Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
EXECUTIVEREPORT
2020
A Message from Brian Alarid
Who We Are
National and Global Presence
Focus on New Mexico and Arkansas
2020 Highlights
Prayers for our Country
2021 & Beyond:8 Billion People Prayed for by Name
Budget & Initiatives
President’s Council
05
07
08
10
12
18
14
16
17
Contents
2 Executive Report 2020
“The more the disciples prayed, the more they shared their faith. And the more they shared their faith, the more it brought them back to their knees to pray for God’s continued courage and boldness to witness for Him. Prayer leads us to mission, and mission back to prayer.” Brian Alarid
Executive Report 2020 3
“It has always been God’s plan for every believer and local church to become houses of prayer. Prayer empowers us to fulfill Christ’s mission of making disciples of all nations.”
4 Executive Report 2020
It’s a joy to partner with you to unite and equip believers and churches in prayer. In these pages, you will be able to see the impact of your faithful support to America Prays. Here are some of the highlights of 2020:
• We continued to engage churches in 24/7 prayer for their cities and states.
• We held 21 Days of Prayer (March 16 - April 5) and had over 700,000 views of our Facebook livestream.
• In partnership with Unite 714, we produced a global
prayer event for Pentecost weekend that was streamed around the world on Facebook and on many television networks. The event was translated into 11 languages and featured special guests Brian Houston, Robert Morris, Christine Cane, Miles McPherson, and many more who led thousands of people in prayer for the world..
• On June 19, we hosted our first Unleashed Online
Conference with guest speakers Craig & Amy Groeschel, Chris Hodges, Richard Blackaby, Mart Green, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, and Dick Eastman.
• We released my book, When People Pray, which
chronicles the story and vision of America Prays and World Prays and shares true-life stories of what happens when ordinary people pray to an extraordinary God.
• Mercy, Chloe, Colin, Lauren and I moved to Austin,
Texas on September 1 to establish the Headquarters for America Prays and World Prays..
• We officially launched Texas Prays on October 29 with the vision of covering every community in Texas in 24/7 prayer.
• We partnered with Dave Gibson, Bob Bakke, Carol
Madison, Steve Harrison, and many other partners to launch Twin Cities Prays on November 19.
In partnership with many churches, ministries, and denominations, we are leading an initiative to pray for every person in the world by name and share Christ with them. Starting in January 2021, phase 1 of this initiative will focus on praying for the 2.2 million people in Greater Austin by name and share Christ with them.
Then we will expand to the state of Texas, then America, and then every nation in the world, until every man, woman, youth, and child has been prayed for by name and heard a clear presentation of the Gospel in their native language.
Jesus’ heart for the Church could not have been any clearer—“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Mark 11:17). It has always been God’s plan for every believer and local church to become houses of prayer. Prayer empowers us to fulfill Christ’s mission of making disciples of all nations.
I believe we are in the beginning stages of the greatest global prayer movement in human history. We are seeing prayer rise up to the Father from every corner of the earth. We are witnessing Malachi 1:11 be fulfilled before our very eyes. “For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name will be great among the nations,” says the LORD of hosts.
Thank you for partnering with us. We love you, appreciate you, and thank God for you. In Christ’s love,
Brian AlaridPresident & CEOAmerica Prays | World Prays
A MessagefromBrian Alarid
Executive Report 2020 5
“America Prays is seeing churches of every conceivable denomination unite in a profoundly simple strategy to sustain 24/7 united prayer in every community of every size across America. The strategy is so simple that it can work anywhere.” Dick Eastman ChairmanoftheBoard,AmericaPrays
6 Executive Report 2020
In January 2009, churches in Austin, Texas, under the leadership of Pastor Trey Kent and churches in Bellingham, Washington under the leadership of Pastor Jason Hubbard began covering their communities in 24/7 prayer. Their model was simple—each church adopted a monthly day of prayer or half day of prayer. Believers prayed in 30 or 60 minute segments from home, school, work or church.
On January 1, 2017, Pastor Brian Alarid and a group of pastors launched New Mexico Prays using this same model. On October 9, 2017, America Prays was birthed to unite and equip 40,000 churches in 24/7 prayer for a national spiritual awakening.
There are about 400,000 Christian churches in America. We are believing for a tithe of American churches (40,000) to adopt a monthly day of prayer and join us in praying for the greatest spiritual awakening in the history of our nation.
America Prays is a multiethnic, interdenominational,Jesus-centered prayer movement. We believe that America is in desperate need of spiritual awakening and that only united prayer can revive our nation.
As J. Edwin Orr observed, “No great spiritual awakening has begun anywhere in the world apart from united prayer.”
Who We AreAmerica Prays is a movement of believers, churches, businesses and ministries covering America in 24/7 prayer
Our vision is to unite and equip
40,000 churches in 24/7 prayer for a
national spiritual awakening.
Executive Report 2020 7
From the very beginning, we knew that America Prays’ model of engaging local churches in 24/7 prayer would one day be adopted by churches in every state and eventually by entire nations around the world. What started in Austin, TX, Bellingham, Washington and New Mexico has
now gone global. Currently, America Prays is mobilizing 24/7 prayer in sixteen states. Through World Prays, churches and ministries in seven other nations have adopted our vision and model to cover their nations in 24/7 prayer. Our mission is Every Church in Every Nation a
National and Global PresenceBelievers and churches in 16 states and 7 nations around the world are united in 24/7 prayer.
ArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutFloridaOhioMinnesotaMissouriNew MexicoNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonRhode IslandTexasWashington
National Presence
BangladeshIndiaJapanMalaysiaMexicoSingapore Sri Lanka
Global Presence
8 Executive Report 2020
House of Prayer. We want to see a national and global spiritual awakening that exalts Christ, saves the lost, disciples the saved, heals the sick, comforts the broken, and transforms communities.
Executive Report 2020 9
In a year when racial tensions were at their highest, New Mexico Prays provided forums for prayer and conversation focused on racial reconciliation.
FOCUS ON NEW MEXICO
After the death of George Floyd and the unrest that followed in cities all across America, New Mexico Prays’ leaders hosted a couple of events focused on racial reconciliation. On June 3, Pastors Brian Alarid and Steve Stucker hosted well known pastors in the African American community, pastors, police officers and Albuquerque’s Chief of Police for ‘An Honest Conversation About Race’. Hundreds watched online as these leaders engaged in civil conversation about racism and changes needed within the church to defeat racism.
Later, on June 11, New Mexico Prays hosted the ‘United Prayer for Justice and Healing’ at Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza. Albuquerque’s Mayor, City Council members, the Chief of Police, UNM’s Athletic Director and athletes, pastors and believers gathered together for a time of public prayer and repentance. ESPN Radio aired the prayer meeting live that night.
After a time of prayer, Brian Alarid shared the following words with those in attendance: “African Americans are a very big part of my life, but that doesn’t mean that my heart is free from racism and prejudice. I am saying, ‘search my heart oh God and see if there be any wicked way in me.’ So my first challenge to all of us is repentance. My second challenge is relationship: Get to know, really know people of a different race, and listen to their story and their pain.”
“I can’t stand your religious meetings. I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religion projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes, your public relations and image making. I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to me? Do you know what I want? I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it. That’s what I want. That’s all I want. Says the Lord.” Amos 5:21-24 (MSG)
10 Executive Report 2020
FOCUS ON ARKANSAS
Covid-19 has changed everything, but Logan Bloom and pastors in Arkansas have
adapted in order to engage believers in prayer during the
pandemic.
Arkansas Prays holds quarterly citywide nights of prayer called One Voice, which are typically large gatherings. The rise of
COVID-19 cases put a restriction on large gatherings and even limited them to 10
people within city limits. That didn’t stop Logan Bloom and pastors in the area,
however. In May 2020, they invited the Governor of Arkansas, the Mayor of Little
Rock and a number of pastors to host their quarterly event to a live virtual audience.
More than 3000 people joined online, which set a new participation record. Remarkably,
the Governor and Mayor were so grateful for the opportunity to partner together that they have continued to participate
in the meetings throughout the year. Governor Hutchinson has issued several proclamations calling for prayer and our
churches are rallying to meet critical needs as only the united church can do.
Only a united church can heal a divided nation.
Executive Report 2020 11
As the Covid-19 Pandemic began to cause a global shutdown, America Prays called believers around the world to unite in prayer for 21 days from March 16 to APril 5, 2020. Our prayers centered around God’s request and promise found in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Special guests like Craig and Amy Groeschel, Richard Blackaby, Mart Green, Oklahoma Governor, Kevin Stitt, Steve Douglass, and Stephen Kendrick, among others, led us in prayer
for America and the world. Overall, our Facebook Livestreams had over 700,00 views, with people joining in for prayer from all around the world.
On June 19, we aired our first global virtual conference entitled, “Unleashed: Awaken the Power of Prayer and Mission.” This conference called believers everywhere to become houses of prayer who are moved to mission. Guest speakers like Craig & Amy Groeschel, Chris Hodges, Richard Blackaby, Mart Green, Clarence Hill, Governor Kevin Stitt, Senator James Lankford, and many others joined us to teach through the seven prayer focuses of America Prays:
The limitations of COVID-19 expanded our reach
2020 Highlights
2020 has been a year unlike any other. The global pandemic has changed life as we know it. People’s dependence on the economy, a strong healthcare system, and jobs has been shaken to the core. But the vision of America Prays of uniting and equipping churches to cover the nation in 24/7 prayer for national spiritual awakening has never been more crucial. While in-person gatherings and travel were put on hold, we were able to lead people in prayer in unprecedented ways.
21 Days of Prayer
Unleashed Conference
12 Executive Report 2020
1. Pray for unbelievers to be saved2. Pray for a national spiritual awakening3. Pray for the unity of the church4. Pray for families5. Pray for racial reconciliation6. Pray for life7. Pray for government leaders.
To date, over 40,000 people have viewed the conference on platforms like Facebook, Youtube and Vimeo.
America Prays was privileged to produce the Unite 714 Global Prayer Event, which was translated into 11 languages and broadcasted globally on June 29, 2020. Over 700,000 believers joined virtually worldwide as leaders like Brian Houston, Miles McPherson, Christine Caine, and Nicky Gumbel led the Body of Christ in prayer for spiritual awakening.
Brian Alarid published his first book in 2020, and although it was not scheduled to be released until June 19th, 2020, he and the team at Cedar Gate Publishing decided to give away the Kindle version of the book for free to give people hope in the middle of the Covid crisis. It is now available on Amazon.com and on WhenPeoplePray.com.
The book is the riveting story of Brian’s own journey with God intertwined with the genesis of America Prays. It moves readers to deeper intimacy with Christ and faith in a God who is pleased to answer the prayers of the weak, the lonely, the sick, and the desperate who call out to Him.
We are grateful to Brian, Marla and Holden Hill and Cedar Gate Publishing for everything they did to make the publishing of this book a reality.
Unite 714 Global Prayer Event
“This book is not only a timely resource and tool, it is also a reminder of the transforming power of prayer.
When People Pray
Doug StringerPresident, Somebody Cares International
Executive Report 2020 13
v
We believe that every person matters to God. That is why we are equipping and mobilizing the body of Christ to pray for every person in the world, by name whenever possible, and share Christ with them.
2021 & Beyond: 8 Billion People Prayed for by Name
In partnership with many churches, ministries, networks, and denominations, America Prays and World Prays are helping pioneer a global pray-care-share initiative to pray for every person in the world by name and share Christ with them.. The first phase of this initiative will be to unite and equip believers and churches to pray by name for 2.2 million people in Greater Austin and share Christ with them.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for ALL PEOPLE, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life,godlyanddignifiedineveryway.Thisisgood,and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires ALL PEOPLE to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”(1 Timothy 2:1-4)
God wants His church to pray for ALL PEOPLE because He desires ALL PEOPLE to have an opportunity to hear the Gospel. God knows every person intimately and calls them by name. Imagine if the body of Christ cared enough about lost people to get to know their names and stories, their fears and doubts? What would happen if every person in the world was prayed for by name?
Any church or ministry can participate in praying by name for every person in the world. Each organization can adopt it as their own initiative with their own name and logo. We know it’s going to take the whole body of Christ to pray for 8 billion people by name and share Christ with them. Let’s do it together, track it together, and celebrate the harvest of souls together!
Our Core Partners• All America & Call 2 All• Assemblies of God• Awakening America Alliance• Bless Every Home• Christ Together• Every Home for Christ• Gloo• Go Decade• Great Commandment Network• National Day of Prayer• National Hispanic Leadership Council• National Prayer Committee
BiblicalFoundation
14 Executive Report 2020
v
We believe that every person matters to God. That is why we are equipping and mobilizing the body of Christ to pray for every person in the world, by name whenever possible, and share Christ with them.
A church or ministry mobilizes its people to adopt their neighbors.
Believers sign up at AmericaPrays.org to adopt their neighbors in prayer using the Bless Every Home tool.
The default setting is 40 neighbors, but the platform can scale up to 240 or down to 1.
Names and addresses of the adults in the neighborhood are visible to people.
People will receive daily emails (Mon-Fri) with the names and addresses of 5 neighbors.
Believers can also track who they pray for, care for, share the Gospel with or disciple.
As people get to know their neighbors, they can add the names of the children to the tool and pray for them.
Every church/ministry has access to a dashboard to that details the activity of their people.
BiblicalFoundation
How it Works
Chris Hodges
“I am so excited to partner with my friend, Brian Alarid, America Prays, and World Prays to mobilize the body of Christ to pray for every person in the world by name so we can share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them. We will pioneer this global prayer and evangelism initiative in the city of Austin and then expand it to the state of Texas. We want to pray for everyone in America and share the Gospel with them and then expand this vision to the nations around the world until every man, woman and child in the world has been prayed for by name and has heard a clear, simple gospel presentation in their native language. We all know that evangelism is the mandate that Jesus gave the Church in the Great Commission, but prayer paves the way for hearts to be receptive to receive that message. What we are going to do in Austin will not only impact that community, but will eventually be the model that impacts 8 billion people across the world.”
Senior Pastor, Church of the Highlands
Executive Report 2020 15
Budget
1. Unite the Body of Christ to pray for 2.2 million people in Greater Austin by name and share Christ with them.
2. Mobilize 24/7 united prayer in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota (2021-2022) ($50,000)
3. Office space, equipment, and furniture ($55,000)
4. Technology: ($150,000)
• New website that will feature dashboards for state and city coordinators, church, business and organization coordinators, volunteers, donors and board members
• Donor management software
• Financial software
• IT solutions
• Custom Customer Relationship Management Software (CRM) so individuals, churches, and city networks can document progress and communicate with headquarters.
5. Two national conferences (in-person and livestream) to unite and equip the body of Christ in prayer and mission (Cost TBD)
We thank God for our financial ministry partners who give so that every aspect of this ministry can be accomplished.
Weacceptin-kinddonationsforofficespace, furniture, equipment, video production, photography, marketing, and other business services.
2021
Would you consider partnering with us
financially for one or more of these initiatives?
$1.2 Million for Operational Costs
By 2024Our goal is to raise $6 MIllion to unite and equip believers and churches in prayer in all 50 states.
2021 Initiatives
16 Executive Report 2020
Our goal is to raise $6 MIllion to unite and equip believers and churches in prayer in all 50 states.
The President’s Council is a family of Christ followers who live generously and worship extravagantly. We are generous givers who use our time, gifts, resources, and connections to fulfill Christ’s purpose through America Prays.
1. Pray regularly for America Prays and for our leadership, staff, and volunteers.
2. Become a financial partner.
3. Contribute your wealth of wisdom to help us build our ministry on a solid foundation.
4. Share the vision of America Prays with your circle of influence and invite them to become part of America Prays.
5. Host an America Prays’ gathering for potential partners in your community.
6. Participate in our weekly Zoom Bible study Thursdays 7-7:30 am Central time.
If you would like to be a part of the President’s Council, email us at [email protected].
President’s CouncilEd Horne & Jimmy Gregory, Co-Chairmen
Who We Are How You Can Get Involved
Executive Report 2020 17
Through your will alone lives are transformed and minds made new, so I now pray for all people that do not yet know you (1 Tim. 2:1-4). For you have promised that your voice by every tribe and nation will be heard (Rev. 7:9). So equip us by your breath to provide every heart language with your Word (Psalm 19:10).
Pray for Unbelieversto be Saved
As Jesus loved the church, lead husbands to love their wives (Ephesians 5:25). Help wives respect their husbands out of their reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:22).
Turn children’s hearts to their parents, to honor them all their days (Ephesians 6:1).Turn parents’ hearts to their children, to teach them to walk in your ways (Ephesians 6:4).
Pray for Families
Where we split over opinions, unite us around the Gospel’s truth (1 Corinthians 2:2). Where we divide over names, let the name of “Jesus” be the only banner we use (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Where we segregate over ethnicities, rebuke us with Your heart for all nations (Ephesians 2:14). Anywhere we try to separate the Body of Christ, correct us through the Spirit’s operation (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Pray for the Unityof the Church
Thank you, Jesus, for destroying our divisions by making one new humanity in Your death and resurrection (Ephesians 2:13-16). Help us, Holy Spirit, to love, defend, and honor our neighbors with that same selfless affection (1 John 2:9).
Awaken us to the ways we contribute to racism, favoritism, exclusion, and persecution (Psalm 19:12), and guide us, Father, Son, and Spirit, in how your church can be the solution (Romans 12:18).
Pray for Racial Reconciliation
Faithful and loving God, your law we have broken and your name we have disgraced (Daniel 9:4-5). So, on behalf of my nation and myself, I repent, ask for mercy and humbly seek Your face (2 Chronicles 7:14). Revive your church in my country; awaken sleeping members and leaders with gospel zeal (Psalm 85:6).
Raise the spiritually dead around us; convict our neighbors and nation that their sin and Your grace are real (Ezekiel 37:5).
Pray for National Spiritual Awakening
God in whose image all human life is made (Gen. 1:26), unify us in our fight to preserve what you create. Grant us integrity toward each other and those we oppose, for as we support the unborn, we want to live above reproach (2 Cor. 6:3). Gather your church around the defenseless (Psa. 82:3-4). Rally your people to the cause of life so that the body of Jesus may show every child the love of Christ. (John 3:16).
Pray for Life to be Valued and Protected
King Jesus, you rule above every government, President and throne (Ephesians 1:21). Because of your death and resurrection, every knee will bow to you alone (Philippians 2:9-11). Mighty God, we acknowledge that you set up rulers and move them for your plan (Daniel 2:21). So please move on the hearts of our government leaders to bring peace and justice to our land (Amos 5:24).
Pray for Local and National Government
Leaders
18 Executive Report 2020
Prayers for our CountryOur friend David Bowden is a spoken word poet, author, and preacher who wrote the powerful seven prayers to the left for America Prays’ prayer focuses. Take a few minutes to agree with us in prayer as we look forward to 2021.
1. Pray for unbelievers to be saved
(Matthew 9:37-38, 24:14, Romans 10:1, 2 Peter 3:9)
2. Pray for a national spiritual
awakening (2 Chron. 7:14, Daniel 9:18-19, Psa. 85:6)
3. Pray for the unity of the church
(John 17:20-23, Psalm 133:1, Ephesians 4:3-6)
4. Pray for families (Genesis 2:24,
Joshua 24:15, Psalm 127:3-5, Malachi 4:6, Ephesians 5:22-33)
5. Pray for racial reconciliation
(Romans 10:12-13, Galatians 3:28, Acts 10:28, Acts 10:34-35)
6. Pray for life to be valued and
protected through all stages of
life, beginning at conception
Psalm 139:13-16, Jeremiah 1:5, Proverbs 24:11)
7. Pray for government leaders
(1 Tim. 2:1-2, Rom. 13:1, 1 Pet. 2:17)
America PraysPrayer Focus
Executive Report 2020 19
