Keep Brooklyn Director Randy Burtis in your prayers this month. See below for more prayer requests.
Dear Brooklyn Intercessors,
This month the focus of our prayer has been on intercession. Would you believe me if I said you could reverse God's impending judgement? In Deuteronomy, Aaron disobeyed and made a gold calf for people to worship after God had given his commandment to worship no other gods. As a consequence, Aaron was going to be destroyed, but Moses prayed for him and he was spared. That is what happens when we intercede. As we pray for loved ones who don't know Christ as Savior and Lord, we are making definite petitions on behalf of definite persons with definite difficulties. The power and authority to reverse impending judgment comes not from our own righteousness, but solely on God's great love and determination. He is patient so no one will perish. Then He does the unthinkable, again, and gives us the awesome title of "royal priests!"
We have much to give thanks for:
• God called us out of the darkness into His wonderful light and gave us the awesome title of "royal priests."
• Hebrews 7:24-25 But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.
• Francis Chan, Luis, Andrew and Passion challenged over 8,500 people at five different venues over five days to be "Re:New"ed; to deepen their walk with God, partner with fellow believers, and make an eternal difference in their homes and communities.
• Thankful for the continued healing of Randy Burtis' eye and his ability to rest according to doctor instructions.
• Thankful for the five neighborhood partnerships formed to organize and share the gospel at each Brooklyn CityFest event. (Reference borough map below to see ethnic distribution.) Canarsie, comprised mainly of Haitian pastors
o Sunset Park with Chinese pastors
o Sunset Park with a diverse group of churches
o Bushwick, centered around a neighborhood kids 3 on 3 basketball tournament.
o Red Hook will include a major food distribution plan with their event.
• Thankful for clusters of churches across Brooklyn neighborhoods meeting regularly to pray and develop relevant strategies to serve their communities.
o Bedstuy churches are mounting initiatives to partner with schools.
o Brownsville churches are praying about the best way to reach at-risk young people.
o East Flatbush churches are planning an extensive program of combating gun violence and have already started ministering to the families of victims.
o Canarsie pastors are focusing on immigration issues and will host seminars to help undocumented people navigate the complex immigration system.
Pray:
• That as we seek God, may we see Him in new ways to eradicate any seeds of unbelief.
• Like a moth attracted to light, may neighborhood partnerships draw in many other churches to unite and be the Church, under the Lordship of Christ, bringing glory to God.
• Every Brooklyn neighborhood represented on the map below will be involved in a CityServe activity &/or CityFest event.
• For hearts to be prepared to receive the seed of the Good News.
• Each neighborhood church group will seek the Lord to exercise their specific gifts, calling and position to fulfill their unique purpose within the Body, all for God's glory!
• For unity to prevail in The Church, bringing glory to God; that individual agendas will fall away.
• For availability and favor to obtain venue approval for the numerous events throughout the Tri-State area.
• For positive reception and support from all the many forms of media.
• From John 17 - By the power of the name of Jesus, protect all people involved with NYC and their families: that they will be safe from the evil one, they will be filled with joy, they will be made holy by the teachings of God's truth.
• For plans to hold a fundraising dinner in NYC on March 30th with Mark Burnett, Roma Downey and Luis Palau. Continue to ask Jehovah Jireh, God will provide, to cover all the financial expenses associated with all the events.
• For Dr. A. R. Bernard's family as they grieve the loss of son, brother, husband, father, and uncle, Alfonzo. Pray also for Luis in preparation for his speaking engagement at Dr. Bernard's church, Christian Cultural Center, in Brooklyn in April.
• For the Pastor Appreciation Luncheon with Luis, Thursday, April 16 at the Grand Prospect Hall, Brooklyn.
• Language would not be a barrier within Brooklyn. Just as it was on the day of Pentecost, people came to belief and were baptized when they heard about the wonderful things God had done in their own language.
"Now to Him who equips us with all we need for doing his will, may he produce in us, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Hebrews 13:21.
Amen!
Connie Luebke
Southwest Regional Prayer Coordinator