Introduction to the New Testament

• What is Mission?
• Jesus' Mission
• Our Call to Mission
• Arenas of Mission
  • What is Evangelism?
    • How to Introduce People to Christ
    • Loving Your Muslim Neighbour
  • Making Disciples
    • Who are you praying for?
    • DBS - 3 Columns
    • DBS - Seven Questions
    • Scripture Passage Themes
    • Disciple Making Movements
    • Church Planting
  • Church Planting
    • Your First Church Plant
    • City, Regional or National Initiative
  • Missional Communities
    • Renewal in Mission
    • Congregational Leadership
  • Social Impact
• Writing Your Personal Mission Statement
• Rhythm of Life and Mission

Standing in the Gap - Ezekiel 22:23-31

I looked for a man who would...stand in the gap on behalf of the land. (v.30)

Ginny met a soldier who guarded the Bulgarian border during the communist years. Told that Europeans were desperately trying to get into the country, he thought he was keeping the world out. Imagine his shock when he discovered that it was just the opposite - his government had lied to him for years!

Ginny is identifying with Bulgarians trying to find their future after years of lies and betrayal. Home is a dull, grey concrete block 'commie condo,' leftovers of the communist era. Heat for the city is turned on mid-October and turned off in April regardless of the temperature. Stray dogs roam the parks. Garbage litters the streets. It is hard to find beauty.

Commenting on the hopelessness of Bulgarian young people, Ginny was challenged by a student: "Hope! How can we have hope?!" The outward signs of decay, anger, disrespect are a picture of the soul of the people.  She rides the tram through a different area of the city every week praying for Bulgaria. She has developed a prayer guide to help others pray. She has heard God's call to "stand in the gap" so that Bulgarians (only 2% evangelical) might come to know Jesus, and find true freedom and life in him. How will you answer God's call?

Prayer: Remind me Lord that prayer changes reality, and that you have called me to play a part in the healing of nations through prayer. Lord heal our land!