The Truman Project

By Garry Maddux

January 26, 2025

The Truman Property, located in Grandview, KS, near Kansas City, holds historical and spiritual significance. Originally owned by President Harry S. Truman, this 50-acre property ties his legacy to the work of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City (IHOPKC). IHOPKC purchased the land from a Jewish couple, intending to develop it as a hub for prayer, worship, and support for the nation of Israel. This story reveals how mainstream Christian organizations have supported the nation of Israel through financial contributions, prayer, and personal involvement. As Baldwin (2008) explains, this is an example of how organizations are often led into false teachings about modern Israel and its place in biblical prophecy.

The Legacy of Harry Truman

Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, played a pivotal role in recognizing the modern state of Israel in 1948. Despite facing political opposition, Truman stood firm in his decision, believing that his actions aligned with God’s purposes for Israel. 

The Land Sale

After Truman’s death, the 50-acre property connected to his legacy was sold to a Jewish family. In 1998, exactly 50 years after the initial sale, the family sold the land to IHOPKC at a below-market price, with a Texas businessman covering the entire cost. This transaction was seen as a prophetic act, marking the land for God’s purposes. IHOPKC embraced the property, now referred to as the Truman Property, as a center for prayer and ministry. As Bickle noted in a 2023 podcast, “The transaction was not coincidental. It was part of God’s divine orchestration and the fulfillment of prophetic words to transform the land into a place of unity between Jews and Christians.”

The International House of Prayer (IHOPKC)

Founded in 1999 by Mike Bickle, IHOPKC is a charismatic evangelical organization based in Kansas City, Missouri. Known for its Global Prayer Room, which operates 24/7 with live worship teams, the ministry focuses on practices such as Bible study, worship, fasting, prayer, Israel, and works of justice. According to IHOPKC.org, much of their mission is to unite Jews and Christians in anticipation of Christ’s return. Roy (2023) describes IHOPKC’s focus as “advancing continuous prayer and worship while proclaiming the beauty of Jesus and His glorious return.”

IHOPKC’s Support for Israel

IHOPKC has undertaken various initiatives to promote Israel, including the Isaiah 62 Global 21-Days of Prayer and Fasting for Israel, inspired by Isaiah 62:6-7. This event gathers believers from around the world to pray for the peace and salvation of Israel. IHOPKC also holds daily prayer meetings in its Global Prayer Room, interceding for God’s purposes for Israel. They believe that awakening Jews to the God of Israel and Jesus will hasten Christ’s Second Coming (Roy, 2023). The Truman Property was envisioned as a place where Jews and Christians could unite in worship, symbolizing reconciliation and unity, as IHOPKC.org explains. 

IHOPKC’s Mission and Vision for the Truman Property

IHOPKC intended to develop the Truman Property into a spiritual hub, with plans for:

  • Prayer Rooms dedicated to justice, worship, and intercession for Israel.
  • Educational Facilities to train believers in ministry and theological studies.
  • A 5,000-seat prayer room to support global prayer movements and outreach to Israel.

The Truman Property, a significant site, has been central to its mission of fostering unity between Jewish and Christian communities. In May 2022, IHOPKC initiated 24-hour prayer sessions on this property, marking a pivotal step in their vision for the land. 

Challenges and Commitment

In 2023, misconduct allegations against IHOPKC’s founder, Mike Bickle, led to a leadership change, financial difficulties, and organizational restructuring. Dr. Lim (2024), a former leader involved in the Truman Property’s development, stated, “During the transition, an advocate group rose to stop the development of Truman Land. Plans have halted the development of the land.” As of January 2025, no publicly available evidence of construction on the property exists. KSHB 41 News reported, “Recent organizational challenges have likely impacted these development plans. In April 2024, IHOPKC announced a reorganization process due to financial difficulties and allegations against its founder.” These setbacks highlight the uncertainty surrounding the future of Truman Property.

Conclusion

The Truman Project is a cautionary tale for organizations seeking to align with their false belief in God’s purposes. While IHOPKC’s vision was to create a space for unity and worship between Jews and Christians, challenges and missteps have hindered their progress. This example reminds us that a lack of understanding of biblical Israel can lead to misguided efforts. As believers, we must remain rooted in Scripture and seek God’s wisdom to discern His plans. Let this story encourage us to act with integrity, humility, and faithfulness to serve God.

Hosea 4:6
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children."

When a group forgets God’s law, God forgets them.