Celebrate NDP Locations PART 2
Let me just tell you, that as the Georgia State Coordinator for the National Day of Prayer, this year, I am going to meet some GREAT people.
This post is a follow up to Rethinking NDP Locations. Enjoy, and be challenged.
You can see ALL of our Georgia NDP events by CLICKING HERE or going to www.NDPGeorgia.org
let’s celebrate a 2021 NDP event
PART 2) Rethinking NDP Locations
Two and a half months ago I sent you an email with a post about Parker McFarland (part of the state NDP team, and the Cumming GA Coordinator in Forsyth County).
Here’s the original post:
https://markmirza.com/celebrate-ndp-locations/
I pointed out how I love the traditions we at NDP keep, but challenged you to let God prompt you to “color outside the lines.”
I then let Parker tell you in his own words about the journey he was (and is) on for the Forsyth County NDP. Here is a short outline of his comments, back in June. Parker…
- Acknowledged it’s not Parker’s event
- Started asking God what He wants to do
- Listened and wrote down what I heard
- Planned to obey, “dreaming big with my big God”
I thought it was time for us to check in with Parker and ask, “What is God doing?”
Parker told me that he prayed about next year’s NDP event, and felt led to reserve a DIFFERENT venue and then reach out to some key Christian leaders in Cumming GA.
Here are his words:
I reserved the venue at the new Cumming City Center, which is under construction and due to be opened to the public before the end of this year, leaving plenty of time before our May 5th, 2022 NDP event.
Also, per the Lords direction, I felt I needed to reach out to some key Christian leaders in Cumming GA.
I connected with Pastor Don Allen (Warhill Church and Victory 91.5 radio station owner)
— He is fully supporting me and intends to partner with our event next year. He will bring his Dawson County event (which includes the 5 churches he pastors, plus the stream called “North Georgia Revival” and, of course his radio station).
— I also contacted Pastor Bob Jolly of First Baptist Cumming, He too is in agreement with moving his National Day of Prayer event from his church to the new Cumming City Center next year, partnering with the NDP Forsyth event.
— And then, along with the help of Bryan Davidson, I led a meeting with the mayor, sheriff, and several area pastors of large churches – Pastors Bob and Don above, as well as Pastor Chris Emmitt of Local Church, Pastor Adam Johnson with Browns Bridge, and a businessman, Carter Barrett. I explained my vision for the event and how the Lord has been leading.
I believe I gained their trust. In preparation for next year’s event, we decided to start at 15 minute prayer meeting for local pastors to unite and pray into what God wants to do in Forsyth County.
— And the Lord gave me a name for this prayer call: “Give Forsyth 15”
Thank you, Parker, for your consistency, listening to the Lord.
I wrote the sentence above that way for a reason. You see, he and I have a 15 minute prayer call that we do and have done, every week, since March 2020.
And Parker is constantly seeking the Lord for His direction.
Now, let me make a couple of comments, based upon what is happening in Forsyth County.
First, DO NOT THINK that I am advocating combining events!
I’m not!
Personally, I like the idea of multiple events, because the reality is, not everyone can go to an event which is 5 miles away when a church is next door.
But friends, There is no “right or wrong” in that regard. The issue is, what is the Lord leading you to do. And I trust that Parker and Don and Bob and others are listening to God.
Which brings up the second point.
Listen tightly, because we as “pray-ers” really struggle with my next point. Before you read, let me just say, the issue is not about us being “right or wrong.” The issue is about us being “prideful and submissive.”
Here’s the point. Parker did not walk into these meetings saying, “God told me you are to do this…”
When I have people say that to me, here’s my standard answer, “God has my address.” Dr. Stanley used to say, “When people say to me, ‘If I were you…’ I tell them, ‘You’re not me.'”
Friends, if the Holy Spirit is in it, when you share YOUR vision, others will affirm it, perhaps by joining you, perhaps by praying for you, maybe by simply slapping you on the back.
But if they do not join you, they are clearly outside your will, right?
Right!
But it DOES NOT MEAN they are outside God’s will. In fact, if you insist, they are outside God’s will, you probably are.
Frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of these pastors still do an NDP event of some kind. LET THE HOLY SPIRIT LEAD THEM.
Friends, we have GOT TO GIVE the Holy Spirit FREEDOM to work outside of OUR will.
Let the Holy Spirit lead others, even if you think it is wrong (I’m not talking theology, I’m talking direction, clarity, next steps).
Next Steps — So that brings me to the end (PRAISE THE LORD).
What are your next steps?
May I suggest 2?
1st, Periodically, join our Wednesday morning, 6:30 am, 15 minute NDP prayer conference call. “Wow, what a mouthful.” And, yes, God is up that early, and yes we are always done in 15-ish minutes.
2nd, set up a “Give (Your County) 15” regular prayer time (May 5th, 2022 will be here before you know it).
Love you guys!
And, thanks again, Parker, for dreaming big with your big God.
Mark
Here are the details for our 15 minute, NDP Prayer Conference Call.
And, folks, remember to visit our NDP Website:
NDPGeorgia.org
Recent Comments