Invitation to Prayer from Faces of Children ... Wednesday

Faces of Children is an ecumenical prayer ministry under the auspices of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Their mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, they 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,

If you're in town and free, please join us to pray together on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., in the gym conference room at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas.

Please note the new time. We are trying this for one semester so that we have less time conflict with the new women's Bible study that is starting on Wednesdays at 11:30.

Also, Faces of Children is now on Facebook! I invite you to like our page so that you can see regular stories, prayer needs, and updates from partner ministries.

All the best,

Carrie

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See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.
Isaiah 49:16a

Dear Intercessors,

This week, I wrote half of this email before the Texas church shooting, and I was going to focus on being seen. When we see people for who they really are -- the way God sees them -- we sometimes can help them see themselves more clearly. And this is certainly true for children. So many children around the world live in circumstances where they are not shown their preciousness and value and worth; they are discarded and mistreated, abused and used, shamed and mocked, but not treasured. In spite of this dark reality, God says he has our names written on the palm of his hands. He knows us. He sees us. He treasures us. I found two stories this week that I thought exemplified people living with the "eyes of God." The first, a group of teachers committed to really seeing their students. The second, a little girl who didn't just see another child's disabilities, but looked past and saw a potential friend instead. I thought as we read these stories, we could thank God for moments like these; moments when humanity is at our best, seeing each other as brothers and sisters and precious children; calling forth the best within each other.

And as we praise him, we can also pray for the victims of the Sutherland Springs shootings. Surely God has their names written on the palms of his hands, too, and he grieves over each lost life. Please pray for the families of these victims, many of whom lost young children in the violence.

And finally, please join me in praying for our church's Thailand Mission Team this week as well. They are visiting our partner ministries in the country and spending time getting to know the names and faces of children and families we support. Pray for their time to deepen connections with our ministry partners and help share the love of God with all they meet.

Edutopia Photo by Christian Amundson

NEVADA // The Power of Being Seen

ne Nevada school has found a unique approach to improving student performance and graduation rates. They are learning all their students' names. Watch the video below, and read the article to learn more about the power of being seen. Join me in praising God for the strides this school is taking to really get to know their students; not satisfied just in surface level knowledge, but digging deeper into the hearts, minds, and stories of the kids in their classrooms. Pray for other educators to have the perseverance and passion to pursue this type of connection as well, and pray for students to open up.


USA // To The Red-Haired Girl At The Splash Pad Who Asked About My Daughter With Down Syndrome

Photo by Michelle Odland

"You walked to me, shivering in the air, soaking wet. And you smiled this beautiful, crooked smile with your front teeth missing. I smiled back. And you sat next to me and watched my daughter again. Here is where I brace myself as a mom. My daughter has Down Syndrome. She's non verbal and has some autistic tendencies. She doesn't know how to relate to other kids, sometimes doesn't mind just watching others. Some kids watch it and ignore it. Some kids ask questions. What is wrong with her? Why doesn't she talk? Why is she mean? (If she pushes somebody too close to her out of the way) Why is she yelling? As her family we are used to it. The kids she has gone to school with for the past few years know her quirks. But "strange" children are rarely accepting of a child with special needs. Especially when she's nine and doesn't speak. So I braced myself when you looked up to me. Because even though you look so sweet I get tired of explaining my daughter's quirks. It hurts every time I have to explain that my child has special needs. "Is that your daughter?" you asked. I said yes. "What is her name?"
Learn more here ...

Praise God for a little girl who saw through differences and asked a question to build a relationship. Let's ask God to strengthen and encourage families with children who have visible differences, special needs, or stand out for any reason whatsoever. Pray God surrounds those children with good friends and community who sees the heart of who they are.

Praying with you,
Carrie

Carrie J. McKean
Faces of Children Director
First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas
(432) 684-7821 x153

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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