It’s 20 years since I used to be walking through Leicestershire carrying a cross. As I prayed I felt God tell me that the following thing I needed to do was to construct a wall where every brick inside it represented an answered prayer.
Fast forward 20 years and we’re still going, still dreaming and are getting closer and closer to the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer’s launch. For those that do not know, the Eternal Wall will probably be in Coleshill, near Birmingham, in between the M6 and the M4. More than half 1,000,000 will pass the landmark every day – the most important symbol of hope on the planet. It will contain 1,000,000 bricks, each representing a story of hope and an account of God’s faithfulness.
When I saw the sign on the land a couple of weeks ago, it dawned on me that we’re almost there. Building will start soon and now we have some very exciting announcements in the following few months. The 20-year journey is beginning to make sense!
I’m often asked, “How do you retain going?” Some people probably think I’m crazy, others I’m sure have doubts and there are lots of who’re so filled with encouragement, but I’ve never felt like giving up because I do know beyond a shadow of doubt that God is with us on this journey.
I desired to share five pillars which have sustained me through this process, and I hope they assist others who might still be waiting for God’s word to return to pass.
Starting well
The inception of any project is crucial. For me, it began with prayer. I spent a decade in intermittent prayer, contemplating and waiting for God to say ‘start’, and even at that time where I felt the divine nudge, it wasn’t a solitary decision. My wife and I united in prayer, searching for harmony in our path forward and our joint endeavour. I prolonged this seek for consensus to my church leaders and a circle of close friends. Though it took time to solidify due to the project’s unconventional nature, their support provided a solid foundation for the journey ahead. Starting well is crucial.
Encouraging support
Over the last decade, the Eternal Wall has been bolstered by the encouragement of those that have joined and walked with us along this long journey. With a whole lot of volunteers and over 17,000 financial backers, the project has been a testament to collective effort and unified faith. Each story of support, each donation, is a reminder that this endeavour shouldn’t be the pursuit of 1 man, however the movement of many under God’s guidance. This sense of teamwork has been the nourishment that has sustained us over so a few years. I’m eternally amazed on the people God has given us to assist this vision come to pass. If nobody is backing your plan, there’s probably an issue.
Divine breakthroughs
There have been countless moments once we faced seemingly insurmountable challenges. Financial burdens, expert opinions declaring our goals unimaginable, and other obstacles have tested our resolve. Yet, in each instance of desperation, we have witnessed breakthroughs – tangible signs of God’s intervention which have propelled us forward and purchased our goal within sight.
Constant recalibration
The journey hasn’t been a relentless stream of miracles. There have been periods of struggle where opposition and obstacles loomed so large that on many occasions it felt like wading through treacle. It is during these times that I engaged in a means of recalibration. I reminded myself of past divine interventions and inexplicable wonders which reaffirm my faith and remind me that nothing is beyond God’s reach. This practice of recalibrating the journey and the challenges brings with it peace, joy, and the strength to persevere.
Unwavering obedience
I even have chosen to not entertain alternative paths. This journey shouldn’t be about courage; it’s about obedience. God’s message to me in 2004 was clear and has been reaffirmed throughout these 20 years. He tasked me with constructing the monument to answered prayer and until I receive a divine directive to stop, I’ll proceed with unwavering dedication, trusting in the trail laid out for me by God.
As we glance back on the Eternal Wall’s history and the joyous news that we are actually agonisingly near its completion, it is obvious that this project is a living testament to God’s favour. From the initial crowdfunding to the number of a design through a worldwide competition, every step has been marked by heaven-sent guidance. The Eternal Wall stands not only as a monument but as a beacon of hope, a reminder of the facility of persistence and faith. It will probably be a wellspring of strength for all of those involved within the project.
In the spirit of this anniversary, I’m reminded of a biblical verse that encapsulates the essence of our journey: “Let us not turn into weary in doing good, for at the correct time we are going to reap a harvest if we don’t surrender,” (Galatians 6:9). This scripture has been a guiding light, encouraging us to persist in our mission, confident that our labour shouldn’t be in vain.
Together, as a community of devoted followers of Christ, let’s not only construct a wall, but a legacy of religion that can stand the test of time. We must keep going.
Richard Gamble is the founding father of The Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer. He is the previous chaplain of Leicester City. For more information in regards to the wall, and to share your personal story of answered prayer, visit eternalwall.org.uk
