March for Jesus Christ 2014

Military Brethren would like to thank everyone who participated in this year's "March for Jesus Christ 2014."
We have decided to do this event again next year, so save the date:

MARCH FOR JESUS CHRIST 2015 will be held on Holy Saturday, April 4, 2015. We will start in Lolo, Montana at 6:45 and finish at the Grantsdale Community Church at 7:45. Mark it on you calendars and plan to participate.

To everyone who helped plan this event. Thank you. This verse was our inspiration:
Matthew 16:24-25 New King James Version (NKJV)
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

A special thank you goes out to Al Ostrander of Darby. He built this beautiful cross and we are so grateful to him.

The Grantsdale Community Church started things off bright and early at 6:45 am, on Holy Saturday, 14 April 2014, at Genesis.

The Grantsdale Community Church finished their 3 mile walk for Jesus Christ on the south side of Hamilton. At South 1st & Baker The First Christian Church received the Cross at Romans

The Cross made it's way through Hamilton with the First Christian Church and at Joshua The Darby Foursquare Church took possession and continued north.

Along the Bitterroot River the Darby Fourscore Church walked, pass Woodside and finally to 1st Corinthians where the Cross was given to The Corvallis United Methodist Church.

The Corvallis United Methodist Church moved out with the Cross carried high. Bear Creek Road was the location of Colossians and here they passed the Cross to In One Hope Ministries.

Onward to Victor the Cross would go, sitting on the shoulders of those from In One Hope Ministries. At the Victor Park which today we called 1st John The Bitterroot Valley Church of the Nazerene took over their Cross responsibilities.

The Bitterroot Valley Church of the Nazarene carried the cross to a point of interest north of Victor called Acts where the Barnabas Ministries Christian Center assumed the Cross for a time.

The Barnabas Ministries Christian Center soldiered on for 3 miles and gave the Cross to the Lisa and Steve Allen at Hebrews. Accompanied by their dogs this Christian couple carried the Cross for Jesus Christ.

The Allen's walked the long straight stretch of road north of the Stevensville Wye to Isaiah. Here the Cross was given to the Stevensville Knights of Columbus and these men had to conquer Bass Creek Hill.

The Stevensville Knights of Columbus made it over the hill and to 2nd Timothy. Here they gave the Cross to Dave from the Military Brethren.

Now Dave is fit as a fiddle and carried the Cross into Florence. It was here at Philemon where he handed it off to the Weidow Family.

The Weidow family with kids on the bikes, all watching grandpa or uncle Wayne carry the Cross made it to Luke. Here they passed the cross to the Meyer Family.

Now let me tell you, they don't make them any tougher than this Meyer family. Their portion of the March for Jesus Christ was inspiring. They carried the Cross to Nehemiah and gave it to the Military Brethren and it was my honor to carried the Cross on the final leg into Lolo.

We cruised in to Lolo like nothing flat. The adrenalin was pumping through my veins so much I couldn't feel the actual weight of the Cross, but the significance of the Cross weighed heavy on my mind and soul. My saviour Jesus Christ died upon the Cross for my sins. I often think about The Parable of the Sower in Mark chapter 4. I was a seed I thought that fell into the thorns, but now I am on "good soil" and it is because of this Cross. So into Lolo we walk to Mark at the Lolo Community Church at exactly 7:45 pm. 

The Cross traveled 40 miles in 13 hours through the beautiful Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana. Our goal was to focus on Jesus Christ for the entire time. Thank you to all that participated and I hope to see you next year for the 2015 March for Jesus Christ on April 4th.

God Bless,

Military Brethern

National Day of Prayer

The mission of the National Day of Prayer Task Force is to mobilize prayer in America and to encourage personal repentance and righteousness in the culture.

Historical Timeline of the NDP Task Force

1952: On April 17 a bill initiated by Mr. Conrad Hilton of Hilton Hotels and Senator Frank Carlson of Kansas was passed (Public Law 82-324) that the President of the United States was to set aside an appropriate day each year, other than Sunday, as a National Day of Prayer.

1974: The National Prayer Committee begins as a subcommittee on prayer at the International Congress on World Evangelization held in Lausanne, Switzerland in 1974. Out of the Lausanne gathering came the U.S. Lausanne Committee, now Mission America, and America’s National Prayer Committee.  Mrs. Vonette Bright was appointed to the Prayer Advisory Group.

1976: The first members are selected for the Prayer Advisory Group: Dr. Dick Eastman, Mr. Frank Insen (World Vision), Millie Dienert, Evelyn Christenson and Vonette Bright. Dr. Harold Lindsell of Christianity Today also met regularly with the group at the Christian Embassy in Washington D.C.

1979: The National Prayer Committee is officially formed. Today there are 18 members on the NPC Executive Board. Federal EIN: 75-1914068, Exempt 501 C3

1981: Businessman Joe Mays (Religious Heritage of America), David Bryant and the NPC group meet to cast the first vision for the National Day of Prayer. Contacts were made with the Public Liaison office of the White House to begin planning efforts.

1983: The first National Day of Prayer observance, organized by the NPC, takes place at Constitution Hall in Washington D.C. with featured speakers Vice President George Bush and Dr. Lloyd Ogilvie.

1986:  Vonette Bright and the National Prayer Committee contact Senator Strom Thurmond (R) for guidance on writing a bill that would designate a day for the National Day of Prayer

1987: Senator Thurmond writes the bill then introduces it to the Senate Judicial Committee. It became bill S.1378, which would amend public law 82-324

In total, 13 Senators and 90 Congressmen signed giving their endorsements. The following individuals sponsored the bill:

• Congressman Tony Hall (D-Ohio)
• Congressman Carlos Moorhead (R-California)
• Senator Howard Heflin (D-Alabama)
• Senator Strom Thurmond (R-South Carolina)
• Senator Bill Armstrong (R-Colorado)
• Congressman Frank Wolf (R-Virginia)
• Congressman Bob Garcia (D-New York)

1988: Rabbi Haberman and Rabbi Tanenbaum express their support of the bill.

1988: Monday, May 5 – the Judiciary Committee in the Senate and the Committee on the Post Office and Civil Service in the House each release the bill for vote

1988: Wednesday, May 7– 4:00 p.m. final confirmation is given that the bill passes unanimously in the Senate (a few days later in the House).

1988: Thursday, May 8 – Ronald Reagan signs into law Public Law 100-307 the designation of the first Thursday in May as the annual observance for the National Day of Prayer

Those present at the signing:

• President Ronald Reagan
• Vonette Bright
• Pat Boone (then Co-Chair of the NPC)
• Susan Sorensen (National Coordinator)
• Tony Hall (D-Ohio)
• Frank Wolf (R-Virginia)
• Dr. Richard Halverson (Senate Chaplain)
• William Ford (House Chaplain)
• Senator Howard Heflin (D)
• Rabbi Joshua Haberman
• Father John O’Connor
• Dr. Jerry C. Nims (National Advisor)
• Gladys Harrington (Year of the Bible)

1989: The NPC forms an Official Task Force for organizing events across the country in observance of the National Day of Prayer

1991: Shirley Dobson accepts the role as Chairman of the NDP Task Force.

2014: Millions will observe the 63rd Anniversary of the National Day of Prayer

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Our Task Force is a privately funded organization whose purpose is to encourage participation on the National Day of Prayer. It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, to create appropriate materials, and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America’s leaders and its families. The Task Force represents a Judeo Christian expression of the national observance, based on our understanding that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible.

History of the National Day of Prayer

Fasting and prayer are religious exercises; the enjoining them an act of discipline. Every religious society has a right to determine for itself the time for these exercises, and the objects proper for them, according to their own particular tenets; and right can never be safer than in their hands, where the Constitution has deposited it. – Thomas Jefferson, 1808

Because of the faith of many of our founding fathers, public prayer and national days of prayer have a long-standing and significant history in American tradition. The Supreme Court affirmed the right of state legislatures to open their sessions with prayer in Marsh vs. Chambers (1983).

The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863. In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Last year, all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations.

Legal Milestones for the Day of Prayer

1952: Harry S. Truman declares a National Day of Prayer and signs into law an annual observance there of – United States Congress passed Joint Resolution 382 on April 17, 1952/ President Truman signs Public Law 82-324 (Public Law 82-324; 66 Stat. 64—April 17, 1952).

1988: Ronald Reagan signs into law the designation of the first Thursday in May as the annual observance for the National Day of Prayer  – President Reagan signs Public Law 100-307 January 25, 1988, in the Second Session of the One Hundredth Congress (Public Law 100-307—May 5, 1988).

1998: Pub. L. 105-225, August 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1258: The President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.

Significance of the National Day of Prayer

The National Day of Prayer has great significance for us as a nation as it enables us to recall and to teach the way in which our founding fathers sought the wisdom of God when faced with critical decisions. It stands as a call for us to humbly come before God, seeking His guidance for our leaders and His grace upon us as a people. The unanimous passage of the bill establishing the National Day of Prayer as an annual event, signifies that prayer is as important to our nation today as it was in the beginning.

Like Thanksgiving or Christmas, this day has become a national observance placed on all Hallmark calendars and observed annually across the nation and in Washington, D.C. Every year, local, state, and federal observances were held from sunrise in Maine to sunset in Hawaii, uniting Americans from all socio-economic, political and ethnic backgrounds in prayer for our nation. It is estimated that over two million people attended more than 30,000 observances – organized by approximately 40,000 volunteers. At state capitols, county court houses, on the steps of city halls, and in schools, businesses, churches and homes, people stopped their activities and gathered for prayer.

The National Day of Prayer is Ours

The National Day of Prayer belongs to all Americans. It is a day that transcends differences, bringing together citizens from all backgrounds. Mrs. Shirley Dobson, NDP chairman, reminds us: “We have lost many of our freedoms in America because we have been asleep. I feel if we do not become involved and support the annual National Day of Prayer, we could end up forfeiting this freedom, too.”

Historical Summary

• 1775 – The first Continental Congress called for a National Day of Prayer
• 1863 – Abraham Lincoln called for such a day.
• 1952 – Congress established NDP as an annual event by a joint resolution, signed into law by President Truman (82-324)
• 1988 – The law was amended and signed by President Reagan, designating the NDP as the first Thursday in May (100-307).

Fun Facts

1) There have been 142 national calls to prayer, humiliation, fasting and thanksgiving by the President of the United States (1789-2013).

2) There have been 65 Presidential Proclamations for a National Day of Prayer (1952-2013). Gerald R. Ford (1976), George H. Bush (1989-91) and Barack H. Obama (2012) are the only U.S. Presidents to sign multiple National Day of Prayer Proclamations in the same year.

3) Every President since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation.

4) 34 of the 44 U.S. Presidents have signed proclamations for National Prayer. Three of the Presidents who did not sign a proclamation died while serving in office. Two Presidents, not included in the count – William Howard Taft and Warren Gamaliel Harding, signed proclamations for Thanksgiving and Prayer.

5) Records indicate there have been 1,259 state and federal calls for national prayer since 1775 and counting.

National Day of Prayer in Stevensville, Montana

National Day of Prayer

On Thursday, May 1, the Stevensville community will participate in the National Day of Prayer, an annual event established in 1952 by Congress and President Harry Truman. Stevensville’s American Legion Post and Masonic Lodge, with support from area faith communities, are sponsoring the following National Day of Prayer activities in Stevensville:

• St. Mary’s Historical Mission Chapel will be open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. for personal prayer. The chapel is located at 4th and Charlos Streets.

This chapel, which is not part of the Catholic Church but rather a historical site, offers a non-denominational location for all to come and pray. St. Mary’s Historical Mission Chapel Board has graciously offered the chapel for the day to honor inter-faith prayers in the place where Montana began.

• St. Mary’s Historical Mission Chapel will also be the site of an inter-faith group prayer beginning at 12:15 p.m. This thirty minute community-focused group prayer will be facilitated by local leaders, and will include prayers for our community, our state, and our country.

3) At 6 p.m. at the Senior Center on Mission Street, there will be a free Spaghetti Dinner with music and an interfaith program and prayer time focused on our community, state, and country. All are welcome.

For more information contact Clay Freeman, Police and Fire Chaplain for Stevensville, 370-8377 or ebud02@yahoo.com or visit http://nationaldayofprayer.org/

Mayor: Stevensville will participate in National Day of Prayer

April 18, 2014 7:53 pm  •  MICHELLE McCONNAHA Ravalli Republic

STEVENSVILLE - Mayor Gene Mim Mack has issued a proclamation announcing Stevensville’s plans to participate in the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 1.

“I join the citizens of Stevensville, Montana in giving thanks, in accordance with our own faiths and consciences, for our many freedoms and blessings, and in asking for God’s continued guidance, mercy and protection,” said Mack in the proclamation.

The National Day of Prayer, designated by the U.S. Congress in 1952, is an annual day of prayer held on the first Thursday of May.

“Several years ago, it was popular for many towns to make this proclamation – even Missoula did - but participation has dropped,” said Clay Freeman, coordinator for this year’s activities and the police and fire chaplain for Stevensville.

Activities sponsored by Stevensville, the American Legion Fort Owen Post No. 94 and the Masonic Lodge No. 28 include three events focused on prayer. St. Mary’s Historical Mission will have open prayer in the chapel from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with guided prayer time at noon. That evening at the Senior Center there will be a dinner, program and prayer.

St. Mary’s chapel was chosen because it is a non-denominational location where all faiths can feel welcome.

“It is strictly a historical society, not controlled by the Catholic Diocese,” said Freeman. “When they donated it to us for the day - they are giving us the use of the chapel and will conduct tours on the rest of the grounds. They could lose money that day - a loss of potential donations since they exist on donations. They are being a blessing to us and we say thanks.”

At noon there will be a time of focused prayer - an interfaith congregational prayer service. Prayer will be focused on local, state and federal topics.

“In our noon corporate prayer time at the Mission, Dr. Charles Alcula, who was a Navy chaplain, will cover the federal prayer time; Fred Thomas, Republican state senator, will cover state; and Bill Gragg will lead prayers focused locally as an American Legion representative,” said Freeman.

At 6 p.m., there will be an event at the Senior Center, 100 Mission St., which includes a dinner and a program, at no cost.

Freeman describes the planned activities.

“The Master of Ceremonies will be Kim Bowman, grand master for Montana. The Bitterroot Boy Scouts will do the Posting of Colors, the pledge, and lead us in the Star Spangled Banner, then, a national prayer lead by retired judge Ed Sperry.

“We will enjoy a spaghetti dinner then, music by a bluegrass gospel group called Sonshine. The congregation will sing “Faith of our Fathers,” and we’ll have a state prayer by Steve Clevidence of the Masonic Lodge.

“Our guest speaker will be Scott Gragg, assistant coach of the University of Montana football team. Then we’ll introduce local officials, such as the mayor, have a local prayer lead by yours truly and we will close with the singing of ‘God Bless America.’ We’ve scheduled a full evening and were going to make it all fit in an hour an a half.”

A free-will offering will be collected, with all funds going to help the Genesis House - a home for women with psychological or emotional needs.

A banner announcing the observance of the National Day of Prayer was hung over Main Street on Thursday.

The Stevensville National Prayer Committee is comprised of co-chairs Joel Foster and Ed Sperry, Kim Bowman, Bill Jette, Bill Gragg, Jeff Strait, Bob Handley and Clay Freeman.

For further information, contact Clay Freeman, police and fire chaplain for Stevensville, at 370-8377 or ebud02@yahoo.com.

This year the theme of The National Day of Prayer is “One Voice, United in Prayer” based on Romans 15:6 - “So that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” For more information visit http://nationaldayofprayer.org/ .

Military Brethren: Stand To for 28 Apr, 2014

Veterans Push Back with Prayer

0700 at BJ’s Restaurant

Hamilton, Montana

 

1. Opening - Round the Table Individual Prayers

2. Morning Psalm: 121

3. Breakfast Reading: Acts 18:5-11

4. Breakfast is served

5. Breakfast Discussion Topic:

          52 Weeks to Preparedness by Tess Pennington

                   Week 17 of 52: Water Preparedness

          What are you thankful for today?

          National Day of Prayer

6. Closing - Round the Table Individual Prayers

 

Upcoming Events:

          1 May 2014 – National Day of Prayer

          5 May 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          12 May 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          19 May 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          26 May 2014 – Memorial Day

          26 May 2014 – 1000 – Corvallis Memorial Day Parade

          26 May 2014 – 1200 – Memorial Service at the Corvallis Cemetery

          2 Jun 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          9 Jun 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          4 Apr 2015 – 0645 – March for Jesus Christ

 

Tasks:

          Plan for National Day of Prayer

          Prayer to do God’s will

         

 Fellowship of Military Brethren:

          Our 3Circles:

                    1) Outside (Feeder) Circle: Churches & Church Organizations, Veterans Organizations, Special Events, and Word of Mouth

                    2) Middle (Push Back with Prayer Groups) Circle: Prayer Breakfast every Monday at 7am, Prayer Lunch (still needed), Intercessory Prayer every day, and Daily Communion

                    3) Inside (Give Back with Care) Circle: Fellowship of Military Brethren

 

On the Web: http://pushbackwithprayer.blogspot.com/

On Twitter: @Walk_April_19

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/military.bitterroot

Week 17 of 52: Water Preparedness

Water is the foundation of life, and as such, water preparedness is one of the most important aspects of being prepared. Disaster officials suggest the importance of having a 3-day water supply, equating to one gallon of water per person, per day. However, in the event of a natural emergency such as a hurricane or tornado, water can be interrupted for days or even weeks. Without water to drink, dehydration sets in, the body starts shutting down and then … well it isn’t good. Let’s just say that a human can die in 3 days without any water or if the water is not treated properly.

Water is essential to life, so why not be prepared. Keep some alternative water treatment sources on hand in case of a water shortage. If you want to learn about alternative water treatment options, scroll down to the “Preps to Buy” section of this newsletter.

Along with learning about various treatment options, store bottled drinking water for short-term emergencies, and consider having multiple alternatives on hand to treat water and to filter it if a short-term emergency is extended. Most preppers believe in the rule of 3, have three alternatives. I recommend having three different types of water treatment options in case one breaks or is lost. Another way to do this would be having separate filtration systems for the home, for the 72-hour bag, and in emergency vehicle kits. In addition, keeping extra filtration parts on supply would be very proactive in the instance that a short-term emergency extends into a longer-term emergency.

Treating the water will eliminate any microorganisms and the possibility of contaminants in the water. Microorganisms such as protozoan parasites, bacteria and viruses can make a person very ill. Drinking contaminated water can even cause death in extreme cases.

Once the water has been treated, ensure that all microorganisms are removed by boiling the water for 3-5 minutes. If someone suspects they have ingested contaminated drinking water, some of the symptoms include:

• Severe gas
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Severe abdominal cramps
• Headache
• Weakness due to the above symptoms

In a disaster where water sources are compromised, people within a 50-mile radius could be adversely impacted by illness and disease if just one person incorrectly handles water or incorrectly disposes of waste. Learning how to handle and treat water before an emergency occurs will ensure that your family does not become ill from poor water conditions.

Water is only as safe as it’s source. When their is any doubt about the quality of water you are drinking, treat it chemically, through distillation or through the boiling method. To learn how to treat water using these methods, click here.

Follow these recommendations by the CDC for safely storing water:

• Store emergency water in a cool, dark place in your home, each vehicle, and your workplace.
• Water can be stored indefinitely, but if it has a cloudy appearance, treat it accordingly.
• It’s possible to keep water in food-grade containers intended for water storage. Containers must be thoroughly washed, sanitized, and rinsed. Only store clean, ready-to-drink water. Tap water will probably need to be purified. Ask public health authorities or your water provider whether tap water should be used and how to treat it.
• Plastic soft drink or food grade plastic containers can be used in a pinch. Ensure that the containers and cleaned and sanitized thoroughly before re-use.

Note: Do not use milk or juice containers for storing water. Even if you try to thoroughly clean these plastic containers, left over sugars and proteins provide perfect places for bacteria to grow.

Water is a finite resource, and in the case of emergency preparedness, it is one of the most important items to have stored. We use water for everything: hydrating our bodies, cleaning our bodies, brushing our teeth, for cooking, cleaning the dishes, and cleaning wounds. Ensure that you have enough for these purposes.

Preps To Buy:

• 1-gallon of bottled water for each family member (i.e., 1-2 weeks worth)
• Secondary water filtration system
• Water purification tablets
• Bleach (Bleach only stores for 12 months, so do not buy large quantities of this item unless you plan to use it for other reasons.)
• Chlorine granules (available at most super stores or pool stores)
• Iodine
• Tarp or plastic sheeting (for solar stills)
• Electrolyte or rehydration powders
• Anti-diarrhea medicines
• Vitamins (to help the body absorb needed nutrients after being ill from untreated water)

Action Items:

1. Research different types of water filtration systems to see which type is best suited for your family. Some great websites to begin searching is Berkey water filtration systems, Katadyn water filters, Micropur tablets and Steripen. These are all products that I have in my own preparedness supplies and use regularly.

2. Learn about natural ways to filter water. You Tube is an abundant source of information on how to filter water for survival situations. Devote some to learning methods such as: how to build a solar still, how to live on sea water, how to make your own water filter, making a sand filter and/or gravity filters.

3. Practice filtering and treating your water. This is a crucial skill to learn!

 

Military Brethren: Stand To for 21 Apr, 2014

Veterans Push Back with Prayer

0700 at BJ’s Restaurant

Hamilton, Montana

1. Opening - Round the Table Individual Prayers

2. Morning Psalm: 46

3. Breakfast Reading: Acts 11:19-26

4. Breakfast is served

5. Breakfast Discussion Topic:

          What are you thankful for today?

          After Action Report - Holy Saturday March for Jesus Christ April 19, 2014

          National Day of Prayer

6. Closing - Round the Table Individual Prayers

Upcoming Events:

          21 Apr 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast (1 year anniversary)

          28 Apr 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          1 May 2014 – National Day of Prayer

          5 May 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          12 May 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          19 May 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

Tasks:

          Plan for National Day of Prayer

          Prayer to do God’s will

         

 Fellowship of Military Brethren:

          Our 3Circles:

                    1) Outside (Feeder) Circle: Churches & Church Organizations, Veterans Organizations, Special Events, and Word of Mouth

                    2) Middle (Push Back with Prayer Groups) Circle: Prayer Breakfast every Monday at 7am, Prayer Lunch (still needed), Intercessory Prayer every day, and Daily Communion

                    3) Inside (Give Back with Care) Circle: Fellowship of Military Brethren

On the Web: http://pushbackwithprayer.blogspot.com/

On Twitter: @Walk_April_19

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/military.bitterroot