Norfolk trip to final trumpet call prayer day

A coach packed full of Norfolk Christians headed over to the NEC in Birmingham on June 21 to attend the final Trumpet Call National Day of Prayer, praying as they went. Annabel Valentine reports.

• Seven trumpeters led us at intervals into praying for the Power, Presence and Protection of God right across our family of nations. We were reminded that seven trumpeters were used when the walls of Jericho came down (Power) when the ark was taken by David into Jerusalem (Presence) and when Nehemiah had finished building the wall (Protection). This is undoubtedly a most significant time in the history of our nation.
•  Banners were raised proclaiming the Lordship of Jesus over every city, town and village represented, and in response to the different issues being brought.
•  We were treated to marvellous tastes of how teams of young people bring the Good News of Jesus into primary and secondary schools in a way that children of today can relate to – fast-moving, loud, action packed – but the age-old, unchanging message of love, forgiveness and hope. Unprecedented opportunities and favour are opening up in schools.
• Inspiring stories of how Hope08 is impacting communities all over the nation were told, as churches respond to the call to work together in their areas in many different ways. Work with young offenders was highlighted, and a film clip made in one institution showed the desperate need of hope in their lives. The great effectiveness of these programmes is being recognised by those in authority. Significant was the fact that the attendance rate at the end of the course was 90%, about three times the average.
• We were powerfully impacted by hearing horrifying facts and figures concerning human trafficking in this country. Hope for Justice is tackling this (www.hopeforjustice.org.uk) and will be holding a major prayer event at the NEC on 8 November 2008, with well known bands leading worship.
•  Redeeming our Communities shared good news of Christians working with secular organisations, particularly the police.
•  Prayer Forum was launched, with the vision of seeing Christians connected, equipped and united in prayer (www.prayerforum.org)
•  Flags from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, England, and finally the Union Flag were brought to the foot of the cross and laid down. The two Irish representatives embraced at the cross, as we wept for our nation and the divisions in what should be the United Kingdom.
• The Trumpet Call events, having reached number seven, were laid down before God as a seed into the ground, believing Him for bringing forth abundance from what has been sown.