Invitation to Prayer from Faces of Children ... TODAY

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 ... TODAY

Hi Friends,

If you're in Midland this week, we'll be meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1 - TODAY - for prayer. We meet in the prayer closet at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Please join us in lifting up the needs of vulnerable children in our community and around the world!

Blessings,

Carrie

Dear Intercessors:

I read two stories this week about two different situations that couldn't be much more bleak. And yet buried in the midst of all that sorrow, there's a glimmer of hope.

Guardian Photo by Pacome Pabandji/AFP/Getty Images

In the Central African Republic, child soldiers are manipulated, brain-washed, controlled, and forced into fighting. They are robbed of childhoods and given a heritage of trauma and violence and suffering. It's estimated that between 6,000-10,000 children have been conscripted.

And yet... in the middle of such hopelessness... people are showing up and bringing hope and healing and a new future to these kids. They are helping former child soldiers reintegrate into society. And suddenly the fog of sorrow lifts a little and the whole thing feels a little less bleak. Joy comes in the morning.

Guardian photo by Fabeha Monir

In Bangladesh, Rohingya refugees spilled across the border. In the mix were women who were raped and impregnated in the conflict and in their flee to safety. Aid groups expected an unwanted baby boom... concerned about what would happen to these children in a conservative society that values a woman's purity.

And yet... in the middle of such hopelessness... there was no unwanted baby boom. The babies were born, and yes, some were abandoned... but aid groups discovered these children have been absorbed by the local community, cared for in unofficial foster and adoptive networks. A wounded community wrapping its arms around its most vulnerable members.

And suddenly the fog of sorrow lifts a little and the whole thing feels a little less bleak. Joy comes in the morning.

This week, as we pray, I'd like to invite you to think about where you see God's spirit moving in your community and in your life, lifting the fog of sorrow and bringing joy in the morning.

All the best,

Carrie

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