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1/24/03_________________________________________________________

Dear brothers and sisters,
 I returned last year from Turkey where I lived in a monastery for several years do research on Syrian monasticism.
Since returning to the greater Portland area I have been living as a hermit while working and writing. I have recently published in Cistercian Studies, Coptic Review and in April will present a paper at the
Society for Biblical literature.

What I have discovered in the last year is that I need community.  It is so difficult living a life of prayer alone.  Therefore I am looking for a community to join.  I have read your website and I think this might be a good fit for me.  I would love to meet all of you and see if there is a way I can consider being part of your community.

I just returned from Idaho where I spent a month in a Benedictine community.  It was wonderful and I am more convinced now that I should find a community.  Unfortunately, Catholic communities want one to
convert.  I come from a Protestant background so it would be best to find a Protestant community such as yours.

Remain in Peace
Dale J. (Oregon)

                                                                                                                 Reply from The Prayer Foundation ™ : 
We are a new ministry, only incorporated in 1999; our web site went online with 12 pages in November of 2000. 
 
In many ways we are very excited about what has been accomplished in this short period.  Our site currently (as of 1/24/03) receives over 2000 "hits" per day.  We now have what we call Lay Monks in several states and Canada (persons who support our ministry and would traditionally be called Oblates in any other Order.  Two months ago one of our California Lay Monks (Monk William) was evangelizing in China, and Monk Bob (from here in Portland) was preaching in Mexico: he will be there again this week).  We uniquely grant full Monk status to what would otherwise be called Oblates.  See our pages: Monk Certificate & Card and Become A Monk!).  Recently we received a visit from one of our Tennessee Lay Monks, Monk Paul D. J. Arblaster, author of the book: Celtic Christianity Yesterday, Today, and for the Future.  Excerpts are posted on our site as: Arblaster on Celtic Monasticism, and Arblaster On Celtic Christianity. We also have over 350 persons in 6 Countries who have volunteered as Prayer Warriors (Prayer Warrior Map: World!; Prayer Warrior Map: U.S.A.!) who pray for the Prayer Requests received on our International 24-Hr. Prayerchain. 
 
In other ways, growth is taking place much more slowly.  We do not yet have the sort of community or physical plant which you have been experiencing at the monasteries that you mention.  At this time we are hoping it will not be too long before we can purchase some country acreage.  Our page, Our Goals lays out our goals for a public garden, (relatively) conventional monastery, public worship services, and retreat center, but these things are still in process.  Our policy is not to ask for donations (we do not do mailings, fund raising, etc.) but to go only to God in prayer (in this we are following the examples of George Müller and Hudson Taylor).  So all of these things are in His timing.

1/23/03_________________________________________________________

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

I have, for over 10 years, (I'm 31) felt God calling me to become a monk and everything in my life has continuously led me to joining a monastery.  The problem was I kept looking for a Protestant one, and after searching a while with the internet now being so easy, I have found you all.  I have much love for all who do this work.  Please, let me know asap anything you can, including links.
I am so excited about your website, and finding it!  I am having trouble locating a link on it that specifically tells about the monastery's history and how I may become a (Full-time) monk there.  I am truly real in seeking Jesus' imprint fully on my heart and devoting my life to service and humility.  Please send me the link that specifically talks about this.
in His name,
Dallan (Florida)
 
Reply from The Prayer Foundation ™ : 
You will want to see our new pages: Open Letter: Why We're Monks, and Lay Monastic Community: Portland, Oregon.  These pages will lead you to many other linked pages on our site which may answer your questions.
 
We actually do not have much history, we are a relatively new ministry (see our pages: Our Goals).  We Incorporated on July 19, 1999, and our web site went online Nov. 8, 2000. 
 
There are other Protestant Monasteries (Anglican/ Episcopal).  We are unique in being 100% born-again Christians, and having that in our Statement of Faith, including the Plan of Salvation.
 
We hope that reading all of the links on the pages mentioned above will answer your questions, but if not, feel free to e-mail us again.
                                                                                                                    You could start by telling us a little bit about yourself; your life history, Christian History/background, education level, work training, hobbies, likes/dislikes, any health problems or needs you might have.  A photo would also be helpful.  We prefer a few persons who will fit in with our dedication to God and this work He has called us to, rather than many merely for the sake of numbers.  But we do not place a numerical limit on future growth should the Lord so lead. 
 
It would also be good for you to begin going through the Growing in Christ monastic training course (including Memory Verses).  Also, we listen daily to J. Vernon Mcgee's Thru the Bible Radio Program and The Bible Answer Man Radio Program (Hank Hanegraaff) as much as we are able.  We have informative pages on these ministries listed under Recommended Ministries on our GOD's WORD Category page.  You can find out times and stations in your area by going to www.ttb.org (McGee) and www.equip.org (Hank).  Doing these things would be highly beneficial to you, even should you never become a full-time Monastic with our Order.

1/19/03_________________________________________________________

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