Notes from the Front Line

      Notes from the Front Line

A comment in an email:

***** Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009
From: Lucille Wheater
Subject: change prayer time
Torre I had taken the 11p to 12 a slight. I’d like to change to 8-9p. The last 2 nights I’ve fell asleep during the 1 hr span and feel I’m not doing justice to the prayer commitment. Thank you. Lucille Wheater

[Note from Torre: I am no longer trying to track specific times -- it got overwhelming. There are over 1,000 people praying daily and all hours of the day and night. I am awed by the outpouring of prayer for Nigel and his family and ministry. Don't worry about falling asleep -- I do that regulary. Then I wake up and start praying again.]

Some comments on blogs:

***** Kelly in SC Says:
October 24, 2009 at 4:06 pm | Reply edit
      Yesterday I was thinking about the passage in Daniel where the angel, Michael, was delayed for three weeks because he was involved in another ferocious battle against the rulers of Persia (I think!).
      So, I was wondering if in Nigel’s case, the angels are also delayed. I started to pray that if this is what is happening, then the Lord would give those warrior angels victory in the battles they are currently fighting so they can be released and come fight for Nigel.
      I prayed from 11:39 to 12:09 last night. I felt tension, then peace. I got plenty of sleep, but today it is harder to pray and to concentrate. I wonder if anyone is experiencing anything similar.
      It’s been a privilege to pray with you all.

***** Cath Says:
October 24, 2009 at 2:17 pm
      Thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus…

***** Joan wilson Says:
October 24, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Heavenly Father
hear the multitudes. Bring Nigel to complete health removing every cell every organism that us not of you. Restore him and increase in him the gifts you have given him so he may continue bringing the love of Jesus to your lost and broken peopl. I thank you God for hearing this prayer. I pray this is your will. In Your Sons mist holy name. Amen

***** Intercessors for Nigel
October 24, 2009
Philippians 1:27-28
      Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.

Ephesians 3:16-21
      I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
      Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

O Father,
      Out of Your glorious riches, strengthen the intercessors for Nigel with power through Your Spirit in their inner being so that Christ may dwell in their hearts by faith. May they conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the good news of Christ and stand firm in one spirit.
      Root and establish the intercessors for Nigel in love. May the sounds of their prayers bring the width and length and height and depth of Christ to Nigel that he may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
      Oh, that their actions and prayers would be a sweet fragrance in the throne room of heaven and a sign of perdition to the adversary!
      You are able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. According to Your power that is at work within us, to You be the glory of our prayers, Father, for ever and ever. Amen.

***** Joan wilson Says:
October 23, 2009 at 10:34 pm | Reply edit
Heavenly Father
      Hear the plea of your people. Bring our dear friend and your humble servant Nigel out of the darkness of this illness. Breathe into him Your spirit replacing all that is not of You with fresh flowing heavenly air that is of You. May he be guarded by Your angels this night bringing him to a new light of day. Be with Lynn, Megan and all of Nigel’s family as they stand firm on their faith that You are the great healer and will redeem this storm they are in the midst of. Lord your servants are praying hard. Hear them. In Jesus most holy name. Amen

Praying in South Carolina Says:
October 24, 2009 at 12:41 am | Reply edit
      This morning I was awakened at 6 to pray. I decided to do it outside to watch the sunrise. The sky was riddled with thick, smokey gray clouds–and yet, the sun still came up, brilliant, casting its golden yellow light everywhere. Black ravens scattered as I walked near them, but the Great Blue Heron, which usually flies away from me as I get even within thirty feet, remained at ease as I passed just inches away from it. This has never happened to me before.
      We had four rain storms today. Following each one the sun shined brilliantly again, with not even a hint of rain in the air. A few vultures flew around me as I prayed for Nigel, but they too, left. White herons and egrets then flew in, as well as a few doves as I continued to pray. And I saw several swarms of yellow butterflies all day, too.
      As I witnessed these things today, I thought about all the comments written here because in the sky I saw the themes of recurring darkness and light, as you would see in a battle with two (almost) equal adversaries wrestling with each other, each gaining the upper hand momentarily. And in the animals, I saw death but then life, and then ultimately resurrection in the form of the butterflies.
      These events/signs reminded that among the many things Christians are, we are warriors. I forget this so often, but since nature itself reminded me that we are indeed engaged in a vicious battle, it seemed right to make a humble but bold declaration of war against the enemy today. Through the Holy Spirit we do have all authority over the evil one and his purposes.
      But I do pray for you all who are also praying for Nigel. I pray that as you continue to do battle, you will be protected from fatigue, discouragement, and fear, and that you will be strengthened and encouraged as you fight against all the powers of darkness for Nigel’s precious life.
      In your Name, Jesus. Amen.
Kelly N.

Some comments in emails

***** Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2009
From: Elizabeth Allen
Subject: Nigel is “Cared for and Carried” by the Lord Jesus
Torre,
As I was praying for Nigel and Lynn this morning, I had a very peaceful and distinct feeling that the Lord cares deeply for them and is carrying them through:
Cared for and Carried

I have cared for you since you were born.
Yes, I carried you before you were born.
I will be your God throughout your lifetime –
until your hair is white with age.
I made you, and I will care for you.
I will carry you along and save you.

I will feed my flock like a shepherd.
I will carry the lambs in My arms,
holding them close to My heart.
I will gently lead the mother sheep
with their young.

I will surround you and watch over you;
I will guard you as I would guard My own eyes.
Like an eagle that rouses her chicks
and hovers over her young,
so I will spread My wings to take you up
and carry you safely on My pinions.
I, the Lord, alone guide you.

I, the eternal God, am your refuge,
and My everlasting arms are under you.

Adapted from Isaiah 46:3-4 & 40:11, and Deuteronomy 32: 10-13 & 33:27 (NLT)

To Lynn, Nigel, and all of your loved ones,

with prayers that the Lord will tenderly care for you and carry you all,

Elizabeth Allen October 24, 2009
May we continue to remember and give thanks that Jesus’ everlasting arms are under Nigel and Lynn, holding them up.
In the fearless peace of the Lord,
Elizabeth Allen

***** Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2009
From: Melissa Scoggins
Subject: Prayer for Father Nigel
Torre,
      I wanted to tell you about an experience I just had praying for Nigel. I was telling God I was worried about Nigel and a bit peeved (I’m pretty transparent before my Lord) and frankly just wanted Him to GET ON with healing my brother Nigel. And I said I felt a bit like giving up…at which point I heard this voice inside my head say, “DON’T YOU DARE! Never give up on God, all things are possible with God, God acts when and how God chooses. BUT YOU BELIEVE AND PRAY.” Well, all right then. My attitude changed immediately to one of trust and I began praying again — I believe, help my unbelief. And I said, “God, Nigel’s body is wounded but his spirit is perfect and saved and whole — so please make his body like his spirit, whole and healthy and able to work for You.” What was really interesting about this was that I didn’t feel it was God chastising me — but NIGEL, talking to me spirit-to-spirit. I really felt Nigel encouraging me to persevere for him — or rather, to persevere for God. I’ve never experienced anything like this.
      Melissa Scoggins
      Weaverville NC

***** Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2009
From: Florence Duheme
Subject: RE: Fr. Nigel update
Torre & Jean,

      While praying a few minutes ago the idea of Christ Church community prayer meeting for Nigel came to mind and stuck. What I mean is a gathering set aside purely for prayers for Nigel as Christ Church community and those who can’t attend could pray at same time as group from wherever they are.

      It has been mentioned before to pray and fast but also strong sense that we must look within ourselves, “clean house” so to speak, so the evil one has less to throw in our face in an effort to weaken our prayer resolve and discourage us, leaving nothing to take away the power of our prayers.

      We MUST not stop praying for Nigel when he begins to recover. From a nursing standpoint and personal history, it is not unusual for pneumonia to lie relatively dormant and relapse is not infrequent. My first pneumonia with sepsis three years ago nearly killed me and quickly. It took six months for my chest x-ray to clear and I had a relapse. Vigilance is required for all involved including prayer warriors.

God Bless, Flo

***** Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2009
From: Cathy Haig
      Thankyou so much Torre and Jean for keeping us posted about Fr. Nigel. He is very dear to us. We have many friends as well as 60 nuns from our community praying for him.
      Also, the 9 homeschool kids that we brought to CTK last may, have gathered several times to pray for him. Fr. Nigel kindly took the time to meet with them and it was the highlight of their visit – even more than the zip line!!
      (I am continuing to do the 3:30 – 4 am prayer shift but much more than that as well.)
God bless you all, Cathy and Fr. Dave Haig
Cape Cod Mass.

***** Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2009
From: Seel, Mary
Dear Torre,
      Thanks for sending these frequent updates. I am forwarding them out to others who are praying too. Fr. Nigel is never far from my thoughts and prayers through the day and night. I am reminded of Jairus’s daughter. We need to keep praying.
Mary Seel

***** Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2009
Subject: Fr Nigel
      While praying, I keep getting that while prayer is going on, God is speaking to Nigel’s soul, showing him things and strengthning his spirit, I believe this will eventually bring great glory to God and is why the enemy is trying to stop it. Keep praying. Carol Yezzo

Albany Intercessor

Prayer Table Report

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report October 24, 9:20-10:30 AM Torre Bissell and Don Foust
+–indicates received wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina.

      The torrents of rain let up between 9 and 11 am on Saturday so that the Prayer Table experienced only spotty showers. While the weather was damp and grey, people stopping by were smiling and enthusiastic that the Prayer Table was available for them. Even cars passing by would sound their horns in encouragement.

      The Prayer Table has become a regular stop for a number of folks in the Neighborhood, and we have added their names to the bottom of the Prayer Table Report.

Tony–This is the third consecutive week Tony stopped by the Prayer Table. Tony is 26 years old and from Guyana. He is struggling to resist the “negative” side of the Neighborhood. He knows the difference between right and wrong and trying to avoid those doing evil. He is paying a price for his attitude; young men in the Neighborhood try to start fights with him because he will not join them. He has a hard time forgiving those who do not see life as he does. Tony describes the Prayer Table as a “welcome site” on his journey on State Street. We prayed that the Lord would meet his needs this week. Please pray for Tony and his daily struggle to keep on the right path.

+Tamara– teen-age girl. Prayed for protection for her family.

Jim–regular–Jim thanked the Lord for his home. We thanked God for Jim’s heart of thanksgiving and prayed for continuing healing of his memories.

+Joe–On his way to the bus. We prayed for blessings on his family.

+Youseff — This is the second week in a row that Youseff stopped by the Prayer Table. Youseff was wearing his cross from last week. He walked out of his apartment and came directly to the Prayer Table. Youseff said that the Prayer Table is a blessing in his life. We prayed for his wife Erica and his son Youseff, Jr. He took a cross to give to a friend and spread the Word of God. We also gave Youseff a Bible. We thank God for Youseff’s zeal.

Will–This was also the second consecutive week that Will has stopped for prayer. Will attended Adult Sunday School at Christ Church last week. He is an intense young man and is seeking a stronger relationship with God. We prayed for another week full of blessings.

+Cesar–Cesar has also stopped by the Prayer Table previously. We prayed for his sister Linda in Birmingham, Alabama who just had surgery. Cesar also came directly from his home to the Prayer Table. He is learning to give his problems over to the Lord. Please pray for a continuing faith for Cesar.

+Sarah–This young woman was very cautious as she approached the Prayer Table. We prayed for provision and protection. This was clearly not what she expected. As she crossed State Street, she put on her new wooden cross.

Man riding by on a bicycle– “God bless you”

+Brother Steve–handing out flyers for a program on October 31 at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Swan Street. We prayed for his witness to the Neighborhood.

+Bobbie–This middle-aged man walked by the Prayer Table on the opposite side of the street. We called out to him, but he kept walking. Then a minute later he suddenly stopped, crossed the street, and came for prayer. We prayed for blessings on his life and that he would turn to God when he was seeking answers to his questions.

Prayer Table Regulars

Kayla– Pray for healing in her life after being raped. Pray for her mother Laura, her son Nassir, her brother Josh, and Josh’s son Deanthony.

Jim–Pray for healing in his life from abusive parents and for his personal peace after the death of his 31 year old son Robert.

Bill–Pray for his health and no more epileptic seizures.

Lucinada and Eddiberto–Pray for protection for their family

Paulette and her children Monique and Taishawn–Pray for provision for this family

Clarence–Pray for direction as he seeks to change his life.

Linda–Pray for her family in Guyana

Albany Intercessor

Fr. Nigel update 11:37 am

Fr. Nigel- Update from Fr. Haskell
      11:37 AM, Oct. 24, 2009
      Nigel’s fever came up again some during this morning.
      Still critical and fragile, KEEP PRAYING.
      Lynn Mumford has asked prayer that the fever would go down and that Nigel’s lungs would clear.
      Lynn also remember the passage where Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law and she was able to immediately serve them: “Now when Jesus had come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever. So he touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them. When evening had come, they brought to him many who were demon-possessed. And he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: ‘He himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses.’” (Matthew 8:14-17)
      Jesus, we pray that you will touch Nigel and raise him to serve you once again.

Albany Intercessor

Fr. Nigel update

Fr. Nigel- Update from Fr. Haskell
9:20 AM, Oct. 24, 2009
Update from Bp. Bill’s visit to Nigel this morning.
Nigel’s fever came down some during the night (but still has a fever).
His oxygen level went up some during night.
Still critical and fragile BUT be encouraged and KEEP PRAYING.

South Carolina

Ezekiel 11:18-20 NLT
When the people return to their homeland, they will remove every trace of their vile images and detestable idols. And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.

O Lord,
May it be so in the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, meeting in convention today. Amen.

Intercessors for Nigel

Philippians 1:27-28
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.

Ephesians 3:16-21
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

O Father,
Out of Your glorious riches, strengthen the intercessors for Nigel with power through Your Spirit in their inner being so that Christ may dwell in their hearts by faith. May they conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the good news of Christ and stand firm in one spirit.
Root and establish the intercessors for Nigel in love. May the sounds of their prayers bring the width and length and height and depth of Christ to Nigel that he may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Oh, that their actions and prayers would be a sweet fragrance in the throne room of heaven and a sign of perdition to the adversary!
You are able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. According to Your power that is at work within us, to You be the glory of our prayers, Father, for ever and ever. Amen.

Fr. Nigel Update

Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009
From: Robert F Haskell
Subject: Nigel Mumford
Dear Prayer Warriors-
      As of 10 pm on Friday, our brother Nigel’s condition has been described as critical and fragile. On the good side, his blood oxygen levels have come up this evening. However, he has also developed a fever. Please pray that the fever go down and that he be filled with health by the power of our Lord Jesus.
-Bob

Philemon 1-7

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, (Philemon 1)
      Jesus, thank you for Paul’s apostolic witness; help us heed what you are saying through him. Thank you for the witness of Bishop Bill, Bishop Ball, Bishop Dave, and retired Bishop Dan.

to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: (Philemon 2)
      Father, thank you for all your faithful witnesses and for those who serve you at great cost. Bless the Welcome Home Initiative retreat this week. Pour out your Holy Spirit and healing on all who participate.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philemon 3)
      Holy Spirit, please help us receive the peace that comes from God our father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, (Philemon 4)
      Holy Spirit, please give us steadiness in our prayers. Help us keep our commitments to pray for others. Bless those who are praying for Fr. Nigel.

hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, (Philemon 5)
      Jesus, please help us daily live out our love for one another and for all your saints.

that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. (Philemon 6)
      Father, please help us daily live out and share our faith in Jesus. Thank you.

For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. (Philemon 7)
      Holy Spirit, help us refresh one another with our love of Jesus. Let our joy in him overflow in love for all the saints. Thank you.

      A word received: Bless me, bless my work.

Saturday: 30, 32; Ezra 4:7,11-24; Philemon 1-25; Matthew 12:33-42
Sunday: 63:1-8(9-11),98; Haggai 1:1-2:9; Acts 18:24-19:7; Luke 10:25-37

      Notes from the Front Line

Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009
From: Robert F Haskell
Subject: Nigel Mumford
Dear Prayer Warriors-
      As of 10 pm on Friday, our brother Nigel’s condition has been described as critical and fragile. On the good side, his blood oxygen levels have come up this evening. However, he has also developed a fever. Please pray that the fever go down and that he be filled with health by the power of our Lord Jesus.
-Bob

***** Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009
From: Bill and Sally Ireland
      Hello Torre and Jean, Sally and I have been praying from when news broke about Fr. Nigel. We began fasting when we got this E-mail at 5pm our time today and we are aiming to do 20 hours until 1pm tomorrow, please let us know if we can cover any empty slots during your night time rest as we are unsure of the time difference.
Love and God bless, Sally & Bill.
      Heavenly Father, Please send the healing power of your Holy Spirit to rain down upon Fr. Nigel. Amen.

***** Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009
From: Michael Hales
Hello Torre,
      This morning in prayer the Lord gave me there would be 7 days of completion of Father Nigel’s attack. That on the 6th day the enemy would powerfully counter attack. I had two forms of confirmation during the day, one of which was Psalm 12:6.
      I believe God is calling us to a time of declaration over Nigel that God is in control, that God’s purpose for Nigel here on earth will be completed, that every day the enemy comes against Nigel the Lord is purifying His anointing in Nigel and will turn instead what the enemy intends to steal to a powerful victory for the Lord.
      The anointing on Nigel will continue to grow as a testimony for the living Christ. It will spark a new fire of the Holy Spirit in this area.
      I do not know when the oxygen tent was started but I believe that would be the beginning of this season.
      So I just call on a state of declaration that Jesus came to turn back the intentions of the enemy as He declared in Luke 4:18, and we are called to do so as well.
      This is a time of declaration of the nature of our Living Christ as His sons and daughters on earth. Now.
      Blessings. Michael Hales.

Albany Intercessor