Prayer First Gathering a Blessing to All

People pray for retired pastor Larry Harrold and his wife Deb as Larry battles cancer.

Pastors and leaders met at Converge Church in Omaha March 4–6 for a time of focused prayer in an atmosphere of worship and fellowship. This was a happy return to the facility in the Harvey Oaks neighborhood where the very first prayer gathering—then called “A Fire in Winter”—was held in 1992. 

Chris Atkins from Center Baptist Church led worship several times with songs both old and new. In my role as Director of Prayer First Heartland, I facilitated the prayer times. We prayed on a large variety of themes, including earnest prayer for churches, pastors, church planting, global missions, and revival in our nation. We also prayed in triplets about ministry concerns, as well as personal and family needs.

One special moment came when we surrounded retired pastor Larry Harrold and his wife Deb, interceding for this dear couple as Larry battles very serious cancer. Another came as we gathered around Heartland Regional President Jim Capaldo, laying hands on our leader for an extended time of prayer. On the final morning, we gathered around the pulpit and prayed for the pastors and congregation of Converge Church.

Converge Church was an ideal setting, and the people were marvelous hosts. Special thanks to Pastors Mike Friesen and Bryan Galloway. And thank you to Carolyn Friesen, who stepped in to coordinate at the last minute because of an emergency.

Prayer First Gathering regulars missed seeing previous attendees from Minnesota and Iowa, as Converge North Central held their first gathering the week prior at beautiful Trout Lake Camps. Pastors, missionaries, and other leaders gathered at the camp’s Shalom House. It was another blessed time in God’s presence.

God is pleased when the leaders of his church and mission gather to seek his face, glorify his name, and cry out to him about the burdens and blessings of life and ministry. Plan to join us the first week of March 2025!