Loving ALL cultures...the Jesus Way!

Eddie Chambers,Baptist Campus Minister at Alabama State University, reminded me yesterday of how important it is that we as Christians go the extra mile to bring peace among all cultures here in Montgomery. He is working diligently along with students from that campus to not only LIVE a lifestyle that accepts and loves ALL people but continues to ask God to change their lives to be "peacemakers" among the people of Montgomery.

How about you? Are you a peacemaker as a Christian?

Read the words of Psalm 139 as a prayer today:

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Prayer points for the week:

1. Ask God to help you identify your own feelings of prejudice and racism.

2. Ask forgiveness for the sin of racism and ask God to help you not be defensive about this issue.

3. Find someone who can help you see where you need to grow on this issue.

4. Pray for creative ways to engage people in your church in discussing the ways racism hinders our evangelistic efforts.

5. Pray for leaders in Montgomery to check their own prejudices and be compassionate and open toward one another.

Filling the Void

I saw this the other day and wanted to re run it....Drive through Eastdale Mall parking lot or through Eastchase. Why do so many people congregate at the malls? Most shop for things we need of course, but for a lot of people, it is because they are lonely and because they think that being around a lot of other people will make them happy and no longer lonely. Most find that that isn't true! Some shop there not because they need something, but because they think that shopping will fill an empty void in their souls. They are looking for something to make them feel worthy or whole or accepted.

Wonder what would happen if we all of prayed this week for those souls who congregate at a mall or a Target or a Walmart or the Mall?

Wonder if we prayed for them to be able to find Christ through us or through someone while they are shopping or hanging out. Wonder what would happen?


"I am lonely and troubled. Show that you care and have compassion on me"Psalm 25:16

"You shouldn't just say, "I hope all goes well for you. I hope you will be warm and have plenty to eat." What good is it to say this, unless you do something to help?"James 2:16

"But you must defend those who are helpless and have no hope".Proverbs 31:8

"Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God's people".Ephesians 6:18

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FOR a copy of 31 ways to prayer drive Montgomery...go to:www.mgmbaptist.org and click on the 31 ways. You can download that and use every day as you drive around Montgomery!

Praying for Internationals in Montgomery

Are you aware that there are many people here in Montgomery from other countries thanks to our military bases, universities and businesses? There are people here in Montgomery from other places that have NEVER heard the gospel before. Will you be one who will share it with them?

One place that shares the gospel in a very tangible way is the Conversation English School that Montgomery Baptist Association runs and has run for the last 25+ years. About 200 students come(mostly spouses of military and business executives)each year to learn English so that they can function here in the states. At the school, they not only learn English but find new friends who help them wade through coming to a new country and that entails. They also hear the good news of Christ through actions and word. Many teachers share that their students have needs just like those here in Montgomery and they get the privilege to help them through difficult times.

Along with Conversational English, CE School provides a preschool program where the kids of the students get to learn some English. It also provides transporation since many of the wives do not have transportation during the day. Vans from local churches provide a drive and van on Thursday mornings to pick up and take students home after class.

Would you be interested in helping CE students in a tangible way? They are in desperate need of at least one more 15 passenger van and driver for this school year(from September to May) on Thursday mornings. ANY Christian church can volunteer with this need. Call Lisa Rose at 334-271-6794 for more information if you are interested. What a way to show God's love to others who are new to this country!

Pray for:

1. ALL churches in Montgomery who have ESL or CE classes for foreign born students. God has brought the world to Montgomery..lets not lose the opportunity to share His love with people from all over the world.

2. For those who are our guests in Montgomery...that they will meet a person here(maybe one of you) who can share God's love with them both in tangible and verval ways.

3. For Christians hearts to change and lay down any prejudices that we may have toward others who are not from here. We are to ABOVE the world according to Jesus and Love God and Love Others!!

"This is my commandment that you love one another, that your joy may be full. John 15:12

Praying about Crime in Montgomery

Pray for heart changes in those who are breaking the law.

Pray for a radical transformation of their lives and circumstances.

Pray for the Lord to take away desperation.

Pray for those who break the law who may be mentally ill. Many mental illnesses can influence decision making....impulsivity and lack of conscience are just two of the more severe illnesses that can lead to crime. Pray for someone to enter that persons life who can give them life giving help and healing.

Pray for public safety officers. One remarked once that an offender once said, " If I can't get some attention from home, at least I get attention if I break the law". Pray that PSOfficers will have wisdom and see past their crime and find help for those who they detain.

Pray for neighborhoods to own their neighborhoods again. To take notice and reach out and get to know their neighbors. The more we know people, the safer things can be.

Pray for those in prison already. That someone will come to them and reach their hearts for Christ.

Pray for churches in Montgomery who are ministering to prisoners here. For wisdom and direction for each volunteer who reaches out.

Pray for family members of offenders. That their needs will be met and the kids of offenders will be sheilded from repeating the offense of their parent.

Any more you can think of to pray for???

Matthew 25: 36" ....I was in prison and you came to visit me"

Ways to Pray for Montgomery

1. Start a prayer group that specifically prays for the city and surrounding areas.

2. Add a weekly newspaper to your prayer room at church with highlighted issues to focus on.

3. Go for a prayer walk/drive in the community you live in OR in the community of your church. There are guidelines available for a prayer walk/drive by emailing: lrose@mgmbaptist.org

4. Go to your local school administrator and offer to pray for the school's needs,teachers and students.

5. Adopt a firehouse, police station, nursing home, hospital,etc and be their prayer warrior.

6. Of course, invite your family, friends and church members to join Montgomery Prayer Network.

Some verses to meditate on this week:

"Pray for the peace of the city that I have sent you...for when it prospers in peace, so will you." Jeremiah 29:7

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective". James 5:16