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Christians
gathering for Unity and Prayer
Telkom
Park Rugby Stadium, 21st March 2002
An
Invitation to join with other Christians in a
Significant
Event for our City and Nation
Background
| Related | Links
| Program
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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 will I
hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
Psalm
133:1 "How
good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!"
REPORT
BACK
A crowd of about
20,000 gathered together in Telkom Park Rugby Stadium in bright
sunshine with singing, praise, worship and prayer to mark the first
national Day of Prayer for Africa last Thursday 21st March.
Notwithstanding the logistical difficulties that surrounded the
organisation of an event of this scale, there were only minor
"glitches", and on the whole it can be seen as a major
success for the Kingdom of God in our city. Our local Christians
joined with others in eight stadiums around the country, and the
rallies were broadcast to millions more on national and European
Christian TV.
Olympic Gold
Medalist Penny Heyns was flown in by helicopter as the guest speaker
in Port Elizabeth, and she gave a moving testimony of how, although
she had been a Christian from a young age, at the height of her
success her life was empty as she had temporarily removed her sights
from the Lord.
However her subsequent recommitment has seen her being greatly used
in His plans.
Stirring messages
were given, and prayers were led, by a number of local Christians,
including Ds Piet Naude, Bishop Bethlehem Nopece, Pastor Neville
Goldman, Pastor Jimmy Crompton and local business leader Mike Smith.
A moment that will live in our memories for a long time is the
blowing of the shofar, led by Pastor Rykie Steyn. The National Time,
when the stadiums were connected by a satellite linkup, was
highlighted by a thought-provoking message from Michael Cassidy,
international team leader of African Enterprise.
The encouragement
of an event like this is to see how barriers are beginning to be
broken down between diverse denominations as we start working
together with one purpose as members of the one body of Jesus Christ. Amen!
According to the
organising committee, plans are already underway for next year's
event, including a commitment from national television. They are
welcoming any and all comments, criticism, suggestions, etc. from
those who were there, in order to make the follow-up event next year
even better.
There is also a
need for ongoing financial support as the organisational costs are
huge. If you are led to become involved in this area, contact Nelie
Smith (Event Coordinator) on 041 583-5245 / 082 787-8711 or James
Duffy (Finance) on 041 360-9487 / 082 955-1031. |
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THE
BACKGROUND
History
teaches us that there is a limited amount we can do as human beings,
with our own efforts alone, to bring about justice, healing and
transformation in society. The problems we face are huge. These
verses, and the experience of Christians in towns and cities all over
the world (especially in less developed countries) show that
God’s people can make a difference by joining together in unity,
repenting of past sin and praying fervently to God as one body, for
ultimately it is God who brings blessing.
On
March 21st 2001 in Cape Town, 45000 Christians from all races and
denominations gathered at Newlands Stadium for public reconciliation,
repentance for past wrongs, acknowledgement of the Lordship of Jesus
Christ, and prayer for the transformation of the city. Many have felt
strongly that the success of that rally should be followed up with
similar events in all the major cities of South Africa on the same
date, 21st March, 2002.
What
a wonderful thing it would be if Christians from all sectors of our
divided community could meet together in one place to worship, hear
inspired messages from South African church leaders (some relayed on
a big screen by satellite), and pray together! United prayer for a
solution to problems of appalling poverty, crime, corruption and
disease. For an end to racism and disunity, fear and doubt. For a
flowing in of prosperity, a new hopeful spirit of sharing, and a
revitalized spirituality centred on Jesus Christ our Lord. |
For
some months now, groups of ministers and lay people in our Nelson
Mandela Metropole and in other cities have been working towards
staging such an event this year here
in Telkom Park. This has involved trying to ensure representation
and cooperation from all the church groupings in the city. We
therefore urge all men and women ordained by God to lead different
sections of his church, to give full support to the TRANSFORMATION
EVENT at TELKOM PARK on MARCH 21st 2002
so that all congregations take part.
7
Cities are committed to hosting the Transformation event on 21 March
2002. Many other cities and towns will be linked by satellite.
The
various venues are:
FOR
MORE INFORMATION, Email info@pechurchnet.co.za
Click
here for Transformation Nelson Mandela Bay
RELATED:
The
Walk of Hope aims to instil hope among all South Africans, to
promote the National Day of Prayer, and to raise funds for the Day of Prayer.
LINKS: |
