06.04.11

National Gathering: A Recap

by Rachel Wegner

A diverse cross-section of people representing the greater 24-7 Prayer USA family converged on the plains of Oklahoma from May 26-28 for a long overdue gathering. The weekend commenced with a cookout in Owen Park in downtown Tulsa, with adults and children alike sprawled out around the rolling green of the park. The cookout mingled with the weekly rhythm of the Tulsa Boiler Room crew, who spend their Thursday nights sharing dinner in the park with some of the local homeless population. After dinner and a time of prayer, the group made its way to Believers Church, where the rest of the gathering was held.

A dance troupe called trEd kicked off the night with a high-energy combination of drums and dance. Sean Feucht, founder of Burn 24-7, then led worship and was accompanied by some local Tulsa friends in his band. Keeping with the theme of “A Voice in the Bush,” Jon Petersen gave the opening address with the story of Israel's deliverance from Egypt and a word on the way God accomplishes His purpose through building family.

Also on hand throughout weekend were Dave and Tara Powers, founders of the Worship and the Word Movement, who helped lead times of worship and prayer. Other main session speakers included Adam Cox from the Kansas City Boiler Room, Ben and Robin Pasley from Enter the Worship Circle and Joe Steinke from the 24-7 Prayer USA National Team.

Afternoon track sessions on both prayer and community were held at the church, along with focused conversations over meals and coffee during free time in the afternoons. Throughout the main sessions, champions of prayer, mission and justice from around the nation were featured. Deb Fritch told stories of how people from all over Arizona have collectively prayed for three-and-a-half years, and continue to this day. Amanda Siebold shared about her heart for justice initiatives around the nation and world and her role with the international Just 24-7 team. Tony and Jenn Tendero, who lead the Stockbridge Boiler Room in Grand Rapids, Michigan, talked about reaching out to the lonely and homeless in their neighborhood. Along with these, many others shared their stories, representing the broad and diverse family that comprises 24-7 Prayer USA.

The final session of the gathering was a night of prayer and intercession over the nation, musically led by a Tulsa-based drum troupe named Tribe, along with the Pasleys. Adam Cox and David Blackwell from the Kansas City Boiler Room helped to direct the group in prayer, focusing on the many cities represented and on personal callings of the individuals present. Many members of the Believers Church and Tulsa community joined with the 24-7 family to round off the gathering on a powerful note.

Recordings of all the main sessions will be available online soon. To find our latest news and updates, visit our official Facebook page or follow us on Twitter!