Prayer Central

by Richard Long,

   In our various trips around the World Wide Web we run across a myriad of interesting resources.  The Holy Spirit is inspiring many people to harness the power of the internet for the purposes of the Kingdom.

Prayer Central is a website hosted in India, that serves a global community.  You can pray for all kinds of targets, including the Mission in Afghanistan, or missions work in different parts of Asia, or even the nation of Israel.  As well there are lots of prayer teaching, inspirational articles, and a daily devotional.

Check out Prayer Central for more information.

More Memories of Remembrance Day

by Richard Long,

  We were so blessed yesterday!  The Lord allowed our team to set up right across from the arrival area at the red carpet at the National War Momument.  This is ground zero when it comes to the centre of the action.  In the picture, which was taken by one of our Nazarites – Bill Mintram, you see Prince Charles getting ready to get out of his limo and the Governor General Michaelle Jean with her consort and her daughter, getting ready to welcome the royal party.

Both the Prince and the GG were in their matching military uniforms.  She looked very tiny beside him. 

A few minutes earlier we had seen the Prime Minister and his family pull up in their limo.

For me it is always the Scottish regiments that touch me deeply.  My grandfather fought and was wounded in WW1 as a member of the Scottish infantry.  I used to watch him march in the Veteran’s Day parade in Toronto and was very proud of the sacrifice he was willing to make for our freedom.

No question, there was something deep going on yesterday.  People watching on TV at home, or those of us who got to be right in the middle of things; we all felt a “sacredness” to the ceremony.  I loved that Amazing Grace was played on a soliltary bagpipe at one point, and at another point the Chaplain-General prayed a wonderful prayer in the name of Jesus.

 

Remembrance Day

by Terry Long

     Most people only read the touching poem from World War 1 titled “In Flanders Fields” just on Remembrance Day.  I have the opportunity to read it almost every week, as this famous poem is etched on the wall inside the War Memorial Chamber in the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill.  The picture above shows the etching on the left wall if you look carefully.   We at the National House of Prayer take prayer teams inside this room to pray almost on a weekly basis.  Even though I have read it many times it still touches me deeply.  We are posting it here today and we invite you to read it and ponder these timeless, sobering and selfless words again and to give thanks for those who were and are being martyred for our freedom. 

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

“Helping Military Families” Conference

by Richard Long,

  A very significant conference will be taking place this summer in Estes Park, Colorado sponsored by the Military Christian Fellowships of North America.  It runs from Aug. 17-21 and has a great line up of speakers including Myles Munroe, Richard Blackaby and our own Rob Parker.  Anyone interested in learning how to minister effectively to the military and their families will find this conference extremely beneficial.

Learn more about the “Helping Military Families” Conference here.

Canada & Afghanistan

by Richard Long

   Nation Building is not a simple task.  We and other NATO countries have learned that as we have sought to come alongside the nation of Afghanistan in the last few years.  The process is fraught with pitfalls and requires a long term commitment.  It certainly requires a lot of work beyond military means, though I for one, understand the need for a strong military force to create stability before the other processes can really take root.

   Today’s surprise visit by PM Stephen Harper to Afghanistan (see the article) should be an urgent reminder to us that intercessors need to undergird this nation-to-nation effort.  Without divine help this task is impossible. 

  As the church we understand we have a similar mandate to disciple the nations.  That’s another large topic and one that has a different approach than military means or diplomacy.  Still it reminds us of the similar challenges that government and church face when they take on the task of transforming a nation.

Military Prayer Vigil

by Richard Long

  The third annual Prayer Vigil for the Military and their Families, sponsored by the Military Christian Fellowship enjoyed a balmy temperature of about -1 C yesterday at 5:00 P.M.  I estimated about 60 folks in attendance.

  It was well-organized (what do you expect from the military) by Michael and Leonor Ward and included lots of great prayer leaders.  They included official chaplains, retired military personnell, active duty soldiers, local pastors and the leadership of MCF and NHOP.

  Afterwards folks came back to NHOP to warm up with some hot choclate and cookies which was a good excuse to have some warm fellowship.  We’ve done this event in -25 C weather the last couple of years, so the need for actual warmth was perhaps less necessary.  NHOP was well represented, with all our former Nazarites, prayer missionaries and leadership team playing roles and supporting the prayer effort.

  Numerous other communities across Canada from St. John’s Nfld to Vancouver B.C. ran their own prayer vigils.  We expect to hear some reports over the next few days.

Praying for the Military

by Richard Long,

 

The month of July brought a major change to the top of our Canadian Military.  The much beloved General Rick Hillier retired and immediately took up the Chancellorship of Newfoundland’s Memorial University.  Replacing him is Gen. Walter Natynczyk, a Winnipeg native who know is the Chief of Defence Staff.

  He needs our prayers, as it will be under his command that the soldiers are recalled in 2011.  One of his tasks, along with the chaplains, is to speak to the families of the wounded and killed over in Afghanistan.  If you have been watching the news that means that he has to make two difficult phone calls this weekend.

  Our troops are deployed on directions from our government.  In that sense they are an arm of government.  This means they are also a part of our prayer mandate at NHOP. 

  One way you can be kept informed about how to pray for the Military is through the prayer arm of the Canadian Christian Military Fellowship, which is led by Michael and Leonor Ward.  Here’s the link to their website where you can sign up for their monthly newsletters.