By Tara Wentworth

I did make the three-day turnaround trip to Washington, DC, to participate in the Million Woman Gathering this past weekend. Because of detours and delays (both ways), it took us almost 19 hours (each way) to make the trip! I can honestly say I did very well coming and going, as well as the ten-hour day at the Mall on Saturday. I feel sure the prayers of those who were praying for me made all the difference.

Although there were not a million women (or people) at the Mall, a website was created to broadcast the whole event so that those who could not be there in person could participate in real-time. The site had over 10 million hits before noon! Even if half of those – 5 million – were participating in the many prayers and declarations being made, I know that we made history! The estimates of those at the Mall ranged from 350,000 to 380,000. 50 nations from around the world had special venues where they also participated with us in praying for America. As I stated last week, the technology that we now have access to makes it possible for large numbers of people to be together even if it is not in person.

Some of the things that stood out to me were the love and unity that was very tangible. Young and old, families and groups (churches/ministries) were there. Everyone seemed to be very aware of others who may have needed a little assistance in one way or another. I saw people holding other people’s babies or looking after a few children so that the parents could enjoy and participate in the wonderful worship that was sprinkled throughout the day.

Although I recognized many of the speakers, almost everyone was introduced by their first name! It was not about them or their ministry or position but about lifting up Jesus and praying into the many areas of concern for our country. Black leaders, white leaders, and Hispanic leaders, as well as other races and nationalities, were all represented and honored for their particular contribution to help turn this country back to its roots and original intentions. Time was spent in several areas where our country has drifted from biblical values and world views.

According to the Intercessors for America website, ”Prayer topics centered on returning to our first love in worship, repenting of personal and national sin; reclaiming America into revival through powerful decrees, praying for reformation and remembering the Lord’s goodness while entering into His presence through communion.”

Testimonies were given by individuals who had been ensnared in various situations or lifestyles that they no longer desired to stay in. Testimony is one of the most powerful and convincing proofs to me that Jesus came to set captives free from anything that is not His highest and best for that individual. The communion service took almost an hour as different ones spoke and shared insights on the body and blood of Jesus.

Although this was not a political rally, nor was any candidate endorsed from the platform, all were encouraged to use their God-given privilege and responsibility to vote. A very sobering statistic about the number of “Christians” who are not even registered to vote was noted – 10 million – and that if only half of those believers would exercise their right and responsibility to vote and vote biblical values, we could turn this country back from the swift path of destruction that we are currently on. Here in Georgia, early voting has begun and the first day set a new record for the number of early voters for a first day of an election cycle.  Please consider the consequences of this most important election if the right people are not elected this November. Your vote counts and can make a difference. More than one election, on different levels, was decided by one or a handful of votes.

One of the biggest focuses was taking a positive stand with Israel. There were numerous Jewish rabbis on the platform (mostly Messianic Jews). America is the only other country in the world that was founded and dedicated to God (the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). We have stood with Israel since it became a nation in 1947. Although our position has weakened we are still supporting the right for Israel to remain a nation. There are numerous scriptures to encourage us to pray for Israel. Psalm 122 – “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem”.

I am very encouraged to see the body of Christ coming together to pray. Not that numbers are the only indication of the ground swell of people finally getting serious about the times we are in, but I believe that it is likely that there has never been a time where we need all hands on deck like the time we are living in currently. With two catastrophic weather events back to back on the east side of our country, we have seen what the church is capable of doing when it comes to resources and manpower. They have far outdone what our federal and state governments were capable of doing alone. People of all ages, many with little or no specific skill sets are volunteering their time to do what they can from cleaning up trash to moving mud from areas that they are ready to start repairing.

Somehow many in the church here in America have settled for mediocrity when we were meant to be world changers. In America where God has blessed us with peace and prosperity, many have been satisfied to enjoy these benefits without considering that most of the world including many in our own country are not experiencing the abundant life promised in the scriptures. I have to plead guilty myself for not being more engaged than I am. My love for the lost, for those who do not know the love of God I have experienced is not as fiery hot as it could and should be and even has been in the past. But being around others who are not only brings conviction but hopefully inspiration to change.

One of the reasons the writer to the Hebrews encourages us to meet together is to promote and build up one another – and it states “and so much the more as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25) I love my brothers and sisters in Christ and look forward to meeting with different ones during the week (not all of them are from my local fellowship). I would encourage you to do the same. The diversity and differences give us a better-rounded picture of the whole body of Christ which is made up of many unique individuals. We do not have to be clones or identical twins and think that our little fellowship represents the whole picture of the body. May I challenge each one of us to look for opportunities to serve or meet with other believers outside of your regular church meetings? I think that you will be pleasantly surprised!