I was at home in Indiana this past weekend to attend fall conference at Clear River Church. It was an incredible weekend of worship and a great time with my church family. Lots of people asked if I needed anything, if Back2Back needed anything, or how they could be praying for me. Well, what I think myself and Back2Back need most are people committed to praying for us, the ministry, and the kids that we serve. Here are some things you can be praying for right now.
-For the staff: While being on staff is the best job I’ve ever, it’s also the most difficult. We often feel burdened down with the situations that these kids are in, are fighting against getting burned out, and the American staff are constantly dealing with a language/culture barrier that wears you down. It’s hard to take care of yourself here, there’s always something that needs to be done, someone who needs help, and we all live together so there’s not a lot of personal space when you just need a break. So pray for strength, protection, encouragement, and unity among our staff.
-For the ministry: Our directors just finished a week of strategic planning meetings, so some new things are coming down the road. Pray for discernment and wisdom for our leaders, and teachable hearts for those of us who have to start doings or looking at some things differently. Also, pray for shelter sponsors for the kids who don’t have one yet. The kids love getting and giving letters to their shelter sponsor and the money provides things like education, school, and medical care that they wouldn’t otherwise get.
-For the kids: In light of the holiday’s approaching, pray for the kids who don’t have families to pick them up for Christmas. Waking up on Christmas morning in a children’s home is a heart-breaking thing. For the kids who do have families to pick them up for Christmas, pray that their families would show them love and protect them. For the staff who live and work tirelessly in the children’s homes pray for rest, renewed passion, and support so that they aren’t alone.
Your post helps me appreciate the things that really burden your heart, and it really helps to have specific things to pray about. In a future blog, could you explain more about being a Shelter Family?
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