Summer 2006 Issue

After the “One Day” comes the blessing.

Prestonwood members joined thousands at Reunion Arena for an incredible time of prayer and worship during the Global Day of Prayer on June 4. The Reunion prayer warriors and worshippers were among the nearly 200 million doing the exact same thing all over the world.

For the second year, this prayer movement that started in Africa has taken hold in some 200 nations, including 100 cities in America. And for the second year, Dallas is the North American model city. Only this time, hundreds of other cities are “looking over our shoulders for the 90 Days of Blessing,” said Dr. Bob Bakke, Executive Producer and the U.S. Coordinator of the Global Day of Prayer. “We have a model in Dallas unlike any other.”

While many cities had great success with the “One Day” prayer gathering, not many were as successful with the 10 Days of Prayer leading up to the Global Day of Prayer and particularly the 90 Days of Blessing after the gathering. During the 90 days, churches come together to bless their communities.

“Last year, Dallas was a wonderful picture of kingdom relationships that are being established to truly fulfill works of God,” said Mike Fechner, Minister of Spiritual Development. “We prayed, handed out thousands of Bibles, picked up trash, and built homes. But more than anything, we demonstrated unity and compassion and care, and we showed the community in our city that this is who the people of God are.”

The people of Prestonwood, The Potter’s House, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Concord Missionary Baptist and many others united to cover the Bon Ton community in southeast Dallas with Christ’s love. This year, even more will be done in that community thanks to a partnership between churches, businesses and the City of Dallas.

Companies such as Guaranty Bank, the Beck Group and Manhattan Construction Company are committing more resources, as well as more volunteers.

Ron Murff, president of Guaranty and Prestonwood member, said he and his employees were greatly blessed to help with one of the Habitat for Humanity builds. This year they wanted to do more, so Guaranty is sponsoring one of the homes that will be built in Bon Ton. (Prestonwood is sponsoring two.)

“This is a great opportunity for all business owners and executives to not just write a check, which is important, but beyond that to invest personal time in the lives of others and to see how we can help them reach their dreams,” Ron said. “The people who work in our companies want to know they are making a difference, and to be involved in these projects will allow them to personally touch lives and make our entire community better.”

Last year, she said, residents were amazed that anyone would take interest in the Bon Ton area.

“They were surprised to see that people would come a long way and spend all day in the hot sun,” Velma said. “The people loved them and prayed with them and encouraged them. They showed up with love in their hearts and just embraced the whole community.

“They’re going to be blown away to see what will happen this year."