God answers prayer - so lets unite together and pray for the nations
Finding Local Information to Inform our Spiritual Mapping
Practical ideas:
Practical ideas:
Background reading / looking / local lectures etc to get the feel – need to recognise info as such when see it. Record it - we may get more revelation later.
Internet Type in name / place etc . Use various search engines. Getting easier all the time.
If valuable, save or print – may not be available next time.
Record site address. Be methodical.
Speak to people in town. Different people groups see things differently etc
Prayer Keep in a state of prayer relying on the holy Spirit for discernment, guidance, divine appointments etc.
Take every thought (info) captive.
Record all – use specific note book, or it will get lost. Much will become relevant later.
Work notes or forget.
Grace Give and receive.
Will be teething problems. Others will not have the same depth of revelation.
Historical:
Local Library – Local history shelves – often pictorial – good introduction
Local Studies Collection / Local History etc
Local Library – Local history shelves – often pictorial – good introduction
Local Studies Collection / Local History etc
Church records
Archives - More specialised. Info held varies across areas. Check membership rules first.
University / Museum Libraries.
Local history enthusiasts
Geographical:
Maps
Location. Will influence settlement development and people groups living or passing through
Geographical Features May give rise to local customs.
Communications
Names Books on origins of place names useful.
Consider who a church is dedicated to
Contemporary:
Architecture May reveal prevalent religious ideas, indicate Masonic foundations etc
Art Local art may reveal localised spiritual control
Cemeteries Tombstones etc
Tourism Much now has a New Age focus.
Invading people groups bring their spirits with them.
Local paper / TV events, news, documentaries
Friends eg school gate, local pub.
Posters eg political, raves,
Local Customs eg well dressing, blessing waters
Local knowledge eg which schools are promoting New Age ideas.