A Vision...
Download the Vision brochure (A5 size pdf file)In June 1992, God gave Ian Cole what he describes as a vision. Over a three day period details of a building and its ministry became very clear. Prior to and during this time, Ian had been reading through the story of Nehemiah in the Bible and through Isaiah, particularly chapters 56 – 58.
THE BUILDING
The building was to be a place of prayer and mission in the heart of the UK. Out of both Scripture readings and his personal journey, it became clear to Ian that there were to be four foundations stones to the Centre:1. PRAYER
2. MISSION & SOCIAL ACTION
3. THE BLESSING & ENCOURAGMENT OF FAMILY LIFE
4. HELPING MARGINALISED PEOPLE
At the heart of the building is a large globe; the building contains a large prayer auditorium; separate prayer rooms for each continent of the world; individual prayer rooms; a 24/7 prayer room; a prayer training school. It also includes a Family Centre with action zones, learning areas, play areas and a leisure pool. There is a theatre for presentation of Christian life and witness in many forms and a strategic centre for global communications. Restaurants, book shop, coffee shops and an information centre are also included. Around the outer edge of the building is a boulevard of nations; attached to the centre is accommodation for visitors and around the centre there will be gardens and quiet areas. Plans can be seen on the World Prayer Centre web site here.THE JOURNEY
Over the last 15 years the vision has remained strong. Even at times of doubt and uncertainty God has kept reminding us of His promise that this vision is a Heaven to Earth promise. In other words, there would come a time when we would know that it was right; just as Abraham and Sarah knew when Isaac would be born, so we would know the right time to plant the seed and see the building come into being.In 1992 Ian was leading the work of Cornerstone Christian Charity involved in word and action in communities around the Midlands area. At the same time, Ian was also involved in a prayer ministry - Prayer for Revival - led by Rev Bob Dunnett.
In 1997, Ian left working for Cornerstone Christian Charity, and together with his wife Pauline set up April ’97 Trust to support them personally in the development of the vision. The World Prayer Centre was registered as a charity, Trustees were appointed and the ministry began to develop. Over the years, friends have joined us and helped us carry the vision for a time and then moved on.
THE MINISTRY
Today, we have a team involved in regional, national and international prayer and worship ministry. The World Prayer Centre is linked to many initiatives, serving Prayer, Mission, Social Action, Family Life and Marginalised People. These include The International Prayer Council, Global Day of Prayer, The Prayer Association of the British Isles & Ireland, Redeeming our Communities and Hope08. The team also leads small and large prayer events and conferences and sends Prayer Teams, around the UK and overseas. In remaining true to our foundational vision, the Trustees agreed that we would tithe 10% of undesignated gifts received. As a result of this, The World Prayer Centre has blessed those involved in prayer, mission, family and the marginalised in many places around the world and in the UK. In this entire journey, we have begun to understand that we are part of a worldwide prayer army that God is raising up the size of which has not been seen in the history of the church. We realise that a building 15 years ago was not the right time; but that when the promise given 15 years ago crosses God’s timing, the resources for the land and the building would be released. We humbly submit that we believe we are approaching that moment.
THE NEXT STEP
Have the plans changed over the years? In principle, no. However, our architect now tells us that the design of sustainable, climate enhancing buildings has so moved on that we want this building to have the smallest carbon footprint possible. We are therefore on the alert for a piece of land that would enable us to build a “Global Centre for Prayer in a sustainable community.”SUMMARY
A vision has been given and received. The life and ministry of The World Prayer Centre is growing and developing. We are alert, listening and watching concerning the land and the building. Our Architect is ready to submit a planning application as soon as the finance is released. We are standing ready with our eyes on God. Wherever you are in the world; we invite you to stand with us. Contact us for more information.
HOW MUCH WILL IT
COST ?
At present, we can only give an approximate figure; but if a six
bedroom house costs half a million
then it will be at least the cost
of 200 houses.
