Grady Russell

This morning, Joyce and I walked through our neighborhood and prayed for our neighbors. We know that there are Christians living near us, but there are also folks from a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds. We know that there are many who need to hear about our loving Lord. Our church is embarking on a mission to impact our communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ. We felt that it was important to begin this journey with prayer. I am 52 years old and I believe now more than ever in the power of prayer.

As Pentecostal people we are empowered to serve God when we are filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in other tongues. This marvelous experience changed the early disciples in a powerful way. It has powerfully affected believers in every generation. I was reading an article about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that came over 100 years ago. The article on the CBN website said in part, “Right around the first hour of the first day of the new century — January 1st, 1901, Agnes Ozman asked Parham to lay hands on her and pray for this baptism and the gift of tongues. Swiftly, the prayer was answered. Phil Johnson covers the religion beat for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He said, “Agnes Ozman became the first person in this century to speak in tongues and that started the Pentecostal movement as we know it today.” Johnson added, “Agnes Ozman, it was said, spoke in Chinese for three days straight. She couldn’t speak in English at all.” “ You can read the complete article for yourself here. There is another compelling account on the Assemblies of God Enrichment Journal site.

That event began a revival that swept the world. The Holy Spirit broke down barriers that men could not. Men and women of all races and aspects of society were equals in the early days of this movement. There were certain attitudes that characterized the revival; a sincere love for all mankind, fervor for evangelism, and a great commitment to missions. Just over 100 years after that humble beginning, there are tens of millions of Pentecostals in every region of the world.

God poured His Spirit upon that generation just as He did on the first Pentecostal believers. Today we are praying that He will do the same for us. I want to be a part of a church that models the same attitudes as the Azusa Street believers. I believe that God is sending people to us to catch this vision and impact our world for Christ. It must begin in our community.

Would you pray for us? Next week we will start distributing informational packets and meeting our neighbors. Please pray for favor and for the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon our endeavors. We intend to plant seeds of the Gospel and water what others have planted and expect God to provide a bountiful increase. By adding your prayers to ours you will help to multiply our efforts.

Jesus said, in Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV) … “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Would you ask the Lord to send us workers to help us reach our community? Would you also ask your church to pray for us?

I am praying that every believer reading this will pray for miracles for SonPointe Church. I am also praying that you will walk your neighborhood and pray for the lost souls living near you. It is time for the church to get out of our comfortable homes and tell others the Good News about Jesus Christ! He is coming soon!

Stay tuned! Great reports are coming!