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 ...
Hi Friends,
We will not be meeting this Wednesday for prayer, as I believe most of our group will be traveling or welcoming out-of-town guests for Thanksgiving. We'll resume on November 29 at 11:00 in the gym conference room. I hope you have a delightful and delicious Thanksgiving!
Warmly,
Carrie
"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me"
Psalm 23:4
Dear Intercessors,
It's the week of Thanksgiving! And we certainly have so much for which we can be grateful. One of the things I find myself grateful for this year is that I love a God who has room in his heart for both joy and sorrow, happiness and grief, plenty and poverty. We love and trust a God who promises to be with us even in the darkest of valleys, hemming us in before and behind with his hand of blessing upon our heads. (Psalm 139:5) Even when the mountains in our lives are shaking, his faithful love remains. (Isaiah 54:10)
I'm grateful that even though the world seems to be on fire, my heart is steadied, calmed, and held by the one who also holds the whole world in his hands. I find this incredibly comforting, especially when we're praying for children who suffer much.
This week, please join me in praying for the following:
MIDLAND // 14-Year-Old in Hospice care with brain tumor
This need was shared by FPC's benevolence ministry. Natessa* Randolf, a single mother, has a 14-year-old son, Donovan, who was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor 20 months ago. She and her two daughters have been struggling to manage this situation. The cancer is a very aggressive type and they have referred Donovan to Hospice care. He is at home and his mother stays with him, unable to work. They have given Donovan approximately two more months to live. Neither hospitalization nor standard cancer treatments are real options any longer.
His family is asking for us to pray that he is able to manage his fear of his death looming before him, that he is comfortable and at peace, and that God would provide a miracle that will grant him more time. *Natessa grants permission for you to forward this email to anyone who you think will take his situation to heart.
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| Islamic Republic News Agency/AP Photo by Mosleh Pirkhezranian |
IRAN and IRAQ // Magnitude 7.3 Earthquake
Felt as far away as Turkey, Israel, and Kuwait, the earthquake that struck Iran and Iraq is already considered the deadliest of 2017. Estimated to have killed over 500 people, it injured another 7,400 and left more than 70,000 in need of shelter. Rescue efforts have been hampered by landslides.
Learn more here ....
Please pray for the families who lost children, children who lost parents, and all those who were injured. Pray for families who have no shelter in freezing temperatures and for children who struggle to process the experience.
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| New York Times Photo by Adam Ferguson |
NIGERIA // Boko Haram strapped suicide bombs to them. Somehow these teenage girls survived.
"The girls didn't want to kill anyone. They walked in silence for a while, the weight of the explosives around their waists pulling down on them as they fingered the detonators and tried to think of a way out. "I don't know how to get this thing off me," Hadiza, 16, recalled saying as she headed out on her mission. "What are you going to do with yours?" she asked the 12-year-old girl next to her, who was also wearing a bomb. "I'm going to go off by myself and blow myself up," the girl responded hopelessly. It was all happening so fast..." "According to Unicef, more than 110 children have been used as suicide bombers since the start of the year - at least 76 of them girls. Most were under 15 years old. One girl blew herself up along with a baby strapped to her back. The deployment of children has become so frighteningly common that officials in the areas where Boko Haram operates are warning citizens to be on the lookout for girl bombers. A huge billboard here in Maiduguri - the Nigerian city where Boko Haram was born - proclaims "Stop Terrorism" with the image of a scowling, wild-eyed girl with explosives on her chest, clutching a detonator."
Read the rest of this incredible story ...
Please pray for the girls who are being tortured in this evil and cruel way, and for the surrounding society that's increasingly fearful and distrustful of its girls. Please pray for Boko Haram to see the evil in their ways and cease this violence. Come, Lord Jesus, Come.
We may not know their stories, but we know the One who does. And it's certainly not just these students. This week, will you pray with me for God's Holy Spirit to reveal how He would have you minister to the people he puts in your path? He can reveal the hidden things and make what is in the dark come to the light. He can give us insight and God-perspective and His Father's heart for those we encounter. And as we walk in the power of this knowledge and speak truth and love to the brokenhearted, we are part of His redemptive plan; bringing His children safely to His lap, laying them at the feet of Jesus.
Praying with you,
Carrie
PS: If you wish to receive a weekly list of prayer requests from Midland High Students, please let me know.
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
