Sydney Prayer — Vision & Prayer Gathering A Message of Encouragement This is Bishop Dan Balais, the National Chairman of Intercessors for the Philippines (IFP), a 37-year National Prayer Movement in the country with 7,000 churches in the network, the largest and longest running prayer movement in the Philippines. On behalf of the National Board of IFP, and our entire leadership, our prayers and wishes of blessings, grace, and favor upon you all, pastors and intercessors, who commit yourselves to pray and intercede for Sydney and Australia as a whole. May you pursue your destiny through your prayers and intercession. Prayer us our connection to the mercy and grace of God that is always available through a people whose hearts are loyal towards Him (2 Chron 16:9). It is through our humility, prayers, repentance, and seeking His face that His mercy is kindled and heal our land (2 Chron 7:14). The Almighty God, in His infinite love for mankind, always seek for God's people to stand in the gap, and make a wall of prayers, so that He will not, in His holiness, judge the land (Ezek 22:30). Of all biblical symbolism, what gives me hope for the Philippines is the branch of an almond tree (Jer 1:11). When God called Jeremiah and put His word in the young prophet's mouth, He asked: “Jeremiah, what do you see?” Jeremiah's spiritual eyes were opened, and he said: “I see a branch of an almond tree.” The Lord said: “You have seen well for I am ready to perform My word.” The almond tree is the very first tree that blossoms after winter time. While the rest of the trees in Israel are still barren in early spring, the almond tree already blossoms with pure white flowers. It is a symbol of hope; and symbol of resurrection. Intercessors are a special breed of God's people who never lose hope. The next vision was a boiling pot — a vision of judgment, captivity and misery because of the sins, transgressions, and iniquity of the whole nation. May we always see through the smoke of boiling pots and judgments, the hand of the Lord holding the almond branch. May Australia find a people who, like Habakkuk, cling tightly to His promises. As the prophet declared: “Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.” — Habakkuk 3:17–19 NKJV May God richly bless your gathering! Our love and prayers. ❤🙏 — Bishop Dan A. Balais National Chairman, IFP