PRAYVANCOUVER.CA 2016-5-7

Ephesians 6:12 New International Version (NIV)

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

A group of men in our association have been praying for the past few weeks.  They are fasting and pray starting this Tuesday evening after dinner at 6:00PM.  Some of the team will fast until Wednesday at 6:00PM and the rest will continue the fast until Thursday at 6:00PM.  They will be praying as follows:

• Spiritual awakening of our churches, locally and nationally, that are called by His holy name (both in and outside our association)
• Christian men to have a renewed relationship with Jesus and a passion in sharing their testimonies concerning their experiences             and walk with the Lord.
• Our Canadian leaders in government at all levels, to govern according to Godly principles.
• Our country that it would return to the Lord and be healed.
• Gods protection for our churches and church families.
• Our church leaders (pastors, elders, deacons, lay leaders)
• Spiritual and numerical growth of our churches and small groups
• Pray for the Harvest

What would happen if all our churches committed to this time? What if we all humbled ourselves before our Lord? Will you join with us until we hear from the Lord? 

We experienced the power an presence of God today as over 120 people gathered for our one day training (I Am Ready) sponsored by WestCoast Baptist Association preparing individuals from several of our churches with the tools and encouragement to be prepared to be a witness in their daily life. We are thankful to Hamish Buntain, Janet Campbell and Conrad Au for coordinating this event. Pray for each participant to put what he or she have learned into practice this week.

We saw our partners from Baptist General Convention of Texas bring leaders from three churches to visit and pray about how they could join God where He is at work in our city. One of those churches is adjusting to support a plant, one is working to fin a team to lead a VBS for an area church and another is praying about unreached people in the city. We praying thankfully for the Steve Seaberry and Dan Crawford who coordinated this effort. Pray for the outreach enabled by this new support will reach new areas and people of our city.

We are praying this week for Ekklesia Church on Vancouver Island. Matthew and Heather Bond have shared this list of requests:

• Spiritual and numerical growth.  Please pray for all of Ekklesia to see themselves as missionaries in their communities and work places.
• We are gearing up for the spring and summer outreach events.  Please pray for the mission teams coming this summer and the opportunities we have to share the gospel and that hearts will be transformed.
• A new home for the us, preferably before the busy summer outreach.  Please pray that we can reach our new neighbourhood with the gospel.
• We will be reapplying for our Visas this summer.  Please pray for a smooth transition and renewal process.
• We hope that our Permanent Residence application will be finalized in early 2017.
• Heather and I started doing Crossfit six months ago for physical exercise, mental and stress relief, and to hang out together.  God has shown us another community of people to reach out to which is so exciting.
• I am continuing to coach basketball and work with Ethan and Joseph’s friends. Please pray for us to show people the gospel in our lives and to take opportunities to speak the truth of the gospel when the opportunity arises.

We have seen God bring four different individuals from different parts of the world to express interest in ministering to the people of India and sharing the gospel among us. Please join us in praying for wisdom and clarity in the adjustments that need to be made to join the Father in what He desires to do through these and others by providing these resources.

We have heard of the planning of diverse sports camps, community festivals, and summer outreaches by several of our churches and plants during the next three months all over the region. Pray for the resources and coordination of our partners who are coming to assist. Pray for the open hearts of participants as the message is proclaimed. Pray for the movement of the Spirit at each site.