This is a unique way of asking the faith community in Australia to corporately hear from the Lord on an issue that is affecting the whole nation. This is believed to be the first time such an approach of hearing from God as a nation has been initiated. Results of the 40 days of prayer will be announced soon after the season has concluded.
An appropriate response will then be formulated and interested people across Australia invited to participate in any event organised to give expression to the results emanating from the season of prayer. To read the full announcement click here.
Grass, that is normally 12 inches high, is now dust!
One youth outreach group has asked its members to pray: "Please Lord, give us rain, but if not - please enable us to survive".
Days of Prayer have been called for. The Australian Prayer Network has called churches, prayer groups and individuals to join in 40 days of "Seeking the face of God for the drought", from October 22 to November 30.
The Heads of Christian Churches in Queensland have announced a Prayer Service to launch a project called: "Water . a time for prayer". The Launch will take place on Thursday, November 2, at 7.30 am, with the Premier of Queensland, the Hon Peter Beattie MP who requested prayer for rain in drought-effected Queensland. The Project will run from Sunday, November 5 to Sunday, November 12.
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Former Burrinjuck Dam |
Rev Terry Logan, the minister of the Yass Community Baptist Church in New South Wales, has called for November 26 to be set aside as a National Day of Prayer, on behalf of the churches in that town. Yass is located 173 mile (279km) South-West of Sydney, with a population of 4,850.
In Yass, representatives from six denominations have met every Saturday morning for prayer in a central park, for the last eight weeks. Sometimes farmers have joined them and shared something of the difficulties they are experiencing. Luke Willersdorf, a former Youth Minister, said it was great to have fellowship and share experiences. At least that way farmers know they are not alone.
"For 12 years, there have only been low rainfalls and for five years there have been no crops to sell," said Luke. "Banks are extending credit for the farmers to continue, but as soon as a crop is harvested, it is realized the banks will step in, take over the farms and claim repayments."
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Dry land for sale/Farmers selling out |
Farmers are selling out, while they can, although the price for sheep is decreasing daily.
It costs $1 for a bullet to kill a sheep, which would only sell for $1 anyway!
Animals are coping a little better but the fields in the surrounding areas are running out of suitable grass for feeding. Farmers have had to buy fodder for 4-5 years, which is emptying their financial resources.
"Debt is rampant," said Luke. "Many have had their credit stopped and some already owe more than a whole year's income!"
Rev Logan showed his concern when stating that one in five farmers commits suicide because of their predicaments.
People can help by praying for our Nation and our farmers. Encourage Parliamentarians and Church leaders to declare November 26, a National Day of Prayer.
Rev Terry Logan can be contacted at Yass Community Baptist Church, P.O. Box 311, Yass NSW 2582, Australia; Phone +61-2-6226 2265; Email: logan@powerband.net.au
Topic: Australians SEEK THE FACE OF GOD! Pray For Rain
