Afghanistan
- Pray for boys, from 9 to 15 years old, who are used as sex slaves by older men in a centuries-old Pashtun tradition called bacha baz. Pray for boys who are taken as “lovers” by older men in this culturally-sanctioned form of male rape. Pray for the healing and restoration of these children. Pray for a change in the societal attitude about this destructive and violent practice. http://tinyurl.com/29t5goy
Nepal
- Please keep Shanta, a teenage boy who used to live at the Praise Home, held close in prayer. Because of severe behavior problems, Shanta was asked to leave the children’s home and was returned to the care of a relative. Pray for the children he terrorized and physically abused at the home. Pray that God might be made known to Shanta during this challenging time. Pray for the Praise Home caregivers who gave Shanta many opportunities to make a better future and who are deeply saddened by the situation.
Pakistan (Presbyterian Education Board — http://www.peb.edu.pk/
- Give God thanks that all of the Presbyterian Education Board (PEB) schools are unaffected by the massive flooding in southern and western Punjab. Please pray for the administrators and staff of PEB as they work with other organizations to help those stranded in the flood-affected areas.
- Pray for the 6 million people who have been made homeless by this disaster. Pray for those who have been left destitute. Pray for the 3.5 million children who are at risk of being exposed to fatal waterborne diseases.
- Please pray that the people of Pakistan will unite in this tragedy to make their country stronger and better.
http://www.friendsofpeb.org/
United States
- Continue to keep a 12-year-old girl and her 11-year-old and 6-year-old brothers in prayer as they recover from the trauma of sexual abuse and starvation at the hands of their mother’s boyfriend. The three siblings were locked up in a motel bathroom for more than a year and were so emaciated they looked like Holocaust victims. Pray that God will heal the hearts, minds, and bodies of these three precious children. Pray that they might find comfort and love in the safety of their grandmother’s home. Pray for the mother of these children and her boyfriend—both face possible life sentences. http://tinyurl.com/2d9lpum http://tinyurl.com/22qooby
- Please pray for 5-year-old Casey as he begins kindergarten this fall. Give God thanks and praise that Casey has been so happy to be involved in his church’s Sunday school program. Pray that God will bless this at-risk little boy with everything he needs to thrive in school and in life.
- Pray for all children beginning school this term, and for their teachers, school staff, administrators, and parents.
- Please pray for Christian educators, children and youth ministry workers, pastors, and volunteers as they begin the new school term. Pray for children and youth new to church and/or Sunday school.
- Pray for 4-month-old Ryder and his parents who are chronically homeless. Pray this young couple might find long-term employment and commit to getting off the streets.
- Pray that God will be with Chelsea* and her family during a very difficult time in their lives. Chelsea, who has cerebral palsy and other health issues, has been physically abusing her younger siblings, and also beats her mother and herself. Pray that Chelsea’s parents will have help dealing with their troubled daughter.
*Name changed for confidentiality and/or protection.
- Please keep Holly and Matt held close in prayer as this young couple awaits the birth of their baby boy. Pray for a safe delivery and for the health of this little one.
Zambia
- Please pray that God will be with Chiza and Mathew as they prepare to take their higher level examinations (Chiza in Grade 9 and Mathew in Grade 12). Pray that God will give them peace and help them focus during these difficult tests.
Faces of Children
- Please continue to pray that more churches and individuals will join with the ministry of Faces of Children in spreading awareness about children in crisis and inviting more people to pray for children at risk.
