America’s Answer in a Critical Time

Will you join me for what could be one of the most crucial gatherings in our nation’s history?

I recently watched a rerun of a Billy Graham crusade on TBN from 1958 in Charlotte, N.C., in which the famed evangelist decried the spiritual condition of America. President Dwight Eisenhower had proclaimed a National Day of Prayer earlier that year, yet Graham said Americans were not interested in prayer or turning to God. He mentioned the problems of the day: communism, racism and an increase in crime. He said America must return to God.

Those seem like simple times compared to today, when President Obama has called for legalizing same-sex marriage, radical Islam is a major global threat and our religious liberties seem to be eroding by the day. In addition is a culture that accepts displays of immorality in the media and on the Internet we could hardly imagine more than 50 years ago.

America has always been in need of God. And though the need to repent is ever-present, never has this seemed more important than now with America seemingly in a state of emergency. The nation has veered off-course from the purpose God ordained for it. Many leaders believe the spiritual, moral and economic decline has passed a point of no return.

There is a remedy, however: The answer lies with God’s people, who are called by His name (see 2 Chr. 7:14). Unified prayer can bring transformation to America. In 1980, we saw a turning point take place when 600,000 believers interceded for the nation at Washington for Jesus. That was a difficult time with Iran holding our hostages, 18 percent inflation and the nation still reeling from Watergate and losing the war in Vietnam. Yet I believe a shift took place then as a result of believers praying, and I know God can do it again—but it takes a people who “will humble themselves, and pray and seek [His] face, and turn from their wicked ways.”

This is why we are calling Americans to fast and pray to seek God for mercy and healing at America for Jesus 2012. On Sept. 28-29, thousands will gather in Philadelphia on Independence Mall—right next to the Liberty Bell where America was birthed—and call for a return to our Christian roots and foundation of freedom.

For 3 1/2 decades I’ve been covering what’s happening in the world and in the church. Recently I published the timely book The Harbinger, which makes the case that like Israel, God is calling America to repent, and that He lifted the hedge of protection when the attacks came on Sept. 11, 2001. Still, author Jonathan Cahn, a messianic rabbi, believes there’s hope if America repents.

We’ve also recently published Change Agent by Os Hillman, which says that God is calling each of us to be agents of change in our culture, and that it only takes a relative few of us to make a huge difference.

I have been encouraged by the overwhelming and unanimous response we are hearing from leaders across the country who agree that the church must respond to the challenge of this hour. We believe that this solemn assembly will be a historic turning point for the nation, yet we need your help to make this vision a reality.

First, you can plan to attend America for Jesus 2012 in Philadelphia and take a group from your church. Check afj2012.org for details.

You can also make a donation. Any gathering like this costs major money. Several ministries and donors have given large sums toward the budget of $1.2 million, but more than a third of the finances must be raised so there is no deficit after the event. To give, click on the “Donate” tab at afj2012.org.

But most of all, pray—regardless of whether you can attend. Prayer must not be limited to that day or the 40 days from that event leading up to the election.

John Stemberger, leader of Florida Family Policy Council, says that every four years we hear that this is the most important election of our lifetime—only this year it’s true!

I agree with him. Let’s believe that God will raise up godly leaders at this critical time. And as we stand in faith, let’s each be praying that God will use us as agents of change.

Steve Strang is the founder and publisher of Charisma. Read his latest reports and insights by visiting strangreport.com.