In 2207, 2009 and 2013, it was both a great challenge and privilege of the IPC to arrange international prayer initiatives with hundreds of prayer leaders and intercessor children from around the world to pray with ambassadors of the U.N. The Lord graciously worked in answer to the prayers of many and here is an encouraging report of recent developments there, thanks be to God!
“A brief testimony about what God is doing at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. So often we watch and pray for years and do the things we believe God has asked us to do. Then, all of a sudden, it’s as if the prayers that have been stored up in the bowls of heaven are poured out, and doors open that no man can shut.
For more then 25 years, there have been weekly prayer gatherings at the United Nations sponsored by Christian staff members, plus a weekly service with worship and a guest speaker. There are also many other organizations that have specific outreaches to the Ambassadors and monthly Bible Studies, all working hard to bring the presence and word of God into this global community.
In the fall of 2017, several of us who have been praying at the United Nations were invited by Pastor Jim Garlow of Skyline Church in San Diego, CA to come to San Diego for several days of prayer and conversation about a new ministry they wanted to launch to the United Nations. So we went and had the opportunity at the time to meet and pray with former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, who had recently joined the Skyline Church staff as the Executive Director of “SkylineUN,” So, since early in January, several of us have been meeting weekly with her for a time of worship and prayer within the United Nations, asking God to open doors and visit this global community with an outpouring of His Spirit. So, fast-forward to March 2018.
The testimony I want to share is of what God did during the 62nd Commission on the Status of Women’s conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York City. This year’s theme was “Empowering Rural Women and Girls.” Individuals from around the world attend this 2-week conference, and many of the Member States host side events to address issues affecting women and children around the world. We approached the Mission of Guatemala about hosting an event. Their response was that you have to apply for a conference room months in advance because the available spaces fill up quickly. But God….,! We asked just 2 weeks prior to the opening of the conference, and there was nothing available, so we just kept praying and then we heard on a Thursday afternoon that there was one room available on the following Tuesday. So, in just four days we had to get speakers, pick the theme, and make a flyer to get approved to go up on the UN’s Digital Messaging board.
When God opens a doo, He makes a way where there seems to be no way! We put together a panel of five amazing women, a multi-ethnic and multi-generational representation, with the theme, “Personal Stories of Women’s Journey’s in Leadership”. Honestly our expectation was that we would be happy if 25 people showed up for our event since our flyer went up on the messaging board the day before our event and most organization’s events had been advertised for weeks. So, we gathered early that morning before our event and prayed fervently that God would use the testimonies of each one’s journey and how instrumental God and Faith were in those journeys. God did not disappoint. He showed up in a big way. The room was packed with such a diverse group of young and old and many different nations represented, with standing room only! Women in the audience had tears in their eyes, as each of our speakers shared how they found their identity through their faith. Not one person left, even when each one spoke of Jesus and how He brought them through trials and testing on their journeys! At the end of our session we had many attendees follow us out into the hall to ask questions and to speak to us. Many come up to thank us afterward for the event. We were blessed to pray with several women who are leading in their nations. One woman remarked, “I’ve never seen anything like this at the United Nations before!”
The Spirit of God was truly at work. We praise God for what He did and is doing at the United Nations!
Jody Wood,
New York City Intercessors
Pray: In addition, let us continue to pray for God’s working in the hearts of the ambassadors and staff at the U.N. that they will come to know the Lord of the Nations Himself, Jesus Christ. May they hunger to know Him and to become His vehicle for bringing peace and development to the poor and the suffering around our world. Satan would like the U.N. to serve his purpose as a preparer of the way for the Antichrist and the global oppressive control he will represent. Pray that instead God’s good and loving intentions will prevail as never before in that influential body of diplomats.