George Tiller

After all my writing about our prayers during George Tiller's trial, I decided to post this as a blog. Tiller was shot and killed this morning in his church in Wichita, Kansas. My heart is heavy with this news. Please pray for his family.

The following is a statement released by Bound4Life, a national organization (associated with TheCall) that exists to organize prayer for the ending of abortion in America.

BOUND4LIFE RELEASES THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:

WE ARE DEEPLY GRIEVED AND SHOCKED BY THIS MORNING’S NEWS THAT ABORTIONIST GEORGE TILLER WAS MURDERED IN WICHITA, KS. BOUND4LIFE BELIEVES IN AND ENCOURAGES THE PEACEFUL, LEGAL METHODS OF PUBLIC ASSEMBLY FOR THE PURPOSE OF PRAYER. WE DENOUNCE THE VIOLENT ACT COMMITTED TODAY AGAINST MR. TILLER AND HIS FAMILY. WE BELIEVE THAT ALL HUMAN LIFE IS UNIQUE AND PRECIOUS TO GOD.  PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR THE TILLER FAMILY DURING THIS TRAGEDY.

Day 16: Home!

Ah the sweet air of Texas. Today has been the chillest day ever, compared to how we've been running for the last 2 1/2 weeks. Nothing but driving today, and nothing but home awaits. A bit more space in the van, since the KC half of the team parted ways in Nashville. That's been nice. No offense, Jess.

This was a great trip. The team was daily praying apostolic prayers (the ones Paul prayed over his churches) over the Body of Christ during our drives. Prayers like Eph 1:17 - that they would receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God, Eph 3:19 - that they would know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, Col 1:9-10 - that they would be filled with the knowledge of His will and be fruitful, etc.

As I prayed these Scriptures, I felt myself becoming more aware of God's heart for the people we were ministering to. These Scripture prayers gave us more direction and purpose than I feel we have yet had in our touring. Personally, it helped me to see past my own individual desires and needs to the needs of the Church and the desires of the Lord for His bride.

There was a great response at each of the 12 ministry locations. So much repentance, and then afterward so much refreshing and encouragement. The entire team participated in giving encouraging prophetic words, words of knowledge and ministering physical healing.  Several reported healings, accurate words, encouraged hearts.  Such an honor to participate in the Lord having His Bride, and having her more fully, until she shines like Him.  

Here is a clip of altar ministry at Freedom Fellowship in April.

Day 11, I think: Hamden, CT

Today we are shooting over to Hamden, CT to play at Frontline Church. We have awesome history (dating back to 2003) at Frontline, a church of mostly young people who are hungry for the Lord and love to worship. It’s going to be great.

Last night we were with some old friends (our history with them dates back farther, to 1999) in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts at a church called Lighthouse. It was really great. The ministry was pretty energetic and direct, due to the fact that we were more rested than we have yet been on this trip, and due also to the Mountain Dew Richy consumed pre-service. And the people were very receptive; the whole room basically responded to the Lord at the altar call, and we prayed for healing and ministered prophetically.

We’re on the last run of the tour, and all feeling pretty good. We had a day off Saturday, and have had short drives Sunday and today, so it’s been so nice to have a more relaxed schedule. Definitely needed it.

Day 7ish: Virginia Beach

I blog from the van, thanks to Matthew Traylor's Sprint card.  Hollah.

We are on our way from Aiken, SC to Virginia Beach, VA. We’ve had ministry every night and not a whole lot of sleep, so the whole team is tired, but there’s grace. Tonight we have ministry in Virginia, tomorrow we’ll be in D.C. (or is it Massachusetts? Somebody get me a schedule), and then Saturday is just a drive day (which translates as a more restful day, hopefully).

I enjoy the long drive days. Even though we have to wake up earlier and get less sleep. For one thing, I don’t drive so I normally get to nap while we’re driving. But besides that, it gives me lots of time to quiet my soul before God, and get to the place where I can hear His voice and feel His desires for the meeting. It’s unfortunate that it takes me so much time to get to that place. The goal is to be always in that place. But it is helpful to be able to soak in the Word for a few hours as we drive.

We have a team reading plan for our drives. We’re all reading through John and Acts in these weeks on the road. Today, John 8 and Acts 12. (Somehow got a light reading day on a heavy drive day… I’ll probably read ahead.)

Day 3,4,5

Well my plan to blog every day did not work out, so I'll have to settle for a little update every few days.

We had a great time of ministry in Nashville Friday night, then drove to Anniston, AL to minister Saturday night and Sunday morning.  We got lots of good response from the people; they expressed appreciation of the fact that we were not there to entertain them but to actually lead them into worship to God.  We took some time at the end to minister to people who were grieving events in the past, and the Holy Spirit was sweet to come and comfort and begin healing them.  We also gave a repentance/restoration call, which several responded to.

We are now in Bradenton, FL.  The plan is to hit the beach this morning before we head over to the church.  Woot!

Drive thoughts

(Husbands, love your wives, just as) Christ also loved the Church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. Eph 5:25-27

Christ is longing to be united with His bride. His heart is stirred with longing for her to be sanctified and washed and reconciled to Him.

It puts touring in perspective. As I’m going to all these different churches sometimes I forget the reason behind what we’re doing. But what a privilege – to be a minister of reconciliation between Christ and His bride. Totally worth the inconveniences and discomforts of travel.