Leeds 6th Global Day of Prayer 23rd May 2010
This year’s event got off to a flying start with the unfurling of the HFTN banner over everyone’s heads.
People were asked to pray for a nation whose flag they could see above them. Pastor Levi Bailey welcomed everyone and encouraged us all to greet someone we did not know.
Asia originally from Poland led us in prayer for the Polish nation especially after the recent tragedy when the nation’s leaders died in an air crash.
Peter (ex- Thai missionary) prayed in Thai for the situation in Bangkok, which was erupting during the week. Paul Lancaster then gave a power point presentation about the Edinburgh World Missionary Conference in 1910, explaining how this was described as “the most notable gathering in the world wide expansion of Christianity ever held”. 
At this gathering there was an unprecedented partnering together in world mission, with a view to completing the Great Commission. Now, 100 years later in 2010 there was an even greater determination to work together as nations, with the Global South playing the greatest role in advancing the Christian Gospel. It was noted that 4000 delegates will be meeting in South Africa in June for the Third Lausanne Congress on world evangelism. As well as this many will be gathering in Edinburgh to look again at strategies, the mobilising of mission networks and seeking to develop a new vision for world mission. It seems as though all this is very timely with the World Cup being held in South Africa in two weeks time.
An Iranian worship team sang a song in Farsi, after which Nozar then introduced the topic of the persecuted church and spoke about the current situation in Iran. Groups were given a card with details of one of 7 countries where Christians were facing persecution, and encouraged to prayer for that nation.
It was good to welcome a worship team originally from Mauritius who led us in some lively worship.
Jackie then introduced the topic of “Unreached People Groups”, of which 28 are resident here in the UK. Liz then spoke very movingly about Mirpuris in Leeds. 
Everyone was given a card with details of one people group to pray for and many commented that they were unaware that such groups were in Leeds.
It was good to hear from Lorencia about a new initiative in south and west Leeds, which is seeking to network 24 international congregations and look at new ways in engaging in mission. We prayed that there would be good relationships established and a much greater effectiveness in mission for this part of Leeds.
Paul spoke briefly from Matthew 24v 14 “ And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” 
He emphasised that there is an end in sight and we are getting so much nearer to the Great Commission being fulfilled. The amazing involvement in mission across the nations gives a strong indication that the task is nearing completion. 2010 is significant as a reminder of all that has happened in the last 100 years and the determination to keep pressing forward.
The New Testament Church of God worship team did a great job in leading us all in worship during the evening and we are thankful for NTCOG hosting the event and providing refreshments.
Please note next event: Hope for the Nations in Briggate 10th July 12noon –4pm
Watch the video clip of the Global Day of Prayer on You tube
Type in ‘Hope for the nations Global Day of Prayer’
