by Tony Parsons
Picture above: Back row: Al Shanks, Nigel Coleman, Stephen Thompson, Tony Parsons, Robert Cochrane. Kneeling: Allen Tie, Graeme Sterne, Mark Griffiths.
The Mountain Men is a group of eight longtime Navigators who meet weekly on Zoom to pray for the people in our lives and ministries. Our format is ‘meet and greet’, devotional and prayer. Once a month, Bible Study; once a year, a weekend retreat.
So what motivates us to spend this time together?
Many years ago (on average, 50 years), we all memorised two verses on prayer — John 15:7 and Philippians 4:6-7 — from the TMS (Navigator Topical Memory System). This word from God encouraged us to pray; we could approach God with anything, and He would answer. We could add Matthew 7:7-10 (Ask, Seek, Knock), Hebrews 4:16 (we are invited into the seat of power), James 5:16 (pray with people God listens to!) and the example of Elijah in James 5:17-18.
We expect that God will fulfil His promises, so we maintain regular prayer. From a recent group devotion, we learned how Isaiah received God’s response to Hezekiah’s desperate prayer for his life — ‘I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life … the Lord will do what He has promised.’ (v5-8)
These are some recent requests and answers God granted.
Graeme prayed for integration into the local community when he moved to Tauranga — God gave him a Coffee Group, where there have been opportunities to pray publicly. Following the death of one member, several conversations about the kingdom and life and death have emerged, positioning Graeme as a kind of unofficial ‘priest’ in the group.
For Mark, the Mountain Men have been both encouraging and envisioning. ‘Leaving a ministry I loved in Africa and settling back in New Zealand was hard; being part of the group has helped me maintain perspective and keep the important things in life paramount … like my devotional life, my family, and maintaining focus on discipling ministry.’
Mark longed to invest in someone’s life in Niger; we prayed … and God brought a young man, Adam, across his path.
‘Matthew 7:7 — God is always inviting us into a relationship, like a parent, to ask, seek and knock, like little kids. He involves us in meeting those who are seeking Him. I have seen God at work with two Rwandan lads, now in their twenties, and in the life of D from Venezuela.’ — Al Shanks.
For Nigel, ‘The Mountain Men meeting has been very important in keeping my focus on outreach and disciple-making. Having my friends pray with me … keeps me motivated on the Great Commission. In the last year, I have seen God working in answer to prayer: a lady was saved in an Alpha course I helped run, another two friends are warming to Christ, and a couple of guys I disciple are growing in their faith.’
Stephen says, ‘I do feel God is working among my contacts. I also feel quite strong support from the group as I move into another level of leadership in ministry among our Muslim friends.’ Stephen also runs Bible Studies in retirement centres, as does Robert. Robert is teaming with his pastor in a Seekers Bible Study, resources older men at church, and is discipling his son.
Allen writes: ‘My wife and I continue to ask God to bring people that we could connect with and serve, and this past year God seems to be bringing migrants and internationals with families to us.’
I, Tony, pray 3 John 2 for the Mountain Men and for our home group and Men’s Breakfast (20 men from Tairua and Pauanui): ‘We are the best of friends, and I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health — that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul.’ (The Message)
Last year, we were heartened by this promise from God: ‘They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.’ (Ps 92:14) Doesn’t that put a spring in your step! The average age of the Mountain Men is 72. God still trusts us to shepherd people, and He equips us with His promises. We pray. He responds through His grace and kindness.
