The Prayer of Faith

The American missionary to India, John Hyde (1865-1912), was known as a man of strong faith. He set out in life to bring one person to the Lord every day. The Lord honored his prayers. Later, he felt led to be even bolder and ask for two souls a day; eventually the number increased to four! But he was best known as one who prayed for revival. He was like a modern day Elijah — the prayers of this righteous man were powerful and effective. In 1911 Hyde began his return to the States because of broken health. As he was returning, he stopped in England to visit missionaries he had known in India. There was an American evangelist by the name of J. Wilbur Chapman preaching in the area. The response to the altar was very minimal. John Hyde attended the services and noticed that there were not many responding to the messages. When John decided to pray earnestly for people to be open to the Holy Spirit, the response changed dramatically. Now the place where they were meeting became filled with not only people, but the Holy Spirit. Fifty people responded to the invitation to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

I earnestly desire to see God continue to move in the hearts of people here in Findlay. During this Advent Season, we are focusing on forgiveness. Our theme is “Bright Christmas.” There are so many people who need to experience the forgiveness of God and to experience the power of forgiveness given to others. When we are faithful to forgive as God has forgiven us, then we can experience the Bright Christmas God intends.

I want to remind you of some times set up to pray for the Lord to continue to move on the hearts of people in our services and in our sphere of influence in the community. EverySunday we gather to pray from 8 to 8:30 a.m. in room 202 which is across from the church office. Every Wednesday we gather in the sanctuary from 6 to 7 a.m. I want to get in the rhythm of praying together as a church and I invite anyone to join me as we desperately call upon the Lord to fill this place with His presence.

This Sunday we will be having a regular service at 9:15 a.m. in the sanctuary and then at10:45 we will gather in the Family Life Center for our annual Children’s Musical. We are so blessed to have children who love the Lord and want to express it in worship. Come, and invite someone to come with you for this powerful day of worship.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike

www.findlayfirstnaz.org