Purpose
In the mountains of North Georgia, there are gaps – places of connection and transition from one valley to the next. Such gaps have been used from ancient times as pathways, more easily traveled than going over the higher peaks. We seek to be a pathway, a connection, helping people, who are in need of God’s love and grace, find Him more easily, again or for the first time. We also seek to make connections between people who have the heart and resources to help others, and the people in need of this help. There are many sorts of gaps that can exist in our lives. We feel called by God to address specific areas of prayer and helps where there are always gaps that need bridging.
Prayer – The Hedge
In prayer we bridge the gap by interceding before God for others’ needs in many ways and forms, as well as helping others develop their own ministry of intercession. Intercession, both ours and others, is the foundation supporting all that we do.
Ezekiel 22:30 says “And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” God is searching for people to “stand in the gap” and pray for protection, deliverance and help for others. Prayer is the battleground on which we meet the enemy head-on. As S.D Gordon says,
“Prayer is man giving God a footing on the contested territory of this earth. The man in full touch of purpose with God, praying, insistently praying – that man is God’s footing on the enemy’s soil. The man wholly given over to God gives him a new sub-headquarters on the battlefield from which to work out. And the Holy Spirit within that man, on the new spot, will insist on the enemy’s retreat in Jesus the Victor’s name. That is prayer. Shall we not, every one of us, increase God’s footing down upon His prodigal earth?”
Isaiah 62:6-7 says “I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, and give Him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” This is the heart of our ministry and we believe this calls us to be part of the “night watch” and it speaks to more than just Jerusalem; it speaks to the Body of Christ everywhere.
Helps – Seeds of Siloam
We have been “seed planters’” for most of our ministry (1 Corinthians 3:5-7). In the ninth chapter of John, Jesus heals a man blind from birth. After applying a salve to the man’s eyes, Jesus tells him to wash at the Pool of Siloam (Siloam means “sent”). In this story, as in others, the person receiving help has some action to take to fully receive the help Jesus offers.
There are many and various ministries that strive to help fill the gaps in people’s lives for food, shelter, livelihood, and emotional support. It is our belief that a hand up is, in most instances, far more valuable than a hand-out, and so we seek to partner with churches and communities to provide encouragement and guidance in helping themselves, as well as providing resources and hands to meet immediate needs. We feel called to come alongside of individuals, churches, and communities to help plant seeds that will enable them to better their lives, reach their full potential, and further their relationship with Christ and the Body of believers around the world.
We offer an opportunity and an invitation for you to take the next step in your journey in service to our Lord. Do you feel Father inviting you to join the ongoing battle to wrest His people from the snares of the Adversary in a new, perhaps more personal, hands-on way? To help create renewal and restoration for the least and the lost? Join us in saying “Yes, Lord, I will stand in the gap for my brothers and sisters!” Whether as a prayer warrior, a financial supporter, or a member of one of our overseas teams, we welcome you to stand with us and be a part of our team as we seek to obey our Lord’s call to serve His people.
Steve & Kathy Pierce