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 07/31/14
Nigeria, Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Democratic Republic of Congo
The Ebola epidemic, the largest outbreak ever, has infected more than 2,600 people in six West African countries and killed over 1,500 since March. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that more than 20,000 people could be infected by the epidemic as it continues its rapid spread. The outbreak of this deadly disease, for which there is no known vaccine or cure, has the potential to destabilize stricken countries and their neighbors. It’s already caused panic buying, food shortages, price hikes, and, in quarantined areas, rioting. The outbreak has also led to strikes by medical staff who refuse to work under such dangerous conditions—more than 120 healthcare workers have died in the outbreak.
• Please keep close in prayer the children, youth, and adults of West Africa who’ve been affected by this massive Ebola outbreak. Pray for their health and safety. Pray God will bring healing to those who are ill with this disease that causes high fever, bleeding, central nervous system damage, severe diarrhea, and vomiting.
• Pray God will comfort those who have lost loved ones in this epidemic. Pray for the safety of those who take care of the deceased as traditional burial customs can expose people to the virus which is spread through bodily fluids.
• Please pray for raised awareness about how to prevent the spread of this disease. Pray the demand for fruit bats, a delicacy for some West Africans and possibly the virus’ natural host, will stop through education about the risks.
• Pray the global community will come together to help stop this deadly Ebola outbreak. Pray field hospitals with isolation wards, mobile medical laboratories, and biological disaster response teams will be dispatched quickly to areas most in need. Please pray a viable vaccine for the Ebola virus will be developed soon.
West Texas
High Sky Children’s Ranch in Midland, TX provides a home for troubled and abused children. It also provides therapeutic services for traumatized children, foster children, and for struggling families. High Sky has two emergency shelters for children, as well as programs for runaway prevention, horse therapy, life skills, and preparation for independent living. The organization is dedicated to healing abused children and promoting family wholeness.
• High Sky website
• Keep the children and youth at High Sky close in prayer as they heal from abuse and trauma. Pray they might experience the unconditional love of Jesus in this community of support. Pray for healing and peace in their lives.
• Pray for the staff at High Sky as they work with and serve emotionally fragile children and young people. Pray God will sustain and guide them in every aspect of their work.
• Give thanks to God for the new program St. Nicholas Episcopalian Church is sharing with elementary-age children from High Sky. Pray the Godly Play church school program will be a blessing to these hurting children.
United States
Brandy was seriously injured in a car accident earlier this month that also threatened her unborn baby. Brandy, who is three months pregnant, was airlifted to Dallas for surgery to repair her back which was broken in several places.
• Please keep Brandy and her baby close in prayer during this uncertain and challenging season. Pray for God’s healing touch to be upon Brandy and the baby.
• Pray for Brandy’s husband Demetrius and her parents and grandparents as they care for her in this difficult time.
• Give thanks to God for the support of Demetrius’ fellow law enforcement officers at the Midland Police Department and the success of the fundraiser they hosted to help with Brandy’s medical expenses.
Faces of Children
• Please keep Faces of Children prayer partner Donna Preston and her family in prayer as they celebrate the life of Donna’s sister Lori who died last week. Lori developed severe complications from hernia surgery and had to have three additional surgeries. She was also placed into an induced coma. Pray God will comfort Donna and her family during this season of loss and sorrow, especially as Donna’s daughter Nicole was married over the weekend. And please pray for healing mercies for Donna’s father Don who had surgery several weeks ago.
• Give thanks to God for Faces of Children intercessor Margaret’s successful knee surgery last week. Pray for continued healing and manageable pain.
• Please pray for Jake and Courtney Laufer, the son and daughter-in-law of Faces of Children prayer partners Chris and Jeff Laufer, as they begin a new chapter in their lives “down under.” Pray Jake and Courtney will experience God’s divine presence as they start a new job and establish a home in Brisbane, Australia. Please keep Courtney close in prayer as her pregnancy progresses.
• 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.
If you have prayer requests about children, those who care for them, those who have authority over them, or those who harm them (the really hard prayers to say sometimes), please send them to Chris Laufer, FOC Coordinator, at claufer@facesofchildren.net
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