Sabbath-Keeping I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the spiritual discipline called ‘Sabbath-keeping.‘ Perhaps it’s just me, but I wonder if as a society we’ve just got too much going on. And that too-much-going-on bleeds into the church. One of the words heard often in casual conversation is “busy.” It’s almost as though the busier we are the better it is.

We can probably attribute much of our busyness to the social media phenomenon. Having said that, I submit to you that as with other areas of life in this world, the Lord’s people are called to, if not a higher standard, then certainly a different one. And our standard of life and behavior should reflect the standards of the Kingdom of God. So what does the Kingdom of God and the principles by which it is governed have to say about busyness? Well, first of all, God Himself set the ultimate standard when He rested after the work of creation. And shouldn’t we do at least as much as He did? If we aren’t disciplining ourselves to rest in our own lives, what does that say about how we live in this area with Kingdom principles? I’d like to encourage you to have a look at how you “rest.” I’m not talking about daily sleep although that factors in, what I am talking about is being intentional about keeping Sabbath. May I suggest some meditation and prayer centering on the Word such as Psalm 127:1-2; Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 4; Jeremiah 6:16 and Psalm 91. I surely don’t want to give you more things to keep you ‘busy’, I do want to encourage you to be intentional about keeping Sabbath. Perhaps some silence and solitude are in order as you spend your summer days. May the Lord bless your ‘Sabbath-keeping!’

By Art Rader

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From the Generations Team---- by Anne Doggett

While perusing a book recently, I was particularly captured by the author’s dedication. It read, “For my grandmother… Your love, wisdom, creativity and extraordinary insights have been and will continue to be a source of inspiration and healing for generations to come.” (Lisa Ferentz LCSW-C). What lovely, honoring words these are, and how rarely do we find such a perspective in our fast paced culture, which often overlooks the slower, older ones of our communities. I found myself remembering how dearly I value the investment of love and wisdom from our older generation of ASKers. We don't perhaps see them at conferences, as

travel has become increasingly difficult for some, but they are ever behind the scene, praying for us, praying for events, making the “check-in” phone calls, assembling the prayer lists for the nations… and more. I am grateful for them. It has been instructive to revisit the birth story and realize again how many older folks drove the narrative. Zechariah learned that God had not forgotten him. Elizabeth found how much the younger Mary needed her. Righteous, waiting Simeon was moved by the Spirit to visit the temple at just the moment to meet Jesus and speak a prophetic word over Him. And the “very old” Anna encountered the Christ child, and went on to spread the word about Him. I want to say thank you to the grandparents, and great grandparents, of ASK Network. You are a source of inspiration and healing to us, to our children, and to generations to come. Thank you!

Midwest Zone Gathering

The Midwest Zone Gathering, “Pursuing Personal Wholeness,” will be held September 29th and 30th at Journey Church in Loves Park, IL. Speakers include Pastors Ivan and Linda Doxtator, directors of First Nations Restoration Ministries, and Art and Roberta Rader, co-directors of ASK Network USA. Registration is $15.00 and includes food and drinks. A freewill offering will be taken. For more detailed information, including accommodations, visit asknetworkusa.net. Look under Upcoming Events.

Support Team The Support Team welcomes new member, Lynne Bowman. Lynne joins Co-Directors, Art and Roberta Rader, Treasurer Bill Moyer and Communications Leader Sheila Moyer on the Support Team. Lynne will continue in her role of pastoral care. She will oversee and encourage the zone leaders, helping them to maintain and expand the zones.

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It is a great joy to extend an invitation for you to join us in the historic city of St. Augustine, FL for our first ASK North America Gathering. The purpose of this Gathering is to ASK together for God’s blessing on our 3 countries, Mexico, Canada and the USA. The mission statement of ASK Network is to “Gather all generations to pray for all nations ASKing God to do what only He can do and doing whatever He asks of us.” It is our desire to bring the generations together at this Gathering. We encourage you to invite young people to join us. Worship will be led by Millennials and a special Youth Gathering is planned for Friday night. Please consider sponsoring a young person at the special registration youth rate. Our hearts cry out for the youth of our countries, they are our next leaders. “God calls the generations…” Isaiah 41:4. The speakers are all internationally known and have a burning heart for the next generation.

v Rob Parker, founder of the National House of Prayer, Ottawa Canada. v Tony Sperandeo, a Pastor from Israel v Stuart McAlpine, International Director of ASK Network and founding Pastor of Christ our

Shepherd Church, Washington DC. We plan a bus trip to 2 areas in St. Augustine for onsite prayer. One to the beach to pray concerning the massacre of over 200 Huguenot Christians who were slaughtered for their faith, then next we’ll visit a site to pray for the unborn. We will pray over the beginnings of each nation concerning the innocent blood shed then and now….”That innocent blood will not be shed in these lands.” Deuteronomy 19:10. We will call forth new life into the Body of Christ in our nations. There will be teaching on meditating on the Word of God and how to listen for His voice to guide us in prayer. Registration is open NOW. PLEASE REGISTER EARLY. The Conference will be held at the beautiful Renaissance Hotel at World Golf Village. Information on registration and hotel bookings are on the ASK websites. USA site - asknetworkusa.net International site - asknetwork.net Please share this information with your pastor, youth groups and others across our Continent who have a heart for prayer. ASK God if He is calling you to join us. We will ASK with you and believe Him for every needed provision to allow you to attend. Beverley Coad ASK North American Continental Director