As I’ve prayed about what this all means, He has been stirring my heart with an idea…to take a team of worshipers and intercessors to different locations on Sunday evenings, to facilitate a time of prayer and worship that will bless and serve those who are hungry for an expression of worship that goes beyond what is possible most Sunday mornings due to time constraints. It’s a time for some to “taste and see” the goodness of the Lord and to fan the flame of Love through prayer and worship. It’s a time for pastors, worship leaders and teams, intercessors, anyone to refuel for ministry to the world around us by soaking in the presence of God. My prayer is that as we gather and are ignited we will become torches that will spread Love throughout our individual church families and into the community. And because it’s meant to be shared between congregations, it’s a unity builder.

By “unity”, I don’t mean we compromise our beliefs or sacrifice the uniqueness of who we are as individuals or in our expressions of faith. I believe the only way we will achieve unity in the Body of Christ is when we have our eyes fixed solely upon Jesus, and worship is the key that will unlock the doors in the walls that have been built up over time. We were all bought by the blood of Jesus and are called by His Name. When we gaze at Him, we begin to recognize Him in the eyes of those around us, and fault finding and judgmental attitudes dissolve in the light of His beauty. When we gaze at Him, we are changed “…from glory to glory”. Last year, I dreamed about “singing into the darkness” as the only way to overcome evil in the world. I am convinced that the only way the Kingdom of God is advanced is when we are focused on glorifying Jesus through devotion to Him and loving/serving others. When we do this, all other concerns are put in their proper perspective, and He is free to do what He alone can do…because our hands are out of the mix I believe this is God’s heart, that His people would appreciate each other’s unique expressions of faith as a gift to one another, not a threat. And I think He will be pleased that His children are learning to love one another.

I’ve been dialoguing with area pastors about this idea, and as the Lord opens the doors in His timing, we will be meeting at 4 different locations, each church hosting it once a month. For now, we are meeting on the 1st, 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month at 6pm. at Crossroads (address above), and on the 3rd Sunday of each month (beginning this Sunday, August 15th at 7pm) at Wasatch Church, 4433 South 3100 West in Roy. I’ll keep you posted, and will update the locations on my website calendar as things progress.

Currently, we are singing and praying through Psalm 84…How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty… it’s been very sweet so far. We read, pray and sing a passage of scripture, setting it to music. Come and check it out! Imagine, 2 hours of the Word washing over your heart and mind and refreshing your spirit. Please come and visit us some Sunday evening! And if this sounds like something that might benefit your church family, please let me know.

Our August Schedule is as follows:
August 1: 6pm @ Crossroads Christian Fellowship (6545 Combe Rd, Uintah, UT)
August 8: 6pm @ Crossroads Christian Fellowship
August 15: 7pm @ Wasatch Church (4433 S 3100 W, Roy, UT)
August 22: 6pm @ Crossroads Christian Fellowship
August 29: 6pm @ Crossroads Christian Fellowship

If you’d like more information please contact me via email or @ 801-391-1254.

Blessings,
Wendy Jepsen

——-
www.wendyjepsen.com

I just joined the affiliate program for another hosting company… WebHostingPad.com – this site is in the top 10 of best hosting companies and is also in the top 10 for price.  Right now, their hosting plans start at $3.96 per month (1 year), $2.99 per month (2 years), $1.99 per month (3 or 4 year purchase).  This is not an introductory pricing either and should their prices ever go down, then you can get the lower pricing.  If you’re interested in checking them out, please use the link below as I earn a little bit of money for new accounts that are set up.  This goes toward helping the ministry – travel & product costs, etc…

WebHostingPad

Thanks for your help!

Connie

Host your Web site with iPage!

Thanks!
Connie

My heart’s desire is to see 24/7 prayer and worship established in Utah and surrounding region and I will continue to partner with others to see this come to pass.  I will also continue to serve and minister with Voice of Hope Ministries.  Please pray for me and those continuing to serve with RHOP during this time of transition.

BlueHost.com

As we talked, some things came out that I thought were very interesting.  I believe people have a perception that if they can’t give $50, $100 or more a month to a ministry that it really won’t help them very much.  However, God showed me something a few years ago that was very powerful… it truly is the faithful one giving $10, $15, or $20 a month that sustains smaller ministries.

Let me give you an example:  My goal is to raise $3000 per month in support, so I can get bills paid off and eventually move down to Utah – where I do most of my ministry.  I have roughly 250 people on my email list for Voice of Hope Ministries.  If each one of those people gave $10 per month (the cost of 2 lattes or 1 fast food meal), I would have $2500 per month coming in and that would reach my goal.

So, would you prayerfully consider this?  Voice of Hope Ministries has a 10/1000 Partnership Program.  It is our goal to partner with 1000 people who would give $10 per month.  This would not only allow me to reach my goal, but it would allow us to do so much more of what God is asking us to steward and offer so many more things to the Body of Christ (conferences, workshop, teaching materials, etc).

Someone once said to me that they “tithe to their church”.  I am not asking for anyone to “tithe” to Voice of Hope Ministries – that money is for the ministry/church that is feeding you – where you fellowship.  However, I am asking you to prayerfully consider giving an “offering”, which scripture exhorts us to do.  I believe in this time we are in, God is asking us all to partner with Him in the work He is doing on the earth.  Would you consider partnering with heaven on my behalf?

If you are interested in 10/1000 Partnership or sowing into the work I am doing at Roi House of Prayer please contact me – I would love to speak to you further!

Blessings ~ Connie

Happy New Year! I pray that your holidays were filled with the awe and wonder of our beautiful God!

I am writing to each of you today not only to tell you what God did in 2009, and the plans for 2010, but to ask each of you to prayerfully consider financial partnership in the coming year and beyond. Please allow me to bring you up-to-date on what has been happening.

As January 2009 began, I was entering into my final semester at Weber State University (WSU). Throughout the year, I preached at various churches in the region, and also had the opportunity to do some soaking worship nights with my friend Wendy Jepsen (www.wendyjepsen.com). In March, I started working with a few others who shared a vision for night and day prayer and worship. Since that time, we have been working to establish Roi House of Prayer (RHOP). It is our goal to see this house of prayer (located in Ogden, Utah) be a 24/7 missions base ministry for Utah and the region.

In May, I graduated Cum Laude from WSU with my B.S. degree in Communication: Public Relations & Advertising with an emphasis in Visual Communication. Just prior to my graduation, I officially became one of four senior leaders at RHOP; serving as the Public Relations & Awareness person, helping on worship teams, and becoming an Intercessory Missionary. As such, I am serving as a full time missionary in the house of prayer. I do not get paid for my services at RHOP, but I do have the opportunity to raise support through this non-profit ministry.

An intercessory missionary is one who has committed to prayer, worship, and fasting as the first work of ministry with a view to establishing a 24 hour prayer furnace that will help make outreach more anointed and effective for the church in Utah (and beyond); transforming our region. Intercessory missionaries are supported through financial support that each one raises, just as any missionary would, and is the modern day equivalent of a gatekeeper in the Tabernacle of David. “These are the singers… who lodged in the chambers, and were free from other duties; for they were employed in that work day and night.”
1 Chronicles 9:33

Many years ago, God invited me to accept a call to full time ministry, dedicated to impacting lives through original Christian music, Biblical worship and the presentation of the Word of God. In order to fully steward this call and vision, I continue to travel and minister under Voice of Hope Ministries. I have also chosen to work with Roi House of Prayer, knowing their vision is 100% compatible with mine. I receive very little finances from either of these ministries, so in order to pay my bills, I do some web design from time to time. In September, I was also hired as an adjunct faculty member at WSU. I was able to teach two courses last semester, which brought in enough income (added to other income & support) to make it through the semester (4 months). Unfortunately, I was only scheduled to teach one class this semester. Due to this cut in my schedule, my income is now half of what it was last quarter.

Still God is doing remarkable things! In 2009, we saw people come to the saving knowledge of Jesus; others receive physical, emotional and spiritual healing; some got water baptized, while others were set free from things that have held them in bondage for years. The Word of the Lord has gone forth in preaching, teaching, song, and prayer! It has been such a blessing to see God move in and through the lives of so many people – all because we have been faithful to walk out the call of God on our lives. He is truly working through VOH Ministries and RHOP. During the year, both ministries have hosted special seminars, workshops, and conferences; offering specialized teaching in various areas of intimacy, worship, creativity, and spiritual gifting.

I believe this New Year holds much more for both ministries. It is our goal at RHOP to officially launch out into our own facility in 2010. We will be adding more worship teams to our prayer room schedule and working to establish various outreaches. RHOP will offer more workshops, seminars, and conferences throughout the year – these events will enhance and strengthen the believer’s walk, as they also spend time in the prayer room soaking in the presence of the Lord and interceding for specific topics affecting our nation and the world. Through VOH Ministries, I will travel throughout the region preaching and teaching on intimacy and biblical worship. It is also my desire to do several more soaking worship nights at various churches, as well as complete my second book and possibly begin working on a live recording project. VOH Ministries will also team up with RHOP and other ministries to offer seminars and workshops that the people of God have shown interest in.

As you know, all of these endeavors cost money. Because of the faithfulness of current partners, VOH Ministries and RHOP has been able to do so much. I personally have been able to travel because of those who have sown into the ministry. Up to this point, all funds that have been given to VOH Ministries have gone toward the ministry and not to me personally. In 2010, a portion of the donations made to VOH Ministries will go to me as the minister of VOH.

So, how can you help? Again, I ask you to prayerfully consider becoming a partner of either Voice of Hope Ministries or Roi House of Prayer on my behalf. Both ministries are non-profit, tax-exempt ministries – your giving is tax-deductible. There are many ways to give and whatever you choose to do will be such a blessing! Please know that any amount – $10, $20, $50, $100 or more per month will truly help so much. My goal is to raise monthly support in the amount $2000 – $3000, which will allow me to also start paying off my student loans and pray toward moving to Utah to continue my work with RHOP.

Those wishing to give to VOH Ministries can give monthly by check or credit card. If this is how you would like to sow, please fill out the attached Partnership Form, mark VOH Ministries, and complete the information. You can give via credit card through the website (www.voiceofhopeministries.com) or by setting up monthly giving (provide card information on form). If you are currently giving to VOH Ministries and would like your funds to only go toward outreach ministry, please let us know and it will be designated as such. For those wishing to support me by giving to RHOP, this can be done by completing the form as well. If you are giving via check, please do not put my name on the checks you are mailing in. Simply put a sticky note on the check with my name – this will ensure that you receive full charitable giving benefits. If you wish to give via Credit Card, please go to www.RoiHop.org and follow the direction on the “partnership” page.

If you are interested in learning more about Voice of Hope Ministries or Roi House of Prayer, I would love to speak to you further. I would also like to invite you to attend an upcoming Intro to RHOP. The first hour is worship (harp & bowl style), and then we discuss the mission/vision of RHOP, the heart behind the house of prayer, and a brief history of 24/7 prayer/worship. This is a good place to gain a better understanding of houses of prayer and what it means to be an Intercessory Missionary. Check the RHOP website (www.RoiHOP.org) for future events.

I truly do look forward to all that God has in store for 2010! Thank you all for your prayerful consideration of becoming financial partners on my behalf. And, for those who are currently partners, I thank you for your faithfulness! Please pray about continuing support in this time of need. Most of all, I thank you for your prayers and encouragement!

Recently, I had the opportunity to watch the One Thing Conference from IHOP-KC. One of the guest speakers was Loren Cunningham, the founder of Youth with a Mission. Mr. Cunningham shared a powerful message on missions and evangelism. He said if we are truly going to be part of the generation that sees the greatest revival and harvest of souls then we must have the following things in place: 1) We must be a people of fasting and prayer; 2) We must share the gospel and go into all the world; 3) We must disciple those who are saved. He also said missions, evangelism, and the local church must partner with the houses of prayer for our full potential as Kingdom-minded people in the Body of Christ to be fulfilled. Let 2010, be the year that we all come together to see the greatest move of Yahweh that we’ve ever seen or heard of. God bless you all as you seek to know Him more, and worship Him with all of your hearts!

In Christ’s Love,
Connie

Happy New Year!  It is somewhat strange to write 2009, knowing that I haven’t written a journal entry for many months now.  I rang in the new year at home, watching the ball drop at Time Square like many of you may have done.  The sound of fireworks could be heard outside, as our comminity has their own version of the “ball drop” down town.  Today, as I write I am reflecting on some of the events and various happenings of 2008.  God did some amazing things last year and for all that He did, I am truly thankful.

So, here is a little recap of what has happened with me and Voice of Hope Ministries over the past year…  By looking at the schedule, you’ll see that things haven’t slowed down much.  Throughout the year, I led worship at many 24-hour Burns, as well as the Audience of One in Ogden, Utah.  Both of these events are about vertical worship.  That is, we aren’t leading others in worship like we would at a church service, but rather we are simply ministering unto the Lord.  Sean Fuecht (the founder of the Burn 24/7) say when worship goes up before the throne of God, the atmosphere of a community will change!  That is powerful and so very true.  We have been “Burning” for a year now and we are seeing the atmosphere along the Wasatch Front change!  Praise God!  Along with leading worship at various churches, I have also had the awesome opportunity of preaching throughout the year.  I simply love being able to speak on intimacy and biblical worship.  That is the mandate the Lord has placed on Voice of Hope Ministries and my heart. 

This summer and again in the fall, I participated in Harp & Bowl Intercessory Prayer workshops.  Along with Wendy Jepsen and Katie Becker, we taught on this prayer/worship model developed by the International House of Prayer.  A highlight for me was actually returning to the House of Prayer in September, just before my birthday.  Wendy, Chris (her husband), Katie, and I all drove out to Kansas City, MO for a weekend conference at IHOP.  We all at various times ditched the conference just to spend time in the prayer room.  It was a great trip, even though the drive was so long!

In the fall, Voice of Hope Ministries also hosted a few events.  At the end of September, we did the “Only Dreams” workshop taught by Cindy McGill of Hope for the Harvest Ministries.  It was a 2-day seminar on biblical dream interpretation.  We had a great time and I believe everyone who attended enjoyed the teachings.  In November, we hosted our very first Conference!  We invited Derek Loux from the International House of Prayer out, as well as Tony Portera from the Potter’s House in La Barge, Wyoming; Race Robinson from Christ’s Love Vineyard in Pocatello, Idaho; and Tommy & Krissi Green, directors of the Burn 24/7 Salt Lake City.  The “Desire More” Conference was birthed out of a hope that people who really were seeking God would attend – not for the “big named” speakers (there weren’t any), but to hear timely truths from men and women of God who are going all out for Jesus.  It was a great weekend!  The worship, led by Wendy Jepsen and a team of musicians from various churches was awesome.  At the first evening service, their was a release of a sound unlike anything I’ve heard before.  The roar of God went forth and I belive it broke things in the atmosphere over the church, community, and the weekend!  It was in my opinion a huge success!

I actually ended the year preaching at the River of Life Community Church in Murray, Utah this last weekend.  The message was titled “The Oil of Intimacy” and was a challenge for us as believers to “be ready” when He returns.  In the book of Matthew, Jesus teaches on the parable of the wise and foolish virgins.  It says that 5 were wise and had oil for their lamps and the other 5 didn’t.  They went out to wait for the return of the Bridegroom and at the midnight hour they heard the call that He was coming, so the 5 wise trimmed their lamps and went out to meet him, but the 5 foolish didn’t have enough oil.  They asked for oil from the wise virgins, but they told them to go and buy oil for themselves unless there wouldn’t be enough for all of them.  So, the foolish leave to go buy oil, the Bridegroom returns and the 5 wise go into the chamber with the Bridegroom, and the door is shut.  When the 5 foolish return they call out for the door to be opened unto them, but the Bridegrooms says, “I do not know you.”

When I read those words, “I do not know you”, it gripped my heart.  It is widely accepted that the 10 virgins were all believers.  The sad reality is that even though we are saved, many have not spent time in the “secret place” with the Lord.  They are lacking oil in their lamps; oil that can only be gotten through time spent with the Lord.  We don’t get oil from witnessing.  We don’t get oil from dong good works.  We don’t get oil from having perfect attendence at church on Sunday mornings and Wednesday night (even though all of these things are good godly things).  The only way we gather oil is through intimate times with the Lord.  As we worship (and not just singing mind you), the oil begins to build up within us (we are the lamps today).  Worship includes singing and dancing and other expressions.  It includes prayer, but not just spouting our laundry list of needs – it is about having a conversation with God and then listening to what He has to say as well.  It includes reading scripture; studying the Word.  It also includes fellowshipping with others and sharing the things God is saying to you and hearing what He is saying to others.  This is all worship and it will cultivate the Oil of Intimacy in your lives.

As I prepared to give this message, I had to honestly as myself, “Am I ready?  Do I have enough oil to make it through?  Does He know me?”  I believe these are questions all of us must ask and answer honestly.  We are at a time in history when the Lord could return at any time – no one knows for sure the day or hour of His coming, but we know it is sooner than it has ever been.  Are we watching and waiting for His return?  Are we gathering oil to last us until we hear the call that He is coming?  Will we enter into His chamber or will we need to go back and get oil for our lamps?  No one can give you this oil either!  We can’t ride the coat tails of some else’s intimate relationship with God.  So, in this new year, I exhort you to take the time to get to know God, and allow Him to get to know you.  This must be a deliberate act – you must invest the time – just you and God in your secret place – no distractions, no agendas, no motives other than to love on Him, to gaze at His beauty, to understand His heart’s desire, which is really just to be known by His beloved children and know them intimately.

Now it is 2009, the year of the Harvest!  It is my prayer that each of you will press in to know the heart beat of heaven.  And, as you do this, you will reap a bountiful harvest in 2009.  May God richly bless you all!
 

In Christ’s Love,
Connie