In 2013, CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries is focusing on “the city” as one of the remaining frontiers for world evangelization. Today more than 50% of the world’s 7+ billion people live in urban areas. Many Christians have abandoned the city while others simply avoid the city. But God’s closing challenge to Jonah should open our eyes and soften our hearts: “Should I not be concerned about that great city?” (Jonah 4:11).
CGGC churches are encouraged
throughout the year to:
- become more informed about major cities of the world and specifically cities in countries where the CGGC has a witness
- pray for the people and ministries in cities, including needs in your own community (no matter how large or small it may be)
- use the “Seek God for the City” 40-day Lenten prayer guide designed for use between February 13 – March 24, 2013. It is filled with scriptural prayers of hope to guide participants in praying. A complimentary copy of this prayer guide has already been mailed to every CGGC church. Additional copies can be ordered from www.waymakers.org. Spanish and children’s versions are also available, as well as an “app” for smartphones and tablets.
- join with other churches in your community for a “Love Your City” weekend “kindness explosion” any time during 2013. Go to www.loveyourcity.com for ideas on how to organize and promote this community event.
- organize “prayer walks” in your community. Go to www.newchurches.com/mediafiles/PrayerWalkManual.pdf for specifics on how to conduct a “prayer walk”
- get outside your “comfort zone” by visiting an unfamiliar major city for the purpose of seeing the challenges and hearing God’s voice on behalf of the people who live there. Consider doing a prayer walk in that city!
- plan a missions event in your church which provides information about and prayer for cities. Use CGGC “Seek God for the City” placemats for your missions dinner. Order placemats from the CGGC office (pam@cggc.org). Your church will be billed $5 per 25 mats plus shipping
- learn to love the city because God loves the city, and He is at work there!
