The first week of fall is coming to a close. Did you know that this is the best time of year to plant?
Most of us typically associate autumn with harvest, not necessarily with planting...especially in the church-world with all our "Harvest Festivals."
Here's the reason why autumn is such an ideal time for planting:
When we plant shrubs and perennials now, the most important growth is happening "behind the scenes." While the above-ground plant is bracing itself for the coming winter chill, the root system is thriving, growing deep and strong--resulting in robust, beautiful and explosively fragrant blossoms next spring--much more so than spring-planted shrubs, with their wimpy root-systems that never had the chance to prepare for the summer heat.
And so it is with us. We plan to start prayerwalking again this coming spring and summer.
(I know I pulled the plug on that expected announcement a few months ago because of some physical challenges, but our missional assignment hasn't changed. More on this soon.)
Our dream remains...
That together as the Body of Christ, we bridge every break within our ranks and humbly bow before heaven as one people in prayer---that genuine repentance would revive every pulpit and every parish in America.
The above-highlighted words underscore the main challenge at hand...that unless there is a significant breaking-of-hearts unto genuine humility and repentance among ministerial leaders, then it will prove extremely difficult to gather the sheep under their care for a mandate of repentance in unity.
Still, God's heart hasn't changed.
At the onset of this mission, now almost nine years ago, I believe He spoke to my heart, saying, "If [we] do this, I will change the spiritual landscape of America."
Still, God's heart hasn't changed.
He hold's His under-shepherds accountable. We would do well to re-read His admonishment to us in Ezekiel 34. To every pastor reading this, please be assured that I don't consider myself or my mission to be the answer. Indeed, I stand with you identificationally as part of the problem. Our Good Shepherd is our only refuge.
Still, God's heart hasn't changed.
I just returned from Washington DC where I had some pivotal "planting" meetings with key national leaders. Seasons like this...of behind-the-scenes prayer and preparation...are the hardest to fund, but the most vital to the future of our mission.
BELOVED, please ask the Lord how He might have us work together in the coming days. We can be a miraculous help to one another, if we just seek His plans for our partnership. Your prayers and provision have never been more appreciated. Thank you.
Your brother in grace,
Tom
tomdemaree@pentecostwalk.org | 
