call to prayer

They say that the best way to determine someone’s priorities is to check their bank statement. In much the same way, I think that the best way to judge the seriousness of our faith is through an honest evaluation of our prayer life. The amount of time we spend in prayer is a litmus test that quickly reveals the depth and authenticity of our faith. 

The theme at EBS Haiti this academic year is prayer. The EBS community is spending more time in prayer both as individuals and as a corporate body than ever before. The vision and mission of EBS to reproduce ecclesial leaders in the image of Christ for the transformation of Haiti, the Caribbean and the ends of the earth is not something that can be done by flesh and blood. Rather, it can only be accomplished as a work of the Holy Spirit. The Kingdom of God only advances as we consecrate ourselves through prayer for the sacred work of advancing the kingdom in the world for the glory of the Holy Trinity.

During our extended prayer times at EBS, the Holy Sprit has continually brought me back to the passage in Ephesians 6 where Paul instructs believers to put on the armor of God. We are in a battle. The function of the armor of God is usually understood as something defensive. The armor defends the believer against enemy attacks. I believe, however, that there is also an offensive dimension to the armor of God. 

The armor of God equips us not only to guard against attack, but also to attack the enemy and thereby retake lost territory—lost territory of our lives, our communities, our nations, and our world. We have been called not only to defend the Kingdom of God during this age of waiting for Christ’s return, but also to advance it by taking over enemy territories. 

As the EBS community continues to consecrate itself through fervent and prevailing prayer, we ask that you join with us in prayer. The enemy does not yield easily. He hates to lose territory that has long been in his control. He hates when the light shines into darkness to liberate those who are captive to his lies. John 1:5 tells us that when the light shines into darkness the darkness cannot overcome it (paraphrase). 

We need your prayers. Please pray with us and for us as we follow the Spirit’s leading as partners in advancing the Kingdom of God in Haiti through the training of leaders who know the love of Christ. Please pray with us as we take back Haiti for Jesus.

--Matt