The following article by Linda Ferrante appeared in the latest issue of the Christian Herald, Southern Ontario's Christian Newspaper
This past September many of us in the GTA, from Mississauga to Newmarket, including Hamilton, had the opportunity to hear first hand the possibilities that await communities when Christins prayerwalk their streets. This new pray initiative is called "Adopt Your Street" and it has been spreading worldwide as every day people make an intentional commitment to pray where they live, work and play.
Actually they invite God to walk with them as they pray for the needs of neighbours (some they don't even know on a first name basis) or co-workers or even businesses.
It was introduced to us through Lloyd and Joanne Turner from Newark, New Jersey who have witnessed first hand what can happen to a city when Christians and Church leaders are desperate enough to cry out to God for change and transformation. God called this humble, but exceptional couple to play a foundational role in the current transformation taking place in Newark. They were instrumental in a 33% drop in the murder rate in a city with one of the highest per capita murder rates in America in just one year!
Having had the privilege of meeting and praying with Lloyd and Joanne Turner, one comes to understand the depth of their commitment and heart to see God transform not only their own city but the cities of the world.
Their book "The Street Adopter's Handbook" reflects their personal journey of trial and discovery. They shared at various gatherings the guidelines on how to launch, pray through and create a momentum in keeping with the Holy Spirit. What was so appreciated was their transparency in sharing what would come to them during prayer and the revelation from scriptures which cemented their efforts.
When one sees what good has done in Newark and other cities with ordinary people in relationship with an extraordinary God who are committed to pray for their streets, schools, neighbours and leaders, how can one not be encouraged to believe that prayer really does change the spiritual climate by bringing the power and presence of God to our cities?
As Canadians, we are not that much different from our American neighbours. We are a diverse culture, welcoming the multitude of nations to our country. We are a relatively quiet people often called humble and unassuming. However, our desire to have peace in our streets, steady jobs, homes to shelter and raise families, education for our children and a hope for a secure future resonates in both our countries. It is what unites Christians the world over. It is a call to prayer that Believers can't resist.
What we are praying for is a desperate need among Christians to see transformational impact the regions of the GTA. We are aware that there are pockets of people and churches already prayerwalking their streets and communities based on luke 10. Already we have numbers of testimonies of transformation happening in and around our city.
We here in the GTA are excited to see what the outcome of our own Adopt Your Street initiative will be. Our faith in the Lord's help and strength, and the unity which has begun to build within the churches of our regions encourages us to take seriously the challenge to see the transformation of our city one street at a time through the effort of prayer.
For those interested in joining with others already praying please go to the MissionGTA.com website or TransformationCanada.ca and register online through "Adopt Your Street" by committing to a location daily or weekly. If we persevere and put our feet to pour prayer who knows what God will do!
