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).Invitation to Prayer, Wednesday
Hi Friends,
I hope you can make it to our time of prayer Wednesday at 11:30, at First Presbyterian Churchof Midland, Texas, followed by lunch together. I won't be in the office this Wednesday, so I will miss praying with you. But I assure you I'll be with you in spirit!
Dear intercessors,
This week I came across an important resource that I wanted to share with you. #PrayForRefugees "is an initiative to equip and encourage Christians to unite in prayer on behalf of the millions suffering and homeless as a result of the conflict in Syria." Though I only just learned of this resource, the prayer effort has been taking place during Lent, and a daily prayer guide is available on their website. I have selected a few prayer points shared on the Pray for Refugees website over the last few weeks and used them for this week's prayer email. But I hope that you will join me in joining our fellow believers around the world in praying for Syrian refugees during the remaining weeks of Lent.
Thank you for your faithful prayers ...
Pray for teachers who serve refugee children.
Rima has attended her local Iraqi church since she was a child. After retiring as a teacher, Rima started a Kids Club out of the church for Iraqi children who have been forced to flee their homes. The children come to the club once or twice a week for a safe place to play and learn. They learn about health and hygiene, as well as Arabic, English and math. ( Read More ... ) Lord, your servants are everywhere: sending support from far away, and serving everyday face-to-face with those who are suffering, even as they struggle themselves. Strengthen these teachers. Energize them in their work with hurting children.
Pray for refugees to realize their God-given potential.
The world was stunned when, six months ago today, the body of three-year-old Aylan Kurdi washed up on a Turkish beach. Vinh Chung, a surgeon in Colorado, felt a chill that few Americans can understand: "That could have been me." Chung was born in South Vietnam months after it fell to communists in 1975. Like Syria today, Vietnam suffered years of war, its economy in ruins, millions dead and displaced. In 1979, Chung's parents decided to escape Vietnam. They boarded a rickety, overcrowded fishing trawler and launched into the South China Sea. Like Aylan Kurdi, Vinh Chung was three years old. ( Read More ... ) God of Heaven, millions of refugees' lives hang in the balance. And each one has a plan and a purpose designed by You. Work in their lives to make those plans and purposes reality. And show each of us who calls Your Name what role we have to play. Call us to Your service and prepare our hearts to answer.
Pray for children working under dangerous conditions.
12-year-old Jomaa wanted to become a lawyer. But when his family fled Syria, he had to give up his education for work in a cinder block factory. His younger siblings, including his 4-year-old brother, all work alongside him. The work is difficult and dangerous. Four-year-old Saad complains of pain in his knees and shoulders from the work. The dust burns his eyes. His mother observes, "he's forgotten how to play." This work has forced these children into adult roles and responsibilities, robbing them of their childhoods. ( Read More ... ) God, you love children and have honored and blessed their innocent faith. Please provide for these children who have had to become adults so early in their lives. Provide for their families' livelihoods. Provide opportunities for these children to just be children and enjoy the innocence they deserve. Protect them from unsafe workplaces.
Pray for the emotional and mental health of refugees.
The wounds and scars of war are often very visible - cuts, bruises, and worse. But for so many Syrian families, the worst wounds are hidden, the scars etched across memories and emotions. These threats to children's mental and emotional health can be even more devastating than physical injuries. Many children can't sleep because of what they've seen and experienced Sana and her children found her husband's body after he was killed in a rocket attack on their farm. "[The children] are afraid a lot," she says. "Afraid to lose more. They wake up yelling and screaming." ( Read More ... ) God, you know the wounds that are visible on our bodies and those in our souls. We ask for protection for those fleeing from the violence in Syria - not just physical protection, but protection against what they see, hear, experience and fear. Bring peace to their hearts and minds, as well as to their country.
Thank you for your faithful prayers,
Carrie
Carrie J. McKean
Faces of Children Director
First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas
(432) 684-7821 x153
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 info@facesofchildren.net
No comments:
Post a Comment