An Article of Faith

Jason and David Benham are two entrepreneurs on a Godward mission. As their real estate business in Charlotte became one of the fastest growing in America, they felt a distinct call to use their marketplace influence for the glory of God.
Inspired by the great moves of God that occurred in the Old Testament when the kings joined forces with the priests to seek God, they decided to mobilize the business community to help bring together the churches of Charlotte for a day of repentance and prayer for revival called Charlotte714 (modeled after 2 Chronicles 7:14) in the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater.
The pastors in the city responded wholeheartedly to the business leaders’ encouragement and offer to rent the arena, and on Sept. 2, 2012, over 100 churches came together at the Verizon Amphitheater for a citywide prayer and worship assembly in partnership with the OneCry movement.
An estimated 9,000 people united their hearts in turning from sin and crying out for spiritual awakening. Thousands came forward to sign a 150-foot banner version of the OneCry Declaration of National Spiritual Emergency, declaring that the ultimate answer to America’s problems is not political or economic, but rather a return to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Charlotte714 has inspired other cities to unite in similar efforts, and is just one example of how business leaders, “kings” for Christ, can lead the way to revival.
How could you use your marketplace influence to promote prayer for spiritual awakening? (Read more about the Benham brothers, businessmen who are turning enterprise into Christ-centered mission, by going to www.BenhamBrothers.com). (Taken and adapted from: OneCry: A Nationwide Call for Spiritual Awakening. Visit www.onecry.com.)
“If My people,” declares the LORD, “who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV.)

Jessie J. Charpentier Sr. is pastor of Jenkins Memorial Baptist Church in St. Martinville.