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• Businesses, anonymous benefactor lend a hand to single moms December 13, 2008

          Faye Baker, Tobi Norman, Paula Wells, Myrna Pardy, Michelle Bragg, Arlene Elliott, Yvonne Way and Paula Mills took part in the Big Give event last week in Grand Falls-Windsor.         It did not have the dollar figures that Oprah Winfrey's events do, but for a group of local single moms, the Big Give was just as exciting.An anonymous donor filled the gas tanks of 10 single mothers last Sunday with the help of the local Aglow group.When Michelle Bragg, provincial director of Aglow International Canada, a women's Christian organization, got together with her Bible study group several weeks ago, she was inspired by the annual event where Oprah gives away big ticket items to whole audiences of fans.The study group, which is named Chocolate Boutique for the snacks they share during their meetings, is made up of eight Aglow members from the Grand Falls-Windsor area.They knew they wanted to do something to help the community, but were unsure what form their act of kindness should take."We talked about it in our group for two or three weeks but we did not have a real idea as to what we might do," Ms. Bragg said. "We laid it in God's hands and waited for an answer."That answer took the form of a phone call from a businessman who is from central Newfoundland but now splits his time between Florida and Prince Edward Island.The man, who has chosen to remain anonymous, told Ms. Bragg about a project his church in Florida has each year where it fills the gas tanks of people for one day. He said he normally would contribute financially to that event, but wanted to do something in Grand Falls-Windsor instead."He asked us if we could gather 10 single mothers," she said. "He wanted to fill their gas tanks."Ms. Bragg said the eight members of the Chocolate Boutique found the single mothers and arranged for them to meet at the Car Spa on Hardy Avenue in Grand Falls-Windsor last Sunday.She said the event seemed to take on a life of its own."When we told (the Car Spa owners) what we were doing, they also gave 10 of those single moms a free car wash as well," said Ms. Bragg. "Then a single mother who is a businesswoman in town found out and she gave the single moms free hair dos as well. It just escalated. The Big Give was inspired by God."Ms. Bragg said the reaction and appreciation of the mothers was gratifying for everyone involved."No words can describe it," she said. "It was one of the most amazing moments for all of us. We were overwhelmed with the thought that there was something good happening to these ladies. We thought they would be the ones who would be truly blessed but really it was us that were blessed."Ms. Bragg said the scripture says what you give away will come back 10-fold and saw an example of that after the Big Give.The anonymous benefactor, who watched the event from the sidelines, called Ms. Bragg the next day to inform her he had received a business call just after the event."He said a lady called him and she was transferring her businesses around and she wanted to invest more money," Ms. Bragg said. "Every penny he gave that day and more was already returned to him."The group is already trying to think about the form its next Big Give will take.The mysterious philanthropist has told them he will help out again, said Ms. Bragg."He told us that he wanted us to think really big and God will always provide provisions for the vision," she said. "Livin' on a prayer"        

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• Edmonton Aglow Visits NHOP April 03, 2009

  Edmonton Aglow Visits the National House of Prayer   First of all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men.   For Kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility that (outwardly) we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life and (inwardly) a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way.  For such praying is good and right and it is pleasing and acceptable to God our Saviour.  Who wishes all men to be saved and (increasingly) to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely and correctly the (divine) Truth.   1 Timothy 2: 1 – 4  AMP.   On June 2 – 6 a group of Aglow ladies from the Edmonton Capital Area went on a prayer journey to the National House of Prayer in Ottawa.    This has been the 1st Aglow Team to attend NHOP; significant in that Alberta has had several “prototypes”, or firsts, in ministries and events.   As we arrived on Monday, June 2, we were invited to a “Celebrate Israel” service commemorating Israel’s 60th Birthday at Peace Tower Church, where we were introduced to several MP’s and the Israeli Ambassador, His Excellency Ambassador Alan Baker.  This gave us a clearer understanding that our Canadian Government supports Israel.   Another highlight of this evening was an unexpected meeting with Lorraine Bastien and Aglow’s honorary member Anna-Lee Chiprout (who accompanied Aglow International of Canada to Israel in 2006).  We had an opportunity to sample some wonderfully delicious Israeli treats and made some unique interactions.  In our morning Prayer & teaching time we were encouraged to steward and pray for Aglow’s Israel Mandate. Fran Parker, Director of the NHOP, shared with us information concerning protocol in the House of Commons & Senate.   The Focus of the NHOP, in praying for parliament in this season, is that it would come to ‘Full Term and not abort’ all of God’s plans and purposes for it.    Strategies on the “How To’s“ of praying for Parliament.   There was lots of information and what a blessing, these warriors God has assigned to the NHOP are, well informed with insight to be on site.  We watched a short DVD on the inner workings of ‘The House of Commons & Senate.’  In the Afternoon we had our first on-site assignment at Parliament Hill in the Senate.   For the most part it was very subdued.    (Tour of the Peace Tower and a view of Ottawa & Gatineau.) In our evening secession at NHOP we shared and heard more of the issues and mindsets, attitudes and prayer strategies that are involved in the governing process.  Wednesday Again we were just impacted by information and prayer.   Heading to Parliament Hill in the afternoon we were able to get into Question Period and experience Government at work.   It was as expected challenging yet exciting to pray over all these MP’s in person as it were.  Our evening was a treat as Lorraine, Anna-Lee and Ann (Aglow member from Ottawa) met with us for supper, fellowship & prayer.   Israel Mandate was a focus and a word was spoken about our Aglow team, the first to attend NHOP, as Arrows for the Lord.   We had prayer together concerning issues before the parliament and sent Lorraine and Anna-Lee forth under the cover of the Almighty Psalm 91.  Thursday Was a very busy day, leaving NHOP at 9:30 so we could meet with MP Ken Epp to hear His heart on Bill C 484,  encourage & pray with Him.  Then to a tour of the government buildings, including the Library, a quick bag lunch, others from the group got to visit with their MP’s and into Question Period to pray.   After we met with Rahim Jaffer, Conservative House Leader, who was Leslie Precht’s MP, had pictures taken and he showed us the House of Commons Speaker’s office, apartment and dining hall in which he entertains.  We met several other MP’s and know that there is Godly influence in our Government.  We always had times of prayer & ministry for our team which was such a blessing with signs & wonders following.   Millie & Joan both received healing in their knees, could feel popping and they sure could dance after.  Praise to the Lord.   Other times we did prophetic acts.  For example, we hung a red cord out on the balcony, as Rahab did, as a sign that all people in Canada following the example of the Prime Minister would recognize that God is the God of Israel.  At supper we had an opportunity to meet Michael and Leonor Ward from the Military Christian Fellowship. Friday Rob Parker, Director of NHOP, shared his journey to this place and shared a teaching on the Holy Spirit Hovering, bringing light (revelation).  We learned that to pray for government our prayers need to take on God’s heart to find out what He is doing then add our prayers to that, so that His purposes would not be aborted.  In the afternoon we had the privilege of attending a prayer meeting in the East Block Chapel with other faithful prayer Warriors on the Hill.  Our time at NHOP was sobering, challenging and accelerating to expand our hearts to pray more fervently and with purpose for our government leaders and political system. Our prayer is that many more Aglow International of Canada Teams will be stirred up to go to Ottawa and Pray for your Leaders building effective walls and gates in the Spirit for the King of Glory to Enter.   Psalm 24: 7 – 10.  ________________________________________  

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