Impacting the Town of Milton

Obviously, having invested in launching our campus in the community of Milton, we are extremely 'for' reaching our community and having an impact in the Town of Milton.

Too often though, we can be guilty (myself included), of setting up our Sunday services and supporting programs and expecting people to come to us.  And we think that in order to do anything outside of that framework, that we have to run a program or a class or offer something organized to meet some specific need.  Nothing wrong with any of those things.  We want to be able to do many things like that through PORTICO Milton as we are able and have the space and volunteer manpower to pull them off.  But that time isn't right now...soon we hope...but not right now.

That is why it was so refreshing to have Rev. Jim Craig come and challenge us this past Sunday about how to bless our community.  Because all of us can pray and speak blessing into our neighbourhoods and workplaces - and we can start right now!

Jeremiah 29:7
Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.

The simplest way to do this is to pray for peace and blessing over all of the homes, businesses, schools and other sites on your street. This is a biblical prayer that Paul often used to start his letters to churches (see Phil. 1:1-2, 1 Thes. 1:1).

When you pray peace and blessing over the people on your street, you are asking God to work in their lives in whatever way they need in order to draw them to Himself, the true source of peace.

You can pray this simple prayer while you walk along the street, while you drive down it, sitting at home or lying in bed (if you forget that day!). Simply say, "Lord, I pray peace and blessing over every family on this street. I declare that the Kingdom of God has come to (street name) (see Mark 1:14, 15). Work in their hearts and accomplish Your purposes in their lives. In Jesus name, amen."

As your pastor - let me encourage you - begin to do this right now. It doesn't have to be public and weird. It's just between you and God. It will take an exercise of your faith to quietly pray and believe that God is going to birth great change and transformation out of your prayers. But I believe that is exactly what He is going to do as each of us faithfully pray peace and blessing for our communities.

Watch my next post on specific information on how to 'Adopt-Your-Street' if you haven't done so already.

Blessings,

Pastor Jeff

Resources:
Click HERE to listen to Jim's message.

Check out these books if you want to read more about prayer evangelism and community transformation.

Prayer Evangelism

That None Should Perish