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Dear People of the Northstate Vision:
Paah-ho-ammi! Cry alas, My People! As we swing into the season of the Resurrection we also enter the last third of the prayer project named for the ancient cry of prophets from Jeremiah to Joel – and we see that the fruit is already coming into the bin in a variety of ways. Although I have to stress that I cannot yet document what follows, it appears that God is answering the prayers of the two hundred intercessors backed by more than a dozen churches in a significant way.
It looks as though traffic fatalities are down by about twenty-five per cent and there have apparently been neither suicides nor deaths in the younger generation aged fourteen to twenty-four in the county. Unemployment appears to be dropping five times more than in 2004 and we see from the newspapers that housing sales – after slumping for two months – are rising again. New building projects continue and jobs are being brought into the county in blocks of four and five hundred. The Francis Court transitional housing project was dedicated last month and Carenet Pregnancy Center of the Tri Counties again broke its own fundraising record as the dedicated volunteers help parents to birth their babies instead of destroying them. (Abortions are also down in the county.)
There was a wave of burglaries and petty robberies early in the year and well into the Paah-ho-ammi period of concerted prayer – some of our prayer leaders were hit – we need extra covering – but the burglary ring was broken last week and petty thieves were arrested as well. Police and other officials have worked hard and long hours, and the prayer covering we have placed over them has blessed and facilitated their efforts.
Most important – as Joel tells us throughout his book – is the fact that God comes to rescue us from the consequences of our sinful rebellion while we are yet unrepentant; that’s what miracles are all about. But Joel, and his later counterpart John the Baptist, also tell us that our repentance paves the way for welcoming Him. (That is what Paah-ho-ammi is all about.) We want to know how long we must pray before God will give us a miracle; God asks how many miracles He must throw at us in order to get us to pray. He is not just talking about some time spent on our knees or even prostrate; he calls us to a lifestyle of prayer in which our conversation with Him is as natural and continuous as breathing. A blessed Easter to all – but paah-ho-ammi – now more than ever.
CURRENTPrayNorthstateEVENTS
The Intercessors’ Summit will be offered at Church of the Good Shepherd in Bonita, California, on April 21 and 22 – from 7:00 to 9:30 PM on the Friday and from 8:30 to 5:00 on the Saturday, with breakfast and lunch provided on Saturday. Good Shepherd is the church from which Jim entered the ministry and it is specially gratifying to bring this teaching home – so to speak. Participants will donate a $25.00 registration fee and will be trained and practiced in the Prayer Vanguard and Lighthouses of Prayer ministries. The first sends interdenominational teams out monthly to establish beach-heads of blessing for the community in churches, schools and businesses that request a visit. The second deploys individuals to pray for their neighborhoods. Both ministries are interdenominational and the training also prepares people to launch prophetic acts with impact in their communities. This summit will be held in San Diego Countyand 619-479-0943 is the number to call for information or to register.
The Bible: Up Close and Personal – our fourth annual Bible reading marathon over the city – will take place on Monday, May 1, from 6:00 AM through Thursday, May 4, at Noon. Readers will read for fifteen minutes at a time – around the clock – until the Redding City observance of the National Day of Prayer begins at Noon on the Thursday. Site captains work three hour shifts to supervise the activity in which the entire Word of God is spoken over the city. City officials cooperate with the project, permitting us to read from the steps of City Hall. Anyone living in Shasta County who wants to participate and has not been able to sign up in their church should contact us at praynorthstate@charter.net or call 530-941-3470 and give us a postal mailing address, the day on which they wish to read, and the portion of the day – morning, afternoon, evening, or night – during which they want to be assigned. More than 300 people from more than 40 churches will participate.
The Paah-ho-ammi Prayer Project continues through the month of April and wraps up at a 7:00 PM service of worship and celebration at Simpson University on Thursday, May 4 in a fitting climax to the National Day of Prayer and will be held in Modular Room 82 – this represents a change from earlier announcements. It will include an interdenominational celebration of the Lord’s Supper as well as worship in song and word. The worship will be led by the Neil Jones Praise Band. Anyone reading this newsletter is welcome to celebrate with us all that the Lord is doing in our county.
In the project some two hundred Christians have committed to daily prayer for the reduction of crime and suicide (Team Crime); the reduction of unemployment and the increase of indicators of economic prosperity (Team Economy); and the reduction of traffic fatalities and cancer admissions to local hospitals (Team Public Health). All of the teams pray daily for protection of youth against sudden or violent death. More than a dozen churches are praying during their Sunday services. At this writing we know that there were no fatalities on county roads during the winters’ unusually strong snowstorms. Law enforcement has broken a major burglary ring operating in the county and there have been no significant gang related incidents despite an influx of gang members. As of March 1 county Housing sales are back up after a slump and unemployment has dropped from 8.6% to 7.5% from the same month a year ago.
The Rev. James and Diana Wilson
P. O. Box 493743
Redding, CA 96049-3743
Phone 530-941-3470
praynorthstate@charter.net
www.praynorthstate.org
Dear Ones:
I need to include this supplement to our regular newsletter because of the intense spiritual warfare that is accompanying so many of the initiatives in which we are currently partnering with many others in ministry. I alluded on the cover to the fact that some of our Paah-ho-ammi leaders have been personally struck by crime and economic upheaval as they participate in paving a straight highway in the desert for our God. (Diana and I were among those burglarized last month.) We count it all as joy, as this can only mean that the Kingdom of darkness is reeling, but we and all of the participants in Paah-ho-ammi really need your extravagant prayer support and protection.
Ironically, as I planned our March newsletter most carefully to clarify a number of points of direction and departure for PrayNorthstate, I have never received so many calls with questions I thought I had answered. I want to state for any others who may be wondering that the shape and vision of PrayNorthstate is unchanged. I am not – for example – returning to the Episcopal Church; I never left that denomination in spite of the apostacy in which it now lives, but my days as a congregational pastor are long over. (I do find myself with more opportunities to serve as an apostolic witness to my denomination – alongside the plethora of opportunities to serve in that same capacity across the larger Body of Christ.) We are not moving away from Redding – and I do not believe we ever will – although we do seem to be called to travel more than we used to. I spoke in March of having resigned my posts in Pray California, but I continue to bless that ministry and it has never been mixed with PrayNorthstate; they are and always have been completely separate with the one being an affiliation and the other being my passion. Diana and I will be leading PrayNorthstate until and unless God pries us away from it!
As many already know, we are scheduled to make three overseas ministry trips in 2006. (I journey to Montana to pray at the site of the Battle of the Little Bighorn in May as well.) In July we will return to Fiji as part of an even larger team – I will again serve as the team evangelist and door-to-door prayer leader and Diana will lead various discipling and prayer activities. Last year we saw two hundred and sixty former Hindus accept Jesus as their savior and the vision for this trip is to see one thousand enter the Kingdom of Heaven with a shout of joy! Yet we have already encountered significant obstacles in the grant making process that provides funds for building materials for the houses to be built by the team and in other – more dangerous – dimensions of the preparations as well.
The medical team is to be composed of two doctors and a nurse practitioner. One of the doctors recently died due to complications in a surgery he underwent and the nurse practitioner is seeking disability for the daily migraines that have afflicted her since she committed to this trip. The other doctor had to drop out for personal reasons and we are unsure of the availability of the three dentists who planned to travel with us. For these personnel and funding issues we ask concerted and consistent intercession from each and all of you.
Diana and I have not yet even begun to seek financial support for our own expenses – I ask your prayers for this dimension as well. We will be needing to raise fifteen thousand dollars for the three trips – to Fiji in July, Scotland in August, and the Philippines in September. (The latter is for the upcoming World Christian Gathering on Indigenous Peoples, held in Sweden last year.) The Scotland trip is to pray and sow into the promised revival in that land, and to preach and teach in various locations. We have been asked to remain in the Philippines for a week after the WCGIP ends so that I can speak at a pastor’s conference and in various other venues. The funds we need are twice what we received in 2005 and the logistics seem to be overwhelming. In truth, for us it is overwhelming but for the Lord we serve it is all in the snap of His fingers.
So – I say that the warfare is hot; what are we to do? It is as it has always been – on earth as it is in heaven. Our weapons are not the weapons of this world, but rather the weapons that only God can supply. He supplies the call and the capacity to bless, forgive and commune with Him and with one another. Diana and I ask that each of you go to prayer for us and for the teams with whom we partner in each of these mission trips – but especially for the coming effort in Fiji. We ask that you bless us and the other team members. We ask that you forgive whatever attacks may have been launched against these missions in material and spiritual dimensions – where there is no unforgiven sin the enemy finds no place on which to stand. And we ask that you declare in the heavens and on earth that we are one in the Spirit of the Living God – for that is the essence of the bread which we break and share.
In case any of you are led to sow into the finances themselves, the breakdown is approximately $1000.00 for the Montana trip, $4000.00 for Fiji and $5000 each for the Scotland and Philippines trips. Obviously we would welcome donations at this or any time. However, this is not a fundraising letter. It is your prayers that we covet at this time and at all times. And our testimony is that it is an unspeakable privilege to play a role in a mission that seeks to say, “on earth as it is in heaven” in so many locations around the world and in our own region and communities. Please pray daily for us and for the leadership in Fiji, Scotland and the Philippines.
In Christ,
Jim and Diana
WHAT’S UP IN THE NORTHSTATE
In Southern California – TheAzusa Street Revival of 1906 brought spiritual gifts and a lively relationship with the Holy Spirit back into the Body and birthed several church denominations into the bargain! Many ministries and many thousands of Christians will celebrate the 100 year anniversary of this watershed event from April 25-29 in Los Angeles. Whatever branch of the Body is called home, this celebration is of historic and contemporary importance. A number of groups from Northern California will be attending and supporting this historic event. Contact azusastreet100.net for information on participation.
In Shasta County – Awakening Young Adults is at Breaking New Grounds, a downtown Redding Christian coffeehouse, on Wednesday Evenings from 9-11 PM. Led by youth pastor Banning Liebscher they for worship, sharing, and prayer for healing of. These evenings are drawing young adults from area colleges and from as far away as Red Bluff and Shingletown. All are welcome to hang with Him.
Marketplace Transformation is offered at Bethel Church, Redding, on Tuesday and Wednesday (April 11 and 12) of the week preceding Easter. Speakers include Dr. Lance Wallnau – who has mentored clients from universities to the United Nations, Dr.Joseph Umidi, of Regent University and Transformational Coaching, and Jerry Anderson, CEO of several God-based companies over a quarter century and now president of La Red Business Network. They teach principles of vision-based business. The cost is $150.00 per person and $250.00 per couple. Call 530-246-6000 for info.
Redding Transformation sponsors Good Friday at the Cross at Redding Convention Centeron Good Friday, April 14, at 7:00 PM. The worship service will feature seventy trumpets, admission is free, and Christians of all types – and those considering the claims of the Gospel – are equally welcome. Tickets are available at Redding Christian Supply, on Churn Creek Road between Cypressand Mistletoe.
High School senior Adam Proveaux has been featured on PrayNorthstate Radio and TV as a leader in establishing evangelistic concerts on his campus by and for his peers. He now realizes a lifelong ambition to become a missionary by enlisting in Youth WithA Mission (YWAM). He begins in June with Discipleship Training School and will then complete a three month mission in a TBA Asian location. He is seeking prayer and financial support and can be reached at apwindtalker@aol.com or at 530-549-3513.
In Tehama County – Wild At Heart is a men’s retreat based on the materials in John Eldredge’s best-selling books. The event helps men to recover their authentic masculine heart after the model of Jesus – who climbs every mountain and carries every lamb – He is the most manly man of all time. The retreat is led by David Charlson, Pastor Danny Silk, and the Carenet Men’s Ministry. There is a registration of $60.00 and scholarships are available as needed. Call 530-528-9056 to register or for info.
In Siskiyou County – Intercessor leaders in the Scott Valley communities of Fort Jones and Etna – Carla Gentry and Michele Lack – have established a California Prayer Watch chapter. Local people wishing to pray for their communities covenant to gather regularly and simply lift voices in worship and intercession for God to come into their communities. The intercessors will gather with their congregations on Sunday Afternoon, April 9, to pray at the gates of their communities. Like other activities in which PrayNorthstate partners, this event is designed to focus prayer on what God Himself identifies as needful. The goal is atmospheric change for Kingdom welcome.
On Saturday, April 1, popular Christian apologist and evangelist Josh McDowell will speak at Jackson Middle School in Yreka. The whole gathered Body in Yreka has partnered for this event that will also feature the worship band Stellar Kart. McDowell speaks in the morning for an adult audience and in the evening for a youth audience. His message is unchanging – Jesus really is Lord and He really does love us! It is a major feather in the cap of this rural county to bring in a speaker of this calibre – and proof positive that Jesus isn’t blowing smoke when He says “on earth as it is in heaven.”
In Butte County – The Secrets Purity Retreat is led by Sonya Vroman and Linda Kalanquin – working with the Carenet Pregnancy Centers of Paradise and Chico. The retreats are designed for girls and women between eighth grade and college ages and are meant to prepare young women for a life of purity before marriage and joy within that covenant. A retreat was held in Paradise – at a cost of $40.00 per person – on March 24 and 25. The second annual father-daughter purity ball is on Saturday, April 29, at a cost of $20.00 per father-daughter couple. The ministry also provides peer teaching of abstinence before marriage on public and private school campuses. Call 530-872-3596 for information about coming retreats or to register for the ball.
In Sacramento County – Onething is a traveling worship opportunity that brings God to college campuses. The event – originating in the International Houses of Prayer, based in Kansas City – comes to William Jessup University in Rocklin on April 20-22. It is based on the principle that God desires non-stop worship. The event has been underway in multiple locations since 1999 without letup. For more information access www.rosevillehouseofprayer.org or e-mail to onething@rosevillehouseofprayer.org. This ministry has been offered in Reddingand other NorCal locations as well.
The Sacramento International House of Prayer – SIHOP – hosts a first Saturday opportunity to pray for governmental leaders each month. In the Sacramento area these gatherings are held at Adventure Christian Church in Roseville, Capitol ChristianCenter in Sacramento, and First Baptist Church in Elk Grove. SIHOP – and PrayNorthstate agree – in asking all Christians to pray for passage of a parental notification statute regarding underage abortions and to pray that God would stay the legislative hand in the matter of assisted suicides and compulsory homosexuality friendly curricula in public schools. The abortion statute is in process of qualifying for the ballot and the other two bills are pending in the legislature now. The assisted suicide bill is supported by some 70% of Californians; its defeat would be a major move of God.
UPCOMING PrayNorthstate EVENTS
Prophetic Acts with Impact will be offered on the Yurok Reservation in Weitchpec on Friday and Saturday, June 2 and 3. I will be preaching at the community church in Weitchpec as well on Sunday, June 4. The conference teaches the concepts of prophetic acts as walking out the words God speaks in scripture and in our lives – and we stress that authentic prophecy has a demonstrable impact where we can live and see that impact. The conference is held from 7:00 to 9:30 PM on the Friday and from 8:30 to 5:00 on the Saturday. Participants will be prepared to organize a reading of the Word of God over their community, to conduct Paah-ho-ammi type prayer projects, to hold their own Prayer Vanguards, and to seek God’s healing for their land in the context of the Lord’s Supper celebrated on that land. Call 530-784-8228 for information.
PRAYNORTHSTATE RADIO and TV FOR APRIL
PrayNorthstate Radio enters April hosting Pastor Rob Brown on April 1. Rob will share an exciting discipling program called The Road to Calvary. On April 8 we host Captains Wayne Wetter ( Shasta County) and Dyrk Posey ( Tehama County) as they discuss partnering with churches to build transitional housing. The April 15 program features Skip and Penni Tyler – law enforcement chaplains, missionaries to Africa, and leaders of the RRR Boys’ Ranch. On April 22 Pastor Lyle Faudree joins us to talk about the National Day of Prayer. We finish well with Adam Proveaux and Chelsey Sullivan on outreaches to youth conducted by youth on the campus places of the youth.
PrayNorthstate TV begins April – on April 3 – with David and Sabrina Charlson and their partnership to at-risk families through the Carenet ministry. On April 10 PastorsRoger and Maria Altizer will share the cross-Body mobilization going on in Live Oak. We are joined by high school students Chelsey Sullivan and Hannah Klose on April 17 as they plan a second annual concert outreach on their high school campus. We visit with founders of the Hands of Faith association of Christian massage therapists Jenifer Cash and Monette Pierce on the last Monday of the month, April 24.
PrayNorthstate Radio is heard every Saturday Morning at 8:00 on AM 1400 KQMS. Jim is also a periodic contributor to KVIP’s Saturday Magazine, heard at 1:00 PM on FM 98.1 and AM 540 KVIP. PrayNorthstate TV can be seen each Monday Morning at 6:30 AM on Fox Channel 30/Cable 2.
WHAT THE COORDINATORS ARE UP TO
Jim preaches and teaches at Anderson Community Church at 9:00 AM on Sunday, April 2. He preaches at a TBA San Diego location on April 23. He partners with leaders of three Scott Valley churches to pray through the Fort Jones community on Sunday, April 9, at 4:00 PM. He and Diana participate in the Centenary celebration of the Azusa Street Revival the week of April 24 following the Intercessors’ Summit in Bonita. And of course we lead the Bible Reading Marathon – The Bible: Up Close and Personal at the same time we complete Paah-ho-ammi during the week of May 1-4. Jim leaves to pray at the Little Bighorn Battlefield on the morning of May 5.
PrayNorthstate PRAYER LIST
Please pray for the Board of PrayNorthstate: Jim and Diana Wilson, Dr. Andre VanMol, Supervisor Mollie Wilson, Charles Davidson, Charlie Harper, Bob Newell, and Frank DiSalvo. Please pray for PrayNorthstate and for the radio and TV sponsors: Taylor Motors, Hue and Cry Security, Dr. Andre Van Mol, B& T Satellite, New Song Music, Nicolette Glass, Western Business Products, Ron Largent and KellerWilliams Realtors, Carl Van Dyke Allstate Insurance, Fox 30/Cable 2 TV, Crown Motors, Dove Acres, David Charlsonand Summit Funding, Children First Foster Family Agency, Carenet Pregnancy Centers of the Tri Counties and Dr. Todd Royse. Pray for Imago Dei Ministries, and Charis Arts Consortium.
Pray for Emmaus Way Ministries and for Israel, for missionaries Bill & Lori Gardner (Kenya), Doug & Dianne Phillips (Mexico), John & Jana Knoch (Fiji), Eljon &Jennifer Ago (Albania), Bob & Lorelei Newell and Jeff & Julie Watson (Philippines), Erin & WendyO’Neil (Northern Ireland), and Tugsuu & Gantuul (Mongolia and China). Pray for the KingdomInstitute School of Business,Businesstry Concepts, the Hignell Group, Anne Kalvestrand, Clint & Annette Emry, and LifeLight Pregnancy Center.
HOUSEKEEPING DEPARTMENT
Correspondence – and donations – may be addressed to PrayNorthstate, P. O. Box 493743, Redding, CA 96049-3743. Call us at 530-941-3470. Our web site is www.praynorthstate.org; our e-mail is praynorthstate@charter.net.
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