In keeping true to our word, we have really kicked up our media/online ministry and outreach. As you are reading this, surely you have noticed that our website received a face-lift, complete with upgrades. In recent weeks we have added blogs aka 'Revelations from the Prayer Room', and articles, as well as teaching highlights in audio format. Additionally you might have observed a twitter link on the home page to help keep others informed of relevant prayer concerns and answers. These combined with our bi-weekly email updates should help to boost our connectivity with those who share our heart for prayer and revival in our region. Please take some time to review these changes and enhancements; and feedback is not only welcomed, but also encouraged. May God continue to bless you beyond all that you are able to conceive. - DW

Praises From 2009

In the summer of ‘07 we began to get a clearing understanding of what it meant for us to be a “house of prayer” and we started targeting specific things in Sarasota with prayer. We scheduled individual prayer meetings and times of intercession for a number of issues we believed to be critical in this age. High on the list were the following:

1)      Unity throughout the body of Christ (Churches and ministries working together)

2)      Revival and spiritual awakening within the Church congregations (a resurgence of prayer and fasting with the pursuit of holiness)

3)      The local churches to rise up with greater authority and speak out against abortion and become instrumental in the support of evangelical pro-life ministries

4)      A noticeable reduction of immorality in our city

Though for some time there seemed to be little-to-no change, we were resolved not to be discouraged enough to quit or become slack in our prayer meetings. Beginning in 2008, we cranked it up and our leadership met faithfully each morning before dawn to pray together for each other and for the city of Sarasota. Meanwhile, each leader continued to faithfully host weekly prayer sessions for their appointed issues. Now that we have consistently pursued God’s will with a perpetual cry for revival and justice in our region for more than 3 years we are able to look back on the year 2009 and see where God began to answer our prayers.

While there were many testimonies affirming God’s hand in our midst throughout the year; a few that we wish to mention here testify to God’s answer in response to the above mentioned EHOP prayer objectives.

In the year 2009 more Churches and ministries partnered for a number of community outreaches than in the entire history of these outreaches. Additionally, a number of special events were scheduled that boasted of the greatest number of local ministry participation ever; 1 event with pastors from more than 30 churches coming together to fellowship and minister to each other for a weekend; and another event with more than 200 ministries represented gathering for the purpose of united worship as the body of Christ. This movement is continuing into the new year as churches and ministries from all over the state of Florida are joining together for a special retreat of worship and intercession.

Of these outreaches and ministries that experienced a boost in support and participation, at least 4 of them were evangelic pro-life programs. 40 Days for Life (a national public prayer movement targeting the ending of abortion) reported the greatest numbers in their 4 year history, while the Prayer Walk for Life reported the greatest attendance in their 11 year history. Additionally the Harvest for Life (a banquet to benefit a local Christian crisis pregnancy center) and S.O.L.V.E. (area maternity homes) received support from Churches and leaders who had previously been silent on the issue for many years.

When it comes to immorality, it is difficult for us to know what is really happening in the hearts and minds of individuals in our city; but we can testify to the evidence that support for immoral industries have dropped, and we rejoice at the knowledge that area adult entertainment venues are closing their doors. We are also delighted to hear of reports from all over that a large number of churches are calling for greater levels of consecration in the Body and announcing extended corporate fasting periods. We look forward to hearing the praise reports that are sure to come as a result of these fasts.

Throughout the year certain members of our leadership were given various opportunities to help with some of these achievements. We believe it is important that we are willing and available to assist in the answering of our prayers; so we were honored to enjoy a front row seat as we witnessed some of these answers to prayer. We wish to give God all the glory and praise, for He is faithful to respond when we are faithful to pray. What an honor it is to partner with Jesus in intercession, for the Lord truly hears our prayers!

In order to keep our ministry up to date, accessible, and more convenient for those wishing to partner with us financially we have opened a non-profit charity account on PayPal. This will allows us to receive convenient electronic dotations with no cost to you and little cost to us. God is moving in our city and we are beginning to see the fruits of this ministry. This is good soil worth sowing into. Please prayerfully consider giving to EHOP and see what more God will do through His will servants. God bless you!

Engulf House of Prayer is a registered 501.C3; all donations are tax deductable.