City of Phoenix Hearing Update - October 23, 2009

Beginning at 6:00 p.m. last night, Prodigal's Home was able to present our case to the City of Phoenix Planning & Zoning Commission with regard to the question of having a worship service and breakfast meal with our partners, CrossRoads UMC, and the objection by neighbors in our doing so. Speaking in support of us was Bishop Minerva Carcaño of the Desert Southwest Conference UMC, Pastor Dottie Escobedo-Frank of CrossRoads UMC, Mary Jo West (neighbor and former news achor), Smoky Brazelton, Rev. Jan Olav Flatten (Executive Director, Arizona Ecumenical Council), and myself. There were over 250 people in attendance at the hearing, including pastors and representatives from dozens of local churches. Representatives from CrossRoads UMC and Prodigal's Home presented their position first, followed by representatives from a neighborhood group. Afterward approximately 30 people were allowed to give one minute comments. The one thing both groups agreed on was this case will have wide-reaching (state and possibly national) implications. It is also likely the group receiving the unfavorable side of the ruling will appeal. We hope to receive the written ruling soon but were not given a date from the former Arizona Supreme Court Justice acting as the hearing officer. We will continue to serve in the name of Jesus Christ. We can do no other. Continue to pray for us. And our neighbors. I will update you as soon as I receive word from the City of Phoenix. Grace & Peace, Mike

Pray for this Thursday... October 22nd...

It has certainly been an active several months for us at Prodigal's Home. The BIG thing going on this week is a "formal interpretation hearing" with the City of Phoenix... more on that in a minute.

The more incredible thing to me is to see how God is moving through so many people and churches in developing pathways of transformation for both the rich and poor.

Last Saturday during our breakfast and worship service we had over 20 CHURCHES represented at our gathering. I was overwhelmed with the love and support from so many in our community of faith. Lutherans, Methodists, Catholics, Baptists, Nazarenes, Presbyterians, Pentecostals, Non-Denominational Christian, United Church in Christ, and more... all coming together to BE the hands and feet of Christ together in a time of worship and a meal.

It was the first time in a long time I was speechless (yes...it could happen ;)

City of Phoenix Hearing

We have been working for several months with city representatives and neighbors regarding the cease and desist order we received in July 2009. After much dialogue it appears the issue will be decided in an upcoming hearing this Thursday (October 22) at the Burton Barr Main Library Auditorium beginning at 6:00 p.m.

We need for you to pray for those speaking on our behalf, for those we work with, for the neighbors, and for CrossRoads UMC, and the Desert Southwest Conference of the United Methodist Church who have worked diligently on providing a voice for us.

We are grateful for their sacrifice on our behalf.

This is a major issue with serious repercussions for all churches in Phoenix. There are MANY watching the outcome of this specific case.

We need your support and we hope you will join us this Thursday at 6pm at the Burton Barr Main Library (1221 N Central Ave, Phoenix AZ 85004).

We now have a gathering of nearly 200 people each Saturday. Your support helps to bring a meal and a pathway of transformation for all who join us.

I am grateful for you.

Grace & Peace,

Mike Ricker, Prodigal's Home

A Cease and Desist Order. Please pray...

A Prodigal's Home, the ministry to the homeless in Sunnyslope where I have been blessed to share fellowship and the Word of God with about 150 homeless people who call it their "church" ... has just received notification from the city that we need to shut down.

To learn more, visit the future of a Prodigal's Home.

Thank you for your prayers and your support toward this precious ministry.

New Film Featuring A Prodigal's Home!

A film crew came by and filmed a Saturday at A Prodigal's Home...

What a blessing! Watch the love of Jesus in action...

The Treasure Hunters of Fountain Hills

Recently, I was invited to address a group of college-age students in Fountain Hills. Not long ago, a parent of one of these students had heard about the teaching of the "Adventures in Prayer" Class that I developed... where you can learn to reverse the prayer process (instead of telling God what you want - you wait, listen, and allow the Lord to direct you in your prayers)... and she shared it with a couple of these students.

"Can we hear God too?" they asked.

"Sure," the mother replied... and then, they waited on God.

The students were so thrilled, they asked, "Can we invite our friends ... even if they don't go to church... and would God speak to them like this too?"

"Sure," the mother replied.

What has transpired is an event these students call "treasure hunting." They come together to worship and pray - and then they wait on the presence of the Lord to speak to their hearts about "what" - if anything - they are to do that night.... and Jesus "shows up."

As they write out the list of names, images, information and Scriptures that God places on their heart ... they obey whatever He tells them to do.

The process has led to divine healings and appointments for witnessing right on the street. Now there are thirty students who are coming together to listen to God and obey His commands (and the group is growing quickly!). It's evident: God's Kingdom is on the move through these students!

I spoke and shared my heart in worship and teaching ... and these students stayed enwrapped for three hours. It's clear, they can't get enough of God's love in their lives. They would rather come together to worship God than any other "fun" activity that other normal Youth Groups would be involved with...

It was a night of revival I will never forget.

I'm the Teaching Pastor for Prodigal's Home

It's official.  This Saturday, I will become the official teaching pastor for Prodigal's Home, the outreach and church for the homeless in north Sunnyslope (at SE corner of Central and Northern).  

Each morning, we feed about 150 precious people a delicious breakfast along with the Word of God.  Feel free to come and join us around 6:30 am for setup, 7:15 for food duty, 8 am breakfast serving, 8:30 service starts, complete with Communion and prayer.  

Jesus, in His first sermon, said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor.  He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:18, 19).  Come and join us, as we do the same.  "Go God!"

Preaching in Fountain Hills, Sunday, May 17

I apologize for the short notice, but... I have been asked to be the guest speaker for Four Peaks Community Church in Fountain Hills, on Sunday, May 17.   So, if you are free and looking for something to do ... and you want to come and share in some worship as family in the Lord ... we will be opening God's Word together and experiencing the presence of God  - come and join us at 10 am.  I know you will be blessed .. and, whatever you do, be sure to look me up afterwards because I'd love to see you!  "Go God!"

Adventures in Prayer Reunion

Special invite to all who have shared in the Adventures in Prayer Classes - tonight, 7 pm, at Chip and Amy Aker's house in Fountain Hills - come join us for a time of worship, prayer and a time of waiting in Jesus' presence.  Our Lord bids you to share in His presence, with His people.

"God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord ... eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him." (Ephesians 1:9, 2:9).

A Prodigal's Home: New Outreach to Children on the West Side

Got this exciting note from A Prodigal's Home Founder Mike Ricker:

I have a lot to learn.

Last Saturday Pastor Dottie Escobedo-Frank of Crossroads United Methodist Church told me a story of a group of extremely poor folks who could use help.  She told me of Pastor Vasquez, who has been leading a Bible study in the neighborhood he lives in.

Not your normal Bible study, mind you.  But one with a group of 60 children.  And in an area of extreme poverty.  One day about a year ago, before the Bible study started, a young boy asked Pastor Vasquez if he had anything to eat.  It was at this point the pastor realized ... many of these children were hungry.  So they began to feed these children, some of whom may not have parents even living in the U.S. because of the current political climate.

As I listen to Dottie's account, I'm wondering what part of South Phoenix these folks live in.  Then Dottie tells me. They are 5 miles from where I live in northwest Glendale.

At first I am "shocked" about the story.  Then I am saddened about my initial response of believing these folks live somewhere far removed from my neighborhood.

I have a lot to learn.

After our gathering for the homeless on Saturday morning, I decide to go meet Pastor Vasquez.  As I drive through the trailer park where he lives, I am stunned by the utter and abject poverty.

I knock on Pastor Vasquez's door, and his wife answers.  She summons her son to translate.  After a moment, she sends the boy away to find her husband.  I sense she knows why I am there.  I'm glad SHE does - because I'm still unsure as to why God has led me here.

As I talk with Pastor Vasquez, I learn he has been faithfully leading and caring for the children - nearly 60 of them, in this trailer park for some time now.  I ask him what he fed the children that morning.  He suddenly becomes silent, and I see pain in his eyes.  He tells me they couldn't raise the money.  I ask how they normally raise the money to do all this.  "Tamales," he says.

He and his family and a few others work throughout the week making tamales (his son works sometimes until 2 a.m.), so they can sell them around the neighborhood - in order to raise a total of $100 - so they can provide a simple meal to the children in his care.

He begins to weep.  His wife is crying.  The struggle is real.

I grab his shoulder and pray.  Then I reach into my pocket and pull out $100.

I let him know we will make sure these 60 children get a meal before Bible study on Saturdays.

I leave numb.  Unsure of what has transpired.  Angry that I've driven past this place for years and been unaware of what is going on around me.

I have a lot to learn.

Grace & Peace, Mike Ricker 

Jesus said, "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat..."  Want to help feed the homeless this weekend?  Come join us on Saturday morning, at Northern and Central, anytime between 6:30 and 9 am ... you will be blessed, as you will be a blessing.

Friday Night: Adventures in Prayer Reunion!

This Friday night (5/8/09) there will be an "Adventures in Prayer" Reunion in Fountain Hills.  It has been brought to our attention that many of the participants from the past classes are wanting the Lord to renew and kindle afresh the gift of the Spirit inside of them ... so they may be able to hear the Lord's voice fresh and new.  

If you have ever attended an "Adventures in Prayer" class, this is your opportunity to come ... worship the Lord ... wait in His presence ... and see what the Lord is going to do in our midst.  It's going to be exciting!

The class is at Chip and Amy Aker's house in Fountain Hills, at 7 pm.  If you need directions, please send me an email at Tom@HisTouchCommunications.com and I will send them to you right away.  We will also be praying and talking about the possibility of "where do we go from here?" - so we can continue to grow and encourage on another as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Come and join us for an evening of basking in the Lord's presence and receiving His love.  See you there! 

Prodigal's Home: Couple Comes to Jesus and Comes Off Meth

Prodigal's Home was meeting in our temporary home a few weeks back (we are now on the green grass of the Methodist Church on the corner of Northern and Central, every Saturday morning at 7:30 ... and I'm preaching this weekend!) - but, back then, in the parking lot, God spoke to Cody and Cynthia's heart.

"We don't want to live like this anymore," Cody tells Mike Ricker, one of the Founders of the Prodigal's Home.  Mike, prays silently as he listens to Cody and Cynthia ... praying for God to be in the center of this conversation.  This was a divine moment.

Cody explains a bit of their story and the difficulties they have faced over the years.  They've been living on the streets for the last seven years.  During this time, they have also dealt with the issue of crystal methamphetamine use.  And, on this morning, they were tired ... hopeless... and helpless.  "Can you help us get off?" Cody asks.

Mike says, "This is too big for us to handle.  We will look into some programs to help ...  but we need God's guidance and help."   So Mike stands there and holds their hands ... in the parking lot where we just shared breakfast with them ... and invites God into this relationship.  Mike acknowledges, "We are not able to do this on our own Jesus.   We need you to walk with us on this journey.  Amen."

Nine days later, both Cody and Cynthia are in a drug rehab facility.  But, here and of itself, was part of the challenge... the men had a 21-day crystal meth subsidized program for men ... but the women's program wasn't subsidized.  It was going to cost $840 to get Cynthia into the program.  God supplied the need, once again, through the caring friends and Christian family who have volunteered, and are praying for, a Prodigal's Home. 

Both Cody and Cynthia have been clean and sober for 70 days now.  They are deeply grateful for all those who have stood with them... and we are grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who pulled them out from this miry clay.

There are still many challenges they face.  But they know they aren't facing them alone... they know God is with them and for them.  They know Prodigal's Home, and our praying friends like you, are there for them too.

This Saturday morning, at Prodigal's Home, some of the homeless will be performing their first drama (of the Prodigal Son's story) at their "church" ... and we can hardly wait to see their expression of love and worship to Jesus.  

One thing is for certain: Jesus is on the move in the streets of Phoenix - and God's Kingdom is making a difference and winning back ground from the enemy... one life at a time!

Want to join us?  See you this Saturday!

Prodigal's Home has a new home!

A Prodigal's Home has become a church for the homeless.  It has been feeding the homeless on the streets of Sunnyslope for a couple of years now, feeding over 200 people on any given Sunday.  I have been blessed to share fellowship with them the past few months.

The location and day of the feeding has changed to Saturdays, at the parking lot of the United Methodist Church (on the southeast corner of Northern and Central).  Set up begins early at 6:30 am ... with juice, coffee and donuts shared at 7:30... breakfast at 8am ... and then a service at 8:30 (complete with worship, sermon, communion and hands-on prayer).  All the city feeding programs shut down over the weekend, so the food and fellowship are precious to the city's homeless.  This change in local has also opened up the opportunity for a bus to help bring in the homeless to attend (although, with the change of local, we are expecting numbers to dip and pick up again in a month or so, as the homeless find us again).

I'll be preaching tomorrow on "I Saw The Light: Maximizing Your Potential" through the story of Moses (curious?  Come and check it out...)  We'll see you there!

Preparing for the Tres Dias Retreats in March

What a joy!  Not only have I been invited to return to the Men's Retreat with Tres Dias (Thursday, March 19th-Sunday, March 22nd), but I have been asked to serve as a Spiritual Director for the Women's Retreat (Thursday, March 26-Sunday, March 29th).

The practice/preparation/prayer meetings leading up to these events, have already been a tremendous blessing.  God is meeting with us - and men and women are spending time before the Lord and drawn by His Spirit into intimacy with God.  "Go God!"

If you would like to join us and take part in 64 hours in Prescott, while meeting face to face with Jesus ... contact me at HisTouch@qwest.net and I will be glad to do whatever I can to get you there.  You will be blessed!

24 hour prayer and worship for nation and Arizona

Just got done participating in 24 hours of continuous worship and prayer for nation and Arizona.  Daniel Brymer, out of Kansas City Vineyard (check them out, where 24 hour worship has been going on since the start of the year), was the centerpiece worship leader in the "harp and bowl" model of worship.  

"Harp and Bowl" is where worship is just one long continuous free flowing prayer... either with the guitar (harp) continuing the music underneath as people pray (bowl), or with fresh words and music flowing new songs and melodies before the Lord.  There are swells and reposes that occur naturally during your two hours of worship... and it isn't under the old model of "play the song perfect and be done."  Instead, you are keying in on phrases as the Spirit of God highlights them in  your heart - and you go back and repeat lines within the verse or chorus and continue to play/pray them to God.  The people realize that perfection in music isn't what we are after (although the musicians are accomplished and wonderful) - but the prayer as a corporate body at that moment is what you are nurturing before God.  You are just freely loving on the Lord in "the now."

Angie and I went and worshiped and prayed during the Inauguration (while another band was playing, of course).  And we were blessed to spend time with Hal and Cheryl Sacks who sponsored the event.  Then, later in the evening (4:40 to be exact), we got a call from Hal who told us their 5 o'clock worship team backed out last minute ... could Angie and I fill in?

We rushed down - literally getting out of the car and going directly on the worship platform - where we automatically "entered in" to the flow of the worship at that moment and carried it on.  I grabbed a handful of songs (not nearly enough for the 2 hour set) and trusted the Spirit to lead us.  What a marvelous time we had!  God brought songs back to mind - and to the hands to play them - and worship flowed, drawing us all into the very Throneroom of Heaven.  What an honor and a privilege ... and what a blessing it was to share in that worship with those who were there.  Let's do it again soon!

"Start the Year Off Right" Conference

Come and hear what God is saying to the Church of Arizona - and across the nation - as we join Hal and Cheryl Sacks for the 7th Annual "Start the Year Off Right" Conference.  Special guests Dutch Sheets and Chuck Pierce will inspire and challenge you with the Word of God, and what God has been sharing prophetically in prayer meetings across the country.

The conference is open to all free of charge (a special offering will be taken to cover the conference costs) and will be located at City of Grace, 655 E. University Drive in Mesa - Friday, January 16th from 7-9:30 and Saturday, 8:30 am-12:30 pm.

To learn more, select the link on Hal and Cheryl's names in the column on the right ... and, be blessed.  I hope to see you there!