Posted by
Cyber Pastor on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 3:57:21 PM
.....this article that was in The Columbus Republic Newspaper on Saturday. There are several who I need to send this to and this seemed to be the easiest way to do it. I know I wasn't going to use this forum as a promotion for PPT, but I guess I'm breaking my own rule here. So if you would like to be a part, go to my personal website listed below and join. Please know that I humbly post this, and to God be the glory!
Pastor Ed
Presidential petitions
Hope pastor ambassador for Prayer Team
HOPE — The Rev. Ed Boston understands that President George W. Bush has his share of detractors in a world of diverse political opinion.
In fact, he occasionally speaks online with such people, including one recent critic who’s pulling for Hilary Clinton for president in 2008.
“Who better to pray for than those you disagree with?” asks the pastor of Hope First Wesleyan Church. “If you disagree so much with what President Bush does, don’t you then think that he really needs your prayer?”
Boston, 44, speaks often about such concepts. He’s one of 48 leaders nationwide of the Presidential Prayer Team, a volunteer, nonprofit, nonpartisan Christian group that recruits people to pray for everyone from Bush to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to Cabinet heads.
Members also pray for organizations as varied as the military and the media. Boston acknowledged that he has grown as a believer asking God to help others.
“I didn’t always pray for past presidents as I should have,” he said.
Those who intercede spiritually say they are motivated by Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 2:1-2: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
Boston, a Columbus native became a member of the six-yearold donation-supported group in 2003 after finding a Web link. He became an ambassador, part of the leadership, after an over-thephone interview last year.
He liked the fact that he would provide support for all lawmakers, among others.
“It sealed the deal for me,” said Boston, who also serves as a chaplain for the 47 other ambassadors. “Time-wise in ministry, you really have to pick and choose what you do.
“This teaches us to focus upon something other than partisan politics and look at what’s really good for our country.
“Before we’re Democrats or Republicans, we’re simply Americans.”
Boston’s team of intercessors, known as Pastor Ed’s Prayer Patriots, numbers 47 people of various denominations praying individually as they feel God directs. Wife Ann, who works alongside him at church, is a member.
Columbus’ Gary Carter joined Boston’s team last year.
“The Bible calls us to pray for all our leaders,” said Carter. “It doesn’t differentiate as to whether or not we like each particular leader. God simply said to pray.”
That is hardly a passive position, according to Carter.
“If you’re going to make a difference, it’s not going to happen just by sitting around and waiting on God,” he said. “That isn’t what he told us to do.”
Cassy Cady-Smith, the Prayer Team’s ambassador coordinator, said on a Web site that Boston’s commitment “is an inspiration and encouragement.”
Boston met her and other leaders, including Presidential Prayer Team Chief Executive Officer John Lind, at a team gathering in Atlanta in January. He made such a strong connection with Lind that the official and Richard Webb, vice president of stewardship, will visit Boston’s church and Hope Heritage Days in September.
Soon, Boston will begin serving as a mentor, responsible for training other ambassadors.
His most heartfelt prayer for the nation is a basic one.
“I pray for wisdom for the president and all our leaders,” he said.
And wisdom for all other leaders.
But recent prayer requests from the national office in Phoenix have focused on the safe release of Iranian-held British hostages, restored health for ailing presidential press secretary Tony Snow and guidance for Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as she continues efforts to bring peace to the Middle East.
Boston laughed about his own informal leadership at his and his wife’s cozy, 35-member church. Occasionally, he hears someone refer to him as Rev. Boston.
“Rev. Boston?” he said, looking around with a baffled expression. “That was my grandpa.
“For me, it’s God we should revere. I’d much rather just be Pastor Ed.”
The Republic photo by Brian Blair The Rev. Ed Boston, pastor of Hope’s First Wesleyan Church, also serves as a volunteer ambassador of the national Presidential Prayer Team.