated by John Beckett,
Chairman, Intercessors for America, September 18, 2001.
John
Beckett: This is John Beckett, Chairman of Intercessors for America (IFA).
I'm here today with Gary Bergel, the President of IFA, and with Dr. Henry
Blackaby, the author of "Experiencing God." We're together on a
phone conference call - just one week almost to the hour after the tragic
terrorist attacks that occurred in New York City and in Washington. We
specifically asked Dr. Blackaby if he would be so kind as to give us his
perspective, insights we feel America needs to hear from an esteemed and senior
leader in the body of Christ.
In this
interview we will dialog and discuss the issues that are on people's hearts, and
the areas of concern that we want and need answers to at this critical
time. So I'm going to begin, and Dr. Blackaby and Gary, both of you, thank
you so much for being part of this conversation.
One of the
critical issues at a time like this, I sense, is that we would really be hearing
what God is saying. Of course, our hearts are going out to the many who
have suffered great loss and to the shock that has impacted all of our
lives. But is it not important to step back, and just try to see what God
is saying at such a time as this?
[For the complete interview:]
http://www.ifa-usapray.org/Features/America%20Under%20Attack.html
"Lord, what are You trying to say to us?"
"If we don't listen, the Lord sends remedial judgment."
"God's dealings and judgments are always redemptive."
"Even small enemies defeat us when we turn from God."
"Has the Cross changed the nature and ways of God?"
"Was God judging the people who died?"
"The consequences of God's love are enormous."
"What direction should we be taking in prayer?"
"The outcome of this war may well rest on the holiness of the people of
God."
"This is a time we must all be cleansed."
"There is much good to come."
"Works of common grace and God-seeking are going on all around us."
"We are being told to wake up for the sake of God's ultimate redemptive
purposes."
"Let us unite in prayer."
This dialog may be circulated in its entirety without permission.
It is available as a real audio link on www.ifa-usapray.org,
on audio cassette (Item# CT982), as a CD (Item# CD014), and in booklet format
(Item# P034) on a postage/donation basis.
Intercessors For America, PO Box 4477 Leesburg, VA 20177
Tel 703-777-0003 Fax 703-777-2324
Web www.ifa-usapray.org
www.yifa.org
Web eBookstore www.ifabooks.com
© 2001 IFA
___________________________________________________>>>
15. A PASTOR'S CRY FOR
CALIFORNIA
>From: "Hispowerportal" <prayerbot@hispowerportal.com>
>Written by Steven Rosemary Davis
http://hispowerportal.com/nw/index.php3?grpid=28&articleid=1082
___________________________________________________>>>
16. NEWARK, NJ: SOLEMN ASSEMBLY
>From: "Frank Dupree" <Frank.Dupree@verizon.net>
On Friday evening, September 28th, the doors of Newark City Hall opened at
7:00pm to receive the saints of God into the Council Chambers for a Solemn
Assembly.
For the first time since anyone can remember the Church will be in the Council
Chambers doing "Kingdom Business"! This is both an historic and
prophetic event! Newark, NJ, was founded in 1666 as a Christian City. It is the
third oldest city in America. Only the cities of Boston and New York City were
founded prior to Newark. Newark has a grand history and it is going to
experience a true "Renaissance". Newark is known as both a
"Renaissance City" and a "Gateway City". I believe that it
is one of the Gateway Cities bringing a Christian Renaissance to America.
In the place where City business is conducted each week nine representatives of
the Kingdom of God sat in the nine council seats and conducted "Kingdom
Business". I saw Ministers of the Gospel truly become
"Ambassadors" of Christ!
The saints who came were ready...
They were ready to repent for themselves, their church and their nation.
They were ready to pray for God to intervene into our national affairs.
They came, they saw, they conquered!
For The Kingdom, Bishop Frank Duprée, Fivefold Network, PO Box 7157, North
Arlington, NJ 07031-7157
___________________________________________________>>>
17. ARKANSAS, ALABAMA,
VIRGINIA...
>From: "Alive Ministries" <partners@aliveministries.org>
* Little Rock just had a prayer
gathering for intercessors city-wide that drew about 500. Wonderful moment for
the city.
* About a dozen city leaders came
together recently in Alabama to begin the process of forming "Mission
Alabama" - an attempt to link prayer leaders from across that state.
* One of the first efforts of
"Mission Alabama" may be a state-wide "Marketplace Summit"
of business leaders. Tuscaloosa is already planning such an event in
mid-February. This is result of efforts in their city to link pastoral and
business leaders. I was in the city two weeks ago for a city-wide prayer
gathering, and vision-casting session for pastors and community leaders.
* The Church of God in the state of
Virginia (about 180 churches) has entered into a consulting relationship with
me, via the new "Project Pray" - an outreach of our ministry. And we
are now in the process of planning a 25 month virtual learning team model which
will link prayer leaders across that state in a 24 hour prayer information
community, and create a "lateral learning model" in which they
resource each other in transforming their churches into "houses of
prayer." The launch is planned for February of 2002.
* Paul Lawler reports a gathering in
Huntsville of about 1500 people for an evening of prayer. A $10,000 offering was
given to the Red Cross. All three local TV stations carried portions of the
event live. One station aired the service in its entirety to Huntsville and the
entire Tennessee Valley. Paul says an excellent cross-section of pastors leading
in prayer were present. The Mayor attended and presented a proclamation calling
the city to prayer. Paul reported a house full of tears and a spirit of unity,
despite criticism from some sectors of the city at a gathering of
"Christians" instead of a multi-faith gathering. The official position
was "all are welcome to come, but this is designed as a gathering of the
Christian Church for a time of prayer and intercession for our country, world,
community and for one another."
___________________________________________________>>>
18. CHICAGO GEN X MINISTRY
>From: Carlacmba@aol.com
Dear Gen X Leader,
David Edwards came to Chicago October 17th-18th. Four churches (Uptown
Baptist, New Life Community, Chicagoland Community, and The Point) have
contacted me and have committed to a continuation of a Gen X Ministry in Chicago
with David Edwards. Uptown Baptist Church has offered to host the
events.
If you would like to participate in hosting a continuing Gen X Ministry with
David Edwards, please contact Carla Still at 708/293-0400 or carlacmba@aol.com
by December 10th as the Christmas season is upon us. Sincerely, Rev.
Jim Queen
___________________________________________________>>>
19. DIVERSITY MUST BE OUR
STRATEGY
Change of the century? By Erich Bridges
Of all the trends that have shaped America society over the last century, which
is the most important?
"Immigration," Ben Wattenberg contends without hesitation.
Wattenberg, a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist, is co-author of The
First Measured Century (and host of a television documentary of the same
name), which examines major American developments of the last 100 years.
"From 1880 to 1930, on a base population of 50 million, America took in 28
million immigrants!" Wattenberg marvels. "They came for jobs, and they
came for liberty." That early flood of "huddled masses, yearning
to breathe free" came primarily from Europe, before a countertide of
anti-immigration frenzy essentially closed the golden door in 1920. But it
didn't stay closed.
Beginning in 1965, "Americans reopened the immigration flow, this time
allowing persons from around the world to share and shape our liberty,"
Watternberg writes. Latinos, Asians of all varieties, Africans, a new wave of
Europeans from the former Soviet bloc: They come fleeing war, persecution
and poverty, or simply seeking the great promise of America. If another
backlash doesn't shut the door once again, they will keep coming. That
isn't just a major social trend; it's likely a movement guided by the hand of
God (see "Let the nations be glad" on page 20). Not only has the
world--and world missions--come to our shores, but the Lord is raising up a host
of servants of many colors and cultures, speaking many languages, who are going
back into the world to preach the gospel.
Throughout history, observes missiologist Ralph Winter, God has been
"kicking people out of one culture into a new one"--from Abraham's
move to Canaan, to medieval Christian slaves carried off by pagan conquerors, to
the present day. "What is going on?" Winter asks. "It looks
as if God wants them to learn how to carry their faith into different cultures,
not just preserve a given way of life within a discordant culture."
God often uses such migrations, forced or otherwise, to place believers in
cultures that haven't yet heard He is Lord. He also moves nonbelievers into
cultures where they can hear the Good News, then sends them back to their own
peoples--or others--to spread the word. Fifty years from now,
according to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly half of the U.S.
population--projected to be pushing 400 million by then--will be nonwhite.
Ethnic minorities will account for 89 percent of population growth. Hispanics
will more than double, to nearly a quarter of the population. So will
Asian-Americans, jumping from 3.3 percent to 8.2 percent of the total.
African-Americans will increase to 13.6 percent.
As the great African-American preacher E.V. Hill once said, only half-joking, as
he looked out over a nearly all-white Southern Baptist congregation,
"Folks, you better make some friends."
Former Southern Baptist Convention President Paige Patterson agrees:
"I believe...that the future of the Southern Baptist Convention has
to be a multiracial, multiethnic future, or quite frankly, it has no
future."
About 6,000 of the convention's roughly 45,000 churches are predominately
ethnic, according to 1998 SBC statistics, representing 635,000 members or about
4 percent of total SBC membership.
Those numbers are on the low side, according to some estimates. Up to half of
the churches the convention identifies as ethnic are predominately
African-American. African-American members in those congregations and all other
SBC churches may now exceed 750,000, reports IMB strategist David Cornelius.
These trends will--must--grow. And predominately Anglo churches must open their
doors and hearts to all the colors and cultures of their communities.
The more diverse Southern Baptist churches become, the more diverse their
international mission team will become. At a single International Mission Board
missionary appointment service last year, eight new missionaries were of Asian
descent. Some 30 African-American missionaries now serve through the board, with
more in the appointment process. More than 20 Hispanics have been appointed in
the last three years. More and more ethnic churches are sending mission
volunteers to partner with missionaries. Those are small steps in the right
direction.
Red and yellow, black and white--and all shades in between--the children of the
world are precious in God's sight. He is sending a beautiful kaleidoscope of
servants to reach them.
How can we accelerate the weaving of our "coat of many colors" in
missions? Share your perspective at www.TConline.org/forum/default,asp.
Erich Bridges can be contacted by e-mail at ebridges@imb.org.
=============================================================
Phil Miglioratti, National Pastors' Prayer Network. 1130 Randville Drive,
Palatine, IL 60074
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