Fr. Nigel Update

      A word received: Look to me: I AM your strength and your redeemer.

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Please pray for Deacon Faye VanDermark’s older brother, Bruce. He was discovered to have Level 2 or 3 Lung Cancer when he was getting his annual physical — he started bringing up blood. Faye has asked us to pray for healing for Bruce and that “he will get to see God in a wonderful way.”

Wednesday: 12, 13, 14; Exodus 15:22-16:10; 1 Peter 2:1-10; John 15:1-11
Thursday: 18:21-50; Exodus 16:10-22; 1 Peter 2:11-25; John 15:12-27

***** Check out “My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less…” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqnbLkSgMOY&feature=related

Date: Tue, 13 Apr 2010 6:24 p.m.
From: Fr. Nigel Mumford+
Subject: Update from Fr Nigel+
My dear friends,
It is with great pleasure that I write with some very good news. As of Monday my Doctor told me I can send all the oxygen paraphernalia back to the suppler. I am now off oxygen. THANKS BE TO GOD Also as of Sunday, At the 10.30am service I felt confident to not to carry the cane anymore… I was able to celebrate the Holy Eucharist unencumbered. I have been able to walk without the cane now for three days!

I have to say that I feel euphoric… We had a prayer meeting with my prayer team this afternoon where I had a wonderful vision. I saw myself walking through the valley of the shadow of death. I looked and I saw the tableaux of the cross, empty with two crosses either side on top of an adjacent mountain. As I looked from peak to peak the tableaux moved to the next peak and so on. Peek to peek the vision traveled… It was as if I saw the Lord with me every step of the sickness… Personally
I feel resurrected.

THANK YOU for your life saving prayers… I am HEALED, I AM CURED… I AM FREE OF SICKNESS..

ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA….All praise and Glory to the Lord… the great physician.

I cannot thank you enough for your prayers…

As my mentor Dr. Francis MacNutt often says,
“People are dying because people are not praying.”
I would add a PS to that statement:
“I am alive because people prayed….”

I am still on part time but will be traveling this week. We will be attending a refresher course on PTSD at Andover Newton seminary tomorrow Wednesday. This program is being presented by the military. I will use the gathered information for the Welcome Home Initiative (WHI).

I also would solicit your prayers for a conference that I am the key note speaker for the Association of Christian Therapists (ACTS). A Roman Catholic organization. The program will be at Waltham, near Boston at a RC retreat center.

Much love and blessings to everyone… and a HUGE thank you to you and to God for the gift of life.

Be well
God bless you
Fr, Nigel+

Albany Intercessor

Prayer Guide for Upcoming South-to-South Encounter in Singapore

Here is a prayer guide with requests from all the Provinces who will be attending the major Global South meeting in Singapore.

Short notes for prayer & thanksgiving – April 13

Good morning all,
I’m back in the U.S. for a home leave, so I have better internet connections and just a bit more time for blogging…

A few items for prayer and Thanksgiving this morning:

1) Thanksgiving for Kendall Harmon’s 50th birthday today. Kendall and the dear Fr. Binky helped launch so many of us orthodox Anglicans into blogging. I’m deeply thankful for Kendall’s example and ministry. You can share your best wishes and prayers for Kendall’s next 50 years over at T19.

2) Prayer requests for the Virginia Supreme Court hearing today. As many readers know I (Karen) am a member of Truro, so I have a personal interest in this case. Above all I’m praying that God would work through this trial for His good purposes and the growth of His church in Virginia. My friend Baby Blue is reporting from Richmond.

3) I just read with great thanksgiving the courageous and clear letter to Abp. Rowan Williams from ++Ian Ernest, Primate of the Indian Ocean. This and the recent letters from ++Henry Orombi and ++Mouneer Anis give us all much to praise God for as we see and read such bold witness, honesty and integrity. Praise God for these leaders, pray for their wisdom and protection as they speak the truth in love. Pray for the preparations – both logistics and in terms of preparation of the hearts of all who will attend – the upcoming South-to-South encounter in Singapore.

John 14:18-20 and 1 Peter 1:13

“I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18 )
      Jesus, thank you for giving us your Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” Thank you for setting us free from bondage to fear. (See Romans 8:15)

“A little while longer and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live also.” (John 14:19)
      Jesus, thank you for your new life in your Spirit.

      Holy Spirit, move through our hearts and minds with your fresh wind and new life.

“At that day you will know that I am in my father, and you in me, and I in you.” (John 14:20)
      Father, thank you for our being caught up in your life with Jesus. Thank you for hold me in your arms.

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:13)
      Jesus, reveal yourself more and more to us and bring us to a daily stability in you. Thank you.

Tuesday: 10, 11; Exodus 15:1-21; 1 Peter 1:13-25; John 14:18-31
Wednesday: 12, 13, 14; Exodus 15:22-16:10; 1 Peter 2:1-10; John 15:1-11

***** Check out “Amazing Grace” by Judy Collins and choir 1970 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHpye0M34JQ&feature=related

      Notes from the Front Line

Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2010 8:37 p.m.
From: SisterMaryElizabeth
Subject: Update on Mother Miriam
Torre and Jean–
      Mother Miriam came through surgery today with flying colors. The surgeon reported that the mitral valve repair was successful. She is recovering in the Cardio-Pulmonary Surgery Unit at Albany Medical Center tonight.
      Pray for a reduction of pain (normal with this kind of surgery) and that she meet all the milestones through the night and morning hours for release to a regular nursing unit tomorrow. Pray for protection from any “hospital bugs” or other infection that she might encounter in that environment. Pray for complete healing of the trauma of the surgery, as well as of the underlying damage. Pray for the presence of the Peace of God to fill that room — with all its medical protocols, clanging alarms and whirring equipment — that she might rest in the healing grace of Christ. The Sisters of St. Mary are grateful to each of our Albany Diocese friends who are praying with us for Mother Miriam’s recovery.
Sister Mary Elizabeth, CSM

Albany Intercessor

Fourth Global South to South Encounter

Luke 18:7-8 (New International Version)
And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Oh, Lord,
It is our desire to see the Anglican Communion rejoice. We have cried out for justice day and night. How long, O Lord? How long? Come quickly to Singapore, we pray. Amen.

Prayer guide for Singapore meeting

The Church of Uganda has prepared a prayer guide for the upcoming Fourth Global South to South meeting. Listed in the guide are:
–Anglican Church of Burundi. The Most Rev. Bernard Ntahoturi, Archbishop
–Province of Central Africa. The Rt. Rev. Albert Chama, Dean
–Province of Congo. The Most Rev. Henri Isingoma, Archbishop
–Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui. Primate Representative. The Rt Revd Thomas Yee-po Soo, Bishop
–Province of the Indian Ocean. The Most Rev. Ian Earnest, Archbishop
–Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. The Most Rev. Mouneer Anis, President Bishop.
–Province of Kenya. The Most Rev. Eliud Wabukala, Archbishop.
–Province of Melanesia. The Most Rev. David Vunagi, Archbishop.
–Province of Myanmar. The Most Revd Stephen Than, Archbishop.
–Province of Nigeria. The Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, Primate.
–Province of Papua New Guinea. The Most Revd James Simon Ayong, Archbishop.
–Province of Rwanda. The Most Rev. Emmanuel Kolini, Archbishop.
–Province of South East Asia. The Most Rev. John Chew, Archbishop.
–Province of Southern Africa. The Most Rev. Thabo Makgoba, Archbishop.
–Province of the Southern Cone (South America). The Most Rev. Greg Venables, Archbishop.
–Province of Sudan. The Most Rev. Daniel Deng Bul, Archbishop.
–Province of Tanzania. The Most Rev. Valentino Mokiwa, Archbishop
–Province of Uganda. The Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, Archbishop.
–Province of West Africa. The Most Rev. Justice Akrofi, Archbishop.
–Province of the West Indies. Primate Representative: Rt Rev Howard Gregory.
–Church of North India. Moderator Representative: Rt. Rev. Sunil Singh.

Associate Participants:

1. Australia
2. England
3. New Zealand
4. Anglican Church in North America (USA-Canada)
5. TEC (USA) — Communion Partners

Ecumenical Observers:

1. National Committee of TSPM of the Protestant Church in China
2. Coptic Orthodox Church

Update on Mother Miriam

From: Sister Mary Jean
Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 1:10 PM
Subject: Update on Mother Miriam
Mother Miriam had her heart surgery this morning, Monday. As of 1 p.m. she is through and in intensive care; the doctor reports that all went well and as expected, and she should be fine. No details yet.
Thank you for your continued prayers and thanksgivings.
Sister Mary Jean

John 14:1-4

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me.” (John 14:1)
      Oh happy day, Jesus, when you washed my sins away! Thank you for caring for me and coming into my life. Thank you for daily reminding me of your father’s love for me.

“In my father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)
      Father, thank you that there is a place for me in your presence. Thank you for holding me in your arms and loving me.

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:3)
      Jesus, you are the king of my heart. Thank you that I can be with you forever. Thank you for being with me now.

“And where I go you know, and the way you know.” (John 14:4)
      Holy Spirit, thank you for guiding my steps each day. Lead me on and bring me into the fullness of the kingdom of God. Thank you.

Monday: 4, 7; Exodus 14:21-31; 1 Peter 1:1-12; John 14:(1-7)8-17
Tuesday: 10, 11; Exodus 15:1-21; 1 Peter 1:13-25; John 14:18-31

***** Check out “All I Once Held Dear (Knowing You)” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGbuz8QuhmE

      Notes from the Front Line

Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2010 7:32 p.m.
From: SisterMaryElizabeth
Subject: Mother Miriam’s surgery in the morning
Torre and Jean–
      Mother Miriam’s cardiac surgery is rescheduled for 7:30 a.m. in the morning. We thank all our Diocesan friends for their prayers.
      God bless you all!
Sister Mary Elizabeth, CSM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9if6d_RUdGY      Myra Andresen gives her testimony about the power of the the Holy Spirit in her life at Christ Church Schenectady, NY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbtTaaPf56o      Louise Popa and Ben Carlson lead us in the Sanctus at Christ Church Schenectady, NY

Albany Intercessor

Fourth Global South to South meeting

The meeting begins April 19 in Singapore, which means “Lion City” in Sanskrit.
I’ve been thinking about the scriptural accounts of the town of Bethany lately. It was there that Mary and Martha ministered to Jesus, at great risk; that Jesus dined with Simon the leper; that Jesus was anointed; that Lazarus was raised; that the triumphant procession began nearby; and that the ascension took place. Surely there was an open heaven over this site.

Oh, Lion of the tribe of Judah,
Would that we could see with Your eyes and know with Your heart how to pray for the Fourth South to South Encounter in Singapore. Would that our ministrations, our courage, our prayers, our faith, and our praise would open a heavenly portal over that meeting. Would that You would devour any demonic spirits in operation there. Would that the glory of heaven would fill their hearts.
Lion of the tribe of Judah, come to “Lion City.” Amen.

A personal update

Thank you for the prayers for my husband while he underwent surgery for colon cancer. It has been an amazing spiritual experience; we had never been the recipient of so many prayers at once. George went through surgery without complications and will commence chemotherapy in a few weeks.
We’ve experienced almost no anxiety. At our two neediest moments, when we faltered, God sent an Afro-American pastor friend in through the door. George looked up and said, “God sent the A-team.”
It is hard to describe the serenity—rather like floating on a raft down a slow-moving river or like a small child held close to a parent’s bosom. Our God is indeed gracious. –Jill Woodliff

Sudan election update

The election has commenced. Prayers can be found here.
From allAfrica.com:

“The legal environment for free and fair elections does not exist,” Fouad Hikmat of the International Crisis Group states in a briefing paper on Darfur. “The international community should acknowledge that whoever wins will lack legitimacy.”
Nearly 2.7 million people are displaced in Darfur and a large number of Darfur refugees are in Chad, while the conflict continues to directly affect two million more . . .
In the South, according to the UN, at least 450 civilians have been killed and 40,000 displaced in inter-communal violence since the beginning of the year, bringing the total number of newly displaced people in that region to 440,000.

Another article:

With the SPLM candidate out of the way, the writing on the wall stands out ever more clearly: Bashir will win the presidential election.
Not because the Sudanese leader is popular, but because he controls the key instruments of power – the army and the plain-clothes security organs in the north – which he has been manipulating since he seized power in a military coup in 1989.
Opposition parties began taking claims of rigging seriously after it emerged on Apr. 1 that Sudan’s presidential ballots had been printed in Khartoum, the capital – at a firm controlled by the ruling NCP – instead of in South Africa as agreed earlier.
Bashir also controls the state media – radio and television – and uses state funds and other resources such as helicopters and vehicles for his campaign. The majority of Sudan’s more than 80 opposition political parties have no access to such advantages. . .
Even before the voting begins on Apr. 11, a confident Bashir has already announced his next move. He will start campaigning for the unity of the country immediately after the elections.
“There will be no separation. Our people in the south will vote for unity voluntarily, through their own will,” Bashir said during a campaign in Sinjah, a town in eastern Sudan, on Apr. 1.
Bashir’s imminent consolidation of power is worrying northern opposition parties. With the south disinterested in the elections and focusing on the referendum, they feel let down by the electoral process.

Rhode Island

State Motto: Hope
Arms of the state: A golden anchor on a blue field, and the motto thereof is the word “Hope”.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
We pray that the people of the state of Rhode Island put their hope in You, for You are their Savior and their God. Amen.
Psalm 42:5b-6a

John 20:19-23

Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19)
      Jesus, your people are so often fearful that they are going to offend someone with the gospel that they remain silent and behind closed doors when they should speak. Please give us boldness by your Holy Spirit to go forth and tell the good news of your resurrection and victory over sin and death.

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. (John 20:20)
      Father, help us see the cost of our salvation once again; help us receive your love for us.

So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” (John 20:21)
      Jesus, help us receive your peace and go forth at your bidding.

And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. (John 20:22)
      “I send the Promise of my Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49) A word received: I was asking my people to turn their attention to me and wait for the move of my Spirit. Turn to me for what only I can do.
      Jesus, help us receive the power of your Holy Spirit to do your bidding.

If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” (John 20:23)
      Holy Spirit, please help us minister reconciliation and forgiveness of sins. Help us restore people to a right relationship with Jesus. Thank you.

Sunday: 111, 112, 113; Exodus 14:5-22; 1 John 1:1-7; John 14:1-7
Monday: 4, 7; Exodus 14:21-31; 1 Peter 1:1-12; John 14:(1-7)8-17

***** Check out “Oh Happy Day” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLY7yI1xV-M.

Albany Intercessor

Prayer Table Report

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report, April 10, 2010, 9:30 -10:30 AM Torre Bissell, Dave Carlson, and Paul Guilmette (from Christ Church Ballston Spa)
+–indicates received wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina

+ Amir — young man, prayed for his family

Jim – one of our regulars – he thanked God for all the blessings he has received

+ Bianca – asked prayer “for my brother and my family”

+KK and +Tyrone – 2 men walking by, KK was talking on his cell phone but said, “yes – pray for me.” Tyrone then asked prayer “for my life.” A minute later they walked back and KK was beaming from ear to ear – he put his cell phone on speakerphone and asked us to pray for his girlfriend (+Kay); he asked for an extra cross for her

+Ray — a man walking by, seemed surprised — “you want to pray for me?” – he asked prayer for the world to get better; Torre prayed for the Hamilton Hill community, for peace and safety

+Roselle and +Shaquel – Roselle and her teen-aged son were returning from the corner store, carrying several bags of groceries; asked prayer for their family

+ Mary — we prayed for her husband who just got out of the hospital (she was on her way to fill a prescription)

+ Matthew — crossed the street to come to the prayer table — asked prayer for his family, friends, and the world

+ George — was in a hurry, rushing by on his way to an appointment – stopped very briefly for prayer

+ Miller — we prayed for his health

+Rick – a young man walking by – we prayed for the Lord’s provision and safety in his life

Bill – one of our regulars – we prayed that his epilepsy will be kept under control, and that he will have “patience with my fellow man” at work

David

***** Check out “Oh Happy Day” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLY7yI1xV-M

Albany Intercessor

Mark 12:18-27

Then some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him; and they asked him, saying: “Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man’s brother dies, and leaves his wife behind, and leaves no children, his brother should take his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife; and dying, he left no offspring. And the second took her, and he died; nor did he leave any offspring. And the third likewise. So the seven had her and left no offspring. Last of all the woman died also. Therefore, in the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be? For all seven had her as wife.” (Mark 12:18-23)
      Lord Jesus, please bring understanding of your ways to the Sadducees in our day — the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church.

Jesus answered and said to them, “Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God?” (Mark 12:24)
      Holy Spirit, please open the hearts and minds of the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church to your word in the Bible and your power to bring new life to people.

“For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.” (Mark 12:25)
      Father, prepare our hearts for the day of our resurrection.

“But concerning the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the burning bush passage, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?” (Mark 12:26)
      Thank you for being our God as well.

“He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken.” (Mark 12:27)
      Jesus, please lead the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church out of error into your truth. Help us to be faithful and effective witnesses to the truth of the resurrection. Thank you.

Saturday: 104; Exodus 13:17-14:4; 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10; Mark 12:18-27
Sunday: 111, 112, 113; Exodus 14:5-22; 1 John 1:1-7; John 14:1-7

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Check out “Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_FIuAJlZUo&feature=related or sung in Welsh http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fXKmM1-PVY&feature=channel

Albany Intercessor