March 2007

To: All Intercessors
From: Fr. Alan W. Hansen
Subject: Prayer Update and Requests

As we approach Holy Week and Easter I am thankful for all the sacrifices make by you and so many others that pray regularly for me and this ministry. I am humbled by this gracious gift of time and energy that helps move the mountains and level the valleys for us to go forth and minister the ever living Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Praise Reports:

I want to begin by giving thanks to the Lord for a number of doors that have opened for this ministry in the last several weeks.

New England Opening: First, we have held our first conference in New England in many years. ACTS 29 was invited to host a clergy day in the Diocese of Connecticut and lead a conference at Grace Episcopal Church in Old Saybrook, CT in mid February. We had over twenty clergy present for the lunch and afternoon discussion and a wonderful group attend the conference over the weekend. This is a giant first step to becoming reacquainted with our renewal friends in that area.

Anglican Communion Network: Secondly, we have begun dialogue with ACN with their Church Planting Initiative and Youth Initiative. I will be meeting with Tom Herrick (Church Planting) and Jack Gabig (Youth) in April to discuss the work and ministry of ACTS 29 as it connects to their efforts. This could have a huge potential for all involved in that our YouthQuake event would become identified as a “common cause” gathering for all the orthodox. Also the work we are doing with Yes These Bones Can Live could be adapted and incorporated with the efforts to plant new churches and renew existing congregations.

Yes These Bones Can Live: The follow up work for this initiative is continuing to gain momentum. This weekend we will be leading a conference for the entire Diocese of Springfield, IL and we have over one hundred signed up. The topic is Christian Healing and how this is central to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We will be leading several practicums that will train and equip the attendees. This has been part of the core teaching for this initiative and we are looking forward to how the Lord will be glorified this weekend.

Prayer Needs:

This month I would like you to pray specifically for the following:

Funding for YTBCL: The initiative in the Diocese of Springfield is funded by donations from several sources. Pray specifically that we would receive generous gifts from all those who gave last year and that full provision would be made for this pilot program. We are asking the Lord for $35,000 to fund this ministry for 2007

Building Sale: I have been asking you to pray for us to sell the building and thus far nothing has happened in that area. This month simply pray for God’s will to be done. We now have it fully rented and the cash flow has improved considerably so may be the Lord wants us to keep it right now.

Office Relocation: Connected to the building sale is our office location. I really do want to relocate to a better and more convenient location so regardless of the sale. Ask the Lord to provide someone to take over our lease so we can move.

Fall Calendar: I have a number of events pending and need to finalize the calendar for 2007. Pray that all the conferences the Lord wants us to do will nailed down this month.

Health and Spiritual Protections: I am acutely aware of the spiritual attack on all of us in ministry. ACTS 29 needs your prayers for protection against the evil one. Please intercede for my health and safe travel; my marriage, family, finances, autos (two wrecks lately ugh!) and to deliver me from evil, temptation and anything that would compromise this ministry morally or ethically. We need your prayers of protection.

Ministry Support: As you know we are a “faith based” ministry and depend on donations from churches and individuals. Over the past three years our support has been impacted as a result of the tensions in our denomination. Please pray that the Lord would continue to sustain this ministry and meet all our needs.

YouthQuake Southwest Florida: I am working with the Diocese of SW Florida to host a Youth event in 2008. We will be meeting in April and pray for the Lord to give us wisdom and discernment in that effort