“God, Give Me Wichita!”
It was 7 AM. I had
come to church early to spend some time praying in the newly built sanctuary of
Bethel Life Center in Wichita, KS. It
was July 1998 and I had served as the Music Pastor there for more than six
years. The worship music was playing, I
had read some of Scripture and I could feel the presence of the Lord as I had
so many times in that holy place of worship. Then something happened to me that
had never happened before. I had recently read Jeremiah 29:7 which
says:
“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.”
As I began to pray for my city, the Holy Spirit came upon me
in a very unusual way. I can only
describe it as a deep intercession, a travail by the Spirit of the Lord. I fell down across the prayer altar, weeping
deeply and crying out at the top of my lungs, “God, give me Wichita! God, give me Wichita!” It was nothing manufactured in the recesses
of my mind. This cry was different. It was so strange to me. I remember thinking,
“Where is this coming from?” I knew…so
did He.
Every decision in my ministry and for my family has pivoted
on this encounter with the Lord since that day.
As with any call, it has been tested, resisted and even mocked. But God has proven Himself faithful to it
every step of the way.
Several years ago, in the midst of a very dark time of
loneliness, rejection and fear, the Lord again spoke. “I’ve called you to Wichita. Every other option will be barren for you. Get
up and walk by faith, as if nothing has ever happened…as if you’ve never missed
a beat.” It was one of the most
difficult things I’ve ever done. But
that’s why it’s called “walking by faith.”
His voice was so strong and clear and still resonates deeply today.
Let’s face it. I’m
not the only pastor in Wichita. God has
a plan and specific purpose for each pastor and local church. Each local church has its own, unique
fingerprint in the city. My 28 years of
ministry in Wichita have produced life-long friendships and covenant
partnerships that continue strong to this day.
I believe that God’s church in Wichita has never been stronger. Local congregations are reaching more people
with the Gospel than ever. The Wichita
Prayer Movement has exploded unity among the churches in unprecedented
ways. My friend Sam McVay, while on an overseas
mission trip heard the Lord tell him, “What you do with prayer in Wichita will
affect the nation.” Lives are being
changed! No one will ever convince me
that God isn’t moving in Wichita. Mantles
of saints who served this city well have been passed on to a new generation
running passionately for the Kingdom.
The church has never been better, more passionate, more focused on the
cause.
God loves Wichita and I love it too. He’s placed a burden upon me as he has so
many others. Thanks to all my Wichita
brothers and sisters who are doing their part to see God do His thing! Let’s keep running this race together. He’s doing it…just open your eyes.
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