Contact: Rachel Elwood, World Gospel Mission, 765-671-7255

MEDIA ADVISORY, Mar. 17 /Christian Newswire/ -- For two millennia, organized prayer groups -- sometimes called prayer bands -- have helped believers "turn the world upside down" with their prayers and witness. Now World Gospel Mission is asking whether the whole idea of world-changing prayers has lost its effectiveness. Or has it just lost its appeal to American Christians? Tim Rickel, WGM's vice president of communication, has opened an Unsolved Ministries blog about the state of prayer for missions and is looking for readers' opinions.

"It's really a mystery," explained Rickel. "Why our prayers should matter to God is baffling. But they do!"

Certainly throughout the history of Christendom, people have "banded" together to pray for mission fields and missionaries. But a disturbing pattern seems to be emerging -- Christians are often prayerless people, especially when it comes to missions.

Could it be believers are overwhelmed by the complexities of the millions of missionary and field needs? Could it be that people "here" don't understand the cultural nuances "there"? Why is doing more attractive to people than praying?

"The floor is open for discussion at http://www.unsolvedministries.blogspot.com," Rickel said. "World Gospel Mission wants to hear from you about your experiences with prayer for missions -- the good, the bad, the ugly...and the miraculous."

About World Gospel Mission
Helping people and churches connect in ministry with believers on six continents is why World Gospel Mission exists. As an interdenominational Christian missionary organization, WGM partners with individuals, small groups, college groups, and churches to develop opportunities to share the love of Jesus Christ through holistic ministry. Learn more at http://www.wgm.org.