The Power of Prayer

Every Sunday I get the chance to meet new people or have new experiences, as I travel to different churches to preach or present my mission information. I love, love, love it! I like meeting new people and seeing new places.

Last night I learned that Bealeton, Virginia recently added their third stoplight in town, and that kind of arcane information makes me understand that area of central Virginia a little better. When I drive through town, I wonder about the type of people I'll meet at the church, what their style of worship will be, and more.

I was even more interested than usual in Liberty AG in Bealeton, because I had a personal investment in that church. Five years ago, at the district "day of prayer," I was in a small prayer circle with Wes Shortridge. He asked that we pray for his new church plant in Bealeton that was about to open; I asked that he pray for my missionary efforts. Rolling into town last night, I was really curious about this church that I'd prayed for five years ago.

The amazing thing: when I walked in, I greeted Pastor Wes saying, "We've met once before . . ." and he interupted, "Yeah, we prayed together five years ago." He remembered that we'd prayed specifically for his church and my next missionary term. As it turned out, that was part of the reason that he'd invited me to share with the church.

Because of the extreme cold (and the football games on TV), attendance was way down last night. After I spoke, we had a long time of prayer around the altars, and the pastor encouraged the folks to come over to me, as the Spirit led them, to pray over me. About five women prayed over me over the course of about 45 minutes. Their prayer was incredible. I felt that some things they prayed about were prophetic, and I know that I'll see the result of those prayers in Israel/Palestine in time to come.

My relationship with Liberty Assembly started with prayer and so it continues . . . . .