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Greetings from Savannah, Georgia (where we're doing an interim pastorate for a few months)-

I want to make sure you're hearing about some of the good things God is doing across North America. Probably the most exciting reports are coming from the HOPE HEALS initiatives - Houses of Prayer Everywhere! We thank God for every church where this is the goal.



I had a divine appointment experience a few days ago near our apartment and Don wrote it up in a blog:

An interesting thing happened on the way to the dumpster. Yesterday Ruthie was taking the trash to the compactor at the apartment complex where we're staying. Enroute she met a young woman and as they walked they chatted for a minute - (just girl talk). Ruthie turned to walk away and continue her errand, but she felt a check in her spirit. So she turned and walked back to her new acquaintance, and, out of the blue asked, "Are you a Christian?" The lady thought a moment, then admitted, "Well, I am, but I'm not living like it right now." Ruthie replied, "Well you know God still loves you, right?" The lady admitted she wasn't sure, but by now there were big tears in her eyes. They spoke for a few minutes more and Ruthie prayed for her there by the dumpster. When she said Amen, the new friend was in full meltdown. She was obviously sensing that God was pursuing her and had sent her help in the unlikeliest of places. Before they parted, Ruthie added, "At our church we have a prayer service on Wednesday evening and we would be so happy to have you come so we can pray for you." Without hesitating the lady replied, "I will. Tell me where your church is." When Ruthie pointed out the directions, the lady replied, "Oh, I know where that is. I'll be there." Will she? We don't know for sure, but I think so. I couldn't help but reflect on what had just happened. A young woman, not near a well but near a dumpster, struggling through her life outside the will of God. A providential meeting with someone who cared about her and was willing to engage in conversation. Appropriate questions. Caring answers. Assurance of her value in the eyes of God. An invitation. I just believe God loves to do that. But also, just down the street, a praying church. When she arrives on Wednesday she will be greeted warmly and genuinely. As the Spirit leads she will likely be invited to come to the front where some prayer warriors will gather and intercede fervently (biblical word) for her. They will pray that God will strengthen her, that He will help her understand His strong plan for her life. They will ask that He give her the desires of her heart. That the providential encounter will change the population of eternity. I just believe God loves to do that, too. -By Don Jacobsen

Let me bring you up to date on what God is doing in our next door neighbor: Canada. With nearly 4,000,000 square miles, (the US has just over 3,000,000) and well over 35,000,000 population, (California has 39,000,000) Canada poses both huge challenges and awesome opportunities. Our church in Canada has 376 local congregations and just over 68,000 members.

The work of prayer all across Canada has been strong for decades. Beginning in the 1980's, prayer conferences and events have been hosted all across the country, from Camp Hope in British Columbia, and Burman University (formerly Canadian University College in Alberta), reaching all the way across to Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. The church is healthy because it is a praying church.

We know that "in answer to united prayers there may be expected a power greater than that which comes in answer to private prayer." Canadians have demonstrated the truth of that statement.

Meet just a few of your colleagues who are responsible for the leadership of Prayer Ministries in Canada:

Don Corkum Prayer Coordinator SDA Church in Canada

Karel (Carl) Samek Prayer Coordinator British Columbia

Warren Kay Prayer Coordinator Alberta

Nyasha Mukura Manitoba/Saskatchewan

Diane McGivery Prayer Coordinator Maritime

Nicole Thorsteinson Helper Prince Edward Island (Maritime)

Eustace Williams Prayer Leader Ontario

Esther Emile Prayer Coordinator Quebec

Victor M. Reyes-Prieto Prayer Coordinator, Editor of Ask.Seek.Knock. Newfoundland/Labrador

http://sda24.adventistchurchconnect.org/article/8/prayer.

He says: "Corporate or group prayer establishes a platform for unity and accord (Acts 1:14). Blessings from heaven come in a powerful way when prayer is practiced in community... Could it be that the success of our mission to expand in this part of the world heavily depends on God's idea of corporate prayer more than any strategy we can come up with?"

Access the link at: http://sda24.adventistchurchconnect.org/article/8/prayer.

Let us know what God is doing where you serve.
With love,

Ruthie