The Haystack Prayer Movement
a website to continue the missionary movement into its third centuryby Phil Corr
Between now and the summer of 2006 join others around the world to pray for the fulfillment of the Great Commission in our lifetime. It’s happening through a new partnership: Haystack06.org, a website and blog.
On a Saturday afternoon in August of 1806, a few Williams College students, Congregationalists in background, gathered in a field to discuss the spiritual needs of those living in Asian countries. When a thunderstorm arose they took shelter in the lee of a haystack and continued to pray.
This gathering came to be called "The Haystack Prayer Meeting." It launched the modern mission movement. Within years the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM) was formed and sent some of the first American Protestant missionaries to other lands.
The "Learn about Haystack" link at haystack06.org recounts this great story. Even though only two students from the Haystack Prayer Meeting actually left the United States, they all had a great impact on the mission movement. Harry Loomis served in the area of "home missions" in Maine. Francis LeBarron Robbins served in New Hampshire mission work before becoming a pastor in Connecticut. James Richards served as a missionary in India until he died in 1822.
But Samuel Mills became the Haystack person with the greatest influence on the modern mission movement. He played a role in the founding of the American Bible Society and the United Foreign Missionary Society.
In 1808 the Haystack Prayer group and other Williams students began a group called "The Brethren." This organization was organized to "effect, in the persons of its members, a mission to" those who were not Christians. In 1812 the ABCFM sent forth its first missionaries - to the Indian subcontinent.
In 1906 a gathering took place in "Memorial Park" at Williams College to remember the prayer meeting of one hundred years before. In the summer of 2006 - with the help of cutting edge internet and communication technology - the hope is to have countless groups gathering around the world to pray for the fulfillment of the Great Commission in our lifetime.
With its focus on college campus ministry and emphasis on the global mission endeavor, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is a significant spiritual heir of the Haystack Prayer Meeting and a key player in the Haystack Prayer Movement. By being a Congregationalist by upbringing and now by persuasion, Phil Corr brings a unique perspective to the goal of Haystack06.
Regardless of your age or background, you have arrived at Urbana.org for a reason. Why not take the next step and visit haystack06.org!
You're invited and encouraged to participate in what God is up to in carrying out His purposes for the world He loves so much!
Unless otherwise noted, all materials on the urbana.org web site are Copyright InterVarsity Christian Fellowship / USA. All rights reserved.
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