Floodgate Cross Travels Over 2300 Miles Inspiring Prayers for Revival
Since the Floodgate Cross started its journey at the end of April in Burlington, VT, it has traveled over 2300 miles on its pilgrimage route across the northeast of America.
July saw a prayer gathering of local clergy hosted by Revs. Sean and Kate Norris at Dandelion Ministries, on Long Island, after which Bishop Andrew and Elena took the Floodgate Cross by ferry to New London where they met with Rev. Ben Giuffrida and his family from Coventry, RI.
Fr. Ben, writes, “As Bishop Andrew and Elena pulled into the parking lot near the ferry terminal in New London to hand the cross to us, the skies opened up, and the rain began to pour. Reflecting on this, I noted that this might not have been what they had in mind when praying for the floodgates to open up on Church of the Apostles! Nevertheless, I eagerly looked forward to entering into a time of prayer and discernment for the work the Lord had set before us.”
The following day, Saturday July 13, Church of the Apostles held a prayer service that focused on praying not just for their own church and the diocese but for all the faithful churches in New England. These prayers centered around renewal, revival, and a fresh work of the Holy Spirit.
One visitor shared afterward that they felt an energy and movement within the sanctuary that they had not felt before.
On Sunday morning, the service focused on continued prayers for the floodgates to be opened. During the prayers of the people, the congregation prayed specific prayers created for the week. The sermon focused on what it meant to ‘Live Under Open Heavens’ and on seeking personal and corporate revival.
Fr. Ben writes, “The week of prayer concluded with a final service on Wednesday evening, during which the Spirit broke through, and those gathered felt compelled to pray deeply for matters close to God's heart, going beyond surface-level prayers to truly seek the Lord's will. It was an amazing week that has already borne fruit in the life of Church of the Apostles. During the week of July 29, we hosted a Vacation Bible School with nine local girl scouts participating. Many church members had the privilege and opportunity to minister and serve thirteen children. We are extremely thankful for all that God has done, is doing, and will continue to do in our midst, for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
From Coventry, RI, the Floodgate Cross travelled north eastward to Grace Church in Bridgewater, MA where a prayer service was held that focused on repentance. Cn. Leah Turner writes, “There was an overwhelming feeling that in order to move forward as a church, we needed to release our pasts and find peace. The Lord met us in a powerful way with words and a vision about the potential role of intercession for the future. Our vestry met following the prayer meeting to plan for the year and there was a renewed sense of purpose and excitement.”
Rev. Len Cowan hosted the Cross at The Abbey of the Way in Worcester for the first week in August. He was then able to join Rev. Morris Mungai, and the congregation of St. Paul’s, Lawrence for the opening service of their week of prayer where a new group of intercessors has been raised up under the leadership of lay reader, Eunice Mwangi. Eunice writes, “there are now eight of us committed to praying for the floodgates of heaven to open and we believe that people will see the glory of Jesus Christ.”
From Lawrence the Cross was driven to Cape Cod where the members of Emmaus Church, N. Falmouth, held an outdoor service at the Midcape Recreation area that runs along the canal between the bridges. Rev. Gayle Heaslip commented, “this was the perfect opportunity to intercede for this part of Cape Cod”.
After leaving the Cape the Cross travelled to Redeemer Church in Franklin, MA where Cn. Dan Sylvia hosted a mid-week prayer service. The Cross is currently on its way to its twentieth location at St. Nicholas House in Brookline, NH.
Please join us as we pray that the Lord would open the floodgates of heaven and pour out His Holy Spirit in each of the last four churches on the Pilgrimage route.
September 10th – 25th St Nicholas House, Brookline, NH (Rev. Brian Barry)
September 26th – October 2nd Imago Dei, Bangor, ME (Rev. Steve Hoskins)
October 2nd – 12th All Saints, Amesbury, MA (Cn. Ross Kimball)
October 13th -18th CTR, Danvers, MA (Rev. Brian Chase)