The Nations
Last time I began to report on two days of prayer I enjoyed recently with Guy Miller’s leaders. Now let’s turn to the nations.
Reaching out to the nations has always been an important part of the ministry of Newfrontiers, as exemplified by the name. This has been continued within Guy’s sphere. Across the two days there were many opportunities to hear reports and to pray for individual situations.
Recently Guy and his wife, Heather, had been in Bolivia, South America, visiting a church which has long been associated with the Newfrontiers family but, by dint of its location, often felt a bit ‘on the edge’. I am sure it must have been refreshing for the church to welcome them, but for Guy and Heather it was also a challenging time as they got to know the culture and situation, and to experience some of the security issues. The church is led by a couple from the UK; I regard those who have laid down their lives to live and serve in some of these circumstances as heroes!
Guy also had the chance to meet with a significant ministry which is training church planters. There was much they could share together. Who knows whether God has something in the way of partnership planned for the future?
Other nations also became the focus of prayer. With about ten different geographical regions of the sphere marked out in the meeting hall we were urged to visit two or three locations in one session and pray in depth for the particularly nation following a helpful briefing. There was even a Skype link to one ‘hot’ location; it was good to stand with the leader and pray with him.
The UK
Within the UK Guy’s team is involved with many churches. John Groves helpfully identified some of the social issues and trends across the nation and urged leaders to encourage their churches to get involved in the imminent General Election, maybe arranging a hustings (gathering of parliamentary candidates for a Question and Answer session). We were then able to pray for the nation.
They are also on the front foot with church planting with various initiatives taking place to plant into new towns. The UK is in desperate need of the gospel; the description of us as a ‘Christian’ nation seems to have long since lost its accuracy. So, we were able to call on God to visit us once again in revival power.
The days ended with a time of prayer for individuals. There were some words of knowledge which must have been of great encouragement to the individuals concerned, as well as the opportunity to pray for one another, always an encouragement!
Thank you Guy for allowing me to join such a fine body of men and women for these two days!