“Come over and help us” Start by praying

Over the past few days, I’ve been writing a little bit more about how you could partner with us for the Gospel as we seek to see the urban West Midlands reached with the Gospel.  I’m spending a little time on this now because people often use the beginning of the academic year to evaluate and review their priorities. 

The appeal to “come over and help” begins with a request for prayer.  You’ll notice that the order in my previous posts has been “pray, give, come.”  There’s a reason for this. I think that people are more likely to be open to joining in a Gospel work if they are already supporting it through prayer and giving. It helps to build up a connection over time.

Here are some specific things we would appreciate prayer for.

1. First of all there’s much to be thankful for.  Give thanks that we were finally able to move into our new home and are starting to get to know the area and neighbours.  We are thankful too for opportunities over the summer to share the good news with people coming to the Commonwealth Games. Praise God that we were able to give out around 300 copes of Luke’s Gospel, that we had some incredibly meaningful conversations and that we are starting to hear back from people.
2. Pray that the Gospels given out will be read and that people who have heard/read the goods news will respond in faith.
3. I’m planning to go to one of our local shopping areas each week and continue to give out Luke’s Gospels regularly. Please pray that this will lead to fruitful conversations.
4. Pray for ongoing conversations with potential partners about training and resource options.
5. We would like to see two or three couples commit to pioneer planting here in the West Midlands over the next couple of years. Pray that God would draw the right people here.

I think there is something helpful about visiting mission contexts to fuel prayer.  Why not consider dropping in to Birmingham sometime. You could spend some time with me in street outreach and maybe drop in to visit one of the recent church plants or revitalisations in the region such as Nueva Vida or West Smethwick Congregational Church.

If you have not done so already, why not sign up for my regular prayer/newsletter here.