Contact: Dave Kubal, President, Intercessors for America, 540-317-2070

PURCELLVILLE, Va., July 7 /Christian Newswire/ -- Gary Bergel, Senior Editor/President Emeritus of Intercessors for America (IFA) has retired effective July 1, 2010.

Mr. Bergel served IFA in various capacities since its founding in 1973. In 1985, he was named executive director as the IFA national offices were moved to the Washington, DC area. He served as President and CEO from 1985-2009 when he transitioned to President Emeritus/Senior Editor.

"On behalf of the staff, I would like to thank Gary for his loyal and tireless service. His contributions and dedication have been invaluable," said Dave Kubal, IFA President and CEO. "We are all grateful for his vision, directives, and leadership during his 37 years of service in uniting Christians in effective prayer and fasting for our nation, the Church, and their leaders."

Over the years, Bergel has stood as a spiritual "watchman" for the ministry, has written and served as senior editor for the monthly First Friday Prayer Letter. He has frequently spoken at conferences and seminars. Gary authored and designed the full-color dual booklet, When You Were Formed in Secret / Abortion in America, first published by IFA in 1980 with over 3 million copies distributed. Gary will be greatly missed. We wish him a long, healthy, and happy retirement as he tackles anticipated projects, and we look forward to how God will use him in his future ministry opportunities.

Gary and his wife, Susan, have resided in northern Virginia since 1981, and have ten children, including two adopted daughters, and eleven grandchildren.

Intercessors for America was founded in 1973 when God impressed upon the hearts of a group of godly, respected men and women, through teachings by the late Derek Prince and Ern Baxter, the necessity of prayer and fasting for our nation and all those who are in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2). One of IFA's first activities was to produce a monthly First Friday Prayer Letter that continues to be mailed to a group of like-minded people who recognize the need for God to intervene in the United States of America and who are committed to praying and fasting for our nation and its leaders. IFA also informs, connects, and mobilizes believers via weekly "On Watch in Washington" prayer alerts and blog, text alerts, Facebook, Twitter, and other forms of social media and web tools through GetAmericapraying.com. For more information and perspectives from Intercessors for America, visit IFAPray.org.