On July 4th, 2026, IFA celebrated the 250th in a big way. Intercessors from all over the nation and special guest speakers came together to worship and thank the Lord for his hand over America. From 250 years ago to now, God has provided leaders in our nation who have boldly proclaimed our dependence on Him while celebrating our independence. The 4th of July may be over, but rededications to the Lord continue across the state. As you read these God stories, I pray you will be encouraged that He is still at work in this nation.
Have you taken your place on the wall?
Before IFA’s celebration in D.C, IFA Mississippi State Leader Sheryl Washington, along with other intercessors, met with the Commissioner of Agriculture in his office to rededicate their state to the Lord. Sheryl, who is friends with another prayer leader, told her about IFA’s America’s Spiritual Heritage Project (ASHP) to rededicate states back to the Lord. She mentioned it to Commissioner Gipson, and he graciously accepted the invitation.
Commissioner Gipson (Center) and intercessors praying over IFA’s proclamation.
“We were all standing there, myself, Debra Brown, the Coordinator of Mississippi’s National Day of Prayer, fellow IFA MS intercessor Marion Neal, and Cathy Reece. We were awaiting him to walk into the room. When he entered, he wore this huge smile. He was so excited to read the IFA proclamation and rededicate Mississippi. He hugged the intercessors. Commissioner Gipson is a believer and a Pastor. He is compassionate, and he loves the Lord. He loves Mississippi, has a passion for prayer, and has such a positive attitude; you can really see the joy of the Lord. The day of the rededication, he really brought that excitement with him. He said, ‘Let’s do this!’ Sheryl said.
“Commissioner Gipson asked the intercessors to lay our hands on the proclamation as he led us in a powerful prayer over the state. We also laid our hands on the Mississippi state seal in his office. He enthusiastically rededicated Mississippi to the Lord and boldly declared Amos 5:24, “But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream.” He then prayed that the dry bones would come back to life, closed the prayer by blessing Mississippi in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. When he finished, he signed the proclamation,” Sheryl said.
Sheryl and the other intercessors thanked and praised God for using Commissioner Gipson for his leadership. As she prayed, they prophetically decreed that he was leading them into a new era in Mississippi.
This was not the only rededication in Mississippi. Sherri Barnes, IFA MS’s new Co-State Leader, has done several rededications with another intercessor. “She has visited several buildings. She rededicated the highest point in Tupelo, Mississippi; we see it as taking back the high places in the state. It is now set apart for the Lord. She rededicated the Elvis Presley Park in Tupelo, which is said to be his birthplace. She also dedicated the Tupelo Central Office for Education, the War Memorial, and the Tupelo City Hall. She has really done a wonderful job, traveling and rededicating,” Sheryl said.
IFA MC State Leader Sheryl Washington leading prayer over the MS State Seal. Left to right: Commissioner Gipson, Sheryl W., Debra B., Kathy R., and Marion N.
After the rededication of the state and the other rededications, Sheryl said she is full of hope and expectant to see God move. “I believe that this moment was significant in the realm of the Spirit. I say this because he is the Commissioner of Agriculture, which gives him direct authority over our land and soil; we’re going to see something concerning our natural resources here. Our soil is so rich. Even Commissioner Gipson’s vision for Mississippi, as governor, is a vision for us: he wants Mississippi to be the gateway for agriculture in the nation,” Sheryl said.
She finished by saying, “It is such an honor and a privilege to be able to serve the Lord. What IFA is doing for our nation will go down in the history books in eternity, I tell you, just covering this nation with prayer, covering our elected officials, and prayer is a privilege. We can see how God is blessing this nation and answering our intercession. We can’t say enough about it, and still, I think we intercessors won’t even see the fullness of our impact until we enter eternity.”
IFA MS intercessors Wanda and Joy at the War Memorial.
Amen Intercessors! Reports like these are but a glimpse of the fruit of answered prayers. Some answers we may never see on this side of eternity, but one day, it will all be worth it. The countless hours of prayer, the middle-of-the-night or early-morning prayer sessions, and the obedience to pray as the Lord leads you. Every prayer burden, every tear, every time you stood in the gap- it is making an impact. Thank you for being faithful in interceding with IFA.
If you were encouraged, let’s pray for Mississippi and our nation.
Father, we thank you for Mississippi and for Commissioner Gipson’s heart to put you first in the state. We pray that you bless him abundantly as well as his Governor run, and we thank you for the vision you have given him for Mississippi. Like Sheryl, we wait with anticipation to see it. We ask that you raise up men like Andy Gipson to fill the seats of authority. Call pastors who will be obedient to run and win. Raise up women in government to fill these seats as well. We contend for the righteous to be in authority because it is righteousness that exalts a nation. Lord, we pray, let Your kingdom come, and Your will be done, in America as it is in heaven, amen.
Share your prayers for your own state below.
IFA contributing writer Gloria Robles is a passionate intercessor with a prophetic voice for today. For more from Gloria, go to Spotify or Anchor and listen to her podcast, Something To Share.
