Pre-Call Rally in Fredericksburg

Come join us for a Pre-Call rally led by leaders of the Call to prepare for the day of massive prayer and fasting on the Mall in Washington D.C. on August 16. The pre-Call rally will be held at Grace Church of Fredericksburg on July 20, 2008 at 6 PM. Come and join us for worship and intercession for the event and a message from the leaders of the Call! For more info visit the website at www.thecall.com.

For directions to the church click here.
To see the Call promo video click here.

About TheCall

TheCall is a divinely initiated, multi-racial, multi-generational, and cross-denominational gathering to corporate prayer and fasting. We believe that our nation is in desperate need of the mercy of God and a great Spiritual Awakening. TheCall is committed to mobilizing people from all across America to gather together to petition God for His undeserved mercy for our nation in 12-hour solemn assemblies. Just as in the days of Joel, we believe that now is the time to blow the trumpet across our land, to fast, to pray, and return to the Lord with all our hearts.In the midst of an "entertainment" driven society, TheCall does not seek to entertain, but to encounter God. Unlike other mass gatherings which attract people through the rhythms of loud music, the glamour of flashing lights, or through the appeal of charismatic personalities, TheCall is a gathering centered around the affections of a loving God. There will be no advertised bands and no promoted speakers, as our purpose is not to promote any man or ministry. TheCall is a FAST not a festival. TheCall is a SOLEMN ASSEMBLY not a conference. Whereas conferences focus primarily on training and discipleship, the 12 hours of TheCall are spent primarily before the Lord in the place of prayer and worship. We believe the hour is late and the times are urgent. Our nation is in desperate need of revival and it will be only through the corporate body of Christ uniting in the place of prayer that we will find any hope in this hour. We believe we can see our nation changed as the Lord pours out His Spirit and brings refreshing to the broken, destitute, and the weary across our land.

History of TheCall

In 1997 our nation witnessed one of the largest Christian gatherings in American history. The Promise Keepers, a ministry specifically focused on igniting men with a passion for Jesus, gathered a million men on the National Mall in Washington DC to call men across our nation to a lifestyle of purity and godliness. A man named Lou Engle was deeply impacted by this highly profound event and burdened with a God-given dream. The vision was to raise up a corresponding youth movement to cry out to God for a revival to sweep across America. . Two years after the inception of this dream, a woman approached Lou Engle and asked if he had ever considered putting young people on the Mall like the Promise Keepers did in 1997. Taken back and amazed, Lou replied that two years prior he had been burdened with a dream to see the youth of our nation gathering at the National Mall. He confessed he actually prophesied this coming gathering would be a sign from God that there was still hope for our nation. The woman promptly wrote a check for $100,000, setting into action a whole chain of supernatural events that would eventually result in the TheCall DC on September 2nd, 2000. God's blessing was clearly manifest throughout the day as the presence of the Holy Spirit infused the prayer, worship and intermittent words of encouragement from our nations spiritual leaders. The result of one man's obedience to the God-given dream was an attendance of over 400,000 young people. After this TheCall DC in September 2000, TheCall was exported across the nation to twelve different locations, each one gathering thousands of people hungry for a movement of God. Rather than promoting man's good ideas, these massive gatherings were spent in corporate fasting, prayer, and worshiping before God. Specific regional issues were confronted in each gathering in the place of prayer. In each Call, issues such as racism, sexual immorality and abortion were brought into light and repented for corporately by the body of Christ. In New York, Dallas, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Nashville, and Kansas City, a movement of prayer and fasting has filled stadiums with the sounds of worship and the incense of prayer. This divinely-initiated movement of repentance has extended beyond the narrow borders of America as TheCall has traveled to Australia, Germany, the Philippines, Norway, England and Israel. Today TheCall is marching across our land to Washington D.C. to come together for a historic gathering on August 16, 2008. We believe that our nation is in a critical hour and in desperate need of revival. While our society's moral compass continues to erode the faith of our nation is becoming increasingly secularized. The world in its rebellion violently pursues the fulfillment of all fleshly desires, yet the church has fallen prey to many of the same sins that plague our society. Even within the church truth has been substituted for spiritual relativism and religious tolerance. Sexual immorality, racism, and abortion are just as prevalent from our pews and pulpits as they are in our secular universities. We are in an hour of crisis, an hour when we have to confront our own spiritual barrenness as the church and in the place of prayer cry out to God for mercy on our nation and revival in our land. Our hope in this hour is in God and God alone. On August 16, 2008 we are calling for 1,000,000 people to again gather together in the National Mall to fast and to pray for God to pour out His undeserved mercy on our land.

To see video endorsements of the Call from major Christian leaders click here.


Tara Gourley
Administrative Assistant
Grace Church of Fredericksburg
1141 Heatherstone Drive
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
(540) 785-2273

Team Hoyt: Father & Son Duo

A year ago our church showed a powerful video on Father’s Day about an inspirational story of a father and son duo. It started with a simple request by the son, “Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?” In spite of a heart condition, the father willingly obliged to the delight of the son.

That was just the beginning.

Over 25 years later they have participated together in countless number of marathons. You may be wondering why this story is so inspirational. The son was born with cerebral palsy, which has inhibited him physically—yet he dreams on!

Then one day the son asks his father if they could do the Ironman competition. This is the most daunting question of all. It is a triathlon that entails the following three events in succession: (1) 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim (2) 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride (3) 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of Hawaii's Big Island.

The father said, “Yes!”

I’ll let you watch the ending for yourself.Here is the event itself played to a beautiful song:

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513

Here is an segment that was produced for a television show. Very touching!

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=4e7679f8a731d6cce58a

May the Team Hoyt inspire you!

I’m also reminded of my own relationship with my Heavenly Father when I view these videos. It is a good reminder on this 4th of July celebration as we remember the Declaration of Independence. I’m stirred after viewing this story to remember my need for a “Declaration of DEPENDENCE” upon my Father in heaven. Truly the Father is looking for those who will be utterly dependent upon Him in this hour.

James 1:17—Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Finding Hope When Facing Cancer

Recently I shared about a new book (Hope When Everything Seems Hopeless) released by my friend, Dr. Tom Dooley. He will be on Life Perspectives Radio tonight (Monday, June 23) at 10 pm (central) to talk about "Finding Hope When Facing Cancer". To listen online see the following link: http://www.lifechangingradio.com/

Alternatively check for stations at http://www.lifeperspectives.org

Contact anyone that you know that is battling cancer. Just last week we learned that a friend from CFNI had passed away due to stomach cancer. I believe this show could be a tremendous blessing to them in their hour of need.

For the Cause,

Brian Francis Hume

The Value of Reading

Recently I have asked my readers to share recommended "non-leadership books for leaders". In light of this ongoing dialogue, I am going to post a link to a short (but well stated) exhortation for Christians to read. Give yourself two minutes to read this short piece because it will challenge you especially if your reading is sparse. It will do you well to heed the advice of Pastor Steven J. Cole of Flagstaff Community Church in Flagstaff, Arizona. Click here to read this aptly titled piece—"Warning: Reading This Column Could Change Your Life!"

Enjoy!

Brian Francis Hume

No Compromise by Melody Green

It was recently brought to my attention that Melody Green is in the process of editing No Compromise for an anniversary edition. I had initially read the book in one day back in ’97 and it impacted me deeply. The book is the life story of deceased Christian musician/minister Keith Green who was called as a Prophet to this nation. I believe the message of Keith Green’s life is quite relevant to where we’re at today.

This book has been on the forefront of my mind in recent months. Interestingly back in March I was invited to minister at a conference in Temple, Texas. During my second session, I called out two older men to prophesy over them. In the course of releasing the word of the Lord to them, I felt strongly that they were to get their hands on the book No Compromise. Afterwards one of the gentlemen came up to me, Bob Brown—he shared how his daughter had attended Masters Commission in Kansas City and was in a car pool with the daughter of Keith Green. Hence this word about No Compromise really spoke deeply to his heart.

It also stirred something in my heart.

The release of the anniversary edition of No Compromise is going to be significant for the body of Christ here in the United States. I think both the title eptomizes the life message of Keith Green that we need to wholeheartedly embrace in this hour.

I know that Melody Green is under a lot of pressure as she completes the process of editing No Compromise for the anniversary edition. She is asking people to pray for her as the deadline of June 22 looms near. Do the following: (1) pray for the grace of God to be upon her to finish the book (2) pray for the anointing of God's Spirit to be upon her to write (3) ask the Lord to give you something to encourage her with (i.e., Scripture, story, word of knowledge, encouraging words, prophetic dream, etc.) while she is going through this challenging season. Post it on the blog or email it to me ASAP so that I can send it to her. Either way I’ll make sure she gets it. She won’t be able to respond due to her workload, but I want people to lift her up in prayer before the throne of grace!

I sense that this “re-release” of No Compromise is going to have a significant impact in this hour.

For the Cause,

Brian Francis Hume

cause2impact[at]yahoo[dot]com

Avoiding Pressure Like the Plague

Isaiah 50: 4-5 “The sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious.”

Remember these are urgent times that we live in. The pressures that we face continually can be quite daunting and exhausting in the long run. What are you doing to ensure that you are daily being renewed by the sustaining grace of God?

My answer might surprise you.

I think Luke 9:23 captures what must be done daily in order to come into the fullness of what is in the Father's heart for your life—Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." We must take up our Cross daily as we confront the pressures of life. This is the place of the sustaining grace of God: bearing the Cross through your difficult, stressful situations.

What CROSS (in the form of pressures) has the Lord set before you this week?
What tension have you felt rising up in your heart this week that you tried to avoid?
Whose conduct towards you "crossed" your will?
What kind of undesired pressure have you felt on the job recently?

During work on Monday I came across an article in the Harvard Business Review that caught my attention. The author postulated that successful leaders who are able to continue their growth do so by the following principle: "Learn to Love the Pressure."

Oh man, that wasn't what I wanted to read!

Don't get me wrong, there are some type of pressure that I thrive in. But then there are the "pressure-cookers" that seems to highlight my shortcomings or my sheer...uh, shall I say laziness? As I get older, I find that there are areas of my life that I am quite content to remain comfortable. Often we try EVERYTHING we can to AVOID hardship, suffering, or any thing that is uncomfortable. The American way is the way of comfort. And I must add that the "narrow way" is not the way of comfort! As Christians when we avoid such pressure cooked situations, often we are avoiding the very Cross that the Lord has designated uniquely for our lives. He knows EXACTLY what we need to expose the idols of our heart. (By the way I am preaching to myself here too!)

Interestingly an Olympic gold medalist in rowing, Greg Searle, is frequently asked if his success merited all of the sacrifices he made. Without hesitation he responds: “I never made any sacrifices; I made choices.”

So today make a CHOICE to take up your CROSS daily regardless of the pressure that you are encountering. The sustaining grace of God comes to those who humble themselves by taking up their Cross daily. We shouldn’t bemoan the “sacrifices” we’re making—rather we must recognize that the Lord orchestrates our circumstances for a greater good. The pressures in life represent an opportunity for the Father to fashion you for his greater purposes—namely, to forge the image of Christ in you!

Blessings,

Brian Francis Hume

The DC Awakening

Dear Friends;

On Saturday, June 7, 2008 at 1:00 P.M., Christian leaders are asking that you come intercede and worship at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. This prayer and worship gathering will involve a "Consecration Service" where believers (like you and me!) will be dedicating the west lawn of the Capitol in preparation for The DC Awakening on October 5-11, 2008.

The DC Awakening is a prophetic call for the people of God to come to Washington D.C. right before our national presidential elections. Christians of all backgrounds will be gathering together on the lawn of the Capitol passionately crying out for God to send a national spiritual awakening that will impact America now and for generations to come.

Believers and national leaders will be coming from all across the nation to participate in 24/7 prayer, cutting edge worship, teaching and a powerful Solemn Assembly on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, repenting for our national sins on the lawn of the Capitol and in front of the Supreme Court.

We prayerfully ask that join with us on Saturday, June 7th. The worship leaders will be David Bradshaw and The Awaken the Dawn Worship band and the keynote speaker will be Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition. The events will be on the west lawn of the United States Capitol Building which is on the Washington Monument side.

For more information please do not hesitate to contact us by: going to http://www.thedcawakening.com/, calling 202.547.1735, or e-mailing us at ChristianDefense[at]gmail[dot]com; we would love to hear from you. You could also help us by telling people about the event; feel free to forward this e-mail to as many people as possible! Please diligently seek God about your involvement! We hope to see you there.

God Bless,

Kaitlin Clare
Program Director of the Christian Defense Coalition

Hope When Everything Seems Hopeless

Recently we have been examining books for leaders that aren’t necessarily leadership books in the traditional sense. In the leadership vernacular a subject of increasing interest in the past few years is that of HOPE. I have multiple books on this very subject from secular sources that are quite insightful.

In lieu of hope, especially from a biblical vantage point, I want to recommend a new release by my good friend Dr. Tom Dooley: Hope When Everything Seems Hopeless. This is a book that those who are in the midst of a hopeless season need to read. It is also a book that leaders need to read so that they can become a conduit of hope within their God-given sphere.

Go to his website at http://www.pathclearer.com/ to learn more about Dr. Dooley and his ministry. This book is published by Destiny Image. If you would like to purchase copies of Hope When Everything Seems Hopeless directly from Tom, please mail checks payable to Path Clearer Inc. for $19.00 each (this includes shipping) or for volume discounts on 5+ copies for $15.00 each (including shipping). Designate if you want any copies signed.

Path Clearer Inc.

PO Box 661466

Birmingham, AL 35266-1466

I serve on the board of directors for Tom’s ministry so it is one that I highly endorse. I also heartily recommend his first release, Praying Faith. Back in 2004 I was trying to find a new book to get for a mentor at that time. A previous disciple of mine was working for Destiny Image Publishers who mentioned over the phone a book that was creating quite a stir within the office. It was Tom’s first release, Praying Faith. Within a few days I purchased the book intending to swiftly send it via mail as a birthday gift to a dear friend and mentor.

The book never made the journey.

Once I sat down and started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. Tom is a great writer, integrating sound biblical principles with excellent real life examples and scenarios. He is liberal in using stories from his own life that are insightful into both the content of the book, but also into the author. Those are the kind of books I enjoy the most. And he doesn't shy away from butchering sacred cows that impede true spiritual growth in Christ. I can attest to this from my own experience with him as I've watched him minister and through my interactions with him.

If you want to purchase copies of Praying Faith, they are still available for $18.00 each (including shipping) or for volume discounts on 5+ copies for $14.00 each (including shipping). This is a great book I would definitely recommend this as a gift to anyone, but especially to a book lover who has “read everything out there” because it has a different angle that is refreshing.

And I must add that Tom is a man of great gifting, but more importantly, of exceedingly great character. He’s a person I trust. And he’s a dealer of hope!

Recommended Books by Campus America

I had some great responses regarding non-leadership books for leaders. I will post the responses over the course of the next week. Stay tuned!

Our first posting is from Wendy Andrews, the national leader for Campus America/24-7 Prayer. She was kind enough to forward me their recommended reading list for students engaged in the prayer movement on the college campuses. I think there are definitely books that would be helpful for a Christian leader regardless of the context in which they operate.

Browse through the list below. Are there any books that surprise you? Are there any books that you would challenge or question regarding their usefulness or content? Have you read any of these recommended books by Campus America that significantly impacted your own life? Are there any that you're going to put on your "must read" list?

I would love to hear your response.

For the Cause,

Brian Francis Hume

PRAYER and FAITH:Introductory: God on Mute – Pete Greig
Is That Really You God? – Loren Cunningham
Prayer – Philip Yancey
Red Moon Rising – Pete Greig
Windows of the Soul – Ken Gire

Deeper: E.M. Bounds on Prayer – E.M. Bounds
Rees Howells: Intercessor – Norman Grubb
With Christ in the School of Prayer – Andrew Murray

WALKING with GOD:
Introductory: Irresistible Revolution – Shane Claiborne
Simply Christian – Tom Wright
The Vision and the Vow – Pete Greig
Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith – Rob Bell
What’s So Amazing About Grace – Phillip Yancey

Deeper: Celebration of Discipline – Richard Foster
The Cost of Discipleship – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The Divine Conspiracy – Dallas Willard
Repenting of Religion – Greg Boyd

TRANSFORMING the WORLD:
Introductory: The Celtic Way of Evangelism – George Hunter III
Cultivating a Life for God – Neil Cole
Let the Nations Be Glad – John Piper
Master Plan of Evangelism – Robert Coleman
A New Kind of Christian – Brian McLaren

Deeper: Compassion – Henri Nouwen, Donald P. McNeill and Douglas A. Morrison
Exclusion & Embrace – Miroslav Volf
Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger – Ron Sider
The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind – Mark Noll

BIBLICAL STUDIES, CHURCH HISTORY and BIOGRAPHIES:Introductory: The Challenge of Jesus – N.T. Wright
Colossians Remixed – Brian J. Walsh & Sylvia C. Keesmaat
Mountain Rain: The Life of James O. Fraser – Eileen Crossman
One Divine Moment: The Asbury Revival – Robert Coleman (Editor)
Passion for God's Story – Philip Greenslade
A Passion for Souls: The Life of D.L. Moody – Lyle Dorsett

Deeper: Firefall: How God Has Shaped History Through Revivals – McDow & Reid
The Gospel of the Kingdom – George Eldon Ladd
The Radical Wesley – Howard Snyder
Streams of Living Water – Richard Foster

Non-leadership Books for Leaders

Currently I am putting together an extensive reading list for the leadership training seminar that I am developing for DTRI. This is the contract work that I’ve been working on part-time during the past 20 months. I’ve already compiled a thorough list of books that fall under the leadership category. However, I want to solicit feedback from the readers of my blog for additional books in the following two categories: (1) biographies/autobiographies and (2) non-leadership books that all leaders should read.

Personally I love reading biographies and autobiographies—I derived much inspiration and insights from these sources. Recently I’ve been reading a book by historian Stephen Ambrose called Eisenhower: Soldier and President. This is an excellent book for anyone aspiring to increase their leadership capacity.

Are there any that you highly recommend?

Also I want to explore books outside the traditional leadership genre. This is probably an area that I am weak in with the exception of books in the Christian thought arena. Due to the nature of my work, I will probably not select any books that fall in the Christian category. Possibly you’ve read some fiction books that would be of tremendous value to a leader—please share any that you recommend. Or there could be a book that explores some historical dilemma that is worth noting for its value to the present day challenges that all leaders confront.

Be creative and think of some resources that you would recommend. What are the MUST read books that you would assign to those desiring to become a better leader?

I welcome all feedback.

Thanks!

Brian Francis Hume