Over the past years, the IPHC family has used the month of January as a time to strategically focus on praying for our church communities, our denomination, and the kingdom of God. In 2019 we invite you to consider the following themes for prayer emphasis:
1) The core value for 2019 is “We Prayerfully Value Justice.”
2) The IPHC has adopted the vision of Arise 2033 as a key game plan for the future.
3) Under the theme of “Pray the Lord of the Harvest,” we are believing for an increase of people who are willing to be workers in the harvest for the kingdom.
None of these goals will be reached without prayer!
Our world is crying for justice in all areas of life. The gospel message is love, and it is love for all people. Justice includes the equality of all races. We pray for justice of the oppressed. Human and sexual trafficking is a blight on our land. Immigration concerns impact us all. We value justice for men and women and as a denomination, we have always been concerned about the “least of these.” Jesus stated, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). You can find more information about the IPHC emphasis on We Prayerfully Value Justice on our website.
Presiding Bishop Doug Beacham initiated Arise 2033 last summer, and together we are believing God for IPHC congregations in 75 percent of the counties in the United States. The vision includes planting 200 new traditional congregations among immigrant populations in the U.S. and to establish house churches in major U.S. cities. Also, we are looking to have IPHC presence in 150 nations of the world, as well as 5,000 new congregations outside the United States.
To reach the goals of Arise 2033 we must have a definite increase of men and women who will respond to the call of God to share the gospel of Christ in a variety of venues. “Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:38). Join the IPHC community in prayer for workers in the kingdom.
On January 9, 2019, the IPHC Day of Prayer, we will live stream a prayer gathering in Oklahoma City from 7:30pm-9:30 pm CST. Dutch Sheets will lead in this time of prayer, as he speaks at the 2019 EVUSA Leadership Gathering. We hope you can join us via the live stream or on the IPHC Facebook page, as the IPHC unites for this important time of intercession.
WIN also encourages all to consider a time of fasting and prayer for the month of January 2019. In the Bible, Jesus certainly expresses that fasting was a discipline that positions the church for greater victories. With statements like: “some things only come by prayer and fasting” (Mt. 17:21) and, “…when you fast…” (Mt. 6:16), Jesus indicates that He expects His followers to fast. IPHC WIN is confident that everyone can find a way to participate!
Written By: Dr. Lou Shirey
