A New State Coordinator for Michigan

December, 19, 2013 (Lansing, MI) 

Mrs. Cathy Braun was commissioned as the new State Coordinator for the Michigan National Day of Prayer Task Force

A Greeting from Cathy

I am honored to be positioned as the new State Coordinator for Michigan. I look forward to laboring with the many talented and gifted people connected to the NDP Task Force. 

It has been my pleasure to become well acquainted with Lori over the past two years, and I value our friendship. She has established a high level of excellence and anointed leadership. I am thankful Lori is available to assist me with a smooth leadership transition. I bless her and pray that God blesses her mightily with His love, peace and joy. If you have the opportunity to send her a note of thanks and blessing, I encourage you to do so. I love and appreciate her. She is a kingdom treasure.

We go forward together, and may the people of Michigan arise and shine with the Glory of God!

God bless you,

Cathy Braun

State Coordinator

Michigan National Day of Prayer Task Force

Mail: P.O. Box 131, Williamston, MI  48895

Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may come in! Who is the King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates and lift them up O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory! - Psalm 24:7-10

About Cathy Braun

Cathy is a speaker, teacher and writer who has been involved across the state and nation in many different capacities. Here are some highlights: 

White Eagle Round Table for the Nation

National Strategic Prayer Initiatives since 1993

Prayer Initiatives at the Capitol in Michigan since 1982

Michigan Governmental Prayer Alliance, www.migpa.org

Michigan Legislative Consultant

Commissioned by Glory of Zion International; Corinth, Texas

Graduate of Mount Hope Institute; Lansing, Michigan

Graduate of Michigan State University

A Farewell Word from Lori Wagner

It has been my pleasure to serve as a coordinator with the National Day of Prayer Task Force since 2004, and as the State Coordinator since 2011. In the years following accepting that first position, demands on my schedule have  increased beyond the level that I can maintain them with the excellence they deserve. 

Although my heart remains loyal to the National Day of Prayer Task Force, I am simply unable to continue investing the time this key position requires. It has been wonderful and an incredible honor to be united with such great people in the NDPTF organization and all around our great state; and today it is my great honor to present the new State Coordinator, Mrs. Cathy Braun.

If you would like to stay connected, I'd be happy to include you in future Affirming Faith newsletters. Just send me an email to loriwagner@affirmingfaith.com. Of course, you can always stop by the website to see what's new atwww.affirmingfaith.com.

God bless you!

Lori Wagner

Minister, Author, Speaker

Outgoing State Coordinator

The "Pray for America" Bus Tour

The photos and articles below were prepared by Dion Elmore, National Day of Prayer Task Force, Colorado Springs. Lori Wagner, State Coordinator, represented Michigan at the Illionis events.

THE SPIRIT OF GOD ON THE SOUTHSIDE (Chicago, IL) - Making our way north from Indianapolis, IN, we stopped in to make some new friends in Terre Haute, which is the home of Harvest Prayer Ministries, The Open Door Christian Store, and Maryland Community Church. There was a very warm welcome from the Open Door Christian Store, where we had the opportunity to set up our tent and table, once again, and to share and pray with all those that came by!

After interviews by two local television stations, we met for prayer and worship with the Maryland Community Church family. We can’t thank them enough for their hospitality and their heart for prayer. A light is burning brightly in Terre Haute!

A few miles further north and we pulled into Generation to Generation Church on the Southside of Chicago where we were met by God’s people who had come from more than a dozen churches in the area, along with several of our key prayer coordinators from Illinois and Michigan.

After meeting our hosts and setting up our tents and tables, we were swept into almost five hours of fellowship, worship, and prayer! As we prayed against the strongholds of gangs, drugs, and alcohol in the lives of the people in these neighborhoods, men spontaneously came forward to testify that they had been delivered from these things, and they began to cry out with repentant hearts for their community!

Men and women came forward and prayed for families and against the destructive power of divorce and abandonment. They prayed against abuse, and for the hearts and minds of the children who have had to experience the pain of these things in their lives!

Pastors came forward from ‘every nation, tribe, and tongue’, and cried out for unity in the body of Christ in this city! Heartfelt cries repenting for the divisiveness that they felt has plagued the churches in Chicago. It was a powerful, powerful time of prayer!

Afterwards, as we fellowshipped, many continued to ask for prayer, and several pastors and leaders shared that they had NEVER, in all of their years in Chicago, experienced the body of Christ coming together like this – rallying in one voice to pray for their community, and to pray for America! To God be all of the glory!

THE POWER OF PRAYER IN THE PROJECTS (Chicago, IL) - After our time of prayer yesterday at Generation to Generation church, two more churches joined together with the National Day of Prayer Team for an outreach in the park. As we pulled the bus up next to Garfield Park, we realized that where God had mobilized us to go was right in the middle of some of the project housing in Chicago – a community broken by poverty and high crime. You could see people looking out through their barred windows, wondering what the big bus was about.

As car after car converged on the street, tents and tables were set up, signs were brought out, and the worship band from the churches began to fill the air with songs of praise to our God. Pastor Steve Stultz began the outreach by inviting everyone within earshot to ‘come out, have some food, and get some prayer’.

More people began to emerge from the apartments and houses. Some came out on their balconies to see what was going on, while others made their way down to street where we were. As the worship band played, the atmosphere in the area shifted. The clouds that had been overhead parted and the warm sunshine began to break through. Children came for balloons and hot dogs and the area where we had set up came alive with people.

At one point, we were asked to go across the street to one of the apartment complexes where they said that, for the last ten years, one of the largest gangs in Chicago held their initiation ceremonies, drawing young men into lives of crime, drugs, death, and destruction. As we walked through the complex, two security guards paused and asked us, “Do you realize where you are?” and then explained that this was an extremely dangerous place for us to be. We let them know that we realized that, but that we were here to pray with people and the Lord was taking care of us!

As we gathered around a concrete pad in the courtyard they call ‘the hole’, people again watched with curiosity as we prayed for the Lord to break the influence and affect of these gangs in this area, and in the city of Chicago. We may never know the impact of that powerful prayer this side of heaven, but we realize that many of the young adults and children that we prayed over, will never have to experience the bondage and oppression of ‘gangsterism’ because of those prayers!

Gearing up for NDP2013

In Washington DC @ Summons

A message from the Michigan State Coordinator

Welcome! So glad you made a cyber-visit to our Michigan National Day of Prayer page!

Events are being planned across our fair state for Thursday, May 2, 2013. I hope you can make it to one in your area.

In addition to local events, you  are most welcome to join us in Lansing at noon in front of the steps of our beautiful state capitol.

For more information about the National Day of Prayer in general, click on the "Why NDP?" tab at the top of this page or visit the national website: www.ndptf.org.

Our Capitol Event is expected to be a huge gathering of hundreds, possibly thousands of Christians from multiple denominations, diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and many locations from around our state. Events of this magnitude don't just happen. They require time, planning, resources and participation from a great team of people.

How can you be involved?

1. Join the Michigan NDP Task Force and help with planning, promotions, fund raising, etc.
2. Be one of our vital sponsors at easily affordable levels of Bronze ($10+), Silver ($50+), Gold ($100+) or Platinum ($1,000). This is a tax-deductible donation and can be made via mail or online (see paypal donation button at the top of this page).
3. Be in prayer with us for God's blessing upon every aspect of the day -- including the weather, our guests' and participants' safety, that resources would come in to support this event, and for a spirit of humility before God as we unite to petition His blessing and protection upon our nation.  
4. If you prefer to participate locally, visit www.ndptf.org to find an event near you. If there isn't one close by, I encourage you to pray about organizing one. We can't have too many points of prayer on this special day! I'll be happy to help you!

Below are copies of our "Save the Date" card if you would like to share them via print or social media. Thank you again for stopping by and I hope to hear from you soon.

Drop me an email at Michigan@NationalDayofPrayer.org or call (248) 909-5735.

God bless America, and God bless you!

State Coordinator
Michigan National Day of Prayer Task Force

[Click here] to see a brief clip of last year's Lansing event.

Couldest Thou Not Watch One Hour?

This Friday night . . . 

. . . actually in the wee beginning hours of Saturday morning, January 5,

our Michigan National Day of Prayer Coordinators and our praying Christian friends

are invited to join in Nightwatch between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. (pick an hour or pray both!) 

What?

In this critical hour in our nation, the National Day of Prayer Task Force, in partnership with Capitol Hill Prayer Partners, established Nightwatch. This is a unique prayer meeting that takes place in the night and via the telephone to facilitate prayer among Christians across America who will stand in the gap for our nation.  

When?

The prayer watch covers the hours from midnight to 6:00 a.m., EST during the month of January. Michigan is participating on Friday nights this year, along with the Midwest Region, with a focus on Business. 

How?

If you would like to participate, email Lori Wagner, Michigan National Day of Prayer Task Force State Coordinator, (loriwagner@affirmingfaith.com) to receive the phone number and code to join in a prayer conference call from the comfort of your home. She will also send some helpful resources to aid in united prayer.

Why?

During the unique venue of Nightwatch:

• Power-packed corporate agreement takes place in which various gifts of the Body of Christ function in the transforming presence of God.  
• Heartfelt petitions are lifted for the needs of our nation.  
• Focused prayer is offered for America and its leadership with an emphasis on seven centers of power:  Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family.

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.

My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.

Hear my voice in accordance with your love;

preserve my life, O LORD, according to your laws.

Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law.

Yet you are near, O LORD, and all your commands are true.

Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever.  

Psalm 119:147-152 NIV

Although it may seem a big commitment or sacrifice, participating in Nightwatch is a faith-building, enriching experience. Praying with others gives insight and perspective on how to better pray for our nation -- that order and righteousness would be established -- that protection would be granted  -- that provisions and blessings would be imparted!

Please email your RSVP today or call Lori Wagner at (248) 909-5735 for more information. Our nation needs prayer!

In addition to this Friday, Michigan is also covering Friday, January 18 (or the wee hours of the 19th) from 3:00 - 4:00 a.m.

Please prayerfully consider joining the call. Blessings!

A Report from The Summons

This past week was amazing! My husband and I were blessed to participate in The Summons in Washington DC. On behalf of the National Day of Prayer, we joined people from several organizations who gathered to pray for our nation.

While there, exactly 300 people (a modern-day Gideon's army) contacted their state's government officials/offices in the House and Senate -- giving them gifts of appreciation for their service and offering to pray with them. We also conducted solemn assemblies near the Washington Monument and in front of the Capitol building at the Upper Senate Park. In addition to scheduled activities, we prayer walked around DC and visited Mt. Vernon, the Pentagon, and enjoyed a private tour of the Capitol.

A couple of highlights: 

My husband and I finished our assignments in the House Office Building and had a couple of hours of free time. We walked to the Museum of American History and joined the tail end of a tour. The last stop inside was the Star Spangled Banner exhibit. I was so moved in the darkened room that housed this national treasure that after we exited I told my husband, "We have to go back. I just want to sit on the bench and pray."

What impacted me was the sight of the very standard that flew during a time of great strife. Our nation had been compromised by enemy forces. Yet through the night, the flag, the nation's banner still waved . . . bringing joy to those who saw it at dawn's early light. They knew they were winning when their banner remained raised.

As the set-apart nation of God, we Christians have a banner of our own. The Lord is our banner (Exodus 17:15)! And He is still in sight! Though the nation is compromised . . . though the night is dark and long . . . our banner of love still waves! And banners mark victory!

Seated in the Star Spangled Banner exhibit, I was encouraged, but at the same time felt a heaviness. I was thanking God for His righteous banner still waving in our world, while I was also compelled to pray, "Don't give up on America, Jesus!" Even in the Church, our "land" has been compromised -- the teachings of our Lord watered down, the consecrations of His people lacking. I began to pray:

Don't give up on us, dear Jesus! I see You! I want to be Your righteous bride! There is still in me both flaws and flesh . . . and in our nation, America has her flaws and failures . . . but don't give up on America! Don't give up on Your people!

It's not over yet!

One word spoken by a presenter at the conference was that in the biblical record when God was "finished" with a nation, prayer ceased. In America, God's people are still praying! Doesn't that encourage you? There is so much prayer going up it seems God just can't be "done" with our nation yet!

On Guard?

One more thing worth sharing from the conference was something I learned on the Pentagon tour. Coincidentally, in conjunction with this story, the "Old Guard" was having a convention at the same hotel hosting our event.

Since 1937 the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been guarded by a member of the Old Guard 24 hours a day -- regardless of weather, threat of terrorist attack or other factors. "Walking the mat" is a privilege attained by few elite soldiers. 

While touring the Pentagon, our guide (a member of the military) told us the badge bestowed on those who guard the Tomb is a rare honor, and the only badge that can be taken away due to the conduct of the soldier after receiving it. The example he gave was that if a member of the Old Guard, even after his term of service was complete, dishonored himself by receiving a DUI, he could be stripped of his award.

With that in mind, the conduct of the guards must be impeccable, especially while on duty. Our guide at the Pentagon told us that during Hurricane Irene a call was sent out for handcuffs to be delivered to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The thought was the conduct of the guard was inappropriate, but what was discovered when the handcuffs were delivered was that the guard on duty wanted to cuff himself to the rail so that if he was to perish in the hurricane his body would not be washed away.

I have no documentation of the story other than that it was told to me by a military officer on duty at the Pentagon during an official tour; but that, my friend, is dedication! That is commitment to service! I commend the members of the Guard for their diligence and sacrifice! 

As tears pooled in my eyes at the telling of this story, my thoughts turned again to the Church. The members of the Old Guard are willing to suffer to the point of their own harm to honor deceased soldiers they don't even know. What are you and I willing to sacrifice for our God? For those living among us? For our future generations?

Let's keep praying! Let's keep believing! Let's keep working while we have the opportunity! Stand for righteousness -- it's greater than "Old Glory!" It's God's glory; and it's my prayer the Lord reveals Himself yet again in a great revival in our hearts, our nation, our world!  

Speaking at the Summons General Session

Regardless of the results of the upcoming elections, our nation will still need prayer! Be on guard! Stay on your watch! Stand your ground! I believe our prayers and our commitments to live righteously unto the Lord in our generation can make a difference! Amen and amen!

I hope you enjoy some of the pictures! If you're on facebook, here's a link to our singing "Amazing Grace" in the rotunda of our Capitol: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4661082646469

Blessings!

With Lisa Crump, Director, NDP

Leading "Amazing Grace" in the Capitol Rotunda

The Wagners Prayer Walking the Capitol Grounds

With Senator Louie Gohmert of Texas

With Mrs. Shirley Dobson, NDPTF Chair

With Sue Stoltz, Midwest  National Area Leader

With Vonette Bright, NDPTF Founder

With many of the Midwest NDPTF
Team

After prayer with Rep. Hansen Clarke's staff

At the first prayer event at the new MLK memorial

With Bishop Harry Jackson of High Impact Leadership Coalition

With Mr. & Mrs. Dave Butts of Harvest Prayer Ministries

[Click Here] to see a brief clip of the wonderful NDP 2012 Lansing Capitol Event!

ORDER TODAY!

This informative book is a significant resource for all, but especially for students. It provides vital information most textbooks are missing.

Authorized for classroom use by author Fern Nilson's state Attorney General and the American Center for Law and Justice, this incredible resource documents the faith of America's founding fathers and the major influence God had in our nation's beginning.

When you order The History of Prayer in America, you will not only be a blessing to the National Day of Prayer Task Force in Michigan, you will be blessed!

Click the "buy now" button in the right hand column!
$12.97 plus $3.50 shipping.

Hardbound with dust cover.

Photos and illustrations. 64 pages.
Quantity discounts available. Email: Michigan@NationalDayofPrayer.org

About the Author

Fern Nilson graduated from the University of Nebraska and was a teacher in the Nebraska Public Schools. For over 20 years she worked with the National Day of Prayer Task Force serving as State Coordinator, National Area Leader and National Honorary Leader. In addition to her NDP volunteer work, she and her husband sponsored Campus Crusade for Christ for 25 years at Kansas State University.