BRISTOL PRAYER WALL - JULY 2002 PRAYER BULLETIN
Prayer Wall monthly prayer meeting will be on Monday July 8th at Woodlands Christian Centre, Belgrave Rd back entrance at 8pm
Weekly Prayer Wall meeting is at the Paradise Christian Resource centre, 358 Gloucester Rd, Ashley Down at 6.30am - 7.30am
DEVOTIONAL - Prayer in the Secret Place . . . Listening to Jesus’ Heartbeat
Last month we looked at entering into a place of rest in our praying, a place where we are yoked with the Lord. We want to again take up this concept of rest and look at it from another vantage point.
A friend of ours has this amazing knack with babies. It seems that he can pick up any one of them, happy or unsettled, and within a matter of minutes have the baby resting quietly in his arms, head upon his broad chest, contentedly asleep. Some of you are wondering what is his secret! We think it’s that he’s discovered that babies like the security and comfort of being close to the heartbeat, where they hear its steady rhythm. It probably reminds them of the safety of the womb.
We find the idea of getting close to the heartbeat in the John’s account of the Last Supper (John 13). As Jesus and the apostles are reclining for the Passover meal, John, the "one who Jesus loved" leans back against Jesus, thus creating for us another picture of rest, this time against the breast of the lover of our souls.
By drawing close through the Spirit, we rest our heads upon the chest of Jesus. We come into a place of trust and intimacy, knowing we can "cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us" (I Peter 5:7). Jesus hears our restless and anxious heart and we begin to hear the constant and steadfast beat of His. After a while, our heartbeat settles and becomes in sync with His. We are no longer striving after our agendas but have now become in tune with His heart. He restores our soul (Psalm 23:2), bringing refreshment and joy to our tired and thirsty beings.
As we continue to rest and wait, we tune out the noise of the urgent. Our hearing becomes more finely tuned and we find that He begins to share the secrets of His heart with us. We see His heart for our city and His perspective on particular situations and burdens we carry as well as how much joy we bring to His heart.
So through resting in prayer, we intercede in a unity of the Spirit and discover that this position of leaning on His breast is not one of weakness but one of power and strength. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide as you seek His face for the various issues below which concern the city of Bristol.
|Email: gaskins@blueyonder.co.uk
PRAY FOR GOD'S HAND ON THE APPOINTMENT of THE NEXT BISHOP OF BRISTOL
Opinions may differ as to the value of an Anglican Bishop. Nevertheless Bristol has one and it is an influential position in the city, and a senior position in the Church of England.
Bishop Barry has announced his retirement and the search is on for his successor. The Diocese of Bristol has a Committee who will select candidates. But the final decision will be taken in London by the Crown Appointments Commission.
It’s a diocese that stretches right across to Swindon, combining rural and inner-city parishes. It requires a good manager, who is open to change. Someone who will work well with other denominations and build on what has already been done.
Will you pray that the selection process will allow for the consideration of God’s choice and please pray for the four from the Bristol Committee who will represent the Diocese at that national gathering. Pray for God's Blessing on Bishop Barry and that he will be rewarded for all his hard work - in particular he has been a great pioneer in the release of women's ministry.
UPDATE ON 24 HOUR HOUSE OF PRAYER & WORSHIP FOR BRISTOL
Pray for the application to the Methodist Wesley Heritage buildings trustees to be decided on July 10th. We have applied to use/rent 5 Charles St, the building adjoining the Charles Wesley House near the bus station and have also asked whether a 24 hour prayer room could be set up in the New Rooms in Broadmead.
VISION
To provide a centrally located house/rooms where 24 hour prayer and worship can be lifted up to glorify God and cover all aspects of the life of Bristol for city transformation. People will be able to pray in the venue at any hour of the day, individually, or in groups. Visitors would be free to pray as they felt led, but there would be information available on how to pray for the city, the nation and the world. It is hoped that prayer for mission, social action, drugs problems, the city council, youth, children, public bodies i.e. the police, education, Health authorities, the judiciary, the environment, church unity & leaders will be some of the focus of the HOP (House of Prayer). Separate space would be given to encourage the Youth to pray in their own 24-7 style as in Boiler Rooms but the House would also encourage tri-generational prayer.
The Prayer House would be totally inter-denominational and would be run and owned by Christians across the city, with different groups of churches and Christian organizations being responsible for managing different rooms or time slots. Accountability would be to a cross section of local Christian leadership with a possible link to a national organization if appropriate. A Council of Reference would be set up and charitable status would be sought.
Whilst the Prayer House would be shaped by the local Body of Christ in Bristol it would also be open to link/network with national and international 24 hour movements/houses of prayer and worship in line with the move of the Holy Spirit.
OBJECTIVES
OTHER POSSIBLE FUNCTIONS:
The house would also have a café/drinks/hospitality area. It would also have an office for administration. The House of Prayer would also have resident wardens who feel called by God to a ministry of Prayer and Intercession and who would have with spiritual/pastoral and organisational responsibilities for the house.
The above vision is obviously subject to the provision of the right sized rooms/building and is likely to be built up gradually. Initially a start may be made with one or two rooms.
MANAGEMENT OF THE ROOMS
It is envisaged that groups of Christians/churches will take responsibility for these. For example the various Christian business organizations would be asked to run and provide the Business Prayer room with up-to-date information…..
OTHER PRAYER POINTS
- Continue to pray for confirmation for timing, support and location of this Project
- The Methodists are looking for a new Director of the Wesley Houses and New Rooms - pray for God's divine hand to be on this appointment.
- Pray for the right wardens with a heart for intercession to run the Prayer House
- Pray for churches & Christian organisations to catch the vision of this project & volunteer people for maintenance, managing rooms, office & resources
WESTBURY CHRISTIAN ARTS FESTIVAL
Connect 2002 - living arts. 10 churches in the Westbury area are working together on a 2 week long arts festival to reach out into the community. Pray for good attendance from both the Christian and non-Christian community; for improved inter-church & community relationships & for all to run smoothly - contact Tim Dobson for further info. at tel:
PRAY FOR CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY CLUBS & YOUTH INITIATIVES OVER THE HOLIDAYS.
Here are some of them:
THE LONG LONG SUMMER HOLIDAYS
For children the Summer Holidays are a challenge. The days stretch out to the horizon and there are no teachers to make the rules. Some youngsters are already booked to go away to camps, many with Christian organisations.
Meanwhile back in the city various organisations will be running holiday clubs and special activies.
Will you pray through the Summer for these ventures. Praying that children will get the chance to make the most of what is on offer. A chance to develop their skills, their minds and their spirits. And remember those leading these activities including local young people who have volunteered to help or lead. Will you pray for children in your area and for all young people across the city.
BARTON HILL: Activities for teens are planned throughout August by "Community at Heart". 8 youngsters from the Dings booked for Hill House and Lagger.
SOUTHMEAD: A holiday club at the end of July for 5-11’s ( New Brunswick URC)
WESTBURY: A two week arts festival at the beginning of July. "Connect 2002" intends to reach out into the community. After-school clubs are planned in four of the local schools. Please pray that this outreach will touch as many kids as possible.
CLIFTON: "CRE-8" on July 6th. A dance drama workshop aiming to give junior aged children opportunities in dance, drama, junk music and alternative creative worship styles.
SEA MILLS: Sea Mills Out of School Club. New venture for this needy area, offering afterschool and holiday childcare to children of primary school age. Please pray that their Ofsted registration comes through in time for the start of the Summer Holidays, and for funding so that families who can’t afford to pay can send their children.
PORTISHEAD: End July at Gordano School. Cludo Club during the day (using SU
material) and Challengers Week for teens each evening [Gordano Valley Church].
AWAY FROM BRISTOL: Children, teenagers and leaders going to
Bridgewater (Hill House)
Quantocks (SU Greatwood)
Dursley (SU Lagger)
Please pray for safety, good weather, an openness to God’s Spirit and for the leaders strength to keep going when feeling exhausted.
These events will catch only a small percentage of the junior population. Please pray for the rest - for their safety and well-being.
This is just a summary of events submitted. If you need more details then contact Geoff Haskett 95 65 236. An updated bulletin will be published at the end of July, if more information becomes available.
PRAY FOR THE SOUTHMEAD FESTIVAL 24TH TO 29TH JUNE:
The main event is the Saturday on the green, when there will be a procession of floats, stalls and attractions. The community support this very well. During the week the churches put on various events Tues 25th "Speciali-tea" Ladies meeting followed by tea at Bethany. Pray for Coralie Payne who will be speaking. A celebration of praise on Thursday evening at New Brunswick. Coffee mornings on Wednesday and Thursday at Kingsholm and St Vincents. Also on Thursady a craft competition at Bethany.
Ian Thornley, minister at Bethany, is chair of the festival committee and the churches are pleased to be working with the community for this carnival as we have done for several years.
Do you need to know anything else?
Contact Irene Thornley irene@thornley.org
PRAY FOR WINNING WAYS EVANGELISTIC COURSE
Christian are encouraged on this course to adopt 3 unsaved people they pray for together with their home group which is proving very successful. If you don't yet have 3 people to pray for ask God to show you who they are and get praying for them. Pray specifically for individuals you know and asking God to show you how you can love & bless them in practical ways could revolutionize your faith.
REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR THE YOUNG OFFENDERS: - Please could you pray for Adam. He is 15 and arrived at Ashfield last month. He is not a Christian. His Mum has just got married again and has gone on her honeymoon. His father committed suicide a few years ago. He has a girlfriend. He has been in 'trouble' ever since I have known of him, but this is his first criminal offence of which he has been convicted. I hope that out of this sad experience he might be able to meet someone who can share Jesus with him and give him a purpose to his life. Thanks for praying, Claire Gilder
UPDATE ON BRIDGE HOUSE PROBATION HOSTEL
Two of the guys have now made Christian commitments - James and Clinton and have been moved to a Cluster house in Easton, which is good news since many of the guys in the hostel are still on drugs. Pray that they will grow in the Lord and will not be tempted by the high availability of drugs in the Easton area. Continue to pray for Bridge House and the largely Christian staff that many more guys will come through to get off their addictions and to know the Lord.
PRAY FOR THE WORK OF OPEN AIR CAMPAIGNERS & FOR KORKY & ANNI DAVEY, - THIS their prayer letter:
1. Farid Lozada and family arriving to stay with us 22 June to 1st July - come to a garden party with hot paella on 28th June at 18 St. Hilary Close, and please pray for the weather! RSVP.
2. Anni saw the Assessment Clinic Dr. yesterday about the hip replacement, and the X rays are to be discussed with the consultant today. Please pray he makes the right decision, replace or re-line, and that he will do the job himself not delegate it to someone else. Op. to go ahead on 18th July unless postponed by NHS.
SCHOOLS - particularly Primary schools work going strong, though one Head Teacher says his Governors do not want us back in, as they want the children to differentiate between faith and fact, and we appear to confuse the two! I wrote a pretty good letter, and promised to contact him in a few weeks' time to see if they would allow us to go and talk to them about it. The next Assembly we visited that morning, the Head (not a Christian) said he really appreciated our assemblies and would have us more often if we could manage it..... we plough on and love the work, but the time allowed for assemblies is diminishing in many schools - now reduced to 5 minutes where we used to have 30 minutes sometime.
TRAINEES are most encouraging! Paul Blocksidge preached his first street message in Bath last month and did very well. Pray for Harry, an elderly gentleman, who committed his life to the Lord that afternoon, having never heard the Gospel clearly explained before. Paul and Sue and 3 of their girls will be taking the team to Reach The City on 4th July (including Korky and Rosie) in their Land Rover. Rosie and the girls will be practising open air dance themes for the campaign, to teach the others when they arrive.
Andy Cheesman from Woodlands Year Team has also been preaching in the open air, and will be leading outreach in Hungary this summer. Both Paul and Andy are living by faith at the moment so do pray for their support to come in for these ventures.
BRISTOL OPEN AIR WORK will be led by Mark Detzler this summer, this Friday evening at the Watershed in Bristol at 9 p.m. (meet by the Sails Sculpture).
REACH THE CITY campaigns run from 4th July to 1st August. Vienna, Linz, Bratislava, Poland, Hungary, Romania - first time in Timisoara this year, 6th year in Vienna where 11 churches are working together. Stefan and Judith are making a brilliant job of organising it, quite an undertaking.
POLAND - Ania is doing a first class job in the schools according to Stefan, but post and e-mails are not getting through satisfactorily.
UGANDA - Korky and Rosie are going with Alan and Margaret Reader, 16th August to 4th Septmber. Working with the clergy and school teachers again, Romans will be there then, but returns to Gloucester to Redcliffe College to continue his degree course, so Sarah has to manage the 4 schools on her own. We have 6 boxes of 5 kg. of school books to send to them, cost £19.20p. per box, the Charity Containers of Hope no longer deliver to Kampala - do you know of anyone who does or who could help with this? Too heavy to include in the baggage allowance.
GREEK BIBLE INSTITUTE 30 September to 5th October, Dan Truitt and Korky, annual OAC training seminar for all the students. Then Korky will travel on to
ALBANIA to visit Ian and Caralee and see the building project. A qualified BUILDING ENGINEER is needed to oversee the project a 2-3 year commitment, so do pray / listen out for someone for them.
GLOUCESTER schools are "on hold" for the present, Gordon having accepted a language teaching post at a secondary school and undertaking an OU course, so do keep praying for the Rea family - they feel it is the right thing to do at the moment.
ROSIE IN IRELAND in charge of a group of youngsters for the New Horizon Festival week beginning 27th July, working hard on sketchboard skills to teach in Uganda too.
KORKY'S BOOK now has pictures in it, courtesy of hours of work by Mark Howe - thank you Mark! You can read/download it from www.korky.info
THANK YOU for all your prayers and for keeping in touch.........
With love,
Korky and Anni
Day One - more than just one day
Just a brief update.
Thank you to everyone who has been praying I hope that you will be encouraged by what you read below.
Finance
God has provided for all our financial needs in a miraculous way - not that we should have ever doubted that He would. All outstanding debts have been settled and we are still awaiting the bill from the Colston Hall, which we anticipate will be about £2000. As the need has arisen, so He provides. PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THIS AS WE WILL NEED TO CLEAR THIS BILL BEFORE WE CAN BOOK ANY FURTHER VENUES.
Churches receiving kids
Following Day One the team undertook a day of follow up phone calls, e-mails, texts etc. to all those who made a public response to the gospel at The Gig, and to the churches that they were being fed into. Wonderful stories were relayed of kids just turning up at church the next morning for the first time as a result of getting saved at Day One. Other churches were forced to hold emergency meetings to decide how they were going to deal with those that found Jesus within their church.
Youth Alpha Project
The churches that are currently running the Youth Alpha course are being blessed. God is moving on many young peoples lives (many of whom didn't even come to Day One), with further decisions being made to become Christians as the course develops. Day One hosted the Youth Alpha Holy Spirit Weekend away, last weekend and we saw over 30 young people having a great time with God, learning more about the Holy Spirit and some experiencing Him for the very first time. It was a fantastic time enjoying God and also loads of fun.
Next Year
We have provisionally agreed stuff for next year with some changes planned!!! (We'll let you know what they are later) HOWEVER Day One has grown to such an extent that we need to be able to employ someone to see these plans come about. PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD PROVIDES THE FINANCE AND RIGHT PERSON TO ENABLE US TO DO THIS.
Director - Andy Yelland