21 DAYS PRAYER & FASTING D E V O T I O N A L & P R A Y E R G U I D E

BUILDING...

THAT MYHOUSEMAY BEFULL.

SEASON OF RENEWAL

+ 21 days of Prayer & Fasting +

A fast is called! It’s time to seek the face of God again, to boldly cry out for fresh mercy and grace for our Assemblies of God Churches. This year we are taking inspiration from the example of Nehemiah who prayerfully received and carried out a vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem remaking it into a viable city again. What action does the Lord want us to undertake?

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. Luke 14:23 (KJV)

Churches throughout our country feel the barrenness of unfilled seats. God has provided a great feast and has invited all to come. Many have turned down His generous offer so He has made his feast available to all. Like any host, he wants His supper tables to be full. He longs for the sound of noisy rejoicing and the crackle of celebration filling the air.

As we enter a time of prayer and fasting, let us seek to be moved by our great Father’s heart. Pining to fulfill our own sense of mission will move things very little. It is the enthusiastic telling of the message of invitation to Kingdom festivity, made warm by the Father’s love, which will ultimately draw people

Many yearn for an influx of souls, we need a wakeup call that wishful thinking will get us nowhere. We need a quickening that comes from the Holy Spirit, a sense of urgency for the great supper is ready now!

The Bible shows that prayer moves God’s hand and that fasting intensifies the power of prayer making effective the unlocking of heaven’s door and slamming shut the gates of hell.

We invite you, we call you, to again be part of our season of prayer.

We have written this booklet to inspire and encourage you and to focus your prayers. I trust this prayer season will be spiritually enriching and rewarding. We will be praying and fasting with you.

PASTOR ILIAFI - SUPERINTENDENT ASSEMBLIES OF GOD NZ INC. 1

2

GUIDE INTRODUCTION

Fast begins 24th March 2017 through until 13th April 2017.

Can we take some time to consider how things really are? As we set about this season of prayer and fasting we need to ask these tough questions.

As we go through the days, we have devotionals written by various senior ministers throughout our movement and some particular points of prayer for individual leaders, missionaries and others.

There will be some challenges in the early part of the fast to help give us focus for our prayer throughout the 21 days. Ask the hard questions please. We do ourselves no favours to say “all is well”. We are needing to see a harvest throughout this nation and beyond, which not only affects us as a Movement but also the Body of Christ nationwide.

For while we are not the full expression of what God is doing in our nation we are a significant part of His Kingdom work.

The guide is in 3 parts 1. Nehemiah forms the bulk of it and the process of rebuilding ruins with all this involved 2. Daniel in regards to prayer and the prophetic purposes of God 3. Acts and Ephesians with a focus upon our ministry from here on.

There are places for personal notes and prayer focus to add in your personal or local church needs is definitely encouraged.

Any testimonies you would like to share as a result of this time would be most welcome. Also comments and suggestions to be considered for future times please feel free to email rob.clayton@riskchurch.org.nz

We look forward to what the Lord can and will do in response to His people’s prayers.

PASTOR ROB CLAYTON - OVERSEER, WELLINGTON REGION

(If your church is participating at another time? please insert your start date and area)

It came to pass in the month of ____________________ I was in ________________________________________

…and I asked concerning our city, town, community, church, region and movement?

So it was that when I heard, I set myself to prayer and fasting before the God of heaven

NEH 1:1-4. (PARAPHRASED FOR PERSONAL APPLICATION) 3

DAY 1 - NEH 1:4-11

Jerusalem’s walls were wrecked, the city was defenseless, the people dispirited and broken. Nehemiah seeks God for an answer and the walls are rebuilt. It becomes one of the most significant miracles in the history of the Jewish people. It was accomplished in record time. The king gave his approval for the project and he granted leave to Nehemiah to undertake the project. Provisions were given, the escort, the letter of recommendation; they were all parts of a great miraculous rebuild lasting only 52 days. It started with Nehemiah laying hold of God in prayer and fasting - the rest is history.

What are your present pressing needs? Are there projects you are involved in that require input from heaven? What favours and provisions do you need to happen? What doors do you need to have opened supernaturally? What are the current pressing needs of your community? We can learn from Nehemiah and lay hold of God in order to change our world. The songwriter puts it simply, “Touching heaven and changing earth.”

Nehemiah’s simple keys were: make inquiries in to the true state of things, identify with the problems personally and intercede, taking it all to God in prayer. Let us fast & pray for our own sakes. Let us do it for our community and our nation’s sake, most of all however; let us do it for the honour and glory of our Lord Jesus sake!

PASTOR ILIAFI ESERA - A/G NZ GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT

From the challenges outlined in the devotional write down your needs. They can be referred to throughout the days of prayer:

DAY 1 PRAYER POINTS

» Pastor Iliafi & Fia Isera - A/G NZ General Superintendent

» Pastor Robin & Margret Aim - KENYA

» Pastor Colin & Jenny Ayling - MOZAMBIQUE

» Government - both national & local

4

DAY 2 - NEH 2:1-10

Nehemiah, through excellence of heart and service, and moved by godly sorrow for his ruined homeland then received tremendous favour from the ruler of Babylon. He petitioned the king for letters of safe passage to Jerusalem, and for provisions for the great task of rebuilding the city. Nehemiah enjoyed favour first from God, which flowed down to the king. We may be tempted to remain passive once divine favour has been bestowed. However, though God’s favour opens doors, their remaining open is determined by the way in which we conduct ourselves in kingdom work.

Nehemiah consistently served with excellence, joy, and honour, despite Artaxerxes being an ungodly king. Pray that we do not take the favour of God for granted, knowing that ‘when the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, He causes their enemies to make peace with them.’ Proverbs 16:7. Favour opens doors, excellence keeps them open!

PASTOR TERRY BRADLEY - A/G NZ EXECUTIVE MEMBER

Take up the challenge in the devotional praying for favour where you work, serve and also for resources to accomplish all God has for you.

DAY 2 PRAYER POINTS

» Women’s Ministries - Pastor Pip Batten

» Mary-Pat Ross - MOZAMBIQUE

» Pastor Jason & Judy Fawcett - SOUTH AFRICA

» Educational Institutes

5

DAY 3 - NEH 2:11-20

How long have you lived in your community? After a very short period of time it’s very easy to become so familiar with the area that we no longer take note of our surroundings as we did before! Is it possible that you no longer take note of changes taking place in the community in which you live? Do you still see the needs of the people, the aspects of a broken community and the need for restoration in Christ? Take a fresh look around you. Commit to praying for what you see, then seek others who see what you see and let God begin to work through you to bring restoration to your community.

PASTOR SHAUN FOSTER - NORTHLAND REGIONAL OVERSEER

If you haven’t done so already, take a moment or even some of the day to evaluate your community, church, sphere of influence and note it down. Share and compare with others, being as honest as you can. It’s sometimes hard to acknowledge the rubble of life, but these will become our greatest means of ministry opportunity.

DAY 3 PRAYER POINTS

» Pastor Steve & Pip Batten - A/G NZ Assistant General Superintendent

» Peter & Danielle Gordon - UGANDA

» Leeana Kukutai - UGANDA

» Law Enforcement

6

DAY 4 - NEH 3:1-32

This chapter may appear to be just a list of who did what while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. One commentator refers to it as a “colourless memorandum of assignments”, but in reality it reveals Nehemiah’s extraordinary gift of wisdom, administration and organisation as he mobilises and empowers forty-four separate groups to fulfill God’s plan. Nehemiah as a leader was out in front. As he worked he set the example for the people of the city to follow.

He begins by rebuilding the “Sheep Gate”, thus making a way for the sacrificial system to be re-established. It is only as we hear Jesus saying, “I am the door of the sheep” and look to Him as “The Lamb of God”, who laid down His life, that we can build anything of value in His Kingdom.

Let’s work together so that our churches grow strong in Christ.

PASTOR GUTHRIE BOYD - EAST COAST REGIONAL OVERSEER

Working and building in God’s Kingdom involves us all. Whatever you may be doing in “ministry”, your part is invaluable. Whether it’s right in front of you, or extends beyond, build with enthusiasm.

DAY 4 PRAYER POINTS

» Pastor Shona Sorensen and staff at National A/G NZ Office

» Pastor Jacky & Hilary Tumusiime - UGANDA

» Pastor Rod & Lynley Talbot - SOUTH AFRICA

» Local Business Community

7

DAY 5 - NEH 4:1-9

Our reading describes Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Despite this being a Divine project, not everything went smoothly for him.

Here are some thoughts about Nehemiah’s experiences.

Even doing what we know to be God’s will, we often have opposition from the enemy of our souls and those influenced by him. - Vs 1

The opposition readily finds accomplices who attempt to break down the good we have done and the progress we have made. - Vs 2

At such times, continue with what you know God wants you to do.

The enemy questioned and ridiculed Nehemiah’s aims in an attempt to undermine his confidence. - Vs 2

Yet history shows that he was successful in achieving all of them.

Commitment, passion, hard work and perseverance, enabled him and his co-workers to succeed. - Vs 6

Focusing on God’s desire and ignoring the enemy’s taunts is the only way to make progress.

The enemy does not always yield immediately. So never drop your guard even though progress is being made. - Vs 7-8

At such times, there is only one weapon that works – prayer! - Vs 9

PASTOR ROY BRINCK - A/G NZ EXECUTIVE MEMBER

Are you facing opposition and potentially facing discouragement? Here we are able to apply the key to overcoming as Nehemiah did; Prayer!

DAY 5 PRAYER POINTS

» Pastor Mina & Dennis Acraman - A/G NZ Executive

» Simon & Heather Bourn - FRANCE

» Karen Gower - ENGLAND

» Pastor Lloyd Salmon - Chaplaincy

» Media

8

DAY 6 PRAYER POINTS

» Pastor Sanjai & Sunitha Kandregula - A/G NZ Executive

» Pastor Paul Lee - TURKEY

» John & Chrissy Minogue - South East ASIA

» Pastor Julian & Monica Hawken - ASIA

» Medical Field & Hospitals etc

DAY 6 - NEH 4:10-23

The battle is unrelenting. The enemy comes at us in many subtle guises and forms. He will even use those who are working with us to sow fear, so that we pull back. We are instructed not to fear. We are to remember the Lord and we are to fight for our children, families and marriage. It is from a place of victory that we fight this battle. We have the upper hand because God is with us. So, pray and confess God’s promise over your children, your family, your marriage; whether they are in a good place or not.

PASTOR MINA ACRAMAN - A/G NZ EXECUTIVE MEMBER

Pray particularly for unsaved or backslidden family members, also for strengthening of our families. This is a battleground - however, armed with the spiritual weapons of warfare we will see breakthrough.

9

DAY 7 - NEH 5:1-19

Nehemiah was now confronted with a problem within his own ranks triggered by an economic crisis, which caused great hardship and resentment. Nehemiah responds angrily towards those who were charging excessive interest.

Nehemiah displayed his true strength of leadership by immediately calling a meeting to challenge them and remind them of the scriptural injunction to care for the poor and feed the hungry. He rebuked them, commanded them to repent and make restitution! He also took the opportunity to speak to those in authority and reminded them to lead by example and handle their finances with zealous integrity. His handling of the internal strife and resulting bitterness and resentment highlighted the wisdom and conflict management skills and heart of a true leader, resulting in the whole assembly responding: “Amen!”

When we face discord and internal strife, let us do so prayerfully, with honest confrontation and Nehemiah’s prayer can legitimately be our prayer: “Remember, O my God, all that I have done for my people and bless me for it!”

PASTOR ROSS FERGUSON - SOUTH ISLAND, NORTHERN REGIONAL OVERSEER

Here is an opportunity to consider how we may have created a burden for others or had been on the receiving end of being taxed? Ministry demands can sometimes do that to us. Take the time to repent of any involvement in burdening someone else and forgiving any that may have done so to us.

DAY 7 PRAYER POINTS:

» Pastor Terry & Rowena Bradley - A/G NZ Executive

» Youth Ministry & Pastor Ben Hoyle - National Youth Facilitator

» Pastor Allen & Elizabeth O’Loughlin - ASIA

» Pastor Valerie Bateup - THAILAND

» Pastor Ray & Ann Perry - THAILAND

10

DAY 8 - NEH 5:14-19

It would be fair to say that integrity, as an expression of righteousness was a hallmark of Nehemiah’s character.

Nehemiah’s integrity enabled Him to show respect for legitimate authority whilst strongly opposing unrighteousness. In today’s reading we see that his integrity motivated him to give without feeling the need to claim his rights.

I am reminded of what the Psalmist says about those with clean hands and pure hearts, they will ascend the hill of the Lord. Also, what Micah teaches us about the Lord requiring us to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.

I wonder if Nehemiah would have had such success without his characteristic integrity.

Let’s reflect on whether or not righteousness is expressed through integrity in respect to our ministries, our churches, our communities and our movement. The success of our contribution to God’s Kingdom may depend upon it!

PASTOR SELWYN LONG - SOUTH ISLAND, SOUTHERN REGIONAL OVERSEER

Take up the challenge of prayer given in the above devotional, as it’s in our confronting these things that change can take place.

DAY 8 PRAYER POINTS:

» Pastor Roy & Maxine Brinck - A/G NZ Executive

» Children’s Ministry & Pastor Sunitha Kandregula - National Children’s Facilitator

» Doug & Kalinda Lichtwark - ASIA

» Pastor Hamish & Haidee Betts - SINGAPORE

» Pastor Mark & Trewavas - THAILAND

» New Zealand’s court system and its judges11

DAY 9 - NEH 6:1-14

Each one of us has a call of God, and this can be a vision for us. What is yours? We are called to preach the Gospel of Grace, The Good News for all men, to make disciples and baptize them in the Name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Our focus and all our attention must be on this God given assignment, and if we do, we see increase, expansion, growth, prosperity, and the community change for the better.

The enemy of the Gospel is always against you and what you are about, but with God’s wisdom, you will not be moved. We learnt from Nehemiah, we too can ignore the threats of our Tobiah and Sanballat. Nehemiah did not have time for them. He didn’t go chasing them all over town. He stayed focused on the job and at the same time prepared for any attack of the enemy. He completed rebuilding the walls. He got the job done and finished well – and so can we.

PASTOR LAU FALETUTULU - A/G NZ EXECUTIVE & SAMOAN OVERSEER

Praying for vision and strength of hands to work despite challenges.

DAY 9 PRAYER POINTS:

» Pastor Pat & Margie Lamborn - A/G NZ Executive

» Men’s Ministry & Pastor Geoff Wiklund - National Men’s Overseer

» Pastor John & Mary Elliot - SINGAPORE

» Glenn & Emma Kalin - JAPAN

» Pastor Mark & Janice Somerville - CAMBODIA

12

DAY 10 - NEH 6:15-16

Nehemiah was about a “great work” and wasn’t about to allow himself or his people to be distracted from it. Too much was at stake. The enemies of Israel used every trick in the book – they tried intimidation with threats, they tried distractions, they tried outright lies. Nehemiah saw through every trick and held his course – and the work was finished and in such a way that his enemies were afraid and lost their confidence, realising that God had helped them. God is awesome!

Friends, we too are about a great work – the greatest task on planet earth – that of building the kingdom of God. And the enemies of God are still at work to prevent this from happening. He will use fears and worries, lies and misconceptions and especially distractions to cause us to stop our efforts. Hold your course. Let nothing stop you from your time of prayer! They make a difference. The enemy will be defeated and God will be magnified as we see the Lords power at work!

PASTOR PAT LAMBORN - A/G NZ EXECUTIVE MEMBER

We’re about halfway through the fast now and believing for a new momentum within our nation through our movement’s churches.

DAY 10 PRAYER POINTS:

» Pastor Lau & Nancy Faletutulu Executive

» Northland Region (5 A/G Churches) & Pastor Shaun Foster - Regional Overseer

» Peter & Helen Brown – PHILIPPINES

» Pastor Kay Fountain – PHILIPPINES

» Pastor Max & Dorothy Chismon – PHILIPPINES

» Other churches in your area13

DAY 11 - NEH 7:2-5

There came a point when Nehemiah recognised the need to appoint particular people to particular roles in order to keep the work of God moving forward well. So what was his criteria for choosing leadership? He chose Hanani and Hananiah based on two qualifications; their integrity and their fear of God. Integrity speaks of how we relate to other people, the fear of God and how we relate to God.

All ministry, whatever shape it takes, involves working and relating with both God and people. How we relate with each will determine our success in ministry. Some can be great with people but lack any ability to minister to them in the anointing because they haven’t developed their connection with God. Others can be incredible worshipers who love God with all their hearts but have little ability to effectively relate what God is doing or saying to other people. Effective ministers relate well with both God and people.

PASTOR RYAN POLLARD - BAY OF PLENTY, REGIONAL OVERSEER

Take this opportunity to pray for both of these attributes to be at work in your life and ministry.

DAY 11 PRAYER POINTS:

» Auckland Region (103 churches) & Sanjai Kandregula - Regional Overseer

» Your Pastor and leadership

» Simon & Anna Newman – PHILIPPINES

» Pastor Ken & Earla Virtue – PHILIPPINES

» Pastor Malcolm & Linda Bayliss – INDONESIA

14

DAY 12 - DAN 2:17-23

Daniel has been taken into captivity and was now serving in the Babylonian court. King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream that disturbed him greatly. He wanted his advisors to not only tell him what it means, but what it is. This powerful king is anxious and the whole court were in fear of their lives.

Daniel, however, was not overwhelmed. He gathered together his companions and sought God. He knew who his God was and he believed that God would give His wisdom, power and knowledge to him.

As we bring before God the state of our families, our towns, our nation let us remember that we have a God who reveals His ways to us, and who can break open impossible situations with insight, with dreams, and with a word of truth.

PASTOR MARGIE LAMBORN - SOUTH ISLAND, CENTRAL REGIONAL OVERSEER

Before you pray, meditate on this passage. Ask God to give you the same convictions that Daniel had.

DAY 12 PRAYER POINTS:

» Waikato Region (12 A/G churches) & Ariki Ashford - Regional Overseer

» Samoan Churches & Pastor Lau Faletutulu

» Pastor Sam & Carol Soukotta – INDONESIA

» Pastor Eparama & Estea Toganivalu – FIJI

» John & Linda Watson – Missions pastoral support

15

DAY 13 - DAN 9:1-19

This is the prayer of an old man who had been taken into exile from his city and his land more than 70 years earlier, when Jerusalem and Judea were conquered by Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon. Yet during all those long years of exile Daniel’s faithful witness to Yahweh and his remarkable prophetic insight testified how great his Lord was.

Rather than rest on his laurels as he might well do, however, he now humbles himself though fasting and takes upon himself the duty to confess the sins of his people that had brought him to where he is, and plead with God for forgiveness and restoration. As believers in the God of Daniel, it is time for us also to rise up as he did, humble ourselves through fasting and plead for New Zealand and New Zealanders, that the land we once knew as “God’s own country” may again be worthy of that name.

PASTOR IAN CLARK - TEACHER & PROPHET

Again let’s take some time to acknowledge and identify the sins of our nation and as God’s people stand in the gap.

DAY 13 PRAYER POINTS:

» Bay Of Plenty Region (16 churches) & Overseer Pastor Ryan Pollard

» Southern South Island (8 churches) & Overseer Pastor Selwyn Long

» Pastor David & Pushpa Waters - MISSIONS

» Pastor Denise & Kevin Reid - MISSIONS

» Church planting and initiatives

16

DAY 14 - DAN 10:1-19

“Relax, Daniel”, he continued, “Don’t be afraid. From the moment you decided to humble yourself to receive understanding, your prayer was heard, and I set out to come to you”.

Everyone has situations, challenges or questions for which they want an answer. Pastors, prophets, friends and counsellors are sought out for answers, often with disappointment.

Daniel’s approach, as always, was to set himself to seek God. He was serious about getting an answer. For three weeks he prayed. This was not a quick prayer on the way out the door – it was desperate prayer, supplemented by simple food and no washing or shaving. There’s something about getting serious with God. God’s promise is that He will be found by those who seek Him with all their heart. Society desperately needs people who are committed to seeking God - to standing in the gap. There is a cost - but there is always a reward. God responds to desperate people.

PASTOR LES DOWIE - ITINERANT PROPHET

Take a moment to write down some of the prophetic words you personally and your church may have received. Take the opportunity to wage warfare with them. Ask for understanding of these words in this season. Pray also for the fulfillment of the ones given over this nation.

DAY 14 PRAYER POINTS:

» Central South Island Region (13 A/G churches) & Overseer Pastor Margie Lamborn

» East Coast Region (10 A/G churches) & Overseer Pastor Guthrie Boyd

» Pastor Peter Smith - MISSIONS

» Korean Churches in our nation & Pastor Joshua Lee - Regional Overseer

» A/G Missions vision

» Renewed evangelism throughout our churches 17

DAY 15 - NEH 8:1-12

This passage contains all the elements for a genuine revival to break out:

8:1 depicts a united people waiting on God

8:2 the Scriptures are given prominence for public use

8:3 from this day on the Israelites become “people of the Book”

8:6 attentive Bible reading leads to worship of God and (vs 9) conviction of sin

8:10 having led them to worship and weep, God’s word now calls the people to action and joy. In a practical display of true missions they were to go and share. It was indeed a time to celebrate. They’d returned from exile and their wall was rebuilt.

A Christian parallel is obvious. True joy springs from conviction and confession of sin; it is the liberating experience of forgiveness, of being rescued from “the dominion of darkness” and transferred into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son (Col.1:13).

PASTOR BRENDA CLARK - TEACHER

Take the points from this devotional and pray over each one allowing the Spirit of God to be an agent of revival

DAY 15 PRAYER POINTS:

» North of the South Island region (6 A/G churches) & Overseer Pastor Ross Ferguson

» West Coast region (12 A/G churches) & Overseer Pastor Russell Williams

» Tongan Churches in our nation & Overseer Pastor Leotisia Vea

» Alphacrucis Staff and students

» Ministries within your churches

18

DAY 16 - NEH 8:13-18

If the Jerusalem of Nehemiah’s day was to remain strong and free, more was needed than the rebuilding of the city walls and security measures. A spiritual vacuum existed in the lives of the returned exiles. Nehemiah knew they could not handle physical battles well unless they were spiritually fit. So an assembly of the people was called.

Wow! Fifty thousand people show up for a Bible study.

Ezra the priest and the leaders of Jerusalem began reinforcing the stone walls with a foundation of spiritual values. He opens up the Book, begins to read; and as he does, they stand up with reverence and begin to worship God. That’s the power of the word of God.

It had the power to convict. “. . . For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.” (v9) It brought about obedience (vs. 13-18) and it led to joy. (vs 17)

The seeds of revival!

PASTOR LORRAINE DOWIE - TEACHER

Pray for that same hunger in you, family, church, this movement and our nation.

DAY 16 PRAYER POINTS:

» Wellington Region (30 A/G churches) & Overseer Pastor Rob Clayton

» Indian Churches throughout the nation & Overseer Pastor Mina Acraman

» Fijian Churches throughout the nation & Overseer Pastor Jiosefa Waqa

» Ministry in Schools CEC

» Retired Pastors

19

DAY 17 - NEH 9:1-38

As this account records “They assembled with fasting…” Vs 1. We haven’t gone to the extent they did with sackcloth and dirt on our heads. However it is no less important for us to separate ourselves, to be the people we are called to be, intentionally and intently seeking God for our nation. For His will and desire to be fulfilled in our nation, and in what our churches are doing in New Zealand. Furthermore, they recounted the stories of God’s dealings with their people, the highs and lows. This is part of the process of building faith, remembering testimonies of what God has done in the past which is often a prelude to what He will do in the now (Ps 78:4-7). We find God’s nature revealed in faithfulness, provision, leading, forgiveness, mercy, kindness, instruction… just to name a few. In this season remind yourself of what God has done in your own life and of His works throughout history, you will not fail to be inspired.

PASTOR ROB CLAYTON - WELLINGTON REGIONAL OVERSEER

Note down some of the things God has done for you, take the time to give thanks also, even for the things yet to happen.

DAY 17 PRAYER POINTS:

» Maori Ministry Pastor Peter Hira

» Regional initiatives in Missions, Outreach

» Ministers in training

» A/G Vision – Make Disciples, Build Churches, Influence Nations

20

DAY 18 - NEH 10:28-39

The walls having been built in record time, the celebrations completed, praise is given up, and key people have put their names to the covenant before God. Now we see the rest of the people joined with their brethren, V 28-29 also these were people who had knowledge and understanding, V28 their families were committed to this covenant also. Understanding the work of God takes committed people who know what needs to be done, it also takes provision. The work of God and those serving needed to be provided for to ensure the work carried on that the house of God wasn’t neglected. The now completed walls protecting this once broken city which now needed to be inhabited again.

As we come toward the end of this fast we need to commit ourselves afresh to the work before us, we look also for the influx of new souls – churches, in our communities, cities, towns, regions to see His favour poured out upon us anew

PASTOR ROB CLAYTON - WELLINGTON REGIONAL OVERSEER

Pray for yourself and others to be people of understanding, commitment to the work at hand, and to be a channel of resources for the ministry.

DAY 18 PRAYER POINTS:

» Provision for mission - local, regional, national & international

» Emerging Leaders within our churches

» Growth in our churches

» A/G Mission – REACH + RENEW + RELATE + RESOURCE

21

DAY 19 - ACTS 13:1-3 & 14:21-27

Even though we live in a very materialistic world we see that there is a hunger for the supernatural. Just look at all the adverts for Psychics, palm and card readings. This shows us that the harvest is plentiful as people are looking for the supernatural!

In Acts 13 we see the leaders of the church in Antioch were worshiping and fasting. I am not sure if they were looking for specific guidance or not. But one thing we know when we set ourselves to worship God and fast He will show up and speak to us. Here we see that the Holy Spirit said to them ‘set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work I have called’. So, they were then sent! In the later chapters we see the amazing work that God accomplished, and the setting apart of others to lead these new works.

I would like to encourage you to take time to worship, fast and pray, see what God says to you! Just a word from the Holy Spirit will change your world.

PASTOR SANJAI KANDREGULA - A/G NZ EXECUTIVE MEMBER & AUCKLAND REGIONAL OVERSEER

Be challenged to minister to the Lord first as they did in Antioch, as it paves the way for the Holy Spirit to speak.

DAY 19 PRAYER POINTS:

» Increase of the gifts operating in both church and marketplace

» Bi-vocational pastors

» The release of both seasoned and new ministers to new areas of ministry

» Those serving in your church in voluntary capacity

» A/G Message – Faith, Hope, Love

22

DAY 20 - EPH 1:17-23

We have set before us an open door. The task may seem overwhelming especially if we are looking at it from a human standpoint; lack of resources, people and finances, skill, faith. Paul reminds us through his letter to the Ephesians that we the Church are Gods answer, expressing Christ’s fullness on earth. In Christ, He has given everything to equip, empower and mature us so that we are able to spread the victory of Christ here in NZ and beyond.

PASTOR MINA ACRAMAN - A/G NZ EXECUTIVE

Consider what you have available in gifting and write them down. Any you haven’t used in a while? Stir them up.

DAY 20 PRAYER POINTS:

» Recognition of and releasing of giftings in your congregation

» Unreached people groups in Asia & Africa

» Renewed evangelistic ministry throughout our nation

» A/G Culture – Vibrant, Empowering, Relevant

23

DAY 21 - EPH 3:14-21 & 6:10-20

At the end of this 21 day period of prayer and fasting, let us ponder the words of the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus. And not to Ephesus only but to all the saints who have not seen Paul’s face in the flesh. This includes the AGNZ Movement.

The Lord’s desire is that the church be strengthened with spiritual might be rooted and grounded in love, comprehend the magnitude of that love and be filled with all the fullness of God, as Christ indwells His church by faith. Paul then culminates all this by saying “God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or even desire.”

The church is to walk in the light of this revelation. She is to possess the wealth of her salvation. Then she must go to war in order to keep her wealth, push back the forces of darkness and advance the Kingdom of God. As the church continues in her wealth, her walk and her warfare. Christ will be continuously glorified in His Church from generation to generation.

Let us do that as a Movement. Let us do that for our nation. Let us do that for our God.

PASTOR ILIAFI ESERA - A/G NZ GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT

Note any significant testimonies & answers to prayer over this time. Ask for opportunity to share these in a service.

DAY 21 PRAYER POINTS:

» The fulfillment of God’s promises to you personally and corporately

» For growth in this generation

» A greater co-operation of our congregations with our regions

» Strongholds broken in our communities (Review what you’ve written down from Day 1)

24

NOTES

25

© ASSEMBLIES OF GOD NZ INC

EASTSIDE ESTATE, 15 ACCENT DRIVE, BUILDING 2, EAST TAMAKI 2013, AUCKLAND

PO BOX 58067, BOTANY, AUCKLAND 2163

PHONE: +64 9 265 0063 | FAX: +64 9 265 0171 NATSEC@AGNZ.ORG.NZ

WWW.AGNZ.ORG VISIT US ON FACEBOOK