I belong to the prayer department in this church. as I looked at Jesus’ mission Statement, I have a burden to reach those who are emotionally frustrated. one of the reason is the fact that I faced this challenge and I am the only person in my family that is enjoying some degree of fulfilment.
I need everyone’s insight on the issue of broken heartedness in the Bronx. I want a discussion on the scope/ extent and causes of this problem.
June 15th, 2017 at 3:08 am
SPIRITUAL BONDAGE
Isaiah 61:1 states, “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound..”
This scripture is a part of the Mission Statement for Jesus Christ. There was an unusual anointing that came upon Jesus to tackle poverty, emotional frustration, spiritual bondage and other issues as outlined in verses 2 to 5 of this same scripture.
In view of this scripture, my burden is to tackle spiritual bondage in the vicinity of Wakefield and surrounding areas. Spiritual bondage has to do with those who are held captive by trespasses, transgressions, iniquities. those bond are not able to move forward spiritually, emotionally or financially. There is an anointing to set these people free.
The Bronx has the largest number of Hispanics mostly Puerto Rican and Dominicans, than any of the five boroughs. The Hispanic majority represents 54.6 % of the population. It has the least amount of Whites compared to the other four Boroughs, with a percentage of 45.8. Black or Afro Americans come in with a total of 43.3 percentage.
Catholics have a 68.17 % of church attendance. It is safe to say that majority of Hispanics attend Catholic churches. Assemblies of God, Baptist, and Seventh Day Adventist are just some of the churches which represents 2 % or less in church attendance. We find the Blacks in these low church attendance.
Another point of interest is the fact that Bronx has the highest level of unemployment in New York City. In April 2017 the unemployment rate was 5.4%. When compared to 4.2 % for New York city and 4.4% nationally, the Bronx remains at the highest point.
Hispanics tend to burn incense, candles in their act of worship. As a result they tend to lean towards Catholicism which is another form of spiritual bondage. The repetition of prayers, praying to Mary and certain other practices brings them into deeper captivity rather than deliverance.
It is indeed a challenge to reach the Hispanics as their culture of burning incense to other Gods among other practices may be deeply embedded in them. Their religion also enhance their beliefs. It will take an annioting to reach this group of people.
The target area is Wakefield and surrounding areas. The highest group living within this area is Hispanics, following with less White and fewer Blacks. All groups will be targeted. i will look into the culture of the Hispanics, Whites and Blacks.
What are the reasons unemployment is high in this Borough? How does the unemployed survive? Do they live on welfare? Are they displaced and are living in shelters or smaller spaces? Are they living with friends and or family members? Are there programs put in place by government, charitable organizations, and churches to help the victims?
It is clear that prayer alone will not tackle these issues. When there is a revival and these people come to us one of the ways we can deal with the issue of unemployment is by wealth deployment.
Those who are spiritually bound can be lead through deliverance. in addition, Mentorship programs will be in place to train the new converts in bible study and prayer meetings.
Out reach programs should be the first thing. this should come before wealth deployment, deliverance and mentorship.
Some of the ways we reach out is by planning events quarterly or seasonally to bring the people in. Events such as barbeque in the summer, coat give aways in the winter, back to school supplies give away are already in place at church. However we need to work in unity as a team in praying and seeking God for the best method to reach these people. Cooperate evangelizism is needed targeting the subway, busy streets, banks, hospitals and doctors offices. Consistency and determination will pay off.
Another important aspect is to follow up. A visit or a telephone call is often times required.
Please give me your insight on this issue.
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June 20th, 2017 at 7:17 pm
Not many people will lean towards Wealth deployment; they may liken it to communism. Another belief is that they may have worked hard for what they have and the mentality is “me” and “mine”
Acts 4: 32.”And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul; Neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things in common.”
One heart, one soul means that we are willing to share. All of us have potentials inside of us but some may be poor, others rich, very rich or middle class.
The church in the New Testament began to tap into the revelation of Wealth deployment. This consisted of three groups of people, the Deacons, the Givers and the Receivers.
when a system is set in place there is a pool of wealth which when deployed effectively everyone benefits. Provision is made for all. However, there must be honest people, those who are filled with the wisdom of God and are compassionate.
There is a need for us as believers to come into alignment. As we develop the heart beat of Jesus, the mercy of God will bring change into many lives. When revival comes, we are not just emphasizing on the spiritual aspect but we dominate in the physical too.
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July 3rd, 2017 at 11:21 pm
As a church we must be willing to accept people of different ethnicity in our services. People will gravitate to congregations where they feel welcomed.
Another point of interest is to see new comers as those who will enhance us. They are not coming to take over or compete, they are there to compliment us.
Interpreters are needed to ensure that every need is met. We are team players as a church and we can consider learning Spanish as a second language.
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July 11th, 2017 at 12:07 am
CAROL FRANCIS (PRAYER DEPARTMENT)
Spiritual bondage is a spiritual problem that manifests in the physical. This means that the issues have to be dealt with (spiritually); through the unction of the Holy Spirit in intercession and deliverance.
Some of the issues that the residents of Wakefield experience are poverty, homelessness, joblessness.
On the other hand they are mostly Hispanics that are members of the Catholic Church. These issues can be narrowed into poverty and idolatry.
The first way that i would begin to tackle these issues is by warfare prayers. Through warfare the demonic systems are destroyed. Through the blood of Jesus of Jesus Christ we demolish sacred stones, grooves, altars and idols.
in Exodus 20: 1 – 3. He stated in the commandments, not to have any other Gods beside him. we should not make any idols of likeness of things in heaven, things on earth, and things under the earth.
There are other spirits that are seeking space in our hearts. W should be careful to tune into heavens broadcasting station. Staying in the word of God and obeying it. We pay attention to God’s word, we obey its principles and we submit. These are the ways in which we move out of degeneration which leads to idolatry.
We should become one with the word. We should not misrepresent God in any way.
Through intercession, we are demolishing these strong holds. The heart is soften for the word of God to find place and transform. The word of GOD in its purest form will quench any fire.
People will be free to make the choice to receive Christ as Lord and savior.
The next step is deliverance sessions, dealing with trespasses, transgressions, iniquities thereby removing every mandate of the enemy.
We are also teaching the word which builds a solid spiritual foundation.
The most important thing here is that while these people are receiving deliverance they are being trained.
The christian life is one filled with battles, challenges and the like. It is also filled with blessings and prosperity.
The enemy constantly seek to steal our blessing so we have to be always militant.
The Apostle Paul tells us to pray without ceasing and also not to quench the spirit. Through intercession and the unction of the Holy Spirit lives will be transformed. There will be great revival. “The spirit of the Lord is upon me …..
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