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At a time when “draining the swamp” seems to be causing concern for many believers in this nation, here is a testimony from one community that went through a similar journey, learning the power of persevering prayer and the transforming power of God.

The incredible transformation story of Manchester, Kentucky, has been seen by thousands in The Sentinel Group’s documentary film, “An Appalachian Dawn.” The story unfolds about a drug-infested, crime-ridden community steeped in hopelessness and despair due to corrupt governmental control. Following months of crying out to the Lord and pleading for heaven’s intervention, believers marched through the town to take a stand.

When 63 pastors openly repented for their apathy and lack of leadership in the city park, something broke. The fear of the Lord fell upon the 3,500 people gathered and the tangible presence of God moved in. It is an amazing testimony of how the supernatural grace of God enabled the citizens to rise up and take their county back—little by little.

Though it would take almost three years for all the corruption to be uncovered and crooked officials brought to justice, the community saw tangible results that drew international attention. Their responses to the ongoing threats and their fearless actions are proof of God’s power to change and transform a community and even a nation.

Doug Abner was a local pastor who helped lead the charge throughout Manchester’s transformation. He explains how unbelief and fear had crippled the church prior to the march in 2004. Due to the corruption of local officials and the rigged election system, believers felt helpless in making any changes. The lack of unity among churches only strengthened the resolve of corrupt officials to intimidate and threaten anyone who challenged their agenda. Even so, Abner shares that the day after the march, these same believers, now emboldened in their faith, came together to do something radical.

Instead of launching campaigns against the officials or publicly decrying their unlawful deeds, these believers went to the offices of these city officials with gifts of potted plants and asked if they could pray for them. One of these officials had previously threatened the pastor and his church. To their amazement, he called in his staff and allowed Abner to lead them in prayer. Years later, this same official would confess Jesus as Lord.

The fear of the Lord was so prevalent that those involved in illegal activities began to turn on each other. As believers continued to pray, God battled on their behalf. Even as the opposition continued, churches in the community began to see a dramatic increase of salvations. The favor of God came upon the local church.

Abner shares that the book of Nehemiah became their blueprint for how to rebuild their community. It started by not being swayed by the criticism of their opponents or giving in to the threats and insults (Neh. 4:7-9). Instead, they sought the Lord’s strategies and worked together. With permission from the State Attorney General, Abner’s church began to televise previously closed-door courtroom proceedings for accountability to the public. In 2006, they championed a “Promote the Vote” campaign to encourage local citizens to run for office. In 2007, a Christian woman was voted in as mayor and the community saw even more dramatic changes. Churches began to offer recovery programs for drug addicts and a Teen Challenge Center was established.

It took several years, but the process of transformation for Manchester, and possibly for America, is just as the Lord says in Exodus 23:30: “Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land” (NIV).

From the January/February issue of The Connecter. 

• Wanda Alger, IFA Field Correspondent