Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,
When Cathryn Baker sent me the latest Viva Network/Faces of Children prayer initiative last week (see below), I wanted to dance and shout with joy after reading about the proposed release of child soldiers in Chad! Thanks be to God!!
If you have other celebrations or concerns for children in need, please send them to me at claufer@facesofchildren.net and I will include them in the next prayer list. Thank you for taking time to pray for God’s beloved children!
Blessings,
Chris
“See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”
Matthew 18:10
Faces of Children
Prayer Concerns for May 21, 2007
Thailand (Justice for Children International)
· Please be in prayer for the girls who live in a JFCI partner safehome in Thailand. The staff tells the stories of girls who have been abused all their lives finding restoration, going to high school and university and finding jobs. There is hope in this work. Give thanks to God for these success stories and for this hope.
· Pray for healing in these girls' lives, as they continue to recover from the abusive experiences they have endured.
· Pray that God would bless the workers and give them encouragement to continue doing the work they are doing.
· Praise God for the work being done to end child sexual slavery through restoration.
· Pray that the sex slavery in Thailand would decrease, not increase as time passes.
Burma (Partners Relief and Development)
· Please continue to pray for the 40,000 children, youth and adults in the Mae La refugee camp at the border of Burma and Thailand who are still under threat of attack by the Burma Army. Give thanks to God that Thai authorities and Karen leaders have, up until now, been able to prevent the conflict through negotiations. Pray for peace in this troubled area.
· Pray for the 4000 Karen (ethnic minority) who were recently displaced by attacks on their villages. They are currently in hiding and lack shelter, medicine and food. Pray that the needs of these children, young people, and men and women will be met soon. Pray for the Free Burma Ranger (FBR) relief team members who risk their lives to provide medical care and bring in plastic tarps, medical kits and food.
Chad
The national army of Chad is beginning to demobilize children who are serving as soldiers. The government had always claimed that none of its soldiers were under-age, but has now signed an agreement with UNICEF to disarm them—a census will be taking place to find out the number of children either in the army, or serving rebel groups. The process is not straightforward, as children will need to go through a time of rehabilitation and adjustment, as they return to their families.
· Thank God for this step in the right direction, and pray for the government to continue supporting this process.
· Pray for all the children who will be leaving the army. Pray for God to heal their minds and bodies, and restore their childhood to them.
· Pray for the 300,000 children worldwide who are involved in armed conflict. Pray for more nations to follow Chad's lead and protect their children from war.
World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk
In just a week, the World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk will be gathering millions of Christians to pray in over 100 countries. In Bangladesh, children's prayer celebrations are happening across the country in the days leading up to June 2-3. In New Zealand, a prayer vigil will take place in conjunction with their national Christian radio station. In the UK, a march through Derby and prayer event at the cathedral will raise awareness of injustices facing children.
· Please pray for everyone organizing a prayer time on June 2-3—that God will inspire them and give them the time they need for all their final preparations.
· Pray for many more Christians than ever before to take part and pray for children.
· Pray for God to hear the prayers of God’s people and bring hope into the lives of children at risk around the world.
