26 May 2009

NNZ network unites in prayer

Auckland, New Zealand
Melody Tan

Church members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North New Zealand have initiated a region-wide prayer network to help them unite in prayer for the mission of the church.

The North New Zealand Prayer Network sends out a monthly email that informs subscribers about the key strategic needs for prayer in the region and encourages them to pray about it. The email also provides tools and resources relating to prayer.

"The prayer network collates and distributes prayer needs from church leaders and local churches," says Russell Willcocks, pastor of the North Harbour Adventist church and editor of the monthly "Prayer Network" email. "The prayer requests, however, are specific to the mission of the church."

Pastor Ed Gallagher, spiritual growth pastor for the Adventist Church in North New Zealand says the church administration is pleased about the "grassroots prayer initiative."

"We are excited about it: we'll be part of it and we give it our full support," he says. "We're anticipating a mighty blessing as more and more of God's people come into united prayer for the progress of the gospel."

Pastor Willcocks says he also believes in the power of united prayer offered in agreement with each other. The idea of the prayer network is based on Matthew 18:19, where Jesus said, "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven."

The first "Prayer Network" email was sent on May 13 to more than 60 subscribers who signed up after the conclusion of a North New Zealand prayer summit, hosted by the North Harbour church in April.

"Churches are welcome to request prayers for their events, outreach programs and strategically important needs, like the purchase of land for a new church," says Pastor Willcocks. "But signing up is also a commitment to pray for needs shared in the email."

Included in the list are prayer requests for God's presence in North New Zealand regional camp-meeting next year, and for a revival across churches, homes, schools, communities and the nation.

"We are passionate about praying for and helping our churches become praying churches," says Pastor Willcocks.

Sign up to the North New Zealand Prayer Network.

Photo credit: available light photograhy ltd

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