October 8, 2012
July 26, 2012
A beautiful city with a dark underside
by Jim Herrington.
Click here to visit the original blog entry.
Houston is a massive, beautiful city and it is an amazing place with beautiful people from all around the world. Betty and I love this city deeply and are grateful to God for calling us here. What is also true is that the city has a dark underside. It's hidden behind the skyscrapers and the malls, but it's there and it is painfully real.
It shows up no more vividly than in the lives of vulnerable children who live in settings where adults do not do a good job of providing for them. We call them at-risk but that makes them sound like a group that can be objectified. They are not objects. They are beautiful, loving, creative children whose spirits are being crushed from neglect.
The challenge in having this conversation is that it can seem overwhelming. When you see the facts, the problem is real and large in Houston. And, if we don't solve it, the consequences - not just for our children but - for our society are pretty dramatic.
For the fourth year in a row, Mission Houston is joining a large and growing group of individuals, congregations, businesses and ministries to host the Annual Week of Prayer and Service for Children and Youth. It begins with a Faith Summit on August 16 at St. Martin's Episcopal Church and includes a prayer guide for each day of the following week. The guide allows all of us - no matter where we are - to pray in an informed fashion and in unity about some specific needs that children in our city face.
A part of the focus is to challenge individuals and groups to find some way to serve during that week of prayer. Believing that if we get a taste of what is possible if we all take on a part, we will grow in our capacity to serve the needs of our children.
I'm writing today to ask you to sign up to become a participating group.
I'm also writing to ask every person who loves children and wants to see Houston grow in its capacity to care for our most vulnerable ones among us, to join us for the Summit. Click on this link for more information and to register for this lunch meeting on August 16, 2012. If you are a mentor, a service provider, a children's advocate, a children's ministry leader, a prayer leader, a business owner, or a concerned parent, we urge you to join us for this Summit.
Houston is a beautiful city, and it is growing in its capacity to love the most vulnerable children among us. It will take effort for you to carve out time from your busy schedule to participate in this Week of Prayer and Service for Children and Youth. I urge you to make that effort. These children need you.
Click here to visit the original blog entry.
Houston is a massive, beautiful city and it is an amazing place with beautiful people from all around the world. Betty and I love this city deeply and are grateful to God for calling us here. What is also true is that the city has a dark underside. It's hidden behind the skyscrapers and the malls, but it's there and it is painfully real.
It shows up no more vividly than in the lives of vulnerable children who live in settings where adults do not do a good job of providing for them. We call them at-risk but that makes them sound like a group that can be objectified. They are not objects. They are beautiful, loving, creative children whose spirits are being crushed from neglect.
The challenge in having this conversation is that it can seem overwhelming. When you see the facts, the problem is real and large in Houston. And, if we don't solve it, the consequences - not just for our children but - for our society are pretty dramatic.
For the fourth year in a row, Mission Houston is joining a large and growing group of individuals, congregations, businesses and ministries to host the Annual Week of Prayer and Service for Children and Youth. It begins with a Faith Summit on August 16 at St. Martin's Episcopal Church and includes a prayer guide for each day of the following week. The guide allows all of us - no matter where we are - to pray in an informed fashion and in unity about some specific needs that children in our city face.
A part of the focus is to challenge individuals and groups to find some way to serve during that week of prayer. Believing that if we get a taste of what is possible if we all take on a part, we will grow in our capacity to serve the needs of our children.
I'm writing today to ask you to sign up to become a participating group.
I'm also writing to ask every person who loves children and wants to see Houston grow in its capacity to care for our most vulnerable ones among us, to join us for the Summit. Click on this link for more information and to register for this lunch meeting on August 16, 2012. If you are a mentor, a service provider, a children's advocate, a children's ministry leader, a prayer leader, a business owner, or a concerned parent, we urge you to join us for this Summit.
Houston is a beautiful city, and it is growing in its capacity to love the most vulnerable children among us. It will take effort for you to carve out time from your busy schedule to participate in this Week of Prayer and Service for Children and Youth. I urge you to make that effort. These children need you.
May 24, 2012
Global Day of Prayer Houston 2012
More information at http://www.globaldayofprayer.com.
For information about a 2012 Global Day of Prayer event in Houston, click here.
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In July 2000 God captured the heart of a South African Christian businessman, Graham Power, with a vision based on 2 Chron. 7:14. The vision had three clear instructions:- To call Christians from all denominations in Cape Town for a Day of Repentance and Prayer at Newlands Rugby Stadium.
- To challenge Christians across the rest of South Africa to unite in a Day of Repentance and Prayer.
- To challenge Christians in Southern Africa to unite in a Day of Repentance and Prayer.
In February 2002 Graham Power had a second vision. This vision had an even bigger challenge: The whole of Africa was to gather in a Day of Repentance and Prayer, changing Africa to become a “light to the world”. Eventually, Africa was to invite all the nations of the globe to unite in this move of transformational prayer.
In May of 2002 Christians in South Africa gathered in 8 different venues for a Day of Repentance and Prayer. Again, the testimonies of church unity and the healing of communities inspired leaders to expand the vision into the rest of Africa. At a Summit in September 2002 leaders of 9 African countries agreed on the vision “Africa for Christ”.
At the same time, it was clear that different prayer streams from across the globe were flowing in the same direction with a similar vision of community transformation through prayer. God was busy raising up a church of intercession in order to prepare communities for the revelation of His glory.
Across the African continent millions of Christians were inspired to participate in the process of transforming Africa. 77 South African regions and 27 African countries committed to a Day of Repentance and Prayer for Africa on the 1st of May 2003.
On 2 May 2004 history was made when Christians from all 56 nations of Africa participated in the first ever continental Day of Repentance and Prayer for Africa. Numerous communities, villages, towns and cities united in non-denominational prayer gatherings at different venues. In South Africa 277 communities participated. A flame of prayer was burning in Africa!
At a meeting of the International Prayer Council in Malaysia in November 2004, the invitation from Africa went out to the nations of the world to participate in a Global Day of Prayer process.
On Pentecost Sunday, 15 May 2005, Christians from 156 of the 220 nations of the world united across denominational and cultural borders for the first Global Day of Prayer. In the months following this day, Christians were overwhelmed by the testimonies of God’s powerful work in answer to these prayers and in the years to follow the numbers kept increasing.
In 2008 millions of Christians from 214 nations united in prayer and on 31 May 2009 a miracle happened when this initiative miraculously expanded to 220 countries in the world. Together with the 10 Days leading up to and the 90 Days of Blessing following the Global Day of Prayer, there was a sense that the call to unity and repentance is deepening. This lay the foundation for God to fill the nations with His glory as His children from around the world cried out to him in unity.
23 May 2010 saw the 10-year celebration of the Global Day of Prayer. Whilst Christians from around the world united in prayer in Cape Town, where everything started, millions from 220 nations once again gathered in their own nations. The urgent call from Joel 2 echoed throughout the nations to return to God with repentance on a level never seen before. Yes, this was a time of rendering our hearts to God and to see the fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit on all flesh.
The growing momentum of the last 10 years has now laid the foundation to saturate nations in prayer. It’s time to shift our focus from 220 nations to facilitate a lifestyle of prayer with as many people in as many places as possible. In this new season, we will no longer aim at the goal of having organized events in every single country of the world, but rather to increase the number of gatherings on Pentecost Sunday in smaller settings, such as local churches, family homes and businesses instead of stadiums and assembly halls.
12 June 2011 saw participation from many nations, cities, towns, communities, local churches and prayer groups where believers have never had the confidence to register an event, either because they weren’t able to gather in large public places because of fear of persecution, or because they don’t have the resources to plan such gatherings. There was a definite increase of requests for materials as well as formal registrations. We believe the best is yet to come.
Please join the world for the Global Day of Prayer on 27 May 2012 and may we see the fulfillment of Hab. 2:14: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”
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For information about a 2012 Global Day of Prayer event in Houston, click here.
More information at http://www.globaldayofprayer.com.
April 25, 2012
“ONE NATION UNDER GOD” - National Day of Prayer 2012
AMERICANS WILL UNITE AND PRAY ON THURSDAY, MAY 3RD, FOR THE 61ST ANNUAL OBSERVANCE OF THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
This year’s theme, “One Nation Under God”, is based on Psalm 33:12 which reminds us that “blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” National Day of Prayer (NDP) Task Force Chairman Shirley Dobson, wife of Focus on the Family founder Dr. James Dobson, said “At this perilous and uncertain juncture in our country’s history, it is critical that we remain in prayer. The American people continue to be plagued with challenges that defy simple answers, and our hope lies in humbly seeking the Almighty’s guidance, protection, and blessing – not only on the National Day of Prayer, but throughout the year.”
Esteemed author, Founder of Turning Point Ministries, and Senior Pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church – Dr. David Jeremiah – will serve as the 2012 Honorary Chairman of the NDP Task Force and will give the keynote address at the National Observance in Washington, D.C., to be held at the Cannon House Office Building.
To learn more, or to find a National Day of Prayer event in your community, visit www.NationalDayofPrayer.org
About the National Day of Prayer The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.
December 14, 2011
2011 Year-End Letter
In 2011 we celebrated the anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream …“ speech, one of the most inspiring events in U.S. history. Walt Disney knew something about having and following dreams. He counseled, “All our dreams can come true … if we have the courage to pursue them.” And Ben Franklin was convinced that the hopeful future a person can “see” is likely to unfold when “your dreams put on work clothes.”
Mission Houston was birthed in 1997 by dreamers. They believed that the One who taught us to pray “Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” and who Himself prayed “Father, I ask that they would be one, even as You and I are one” would answer those prayers. And so they dreamed of the day when …
LaShondra is a third grader living with her great aunt. She’s never known her mother or father, and has only distant memories of a grandmother who was a crack addict before she died. LaShondra revealed recently that she has become a dreamer – not of becoming the next Beyonce or J Lo, but of becoming a teacher, and a youth league basketball coach. She has the courage to dream, she said, because “my mentor told me she would be there at my high school and college graduation.”
Five years ago the Mission Houston staff and Board spoke of a dream we sensed originated in the heart of God, where every neighborhood, school and community of greater Houston was producing whole and healthy children. In 2006 we gave our word, in launching the Whole & Healthy Children Initiative, that we would put on work clothes in order to follow and cooperate with Him in making that dream come true. We invited fellow dreamers to join us as volunteers in the public schools – specifically as mentors and tutors, as work crews providing campus revitalizations, and as friends of local schools where our love for the staff and hopes for the students would compel us to fervent prayer on their behalf.
Today in 8 public school districts there are multiple congregations collaborating in mentoring and tutoring investments in schools and in kids like LaShondra. There are also multiple congregations sharing in after-school efforts in 6 neighborhoods, and in 7 schools. These are simply the collaborative ministries with kids and schools. In addition, there are dozens of congregations who though not yet partnering with other congregations caught the vision and have adopted local schools. Just this year, in June we helped birth a brand new expression of our “work clothes on” commitment. For Houston’s Kids is a growing collaborative network of organizations (including Mission Houston) and individuals who already provide much needed services to kids from age 0 to 19. The goals include fostering a movement that greatly multiplies the number of volunteers who are changing the trajectory of the lives of at-risk kids. For Houston’s Kids is almost ready to launch a website that provides a one-stop location for volunteers all over the city to find serving opportunities that fit their passion and schedule, and will enrich the lives of kids in desperately needed ways.
Four years ago we had a dream of hundreds of teams in neighborhoods and workplaces at work to restore shalom to every segment of our city. The dream led the Mission Houston staff to launch Faithwalking in October 2007. Faithwalking is a multi-tiered process for creating disciples of Jesus who effectively connect Christ-followers to be on mission together in neighborhoods and workplaces. From 13 participants at the initial Faithwalking 101 retreat, there are now 341 persons who have completed Faithwalking 101, and 155 who have completed Faithwalking 201, and 43 who have completed Faithwalking 301, and 13 will complete our first Faithwalking 401 seminar series in December. Of these “graduates,” over 40 have made commitments to help birth “missional communities.” And there are now over 25 missional community teams that include over 100 others who have engaged the Faithwalking process that are in various stages of development and are making a difference serving in and through schools and neighborhoods and corporate offices.
Your prayers, encouragement, and financial support have made possible this verifiable evidence of changed lives, of a Church moving towards unity, and of a city experiencing Life. Thank you for standing with us in the past. And thank you, on behalf of myself and our staff and Board, for prayerfully and financially standing with us in 2012 and into a future filled with hope.
Willing to dream God’s dreams for His Church and our city,
Steve Capper
Managing Director
Mission Houston
Mission Houston was birthed in 1997 by dreamers. They believed that the One who taught us to pray “Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” and who Himself prayed “Father, I ask that they would be one, even as You and I are one” would answer those prayers. And so they dreamed of the day when …
- the members of the Body of Christ in Houston would be united, in spite of and across racial and cultural differences and theological distinctives
- our city would experience widespread spiritual and social and economic vitality because the healing, liberating presence and power of God they were asking for in prayer would be intertwined with the selfless and sustained works of Christ-followers on behalf of Houston and its residents.
LaShondra is a third grader living with her great aunt. She’s never known her mother or father, and has only distant memories of a grandmother who was a crack addict before she died. LaShondra revealed recently that she has become a dreamer – not of becoming the next Beyonce or J Lo, but of becoming a teacher, and a youth league basketball coach. She has the courage to dream, she said, because “my mentor told me she would be there at my high school and college graduation.”
Five years ago the Mission Houston staff and Board spoke of a dream we sensed originated in the heart of God, where every neighborhood, school and community of greater Houston was producing whole and healthy children. In 2006 we gave our word, in launching the Whole & Healthy Children Initiative, that we would put on work clothes in order to follow and cooperate with Him in making that dream come true. We invited fellow dreamers to join us as volunteers in the public schools – specifically as mentors and tutors, as work crews providing campus revitalizations, and as friends of local schools where our love for the staff and hopes for the students would compel us to fervent prayer on their behalf.
Today in 8 public school districts there are multiple congregations collaborating in mentoring and tutoring investments in schools and in kids like LaShondra. There are also multiple congregations sharing in after-school efforts in 6 neighborhoods, and in 7 schools. These are simply the collaborative ministries with kids and schools. In addition, there are dozens of congregations who though not yet partnering with other congregations caught the vision and have adopted local schools. Just this year, in June we helped birth a brand new expression of our “work clothes on” commitment. For Houston’s Kids is a growing collaborative network of organizations (including Mission Houston) and individuals who already provide much needed services to kids from age 0 to 19. The goals include fostering a movement that greatly multiplies the number of volunteers who are changing the trajectory of the lives of at-risk kids. For Houston’s Kids is almost ready to launch a website that provides a one-stop location for volunteers all over the city to find serving opportunities that fit their passion and schedule, and will enrich the lives of kids in desperately needed ways.
Four years ago we had a dream of hundreds of teams in neighborhoods and workplaces at work to restore shalom to every segment of our city. The dream led the Mission Houston staff to launch Faithwalking in October 2007. Faithwalking is a multi-tiered process for creating disciples of Jesus who effectively connect Christ-followers to be on mission together in neighborhoods and workplaces. From 13 participants at the initial Faithwalking 101 retreat, there are now 341 persons who have completed Faithwalking 101, and 155 who have completed Faithwalking 201, and 43 who have completed Faithwalking 301, and 13 will complete our first Faithwalking 401 seminar series in December. Of these “graduates,” over 40 have made commitments to help birth “missional communities.” And there are now over 25 missional community teams that include over 100 others who have engaged the Faithwalking process that are in various stages of development and are making a difference serving in and through schools and neighborhoods and corporate offices.
Your prayers, encouragement, and financial support have made possible this verifiable evidence of changed lives, of a Church moving towards unity, and of a city experiencing Life. Thank you for standing with us in the past. And thank you, on behalf of myself and our staff and Board, for prayerfully and financially standing with us in 2012 and into a future filled with hope.
Willing to dream God’s dreams for His Church and our city,
Steve Capper
Managing Director
Mission Houston
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