In March 2004 during their 16-month 50-state tour, Dutch Sheets and Chuck Pierce prophesied that Virginia is the “Covenant Root” state and has governmental authority for the world. Four of the first five president of the United States were born, raised, and lived in Virginia. The first permanent English speaking colony in America was Jamestown, VA.

In February 2005, Dr. Randy Peck from Culpeper Virginia read The Elk River Story by Rick Heeren. In March, he connected by phone with Rick. In June 2005, Rick came to Culpeper, Virginia for the very first time to establish a beachhead in Virginia for prayer evangelism. Within 2 weeks, Pray Culpeper was birthed.

Rick Heeren is regional Vice President for Harvest Evangelism and the author of 4 books including The Elk River Story and Marketplace Miracles. He was the catalyst for what happened spiritually in Elk River Minnesota. Elk River has become a detonator city for spiritual transformation for more than 50 other cities, several states, and even some nations.

Rick’s visits to Culpeper were very significant because Culpeper is “the cradle of religious freedom for the world” – the birthplace of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constiution. Rick came back to Culpeper in August 2005 and February 2006. To read about fruit of Pray Culpeper, CLICK HERE.

On July 30, 2008, Rick Heeren hosted the very first Transformation Virginia webinar along with several other panelilsts. This was a LANDMARK event, not just for Virginia, but for the United States. To see a replay of that webinar, watch this video:

Rick is returning to Virginia on August 16-19. You may meet him in person and hear him speak at:

1. Word of Life International Church from 10 am – 3 pm on Mon August 18
   Lunch will be served between Noon – 1 pm
   Address: Address: 21641 Beaumeade Circle #319 Ashburn, VA 20147
   Phone: (571) 223-2963
2. Calvary Christian Church from 10 am – 1 pm on Tues August 19
   Lunch will be served between Noon – 1 pm
   Address: 2222 Jeff Davis Highway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
   (on Route 1 across from Express Auto)
   Phone: (540) 371-5294
   Please RSVP to Christi at (540)-419-8480 or by email: cgourley@theprayerfurnace.org
   Note: We were mistaken in our prior post that Rick would be at Grace Church of Fredericksburg

Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19)

Are you sick of religion but hungry for God?
Do you want to see your city reached for Jesus?

If you answered “yes” to the question above, then REGISTER NOW for the first ever Transformation Virginia webinar at Noon EST on Wednesday July 30!!! God just birthed this UNCOMMON opportunity in the past 2 weeks.

Come hear the first hand stories of seven transformational leaders from 3 states who have been substantially impacted by The Elk River Story. Discover how God is transforming Minnesota, North Carolina, and Virginia as a result.

Rick Heeren, regional Vice President for Harvest Evangelism and author of 4 books including The Elk River Story and Marketplace Miracles, is coming to speak in Virginia August 17-19, 2008.

Rick was the catalyst for what happened spiritually in Elk River Minnesota. Elk River has become a detonator city for spiritual transformation for more than 50 other cities, several states, and even some nations. Rick’s latest book Marketplace Miracles shares “Extraordinary Stories of Marketplace Turnarounds,” including the Marching Through Culpeper story.

According to Rev. Travis Thigpen, “a primary redemptive purpose of the State of Virginia is that of Governance, or the art of Godly governing… Virginia has the oldest elected legislature in the western hemisphere, and was the birthplace of Presidents for seven of the first eight presidential terms.” Virginia received the first African slaves in 1619. The state of Virginia was the site of the first permanent English colony in North America. There had been other attempts but this one was successful. Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, Almighty God, we gladly bow down before you on bended knee acknowledging that You are LORD of all, the one and true living God. Jesus, we hear You knocking on the door of Virginia and open the door and invite You to come in to dine with us. You are welcome here. The time is NOW! Hallelujah!

Link of the Day
REGISTER NOW for the first ever Transformation Virginia webinar on July 30, 2008

Blessing to partake in this landmark webinar and let others know about it!

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. (Matthew 2:10)

Do you have a heart to see your city and your state transformed by Jesus?
What is a lead domino to make that happen?

In the process of preparing our family Christmas card and letter each year, I review all my digital photos from the past year and reflect back on what God has done. Based upon my reviews, Rick Heeren has had the greatest influence on me over the past 3 years. His book, The Elk River Story, has impacted me the most of the many books I have read. Rick is one of the most anointed people in the world to transform entire cities.

During our phone conversation on Dec 19, Rick agreed to offer a 40% discount through January 15 on the purchases of two of his books, The Elk River Story and Thank God It’s Monday! We prayed in unity believing for 12 different people to buy one case of books by Friday Dec 28. On Dec 24, Rick emailed his list of 1,000+ supporters for City Miracles announcing the 40% discount. So far, two cases of books have been purchased online. We’re waiting for 10 more.

Recently Rick has been highlighting exciting stories about how transformation is happening all over the state of North Carolina. Rick’s email sent to his supporters on Dec 24 states, “One of the reasons that things are heating up in North Carolina is that strategic leaders purchased whole cases of our books and gave them away as gifts. The vision has been transmitted widely by generous people who want to see their cities and their state transformed. How about your city and your state? Today we are making a special effort to stimulate the transmission of the vision through these books.”

C. Peter Wagner, Founder and Chancellor of the Wagner Leadership Institute, writes, “Let’s all keep our eyes on Elk River, Minnesota. Rick Heeren’s The Elk River Story is an exciting, revealing, faith-building account of how church and workplace leaders together can tap into God’s power for social transformation.”

Roger Mitchell, co-leader of Target Europe, writes, The Elk River Story is a contemporary narrative that had to be written and MUST BE READ! God wants to transform whole regions, nations, and event continents. But for this to happen, cities and towns have to be reached first. This is the great challenge and encouragement of The Elk River Story. Read, learn, and picture the transformation of your own hometown and nation.

If you have a heart to see your city or state transformed for Jesus and can afford to buy a case of Rick’s books, I strongly encourage you to do so by Dec 28. Regardless, please join me in agreeing with Rick’s prayer below.

Prayer Power
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the ways that these books have spread the vision for transforming cities, states and nations. We pray that this special offer will result in many more cities entering into the transformation process. We pray this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Link of the Day
40% sale on case of The Elk River Story books

Blessings to sow seeds in faith to see your city and state transformed!

The book, entitled, The Elk River Story, was published in February, 2004, by Transformational Publications, a division of Harvest Evangelism, Inc.

In one of his two chapters in the book, Greg Pagh, senior pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Otsego, MN, and a member of the leadership team of Pray Elk River, wrote the following,

“Two key passages of scripture have guided the movement of the Spirit called Pray Elk River. The first is Jesus’ ‘high priestly prayer’ in John 17. The second is Jesus’ instructions to the seventy-two in Luke 10. The first provides the theological framework for God’s call to greater unity in the church. The second provides a practical model for the implementation through what has become known as Prayer Evangelism.”

One of the key indicators of the success of the Elk River prototype, and a component of the detonation process, has been Riverview Community Bank. This bank, founded in March, 2003, has accumulated $100 million in deposits in 28 months, making it one of the fasted growing start-up banks in the history of the State of Minnesota. During this period 100 people have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord during banking hours. Additionally, 70 people have been healed when they received prayer at the bank. The New York Times wrote a ten-page article about this bank in their Sunday Magazine published on October 31, 2004. As a result of this article television news teams from all over the world have been coming to Elk River to document the marketplace ministry happening at the bank, and the spiritual climate change that is taking place in the city.

——————————————————————————–

To view the first 26 pages of the E-book for The Elk River Story, right click here and choose Open or Save. The E-book is an EXE file and will run on any computer with the Windows operating system. We hope to have the complete E-book available for purchase online soon.

——————————————————————————–

PRAISE FOR “THE ELK RIVER STORY”

Let’s all keep our eyes on Elk River, Minnesota. Rick Heeren’s The Elk River Story is an exciting, revealing, faith-building account of how church and workplace leaders together can tap into God’s power for social transformation.
- C. Peter Wagner, Chancellor, Colorado Springs, Colorado (Wagner Leadership Institute)

The Elk River Story is a contemporary narrative that had to be written and MUST BE READ! God wants to transform whole regions, nations, and event continents. But for this to happen, cities and towns have to be reached first. This is the great challenge and encouragement of The Elk River Story. Read, learn, and picture the transformation of your own hometown and nation.
- Roger Mitchell (Passion, London, England; Co-leader of Target Europe)

The spiritual transformation of a city or region in the United States is no longer just a theory. It is happening in the Elk River, Minnesota. Reading these reports will encourage and strengthen the effort of the rapidly growing numbers of men and women across America, and around the world, who are believing spiritual transformation will occur in their communities. After reading The Elk River Story, I‘m more convinced than ever that when the spiritual leadership in a geographic region is represented by more than the pastors, the church will become the powerful presence Jesus said it should be. These testimonies are from pastors, prayer intercessors, business people, and even the city’s mayor. This is a story of the Body of Christ working together to create a culture of transformation. It is the church being God’s redemptive community and changing the spiritual climate of a city. This story gives us new hope for the transformation of our nation.
- John Isaacs, San Jose, California (Senior Pastor, South Bay Covenant Church, President, Pray The Bay)

It is possible to see the spiritual climate over a city be changed, even in the Western world! The Elk River Story is a series of faith inspiring testimonies from the people who have been and are in the midst of a process of transforming their city. They come from all walks of life, but are united in the desire to see Christ lifted up in all areas of the life of Elk River. This book will encourage other city reachers and even inspire others to embrace a new vision to touch their cities for Christ.
- Dr. Reidar Paulsen (Senior Pastor Christ Church, Bergen, Norway, Co-leader of the Pastoral Network in Bergen, called Pray Bergen)

This book comes at the right time. We need to hear what God is doing – bringing unity to a city in order to bring salvation. This is a great book and I can identify with the process in this city. We are seeing some of the same results in Bergen, Norway. We had a vision to see our city changed and God gave us the strategy of prayer evangelism. The Elk River Story is encouraging because they are ahead of us in the process and are showing us that we are on the right track. I love to see the people of God moving forward to let whole cities and nations see the glory of God.
- Noralv Askeland (Senior Pastor, Christian Fellowship, Bergen, Norway, Co-leader of the Pastoral Network in Bergen, called Pray Bergen)

This book edited by Rich Heeren is a must-read for all those who desire to see transformation happen in their cities and/or nations. If you have watched the Transformations videos, and you would like it to happen in your city and nation, this book has captured and outlined the step-by-step process of transformation using prayer evangelism as the strategy.
- King Flores, Las Pinas City, Manila, Philippines (Pastor for Body Ministry, BF Homes Bible Church)

In The Elk River Story we are given a practical demonstration of God the Father responding to the prayer of Jesus for the unity of his disciples, “that the world may know you have sent me” (John 17). Here is tremendous encouragement for those of us who have a burden for restoration of the Kingdom of God in our communities, but have yet to see the realization of this in practice. It appears that no facet of city or social life remains untouched as we read account after account of transformation in place after place, beginning with the House of the Lord. Through this story our Father in Heaven once again reveals his compassion for every member of society, bar none
- Gordon Shewan, Aberdeen, Scotland (Senior Pastor, All Nations Christian Fellowship)

The call to reach the whole of our cities for Christ’s Kingdom has grown stronger in the last decade. It is now at an all time high. Every city has its own DNA, but it is wonderful to have documented the story of Elk River. This justifies the pioneer call of those God raised up with the city reaching message and articulated that. I believe many will be encouraged to press in for their city by reading the story of Elk River. It is also a tribute to the tenacity of Rick and Rachel Heeren who have believed the message for their area. I commend them and the story to you believing you will all be encouraged by the story they have edited and helped to put together.
- David Brown, Sunderland, England (Pastor & City Reacher)

This is an amazing collection of stories of humble servants who have said No to ego and Yes to the call of Christ-crucified and risen. I long for this type of unity to come to the community I’m serving. The Elk River Story is nothing other than a fresh release of the Holy Spirit enabling surrendered leaders from many walks of life the privilege of knowing and being known, loving and being loved, serving and being served, celebrating and being celebrated. I believe Christ is smiling on Elk River.
- Blair Anderson, Ramsey, Minnesota (Senior Pastor, Lord of Life Church)

If your heart’s desire is to see the church unified for kingdom advancement spurred by pastors, business people, intercessors, city officials and educators who love and trust one another, I commend to you the principles you will find in The Elk River Story. I know you will find encouragement and the call of God to see your city reached for Christ.
- Randy Discher, Andover, Minnesota (Senior Pastor, Constance Evangelical Free Church)

The Elk River Story is more than a story. It is a move of God. As a pastor in the suburbs south of Elk River, God used this story as a catalyst to move the churches in our area. Two pastors, a businessman/prayer intercessor and a governmental leader in the Spring of 2001 shared how God was at work in Elk River. Their simple testimonies helped to develop a similar story that the Spirit is writing in the far western suburbs of Minneapolis. I thank God for Rick Heeren and his wife, Rachel, who have given their lives to assist the many stories the Spirit is creating throughout the Twin Cities.
- Dr. Kevin D. Meyer, Medina, Minnesota (Senior Associate Pastor, Woodridge Church)

For all, like myself, who want to do God’s will and be part of what God is doing today and see the power of God manifested in their life, church and community, this collection of current testimonies and vision given in The Elk River Story will fan the flame and stir up the zeal needed to finish the race set before you. Rich Heeren is an emerging author who has a gift to encourage the church to accomplish the mission of evangelism given to it. This book is a testimony that the prayer of Jesus in John 17 for Christ centered unity can happen city wide. A must-read in staying abreast with the current revival.
- Steve Thompson, Bemidji, Minnesota (Senior Pastor, Mount Zion Church)

It is my joy and privilege to encourage everyone to experience the amazing story of what God is doing through prayer evangelism in the city of Elk River, Minnesota. The Elk River Story is a compilation of events and experiences written by various pastors and leaders of the community who share the profound workings of God as the y are happening in their city. It is truly a work of His grace and something to be desired by every pastor and leader for their communities. Rick and Rachel Heeren have carefully documented every step of this renewal which will capture your imagination and faith and bring the reader to a new hunger and hope for revival in their own cities. After pasturing for 36 years in the Shell Lake area, I am excited to see the beginnings of similar manifestations here of the kind of revival which is now happening in Elk River. This book will bring new hope to your vision.
- Virgil Amundson, Shell Lake, Wisconsin (Senior Pastor, Shell Lake Full Gospel Church)

God has been waiting for a long time for us to retake the cities of the world for Christ Jesus! This can only be done as we follow the pattern of blessing that Jesus commands! I was challenged and stretched by this book because I have known the power of both a blessing and of a curse. I choose in Jesus to walk the way of the blessing and purpose to recommend this biblical model to you who really want Jesus to be Lord of you city!
- John Mehrens, Granby, Missouri (Senior Pastor, Granby Christian Church)

The true grit of The Elk River Story is the play-by-play reality of how the kingdom of God is advanced in a city when obedient men and women take care out of the “church box.” When determined people buy into God’s idea of evangelism, every facet of society is impacted. A must-read for culture changers.
- Dr. Phil Nordin, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (International Association of Ministries)

The Elk River Story is a practical, deeply inspiring model of what God will set in motion when there is genuine love, unity, prayer and bold practical ministry action steps taken by dedicated community leaders. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is being powerfully communicated and demonstrated daily through local marketplace networks and far beyond. Read these pages carefully and hear what the Lord would have you do as an agent of transformation in your city.
- Jarry Cole, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Senior Pastor, RiverCity Outreach)

The Elk River Story is a great book! I am particularly drawn to the idea that the church is supposed to be a resource to our public officials. The idea that there should be separation between church and state is a lie from the devil. Ask the Police Chief in Elk River how he caught the drug dealers in his city-he caught them when the church prayed. Ask the Superintendent of Schools how he got a referendum passed to refurbish the schools-the referendum passed when the church prayed. Yes, we have to stop listening to the lie. Like the Riverview Bank in Otsego, our institutions need to be centered on the phrase-In God We Trust!
- Larry Ihle, Farmington, Minnesota (Business Owner and CEO, Dexterity dental Arts)

——————————————————————————–

Table Of Contents
The Elk River Story

FORWARD BY ED SILVOSO……………………….15

Chapter 1……………………………………………..17
Preface by Rick Heeren

Chapter 2……………………………………………..23
Conceived in the Marketplace by K.C. Foster

Chapter 3……………………………………………..29
Birthed by Pastors by Pastor Paul Salfrank

Chapter 4……………………………………………..32
Married to the Land by Pastor Paul Salfrank

Chapter 5……………………………………………..35
The importance of Intercession by Ken and Carrie Beaudry

Chapter 6……………………………………………..46
Scriptural Foundations by Pastor Greg Pagh

Chapter 7……………………………………………..55
The Power of Unified Prayer by Pastor Greg Pagh

Chapter 8……………………………………………..60
A Charismatic Perspective by Pastor Bob Pullar

Chapter 9……………………………………………..64
A New Pastor’s Perspective by Pastor Percy Kallevig

Chapter 10……………………………………………..68
Reclaiming Our Schools by Chuck Ripka

Chapter 11……………………………………………..76
Mobilizing the Youth by Pastor Tom Ness

Chapter 12……………………………………………..80
A Mayor’s Perspective by mayor Stephanie Klinzing

Chapter 13……………………………………………..87
A Week That Changed the City by Rick Heeren

Chapter 14……………………………………………..92
The Sherburne County Jail by Rev. Jay Bunker

Chapter 15……………………………………………..95
Expanding Marketplace Participation by Ken Beaudry

Chapter 16……………………………………………..101
Riverview Community Bank by Chuck Ripka

Chapter 17……………………………………………..103
Love Elk River by Mayor Stephanie Klinzing

Chapter 18……………………………………………..110
Worship Elk River by Pam Kringlund & Debbie DeLong

Chapter 19……………………………………………..117
A City Detonating Prayer Evangelism by Rick Heeren

Chapter 20……………………………………………..122
A City Interceding for Other Cities by Rick Heeren

Chapter 21……………………………………………..124
A City Interceding for Those in Authority by Chuck Ripka

Chapter 22……………………………………………..127
A City Interceding for the State bye Chuck Ripka

Chapter 23……………………………………………..132
Where Do We Go From Here? By Rick Heeren

Chapter 24……………………………………………..136
Epilogue by Dave Thompson

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18)

The “Great Commission” actually begins with Jesus declaring that He has all authority both in heaven and on earth. Jesus also told His disciples “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do …” (John 14:12) This promise is conditional on one thing – belief in Jesus.

Last night I re-read Ed Silvoso’s book “Prayer Evangelism.” Silvoso teaches: “A manifestation of the power of God leads people to God. The manifestation of power must precede the dispensation of wisdom. This is the heart of prayer evangelism. Sinners are captive in Satan’s dominion, and only a power encounter can set them free. When unexpected, undeserved, and much-needed good happens to the lost, they then become interested in knowing the identity of their benefactor.”

Two weeks ago, I went for a 38 mile bicycle ride with Tim Smith Sr. During that ride we passed by a large farm owned by some friends of ours. I prayed for God to bless that family with joy and laughter and love that won’t let go and God’s peace that passes all understanding. Five days later while I was on my long drive home, my wife called me to ask me to pray for one of the adult female children of this farm family. Within two hours, God had completely re-ordered my wife’s plans and miraculously crossed my wife’s path with that of this young lady we had prayed for. My wife invited the girl and her boyfriend to our marriage LIFE group and Pray Culpeper meeting. They came. By August 20, both of these young adults, who previously were unemployed, had found jobs.

Then, to add to this miracle, the young man turned out to be a skilled construction worker. We hired him to build shelves and hang drywall for our garage which will allow my wife to start her new international coffee roasting business sooner.

Are you expecting and experiencing extraordinary miracles every day?
If not, what can you do to increase your faith in Jesus?

Prayer Power
LORD, there is none like you. Where Your presence is, miracles happen. Thank You for blessing me to seek Your face every day and to dwell in the house of the Almighty. Thank You for teaching me how to practice the presence of God. Thank You for Your miraculous answers to prayer. Continue to increase my faith in Jesus daily. B’Shem Yeshua (In the name of Yeshua), Amen.

Link of the Day
Prayer Evangelism – book by Ed Silvoso
[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0830723978/104-7106938-1647140?v=glance&n=283155]

Blessings for experience extraordinary miracles to become ordinary in your life!

Others sites of interest: Transformation North Carolina [http://transformationnc.org]

And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. (Acts 5:12)

Today the heart of the city is still the marketplace; yet the dichotomy between what we do for a living and what we do for God has impeded the advancement of His Kingdom. Ed Silvoso’s inspiring book “Anointed for Business” shows why it’s time to break down the wall between labor and religious service, and view labor as worship, just as God intended. Only then can we extend God’s kingdom to every corner of our world.

Prayer evangelism works – period. It’s the simplest, cheapest, and most effective way to reach a city for Jesus that I’ve ever seen. It doesn’t take a lot of people coming together regularly to pray for leaders in the city, but it does take unity. It’s amazing to learn what God is doing in cities where pulpit and marketplace ministers gladly come together regularly to pray for and pastor their cities.

What is Transformation? Transformation is the process of spiritual and social change that comes about in the marketplace when Jesus Christ is lifted up, the power of Satan is cast down, and the eyes of the lost are opened, so that they press into the Kingdom of God.

What does it look like? The very atmosphere over a city is changed. Extraordinary miracles are common in the workplace, the church, the government and even the schools. People are prayer walking and blessing their own neighborhoods, schools and workplaces. And they’re reclaiming what Jesus has already redeemed with His blood. Ordinary Christians offer to pray for anyone, anytime, anywhere.

Are you anointed for business?
If not, would you like to learn how you can be?

Prayer Power
LORD, thank You that simple solutions to complex problems are almost always the best ones. Thank You for the profound revelations You have downloaded to Ed Silvoso. Thank You for the Harvest Evangelism team and supporters. Thank You for all the people and cities that have embraced prayer evangelism. Open the eyes of understanding of many, more as to what it means to be anointed for business. May millions of people read Ed Silvoso’s and Rick Heeren’s books and then apply those principles. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Anointed for Business – book by Ed Silvoso
[http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1022199&item_no=28611]

Blessings to be anointed for business!

‘Choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men from among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.’ (Deuteronomy 1:13)

Rick Heeren has a special anointing for community and state transformation. A few years ago, Chuck Pierce and Dutch Sheets prophesied that Minnesota will be the threshing floor for the nation. Rick Heeren serves as the State Apostolic Coordinator for the United States Global Apostolic Prayer Network – Minnesota. His goal is to raise up 5,000 intercessors over the State of Minnesota.

In the past few years, Elk River Minnesota, as a prototype of prayer evangelism in America, has detonated numerous other cities and even states. Transformation Hawaii and Transformation North Carolina are well underway. Transformation Virginia is gaining momentum.

In November 2005, representatives from about 20 states and 60-70 different cities gathered in Elk River Minnesota for the Harvest Evangelism conference. Nearly all of these people had been called by God to lead transformation initiatives in their own cities. Visitors received impartation and were equipped to take back what they learned to their own cities. I had the privilege to experience this first hand and bring it back to Virginia.

Are you ready to see your state transformed by God’s love and power?
Are you coming to the Transformation North Carolina conference September 8-9?

Prayer Power
Father, it’s so exciting to learn of how You are pouring out Your Spirit on all flesh. The Bible says the devil comes to kill, steal, and destroy. We see plenty of that around the world today. Thank You for the hope we have in Jesus every day. Open the eyes of the blind around us so they may see what a great and awesome God You really are. Bless us with a ministry of paths – to be Jesus to whoever You put in our paths. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Links of the Day
Transformation NC conference [http://www.harvestevan.org/index.php?id=140] – September 8-9, 2006 in Durham NC
Dutch Sheets [http://yourdailyblessing.com/blog/wp-admin/www.dutchsheets.org] – Empowering believers for passionate prayer and world-changing revival

“By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit…” (John 15:8)

The united prayers and intercession from the Pray Elk River team first impacted the spiritual climate of Elk River Minnesota. This in turn had a dramatic impact on the marketplace, including the government, schools, and businesses.

A shining example of this is Riverview Community Bank. Chuck Ripka, who was nurtured in the Pray Elk River team, played a lead role in getting this overtly Christian bank going. The Bank, founded in March, 2003, accumulated $100 million in deposits in the first 28 months, making it the fastest growing community bank in the history of Minnesota and possibly in America. During this period about 115 people accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord during banking hours. Additionally, 70 people were healed when they received prayer at the bank.

On October 31, 2004, the New York Times published a ten-page article titled “Faith at Work.” Much of that article had to do with Riverview Community Bank. As a result of this article, news teams from many parts of the world came to Elk River or called to document the marketplace ministry happening at the Bank, and the spiritual climate change taking place in the city.

When I went to Argentina in October 2005 for a Harvest Evangelism conference, I had the privilege to meet several key leaders from the Pray Elk River team. A month later, I visited Elk River Minnesota for another Harvest Evangelism conference. The first-hand testimonies were amazing, but even more impressive to me is how God used these leaders to subsequently impact other cities and nations.

What can you do differently to experience something new (and supernatural) in your work place?

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for what You did in Elk River Minnesota. Thank You for using Rick Heeren and The Elk River Story to bless Culpeper. Thank You for allowing me to see first hand how applying the principles of prayer evangelism works rapidly to change the spiritual climate. Bless our Pray Culpeper team to ignite an epidemic of prayer evangelism in Culpeper that will rapidly spread across Virginia, America, and the world. Show each of us daily what our roles are to be. Bless all those who bless Culpeper and Virginia. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Faith in the Workplace > Living Your Faith at Work
http://www.christianitytoday.com/workplace/features/living.html

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness …” (Ephesians 6:12)

In my previous email, I shared how Elk River Minnesota became a prototype for prayer evangelism in America and has now detonated numerous cities in Minnesota, America, and the world. This powerful move of God began when pastors and marketplace leaders first came together to pray, and it took off when they chose to pastor the entire city instead of just their congregations.

According to Ken and Carrie Beaudry, the leaders of intercession for Pray Elk River, “Intercession is one of the key components to bringing revival and change to a city… We believe that by and through prayer, we can seek God for His plans and purposes for our city and then begin praying for what He has shown us, calling it forth and into being.”

Ken and Carrie write “Intercessors need to be totally in love with Jesus and to spend time with Him. One of our favorite expressions is ‘when we meet for intercession, we’re not going there so much to pray but to meet with Jesus.’ And if we kept that focus, there’s no burnout… If you pray prayers of agreement, you will see things happen in your city.”

Three key passages of scripture guided the movement of the Spirit called Pray Elk River. Those were Isaiah 64:1-12, John 17:21-22, and Jesus’ instructions to the seventy-two in Luke 10.

Prayer evangelism is basically talking to God about people before talking to people about God. Jesus calls for us to do four things for the lost. 1) BLESS – speak peace to the lost. Blessings open the door to unbiased fellowship. 2) FELLOWSHIP with them. This establishes a level of trust. 3) MINISTER to them. Prayer addresses their felt needs. 4) PROCLAIM the good news that the Kingdom of God has come to them.

Do you want to see your city transformed by the power of Jesus Christ?
Have you read The Elk River Story book?

Prayer Power
Father, thank You for calling a team of intercessors to come together each week to praise You and to pray for blessings for leaders in the Culpeper community. Thank You for the unity You are bringing to our community. We ask You LORD of the harvest to send laborers into the harvest fields, especially intercessors. Multiply the prayer teams around the city of Culpeper and then multiply Pray Culpeper in communities throughout Virginia. We look forward to the spiritual tsunami that is coming to Virginia. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
The Elk River Story – book by Rick Heeren
[http://www.rickheeren.org/the-elk-river-story.htm]

Blessings to see the spiritual climate of your city changed through intercession!

“Enlarge the place of your tent, And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords, And strengthen your stakes. For you shall expand to the right and to the left, And your descendants will inherit the nations, And make the desolate cities inhabited.” (Isaiah 54:2-3)

In November 1992, Rick and Rachel Heeren visited Argentina for the first time and met Ed Silvoso, the founder of Harvest Evangelism. Their lives were forever changed. While on the airplane heading back home after the Harvest Evangelism conference, God audibly spoke to Rick saying: “I want you to be an ambassador to bring what you have just experienced in Argentina, back to your own country, beginning in your own home town of Minneapolis and St. Paul.” Rick obeyed the voice of the Lord and the result is the “The Elk River Story.” Elk River became a prototype for prayer evangelism in America and has now detonated numerous cities in Minnesota, America, and the world.

In March of 2005, my life changed forever when I met Rick Heeren over the phone. I knew God had called me to be a great salesman for the Word of God and to be a catalyst to transform the state of Virginia, but I didn’t know how. Rick Heeren has an anointing for city transformation. After Rick Heeren came to Culpeper Virginia for his first visit in June 2005, the local newspaper printed an article titled “Business Forecast: A new spiritual climate.” Within two weeks, Pray Culpeper [www.prayculpeper.org] was birthed.

Stay tuned to learn more about The Elk River Story over the course of this next week.

Do you want to see your city transformed by the power of Jesus Christ?
Would you like to know how to make this happen?
If so, order and read The Elk River Story book.

Prayer Power
LORD, thank You for Ed and Ruth Silvoso, the founders of Harvest Evangelism. Thank You for the way You are using that ministry to disciple nations through marketplace transformation. Thank You for Rick and Rachel Heeren. Thank You for Rick’s great ability to communicate, both in person and by writing books. Thank You for sending the Heerens to Culpeper to bless me, my family, and our community. I ask You to richly bless the Heeren family and the entire Harvest Evangelism team. I ask you to use all types of media (radio, TV, Internet, etc) to make people aware of The Elk River Story so that we will see a marked acceleration of community transformation across America. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
The Elk River Story – book by Rick Heeren
[http://www.rickheeren.org/the-elk-river-story.htm]