From the blog of Pastor Scott Distler, Grace Brethren Church, Lititz, PA:
Philadelphia is in crisis and the violence in the city is escalating with an average of one murder per day – 392 total in 2007. The people of Philadelphia have had enough and are searching for answers. The local government attempts to decrease the violence have been ineffective and things keep getting worse.
Through this crisis God has been motivating His Church to unite together for prayer and to proclaim the Gospel to the lost in this great city. As believers, we know that the only One who can bring real and lasting change is Jesus!
For about nine months our First Grace Brethren Church in Philadelphia with Pastor Shawn Kidder has joined together with other churches to put together an evangelistic outreach called Hope Crusade. This event will be held May 31, 2008, at a high school football stadium – Northeast High.
Gates open at 5 pm for a pre-event concert with the event officially starting at 6 pm and running until 8:30 pm. There will be three Christian bands performing, two praise dance teams, two poets, a local politician, and Pastor Shawn will be presenting the Gospel message with an invitation. Another local pastor will emcee the event and will also be having the involvement of the city’s police and fire departments, as well as many local businesses.
God has blessed us greatly here at Grace Church and we want to encourage and partner with Pastor Shawn and these churches to impact the city Philadelphia. As a result, I am thrilled to let you know that Grace Church will be providing the cost of the stadium rental for this event ($2,500.00). Please be praying fervently for this event. Pastor Shawn has given us specific requests to lift up to the Lord knowing that nothing of eternal importance happens apart from prayer. Please pray this way:
Ø Pray that God might be glorified in all things of Hope Crusade.
Ø Pray that God would supply the remaining financial expenses.
Ø Pray for free media advertisement and coverage.
Ø Pray for God to break down all the spiritual strongholds Satan has in the city
Ø Pray for the stadium to be packed full with unsaved people
Ø Pray that many would come to Christ and get involved in a Bible-believing Church.
Ø Pray for God to use Shawn as he preaches the Gospel message and gives the invitation.
Ø Pray for all volunteers working the event.
Ø Pray for the entertainment: Frenzel Lens, Compelled, DA Union, Dance teams, Poets.
Ø Pray for all equipment to work well with no problems – sound and multi-media.
Ø Pray for local Philadelphia churches to do follow-up after the event.
Ø Pray for good weather.