CHANNEL ISLANDS
The Channel Islands are made up of two distinct ‘Bailiwicks', both of which are self-governing Crown Dependencies with their own elected Parliaments.
JERSEY is the larger of the two, 9miles by 5 with a population of 90,000, 14 miles from France, and 100 from England. A picture of our aims and goals can be seen from some of the prayer initiatives which are a feature of the Jersey scene:
- The Jersey Prayer network was launched in 2000 with the aim of establishing a ‘Prayer Lighthouse' in each of the 12 Parishes. Christians from across the church spectrum in the Parish meeting regularly to pray for their neighbours, Parish and Island.
- A couple of years later a Prayer Canopy was set up, and so far about half of the 168 hours in the week are covered. A monthly bulletin of prayer needs and news is prepared and circulated.
- A small Prayer Research Group works to discover factors which hinder or help the work of the Kingdom in the island, and several ‘prayer expeditions' have resulted. The most recent event lasted a whole week and addressed the lingering negative effects of the WW2 Occupation. A team from from Prayer Expeditions joined with Jersey intercessors to prayer-walk the entire coast, and to pray in many other locations across the island.
- Much focussed prayer has seen friendships and a significant level of unity developing across the whole church spectrum. This has provided a platform upon which important joint initiatives have been possible: for example the launch of ‘Redeeming Our Communities-Jersey', and a very large evangelistic annual Christmas Carol event (sponsored by Jersey Tourism!), and ‘HOTS' - Healing On The Streets.
- There have been well-attended 24/7 prayer weeks in each of the last two years, and a powerful ‘Heart for Jersey' worship and prayer event.
- There is growing heart to pray that the wells of revival will flow once again....
GUERNSEY Bailiwick comprises three islands:- Guernsey itself with about 65,000 people, Alderney (2000) and Sark (500).
- Lydia International Fellowship has been restarted in Guernsey.
- A ladies' prayer breakfast is held bi-monthly.
- Four lead couples from different denominations have jointly planned a first New Wine Weekend for Guernsey in May '09.
- ‘Healing On The Streets' has recently been launched.
- Growing prayer for unity and increased cooperation across the body of Christ.
Mike Field - Jersey Prayer Network
