May 26, 2000

Dear Body Member,

Greetings, again, in Jesus name!

Two months have gone by since we instituted a newer, more aggressive approach to prayer in our church. We said we would be doing this for at least one month, and then look for some feedback. The feedback by those involved was really positive.

Thus far the response has continued to be most positive. By special request a third meeting was started at 11:00 AM on Sundays, in the library, with a high of 10 people attending this last Sunday. Total attendance at our three different meetings for prayer had been averaging between 40 and 50 people, though the last three weeks with Mother's Day, graduation activities, Memorial Day and the start of the summer, attendance has dropped. This does not include those who prayed for the church in their small groups, or the young people in their meetings. We need to thank God! This is most significant.

We would encourage each one of those who consider this their church to be actively involved in a prayer ministry. The church suffers when this does not happen, and the person misses the blessing of waiting on God with His family. Some have voiced the fact that "we sort of got out of the habit of being at a meeting for prayer." This is a really tragic situation that evangelical churches in recent decades, across the county, have allowed to happen. Brothers and sisters, we need to turn things around! The power of God needs to flow through His churches again, bringing revival to our most needy nation. Someone has said that perhaps one of the greatest shocks and disappointments we will experience when we get to heaven is to suddenly realize how greatly God's work suffered just because we didn't pray. And that doesn't just happen. It happens because we simply allow it to. "The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controled so that you can pray." (I Peter 4:7)

Many were not in church this last Sunday because you were gone for the week-end. We had a bulletin insert which was a simple survey on prayer. We will do this again this Sunday. If you have the survey, but just didn't turn it in, please fill it out, put it in your Bible or purse, and see we get it next Sunday. Thanks for your help in making our church a "House of Prayer"!

What a privilege and delight to serve together in this ministry. We trust that this opportunity can be shared broadly in the church. God, by His grace, has rich provisions for us as a church. Let us not miss out by "having not, because of asking not." And let us be an enthusiastically grateful church as we anticipate His blessing.

With praise and gratitude!

Bob Chapman, Prayer Coordinator