ROSWELL

I Just had to get this set of pics up today before I head out for Carlsbad and Abilene. I lose another hour today, plus I am just scooting ahead of a series of thunderstorms and I'm in a little corridor of weather that is very hot, but seems to be dry. Anyway, last night I went over to the Roswell Church. I was surprised at the size of this town. Population is about 50,000 and it is one spread out town! The Roswell Church is located on the south end of town. You can see the pic of the church building and then another building on the  back of the parking lot. I assumed this was for classrooms or storage. What a surprise I was in for. I met with a group of church leaders. Their pastor, Ken Davis, lives two hours away and has a three church district spreading over 200 miles. One fun idea they have going on in the sanctuary is a series of 66 posters depicting the 66 books of the Bible. They encourage Bible reading and as you finish reading a book you can sign your name to the poster. Many may not want to place these all over the inside of the sanctuary, but the concept is great! We talked about outreach and evangelism in which they are very active. However, the highlight came when they asked if I would like to see their prayer ministry. Of course I did and they took me to the little building out back. You can see the beautiful and creative experience that awaits. This ministry is open to all of the community. A participant begins with an orientation as to what they will experience. A church leader first prays with them and then asks that they remove their shoes as they prepare to move into Holy Ground. The first station provides a basin and asks that they wash their hands and a reading explains the cleansing power of God. Next they kneel to pray over their needs and write them on a piece of paper and then attach the note to a brick with some putty and take it with them. At the third station they write a particular focus of their burden in a tray of sand, pray over it and then smooth the sand. Next they pray at a table with a large chain depicting the binding effect of sin and it's burdens. The next station depicts the chain broken and they take a piece of broken chain with them as a reminder of God's power. They next can place a marker on an area locally, statewide, nationwide, or world wide depicting a prayer need and finally they have a chance to journal. They report that most people spend about an hour and almost nobody comes out with dry eyes. The last picture shows Tom Jordon, Alyssa, Debbie, and Daniel Ramirez who gave me this wonderful experience. They make this prayer ministry available to the community 24/7!  This is one great idea!!!