"Let Your Kingdom come, let Your will be done." Matthew 6:10
Can Prayer Change Nations?
Dear Everyone,
In 1980 the Soviet Union led by Russia, was a nuclear superpower. The Soviet Union had just invaded Afghanistan. The threat of nuclear war had reached heights not seen since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact countries looked so strong. Christianity and the Bible were outlawed and there were very few open churches. But in 1981 the Open Doors Organization led by the Dutch evangelist and Bible smuggler Brother Andrew called for a seven year, worldwide campaign to pray for the fall of the communism and for the Soviet Union to be open to the Gospel.
I remember when I read this at the time that it seemed such an impossible thing to pray for.
In 1982, Open Doors called for a focused on the Soviet Union. They began covertly delivering Bibles to tens of millions of believers who did not have a Bible. Things began to change. In 1987, large numbers of religious prisoners were released from labour camps and prison cells. In the same year, changed postal regulations allowed tens of thousands of New Testaments to be sent to believers and churches across the Soviet Union, and the gospel was spreading.
On 9th November, 1989 East Germany allowed travel to the western half of Germany. Then on 13 June 1990, the Berlin wall that divided East and West and symbol of communist power was torn down. This was almost exactly seven years after the prayer campaign had started.
As of recent estimates, there are now about 40,000 churches in Russia, with an average of three new churches being opened each day. This number is expected to double within the next 25-30 years. One of the main factors contributing to this amazing growth is the openness to the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit especially among young adults. (Orthochristian.com, eastwestreport.org)
Truly God can answer prayer.
Blessings,
Peter
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, you know that our parish needs a new beginning. You know that our Hornby congregation needs a new place to call home, a new place to worship and grow in. We humbly ask to provide what is needed at the right time and help us to reach out to our three communities with Your Good News. In Jesus precious name. Amen.
How to Pray
Come: In prayer to our heavenly Father. Present Him with the three ways forward. Tell Him how you feel about each option.
Listen: Write down any Bible verses or words that come into your mind as you wait on the Lord. Record any pictures or feelings that come to you as you pray.
Share: Email what you believe you have received from the Lord.
What is Happening in West Melton
Protecting and Shaping Your Legacy - Canterbury Community Foundation (Kura Tāwhiti) are hosting a free seminar all about wills, EPOA, leaving a gift in will to charities you care about and generally what happens to you, your stuff and your legacy when you pass.
Thursday 19 November, 5pm - 7pm, at Pearce Lounge - West Melton Community and Recreation Centre
Light refreshments provided, Free to attend
Registration is essential. To register visit https://events.humanitix.com/protecting-and-shaping-your-legacy-west-melton
Today’s Sentence and Prayer
Sentence: The Lord shall appear in glory. He will hear the prayer of the destitute, and shall not despise their prayer.” (Psalm 102:16-17, NKJV)
Prayer of the Day: Dear Heavenly Father, You are always ready to answer our prayers. We trust in Your Son’s promise, that You will answer every heart-felt prayer. Help us to bring all our cares and sorrows to You, knowing that You will up hold and strengthen us, though the presence and power of Your Holy Spirit in us. Amen.
Readings: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-19 and Luke 18:1-8
Theme: Can Prayer Change Nations?
Parish News
What is happening at St Columba’s
Time For You
No Time For You in November as our Christmas breakup is Tuesday 1st December. Details to follow. All welcome. Contact Gina on 027 766 5073 for more information.
Craft Day
Change of Date: 21 November, 10am-3pm. Bring along your activity or just come for a natter. Tea and coffee provided BYO lunch. Gold coin donation to cover costs. Inquiries to Gina 260 1347
What is happening at St Saviour’s
Young Adults group at St Saviour’s - seeking new members
We have a small young adults group (ages 18-35) who would love to get to know new members. If you know anyone who might be interested in joining, please contact Petra 022 509 5781 (text only) or Adam on 027 293 0582 if you are interested in being part of a Young Adults Group. Contact Adam if you are interested in joining the Men’s Group.
Bible Study Group
We’d love to welcome a few more ladies into our weekly Bible study group. We meet once a week on Riwai Street for friendship, encouragement, and time in the Word together. It’s relaxed, supportive, and a lovely way to connect with other women. If you’re interested or want to know more, message or call Nicola on 0273267647
Visiting
A couple of us have been visiting the sick and elderly! It is a joy to visit our church family when they can’t always come to the service. If you have a spare hour or so, we recommend paying a visit to someone who might not get so many visitors or can’t get out much at the moment. Contact Petra (text only) to find out more.
Next Prayer Meetings
Templeton will be held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday mornings of the month -
9:15am: at Jean’s place.
Hornby will be held on Wednesdays mornings -
Wednesday 10.30am, prayer gathering at Bolton's place
Anglican Parish of Hornby, Templeton and West Melton & Beyond…
Prayer for Leading Your Church into Growth
God of mission, who alone brings growth to your Church, send your Holy Spirit to give vision to our planning, wisdom to our actions, joy to our worship, and power to our witness. Help our parish churches to grow in numbers, in spiritual commitment to you, and in service to our local community. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
News from around the Diocese
See Anglican e-life: http://anglicanlife.org.nz/publications/e-life/
Helpful info
Groups
It’s easy to connect and get involved with some great social and faith-focused groups that meet regularly across the parish. You can find out about all our regular groups on our Groups page. If you have any questions, just click the contact button to connect with the group’s organiser.
Recycling
Used batteries can be placed in the boxes in each church or taken to Mitre 10
Soft plastics can be dropped off at participating store locations. This is any plastic you can fold up in your hand.
Pastoral Care
Need meals or other in-home pastoral support? Please contact the Parish Pastoral Care Co-ordinator.
In-Home Communion
If parishioners can't attend church but would still like to have communion, this can be brought to you at your home or rest home. Please get in touch with the Home Communion Co-ordinator to organise this.
Need prayer?
We’d love to pray for you. See the ‘Prayer Support’ section on the Help & Support page for more information on how we can help with your prayer needs. There are confidential and anonymous options available.
