Harvesting "High Capacity" Prayers

As we struggled through a year like 2020, we might be tempted to forget the season of abundance that preceded it. In similarity to the biblical story of Joseph, the previous abundance carries us through a lean season. 

2017 was a banner year. We had successfully raised a miraculous amount to renovate Davidson Hall and the renovation was in full swing when we prayed an unusual prayer in a corporate prayer meeting.

It was on September 14, 2017, while praying over President Alexander’s vision to see $5 million dollars in endowments in five years, that we felt prompted to pray a prophetic prayer: “to see $6 million dollars released!”

The prayer audaciously exceeded the president’s vision and spoke to a more imminent release of funds for a variety of uses.

It’s hard to vocalize “high capacity” prayers in our current climate. The perils related to the pandemic have made many institutions feel starkly vulnerable, and raised questions about the future.

We are grateful for the grace of God enabling us to continue to operate and strive towards our mission. It’s also helpful to reflect back over the years since that prayer was prayed and to celebrate the faithfulness of God. If we feel unable to sow “high capacity” prayers, we can reap them instead.

• Since September 2017, Trinity has received $ 3 million towards long-term debt reduction.
   
• Since September 2017, Trinity’s Property, Plant, and Equipment have increased by $2.8 million (by June 2020).
   
• A percentage of the funds required for these capital expenditures were received after the September 2017 prayer. 
   
• In the last few weeks, we have seen an additional wave of generous giving to sorely needed renovation projects.
   
• In response to the president’s vision, Trinity’s endowment investments have increased fourfold and now exceed $1 million. 

As I study our financial records for the last three years, I’m certain we have received the answer to that “high capacity” prayer! We can be encouraged to expect the harvest of other prayers like it.

Joseph was able to feed the world from the storehouses filled during a season of abundance. Trinity continues to equip students to reach the world due to the harvest of high capacity prayers, donor generosity, and visionary leadership that carries us over the obstacles of our current crisis. 

Gratefully,

Ian O’Brien

Executive Vice President

Ian O'Brien