The 24-7 movement is made up men and women from many streams of the body of Christ and many different cultures and contexts. The greatest joy when we gather is the melting pot of experiences, wisdom and stories of praise. As ‘Home’: the annual gathering of the 24-7 international movement approaches we asked a cross-section of the community what their favourite memories of past gatherings are and why do they travel to a different country each year for 24-7...
Miranda Spitzi - Switzerland
“My favorite memory of a 24-7 gathering was the Fiesta-Night in Seville, 2007. Especially the excitement on the dance floor! What a celebration. However the most profound moment I’ve shared with the rest of the community was at the gathering in London in 2006. I had an opportunity to talk with a new friend and share our joys and struggles. 24-7 International Gatherings are always fun, deep and encouraging, that’s why I keep on going. It helps me see the big picture of what God’s doing around the globe. Besides…it’s awesome to be a part of 24-7 family! Looking forward seeing you all soon!”
Scot and Misty Bower – European Pilgrims
“We laughed the most London, 2006 when Kelly Greene from Boys Town led everyone in an American 'cheer' (accompanied by some beat boxing from Pete Greig I think). Hilarious! Last year Kelly Greene reminded us about the cost of following Jesus and the place of his message amongst the poor. It left us feeling like we'd taken a sucker punch to the stomach... in a good way. We responded by laying our shoes at the foot of the cross. I can’t remember exactly why we did that but it was profound ;)
Why do we go to the international gatherings? That’s like asking why we go home for Christmas. 24-7 Prayer is our family and the international gatherings are the one time in the year where we get to hang out together; eat, talk, laugh, listen, pray, scheme etc. I do everything in my power to be with my biological family at Christmas and I'll do everything I can to make sure I'm with my 24-7 family in September.”
Chris Jones – Canada
“For me the intense prayer we experienced together in Seville, Spain, 2007 was my best memory. Just praying all together at once brought such a real sense of unity but also being excited about our collective voice before the Lord. I had the privilege to be at the 24-7 USA gathering this year and the worship was intense - it felt very focused. It’s also always profound to hear people's stories of being captured by prayer. I come to reconnect with people, to be encouraged that we aren't the only ones trying to work all this through and to be remind myself that this is all about loving God and following Him as He transforms the culture!”
Pete Greig – UK
“The 24-7 International Gatherings are the most exciting time of the year for taking the pulse of 24-7 movement, seeing old friends and making new ones. One of my favourite memories from 24-7 gatherings is the incredible worship times in Dresden, Germany in 2005. My most profound memory was the kindness of Angie Steinke who knit a red hat for Anna, a young leader from Macedonia, who's mum was shot by her dad when she was young. It spoke to me about the sense of family we have in Jesus, this incredible act of love from a mother to a daughter.”
Gary Zupkas – USA
“After reading "Red Moon Rising" we had a greater zeal for prayer, and a desire to make a closer connection with the 24-7 prayer community. On our way to minister in Lithuania, last year, God gave us the opportunity to join this community to worship, pray and fellowship together at The Feast in Seville, Spain. Our passion was ignited to take the practices of 24-7 prayer and Boiler Rooms with us when we go in October to minister to teen orphans. When we got back to our home church in San Diego we started a 24-7 prayer room that’s is still open now!
The commissioning of the new national leaders of New Zealand and Ireland with foot washing, praying and "holy surfing" (both leaders launched over the heads of their brothers and sisters) is a vivid memory for me. Leaders were raised up and the body was anointing, encouraging and supporting them.”
Nadine Arendse – South Africa
“I have so many memories: I remember my apprehension coming from a conservative Christian background and meeting the odd group of guys running with this. I walked away thinking nervously “I’m the odd one out?” But I soon relaxed when I realized “I’m a perfect fit.”
I also remember the first time I met Pete Greig: I saw this guy lying on the floor in a torn t-shirt, a little disheveled, seemingly not much into what was happening around him. Carla introduced him to the group and I looked in anticipation to see who ‘Pete’ is, and realised it was the same guy who got up off the floor, picked a spot in the circle and started to address the team. I just got this grin and thought to myself, ”Now this is a guy I’d listen to.” He did not stand in some special place set out just for him or enter with the sound of oohs and aahs, but when he spoke people listened and took note.”
Alpin Popnikolov - Macedonia
“My fondest memories include: sitting with new friends at some London pub eating fish & chips in 2006, responding to the challenge of living up to our name of 24-7 Prayer and the great feeling of being one family with a great destiny.”
Andy Freeman – UK
“I gather for Family – old friends and new make the journey worth making. The first ever CD competition and auction to bless a young couple in the movement is one of my strongest memories. We sold rubbish CD's to enable them to go on a honeymoon they couldn’t afford to otherwise. The auctions and competitions are always a fantastic exercise in fun filled generosity.
Kelly Greene sharing her vision for Boys Town, Mexico in London in s2006 will also always stay with me. David Ruis, the US worship leader was supposed to speak, but never got near the microphone as Kelly blew us all away with her vision for the future.”
Loida Fernandez – Spain
“Every time I've gone to a 24-7 gathering I have met someone who blows me away. I've had the privilege to talk with people who are doing the most amazing things for the Lord. It’s those conversations that you never forget: a friend/Brother/Sister for life. You bound together on this adventure of hunting Jesus out of the day to day of life.”
Charlotte Terris – UK
“24-7 prayer is in my blood and sometimes I feel like the passion isn't there. Like its a chore but when I'm at the gatherings hearing the stories from around the world I feel honored to be a part of this family and to see God footsteps so clearly.”
If you would like to join us and get your own memories and friendships from across the 24-7 movement then book your ticket for the Home gathering and meet us in Southampton, England from 12th - 14th September 2008.
Links to more info about 'HOME':
Why we're gathering
The Program for the weekend
Enter the annual competition
Buy your ticket now!
