Many of you have asked about my upcoming move. Well first, let me tell you more about IHOP. Ok, not the house of breakfast :) but the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri. Very shortly, I will be moving there to begin an itinerary as a prayer missionary for a period of 3-6 months. I feel God is going to do some amazing things there, and work through me in ways like never before.
IHOP-KC is a missions organization that is committed to praying for the release of the fullness of God’s power and purpose as the church wins the lost, heals the sick, feeds the poor, makes disciples, and impacts every sphere of society (family, education, government, economy, arts, media, and religion). Their 24/7 prayer ministry started in 1999 by a group of 20 intercessors. It is now a 24/7 house of prayer with over 1,500 full-time intercessory missionaries. They raise their own support to work full-time reaching out to others from a lifestyle of prayer and worship. They invest 50 hours of their week going from the prayer room to the classroom, then to ministry outreaches and works of service.
We are all familiar with missionaries who focus on preaching or mercy deeds (providing food, medical care etc.), but the Lord also is calling forth a new type of missionary that is essential to completing the Great Commission.
WHAT IS AN “INTERCESSORY MISSIONARY”?
An intercessory missionary’s primary focus is changing the spiritual atmosphere over cities through “intercessory worship” (Ps. 149). This ministry provides one of the Scriptural requirements for God to release the fullness of revival. Scripture declares that God will orchestrate a mighty “intercessory worship” movement covering the earth in the generation the Lord returns.
An example of this type of missionary is found in Luke 2:36-38. Intercession and worship is the means that God has chosen to establish His kingdom on the earth. Prayer changes the spiritual atmosphere over cities and nations (Matthew 6:10, Psalm 149), and brings us into agreement with God’s heart.
IHOP INTERCESSORS ARE MISSIONARIES IN 5 WAYS First, “intercessory missionaries” collectively pray night and day for the release of the Great Harvest (Matt. 9:37-38). IHOP is burdened with urgency to win the un-reached peoples of the earth to Jesus. Second, they provide vital prayer covering to missionaries currently on the field. Third, they train future “intercessory missionaries” to be sent out to other cities.
Fourth, they go on short-term mission trips (2 weeks to 2 months) to help establish Houses of Prayer in other nations. Fifth, they personally relocate to strategic places in the earth as long-term “intercessory missionaries.”
The majority of “intercessory missionaries” who will come to serve in IHOP-KC will remain short-term (less than two years). Here they will be saturated in the IHOP model as they team up with others to “plant” Houses of Prayer around the world.
The vision for IHOP is similar to other missions endeavors. Loren Cunningham is a man who over 35 years ago had a vision of training young people to raise their own financial support as missionaries to go to the unreached peoples of the earth. He started a missionary organization called Youth With A Mission (YWAM). Over 12,000 missionaries have raised their financial support and are currently serving Jesus in over 150 nations with YWAM. Bill Bright started Campus Crusade for Christ over 40 years ago. He had the same idea of calling young people to live simple lifestyles as they raised their support as missionaries. Today, over 18,000 people are doing this in Campus Crusade.
When I was a teenager, I answered the call on my life to be in full-time ministry. At that time I did not know what it would look like, but through the years I've been blessed with many opportunities to minister in different areas...from worship to media...young adult leadership to missions work in Mexico...it has been an incredible journey thus far. God has a special purpose for me, and my desire is that every deed I do, every word I speak and sing would be used by the Spirit of the Lord to speak His Truth; impacting and changing things around me. IHOP’s focus on intercessory prayer and worship would greatly add to this desire in my own heart.
I’m excited about the opportunity and experience that lie ahead. Going to IHOP is COMPLETELY a step of faith for me (those of you who know me to be a planner understand this!)...I'm totally trusting God for provision and for doors to be opened. As you can imagine, a trip like this requires financial support. If you would like to partner with me by monthly pledge or one time giving, I would greatly appreciate it. Most importantly, I need your prayer support. Prayer is the fuel that drives this endeavor!
Donations can be made instantly through Pay Pal (hit the button at top of screen). If you would like to make a monthly contribution, please email me.
To make a tax-deductible donation, please send directly to IHOP-KC. Make out checks or money orders to “IHOP-KC Support” and include my name on a separate piece of paper as the recipient of the funds. Do not include my name anywhere on the check otherwise they will not be able to process it for tax purposes.
Send to: IHOP-KC Support, 3535 E. Red Bridge Road, Kansas City, MO 64137
Thank you for your love and support!
Stephanie
stephaniefountain@musician.org
