(Continued from the previous page) The news, testimony and changed lives of the gang spread through the prison like wildfire. The gospel was spreading in the prison like butter on warm bread. The prayers of the believing inmates and the various Christian groups that had been serving them had not fallen on deaf ears. God was answering in miraculous fashion. In 2019, Marion State Prison was considered one of the safest prisons in the state with an estimated Christian population of nearly 50%. All because God's people both inside and outside of the prison got together in groups of 3 - 5 and asked God for God-sized change. For the last year and a half, God has put congregational prayer on my heart. Like most efforts, progress was slow at the beginning with two or three people. Now, our prayer groups of as many as 15 gather and pray on Tuesday evenings. Even with this small group of prayer warriors, we see many of the ministries of the church growing from small groups to children's ministries. Recently, we have had seventh graders and teens starting Bible studies at their schools before classes begin. We have seen church growth and health improving as God moves. It is still early in our ministry, and we could use your presence on Tuesdays and your prayer support so that we can see God move in answer to our prayers. Here is what I can promise: 1. A somewhat unconventional prayer meeting with just Scripture and prayer 2. When you come regularly, you will begin to pray differently and more effectively than ever before 3. We will see growth in our church and its ministries 4. We will see God moving in our local communities 5. Missionaries will be prayed for and supported in broader ways 6. Our local governments, state government, and national governments will be prayed for 7. Our pastors, deacons, church staff and congregation will be lifted in prayer
This is what you can expect when you come: That you pray along with us
Pray silently with us if you do not want to pray aloud Pray aloud as the Spirit leads you if you do pray aloud You may submit requests to the group – typically supplication requests will be prayed for after Adoration, Confession, and Thanksgiving You will become a better and more effective prayer warrior There will be a short Bible reading at first then prayer – prayer is our focus
Please consider coming and adding your voice to ours. God promises and releases great power when the congregation prays together. Come help us and see what God is doing.
Respectfully, Mark Painter Chairman of the Deacons
P.S. If you are a senior (50 and over), please consider Joy in the Morning. It is prayer and fellowship time for seniors every 3rd Saturday of the month. This month we will be meeting on April 12th, instead. It is a very similar format; except we have doughnuts and a social time afterwards. Seniors often feel they age out for many ministries but we (since I am well into that group) are frequently the most experienced prayer warriors: So, come out and be a part of watching God make things happen.
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