PRAYVANCOUVER.CA 2017-01-22
As the pastoral leaders of our WBA churches in Vancouver and on Vancouver Island move into the week ahead pray for this discipline of fasting to become a reality in their lifestyle:
“Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:16-18 (NASB)
One of our leaders shared these insightful words:
Why do we fast?
- It is a commandment of our Lord
- It creates a disciplined strategy in our time of worship
- It is an attitude we possess… an attitude of humility
- It is healthy – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually
- It softens our heart before Almighty God
Significant spiritual breakthroughs accompany fasting and praying. If you desire to break up the hard ground around your ministry, then consider this as a priority in your worship. If you persist, the Lord will change your heart… He has changed mine. Do not read this and delete it but seriously consider this for your own ministry. I humbly submit, the times before us require such measures from Godly men.
Pray for the family members, friends, former students and partners of some of our leaders living in Hattiesburg and Petal as they deal with the devastating impact of the tornado which struck early on Saturday morning of this week.
Pastor Kong was hospitalized on Tuesday morning with Stroke like symptoms. Thank you for your prayers for Pastor Kong. He is in stable condition. If you would like to communicate with him and you have his cell number, please text rather than call, as speaking is difficult for him right now. Please remember Kong’s wife Teresa, their daughter, and his mother during this time as well. Thank you.
We are thankful that both Zona Cero and New Hope have been able to secure new meeting places for their churches to meet for worship. These new places provide good space with better financial arrangements.
We are thankful for the improving health of Pastor Wayne Campbell in Kelowna. We are praying for his soon return. We are reminded to pray for several of our pastors and their families are battling illness in their homes.
Pray for open hearts and minds as the small team of leaders from Mississippi arrive on Monday to meet with leaders about potential partnerships in Vancouver.
We are continuing to pray for the father of Ashley Austin as he is making steps forward in recovery and is being moved to a long-term recovery facility. Pray for Ashley’s sister as she is taking the lead in caring for her father. Pray also for the sale of his home back in Buloxi.
Pray for the final enlistment being done over the next two weeks for the GenSend teams coming this summer to work in our city. Pray specifically for courageous leaders seeking to confirm the guidance of the Spirit in their lives in taking the next step of missions.
Please pray for the unity of churches and missionaries and agencies from across Metro Vancouver and beyond as they gather at Missions Fest Vancouver 2017 (January 27 to 29 at the Vancouver Convention Centre). Pray for the Spirit to inspire, empower, and call out attendees through the main sessions, seminars, and exhibits; inviting attendees to join God’s mission of Justice and the Gospel.
Pray for the enlistment of four more local leaders to join the team in the Refocus Training being sponsored by our association and its partner Tarrant County Baptist Association as we seek to build and strengthen our family of churches.
Pray for the team of eight leaders going to the Southern California Send Conference the first week end of February. Pray for the encouragement and strengthening of our leaders and for the development of growing relationships with other planters across North America.
Please pray for the Men’s Conference (No Regrets) being conducted by Westlynn Baptist Church scheduled for February 4th. Pray for men to be called and empowered to lead their families and churches to a closer relationship with God.