Faces of Children: Prayer Requests

Faces of Children is an ecumenical prayer ministry under the auspices of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Our mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, we seek to provide an opportunity for people of God to join together, learn about children and their needs throughout the world, and celebrate Christ's love (especially as it relates to children).

Prayer Concerns for the week of 05/19/10

Afghanistan
• Please keep the school girls of Afghanistan held close in prayer as many have been sickened by suspected gas attacks at their schools. Pray for a complete recovery for the girls and teachers who have become ill in the attacks.
• Pray for those responsible for the suspected gas attacks-that they will be caught and held accountable for their actions. Pray for law enforcement and government officials - that they will uphold laws to protect women.
• Pray for the safety of all girls and their female teachers in Afghanistan. The Taliban prohibited girls from receiving an education during their rule from 1996 until 2001 and in many rural areas, girls' schools are still closed. Please pray for girls and teachers in these rural areas who have been threatened or attacked with acid.
A report from the alertnet.org
Another report from alertnet.org

India
• Please keep the family and friends of Amigo Shimray, a Youth With A Mission (YWAM) team member, held close in prayer. Amigo's sudden and unexpected death earlier this month leaves his wife Rejeena to care for their three foster children-9-year-old Shivan, 11-year-old Kuljeet, and 13-year-old Celena-and 4-year-old daughter, Jonnina. Pray that God will comfort them all and provide for them in this time of crisis and difficulty. Give thanks to God for the life of Amigo and his love of and devotion to Jesus Christ.

Kenya (CURE International - http://www.helpcurenow.org/)
• Pray for the disabled children receiving treatment at the CURE International Hospital in Kenya and for the medical staff and caregivers there. Also pray for two teenage girls: 16-year-old Metrine and 19-year-old Kesia.

United States
• Please keep Bergen held close in prayer as this newborn recovers from heart surgery. Pray for complete healing and for peace and comfort
for Bergen's family.
• Pray for Deborah, a young, single mother raising a 4-year-old son and working on her college education. Pray that God will surround her with a caring and supportive community as she completes her education. Pray for her little boy, that he too will feel the love of a community of family and friends. Pray that this small family will recognize God's presence and love in their lives.
• Please keep the family of Grant Wichmann, a U.S. Marine who was recently killed in Afghanistan, held close in prayer as they mourn his death. Pray that God will surround his wife and 10-month-old baby with a strong support system and that God will provide for their needs. Pray for his parents and extended family and friends. Pray that God will comfort them all and bring them peace.
• Pray for 11-year-old Matthew who has struggled with cancer for more than half of his young life. Please pray for discernment for Matthew and his family as they make important decisions about his care. Pray that God will hold them close in an embrace of love and support during this difficult time. Pray for Matthew's complete healing from cancer and that he won't have any recurring cancer.
• Please keep 5-year-old Drew, 3-year-old Carly, and their parents held close in prayer during this frightening time in their lives. Their mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and will have surgery soon. Pray for healing and comfort for their mother Julie and strength for their father Bryan.
• Pray that God will protect and comfort 2-year-old Steven* and 4-year-old Mariah* who were recently removed from their foster parents' home and reunited with their biological mother. Please pray that these children and their mother will be able to make a smooth transition to living together again. Pray that their mother will continue to grow and mature into the mother her children need and that she will be open to God's guidance and healing presence. Pray for the foster parents and siblings who are grieving the departure of Steven and Mariah.
* Name changed for confidentiality and/or protection.
• Please pray for 6-month-old Brynn who received a new heart on Mother's Day, May 9, 2010. Pray that her little body won't reject the new heart and that she will have a good recovery from this surgery. Pray for Brynn's parents, family, and friends as they wait to see if the new heart will help her.

Website for Brynn
• Please pray for the heart donor's family-that God will bring comfort to them during this painfully difficult time.

Faces of Children
• Please continue to pray that more churches and individuals will join with the ministry of Faces of Children in spreading awareness about children in crisis and inviting more people to pray for children at risk.