DO September 1994
PRAYER LIST 21
"Truly my soul waiteth upon God, from Him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock & my salvation, He is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved."--Psa. 62:1,2.
(Please use this list with PL 20, the long-term list. Thank you!)
September 1994, Home Services, Zurich, Switzerland
GOD BLESS YOU! We love you! Thank you for your faithfulness to take time in prayer for all the various requests that are published in these Prayer Lists. As many of you have personally experienced, when you are sick, or when you're faced with a serious problem, it's so comforting & faith-building to know that the entire Family is praying for you! As Dad has said, "Desperate prayer that is full of faith is the most powerful weapon we have, & can radically alter any situation or heart!" (MOP 97:83.)
ANSWERED PRAYERS
For All (OCs & under with guidance).
(Some of the answered prayers listed below were not mentioned as prayer requests in past Prayer Lists, but were prayed for locally. We've included them here for your encouragement, & to glorify the Lord for His marvellous faithfulness in answering prayer! See also the FUN for more answers to prayer not included here. Please remember to use wisdom & discretion in what you share with young children.)
Dad & Mama:
1. In answer to your desperate prayers for Dad, he has been completely healed of the flu & the accompanying cough, as well as his painful haemorrhoids. He has now gained back 5 kilos & about 90% of his strength! We can all praise the Lord for a truly wonderful miracle, for how He virtually brought Dad back to life so that he can remain with us a while longer! Thank You Jesus!
2. Mama, too, is feeling much stronger (PL 19:87), & has been healed of the flu, as well as of a pain in her ears.
3. As mentioned in GN 589, "The Lord's Tribute to Dad & the Family", Dad was having serious problems with his writing hand. His hand was very weak, & he could only write with tremendous effort, which would sometimes make him nauseous. Thank the Lord, his hand is now healed, enabling him to write painlessly!
4. Secretary on Dad & Mama's staff who had recurring migraine headaches is having them less frequently.
Worldwide:
5. France (PL 19:120): As a result of the judge's interviews with the Family adults involved in the court case against us, all the members who had so far been restricted by the court from leaving the country have had their passports returned & are free to leave! The case is still not yet closed, however, & some Family Members will remain in France until it is.
6. Australia (PL 19:122): The assessment of our children's home schooling in the Melbourne Homes by the Education Department has gone very well. An official report from the department has not yet been issued, but the verbal comments made by the educational officials who visited the Homes have been quite favourable!
7. A court case by anti-cult psychologist Margaret Singer (staunch promoter of the "brainwashing" theory) against other fair-minded sociologists, including some favourable to the Family, has been thrown out of court in what is considered a blow to the anti-cult movement. (PL 18:92.)
8. The filming of the "Endtime Street Play" video by the IVM (PL 19:95) was completed & came out very anointed, powerful & moving! The video is now in the editing stages.
North America:
9. An investigation that followed a friendly police visit to one of our Homes ended victoriously (PL 19:257).
10. The Family's participation in a conference by the ASR (Association for the Sociology of Religion) was a great success (PL 19:109). The Family was invited to take part in a panel discussion on "New Religious Movements: The Second Generation". The attending sociologists & academics were very impressed at the Family's success in training & challenging our young people to continue in their service for the Lord, especially when compared with other groups. Most of the Family's presentation was given by Joy (YA), who very clearly & powerfully shared from her own experience what being a YA in the Family was like, the vision of the PER, etc. Afterwards, some academics even asked for copies of her speech!
11. The Family's participation in a government-sponsored NRM Conference in Mexico (PL 19:109) went very well & won us the respect of government officials & participants.
12. New housing in Mexico (PL 17:107).
13. The Lord has continued to protect our Family in Mexico from lawlessness (PL 19:254).
14. Gabriel (of Miracle, TSer) (PL 19:77): Gabriel had a peaceful Homegoing & final deliverance from his suffering from cancer. Miracle & children have had a positive attitude through this difficult experience & are doing well, God bless them.
15. Warren (9, of Simon & Naarah): Miraculously recovered from a sudden diabetes shock (he had not previously had diabetes). Warren was kept in intensive care for several days. The Family in North America had prayer for him, & upon Warren's release from the hospital, his doctors said they were amazed at this very quick recovery.
16. Kevin (8 months, of Joanie YA) (PL 19:264): Better health & resistance to illness.
17. Christina (teen, of Jay & Nina) (PL 18:107): Healed from appendicitis.
18. Esther (TSer, of Daniel) (PL 19:261): Successful neck operation; pain from arthritis greatly relieved.
19. Hope (of Steven) (PL 17:125): Safe delivery of number 10, despite a few complications; she is recovering well & the baby is healthy.
20. Steven (of Hope) (PL 17:142): Inflammation in left shoulder completely healed.
21. Rose (of Jay) (PL 18:116): Safe & healthy delivery of number 14!
22. Tina (19) (PL 18:116): Good delivery of first child; healthy mommy & baby.
23. Johnny (5) & Nicky (3) (of John & Sunny) (PL 17:140): Healed from flat feet & pigeon toes.
24. Anna (PL 17:143): Pain in hand healed; surgery not needed to relieve tension on the nerve.
25. Paula (Bithia, formerly hostile ex-member, now close Family friend) (PL 18:101): The Lord has done real miracles in Paula's personal life & in the lives of her children, pulling her through some difficult times & giving her the strength to hold on to Him. (See testimony on page 20 of this PL.)
26. Miguel & Ruth's newborn boy: Healed from chicken pox contracted while changing fields; the Lord kept it from spreading to any other children.
27. Andrew (of Andrea) (PL 18:133): In full health; regained use of his arm & leg.
28. Alegria (TS mother of Dulce) (PL 19:260): Tumour in breast was not malignant & shrunk from the size of an orange to that of a grape. Doctors safely removed it. Supposed tumour in womb seems to now be a cyst instead.
29. JETT Camp (PL 19:94): The Lord provided all of the material, food, funds etc. needed to hold both a JETT camp & a teen/YA camp.
30. David (5, of Ruth) (PL 14:190): Despite cerebral palsy, can now miraculously walk up to 15 feet unaided.
31. Paul (JETT, of Simon & Naarah) (PL 19:263): Asthma better.
South America:
32. Suzi (of Jonathan & Clara) (PL 19:81): Suzi was hospitalised for several weeks with meningitis, but is now recovering miraculously! She is back home, & shows no signs of permanent damage.
33. The Lord has permanently delivered Pepe (severely handicapped son of Magdalena & Ebed) (PL 14) from his suffering by taking him Home to Heaven. (See testimony from Madgalena on page 19.)
34. New good housing (PL 19:108) secured in several locations.
35. Meek (PL 19:134): Has regained the use of her right arm.
36. Consuelo (of David S.) (PL 19:125): Nausea gone; pregnancy has been smoother than usual.
37. Miguel (YA) (PL 19:139): Stomach problems improving.
38. Maria Clara (2-1/2, of Mateo & Brunhilda) (PL 12:86): From Mateo & Brunhilda: "We'd like to thank the Lord for all the miracles He has done for Maria Clara during these last 2-1/2 years. Her 3 operations were a success. Her urinary system is almost totally healed, with no more infections, & her kidneys have not been harmed! Thank you for your prayers!"
Europe:
39. Successful JETT, teen, & OC camps (PL 19:94) were held in a number of countries, resulting in renewed dedication & inspiration in many of our young people.
40. Humanitarian aid shipment in Russia is nearing completion (PL 19:151) after a series of miracles. The Family was able to ship 160 tons of donated food to Siberia, & the Lord has opened up doors to distribute additional tonnage to the needy in Moscow, which has led to new contacts & opportunities to witness.
41. The special Summer outreach push throughout Europe (SWIFT) (PL 19:100) has been a great success! Every Home has sent out all or most of their members on road trips by families, & the results have been very inspiring, with lots of fruitful witnessing, fun family time, & exciting miracles of the Lord's supply.
42. The airing on British TV of a very negative documentary against the Family (PL 19:118) was a flop! The show was not picked up or reported in any of the papers, & the media storm that was expected as a result, & which we heard our enemies were trying to instigate, passed without even a "breeze".
43. Our Balkan pioneer teams' (PL 19:149) efforts to reach the refugees in Croatia & Bosnia have been very fruitful. The Lord has helped bring in more reinforcements, is opening doors & greatly expanding our witnessing opportunities there. With more personnel, our teams have been able to reach many more towns, putting on singing & puppet shows for the refugees & their children, winning souls, encouraging the needy, & getting out the message via the Posters in the local language!
44. The Lord has been blessing our pioneer efforts to reach the Southern & Asian republics of the former USSR (PL 18:149). The Kiddie Viddies are now being broadcast on TV stations in three Muslim republics, & our team there has been having fruitful outreach. Our pioneer trips to the war-torn republics of Georgia & Armenia were fruitful & the Lord led them to some important contacts, opening the doors for further trips.
45. Gallio (PL 19:167): Heart feeling better. (See testimony on page 17.)
Pacific:
46. The Lord provided a large spacious house for the Teen Singing Home in Australia, with everything they needed to set it up.
47. The Family was well received at a human rights conference in Australia, where they testified of their recent experiences during the Australian persecution.
48. Manami (toddler, of Isaac & Joanna) (PL 19:184): Healed from pneumonia.
49. Anna S. (PL 19:188): Hands healed.
50. Anna P. (PL 19:183): Lumps under arms are gone.
51. Jeannie (PL 19:189): Stomach much better.
52. Chinese Maggie (PL 19:190): Bleeding totally stopped! Pregnancy going well; sleeping better.
53. Philip (of James & Vicky), & Yuto (of Mat & Charity) (PL 19:186): Eczema healed.
54. Leika (of Gideon & Sunny) (PL 19:186): Eczema much improved.
Asia:
55. Rejoice (of Gabe) (PL 19:208): Healed of tubal pregnancy.
56. David (YA) (PL 18:179): Bronchitis much better; coughs very seldom now.
57. Gideon (of Heidi), & Paul (of Felicia) (PL 19:210): Backs much better.
58. Dulcea (JETT, of Jesse & Penny) (PL 19:218): Double vision & squint improving.
59. Paul (7, of Stephen & Faith) (PL 19:221): No further hair loss.
60. Maggie (PL 19:209): Healed from heart pains & numbness in her left arm & hands.
61. Timo (YA) (PL 19:212): Cyst on lip has become noticeably smaller.
62. Henry & Art (close friends & supporters) (PL 19:229): Business improving.
63. Peter Attack (PL 14:119): Painful finger allergy & bleeding healed.
64. Jenai (3, of Andre & Crystal): Hole in her heart miraculously healed.
65. Aura (of Tim) (PL 19:207): Goiter gone!
PRAYER REQUESTS
CRITICAL OR LIFE-&-DEATH SITUATIONS:
(For age 14 & over.)
66. Heidi (of Peter), Pacific: An advanced case of malignant cancer of the cervix, which has spread quite rapidly. For a miraculous healing, that the cancer will either disappear entirely, or at least stop spreading; special grace for Heidi, Peter & their children during this difficult time; the Lord's guidance in any decisions Heidi makes regarding possible treatment.
67. Argentine Joanna: Bronchial pneumonia as a result of a severe asthma attack. The Lord has already done a big miracle, as Joanna was hospitalised in intensive care after her bronchial tubes had closed due to an asthma attack. She was placed on an artificial respirator, and her condition was very critical. But the next day the Lord raised her up and she made an amazing recovery! She's now breathing on her own, but remains hospitalised for pneumonia.
68. Solomon (TSer, of Belen), North America: Recently had an emergency operation to have his stomach removed due to an advanced case of cancer. For quick recovery & against any further effects of the cancer.
69. Hope Gepetto (TSer), North America: Has undergone surgery to remove a large malignant tumour from her brain. Thank the Lord, the operation was successful & Hope came through it miraculously well! The doctors were able to remove most of the tumour, but it looks like she may still need to undergo further treatment. For a miraculous healing, & for the doctors' wisdom in any further medical care they suggest. For needed strength & faith for Hope & her family.
70. Rejoice (9, daughter of ex-member David), North America: Has had cancer for the past three years & is undergoing chemotherapy treatment. She is now in critical condition. For the Lord to heal her, as well as comfort & strengthen her parents.
71. Renee (of Tim) (PL 19:82), Asia: Against side effects of radiation treatment for cancer, making bowel movements difficult & painful. For healing, renewed appetite, weight gain & a fighting spirit.
72. Faith (of Philip) (PL 19:79), Asia: Breast cancer. For speedy & miraculous healing, strength, & faith.
73. Liz Grey (69) (PL 19:78), Asia: Healing from cervical cancer; for her bleeding to stop & for needed strength, as the bleeding weakens her considerably.
74. Lizzy (4, of Jerry & Julie) (PL 19:80), North America: Scheduled to have an operation in September for a serious kidney malfunction. For the Lord to either heal her before the operation is necessary, or that the operation will be successful; for His anointing on the medical staff & a quick recovery.
75. Swiss Phoebe (PL 19:76), Europe: Continued fight against Hodgkin's Disease.
DAD & MAMA:
(For all. OCs & under with guidance.)
76. Continued strength for Dad after recovering from a serious bout of flu (see answered prayer #1). That he will be able to get good exercise, as well as easily take in all the nourishment his body needs.
77. For Mama's resistance to colds & headaches, which she is very susceptible to & which weaken her considerably.
78. Mama: Vaginal & uterine cysts. The doctor is recommending a hysterectomy. For a speedy healing, & that no operation will be necessary.
79. Peter, who is a little run-down physically & in need of renewing during a time of major moves & decisions; that he & those working with him will have great wisdom & anointing for their tasks.
80. One of Dad & Mama's staff members who is experiencing back problems.
WORLDWIDE
(For all. OCs & under with guidance.)
Parents & Children:
81. For the Lord to continue to raise up dedicated teachers, men & young people in particular, who will make education their profession in the Family; for the encouragement & appreciation of our present teachers.
82. That our young people who are in childcare will keep the vision of what an important calling it is, & won't be tempted to compare themselves with other teens who may have more "showy" ministries, such as being part of a singing troupe, etc.
83. That any weak areas in scholastics will be strengthened through extra tutoring or supplemental workbooks & study material.
84. That our parents & teachers can better learn how to use all the childcare material in the pubs.
85. For our backslidden teens who are coming back to the Family: Easy adjustment, good spiritual progress; that we can give them the love, care & help they need.
WS Pubs & Tools
86. Family leadership working on, & praying about, major new pubs to usher in greater Home indigenuity.
87. GP Videos:
Editing of the Endtime Street Play; filming of the Endtime Music Video.
Completion of Fantastic Friends show #2, Treasure Attic shows #5 & #6. "The Family" outreach video #2
Filming of Treasure Attic shows #7 & #8.
Planning of Fantastic Friends show #3.
Compilation of a "signs of the times" Endtime documentary video.
88. Children's DO Video Series: The production of the remainder of this 12-tape series. For the equipment, anointed script-writing, filming, simple, inspired & Spirit-filled productions.
89. "Statement" videos on Family Education, Persecution & Socialisation, all of which are being scripted &/or edited. For the final recording of the songs to be used on these videos.
90. Audio Studios: Production of the new GP Teen tape, new DO song tapes, new GP Scripture song tape; writing, auditioning, correcting & final recording of new Current Issues songs. --Continued progress on other new GP, DFO & DO projects in the works.
91. Paula (Faithy), writing about her life with Dad. Her writing has been delayed due to other matters she has had to take care of. That she will be able to resume work on this project shortly, & against any hindrances or distractions. For strength & inspiration; that the Lord will bring all the necessary details & anecdotes to her remembrance.
Outreach, Follow-up & New Disciples
92. Muslim ministries, which are being pioneered in several countries; wisdom in learning how to approach & work with the Muslims. For favourable contacts with open-minded Muslim leaders. For the production of specialised tools for this ministry.
93. Challenging & exciting new-bottle witnessing ministries & opportunities for our JETTs, teens & YAs to get involved with. That we will put in the necessary time & effort to properly train our teens & young people to witness.
94. Singing teams: That the Lord will supply openings & anoint their performances; supply of sound systems & costumes where necessary; bookings for the Christmas season.
95. For our "Go to the Churches" ministries; favourable contacts & good fruit. For our teens' ministry to church youth groups, setting an example, teaching & inspiring them to witness, etc.
Shepherding & Home Affairs
96. Desperately needed finances for our Homes: That any Homes caught in a vicious cycle of raising their support on a hand-to-mouth basis will have breakthroughs in their tool distribution, follow-up & finding supporters, thus freeing them to devote more time to pioneer witnessing projects & train our young people.
97. WS finances: Urgently needed funds for the many projects in the works, support of various pioneer & needy field ministries, etc. Please pray desperately for the Lord to continue to supply funds, to touch the hearts of friends to give, to bring in large inheritances or special gifts, or to miraculously supply in some other way.
98. For TS fellowships, which are now being held in most Areas. That they can be an encouragement & inspiration to our TS brethren. For our DO Homes' wisdom & leading as they have more contact with TS Homes, cooperate in special outreach projects & other activities, etc.
99. Our ministry with former Family Members who are interested in renewing contact with the Family, fellowshipping with & visiting Homes again. For prayerfulness & wisdom in how to help them, answer their questions, soothe the past hurts some may have, help them forsake any bitterness, correct misunderstandings, & that the Holy Spirit will work in their hearts.
100. For housing closer to large cities where we can have more access to fruitful witnessing spots. Supply of materials, furniture, etc., for new pioneer Homes that are opening.
Persecution & Media
101. Several books are being written about the Family by academics who have studied us & have a positive attitude towards us. For the Lord's anointing on the authors, & that the books will be an accurate portrayal of our beliefs & lifestyle. For the books to be widely published & read, & counteract the slanderous literature about the Family by our enemies.
102. For the Lord to thwart the efforts of the anti-cult groups who are trying to make inroads around the World, particularly in Scandinavia, Russia & other EE countries.
103. For the Lord to raise up fair-minded child psychologists who can help expose & disprove negative reports by the anti-cult movement about the Family's child-rearing standards and practices.
Court Cases
104. England: We recently received the following note from our legal team: "We all breathed a collective sigh of relief to have come to the end of the court proceedings, & to be able to say 'hitherto hath the Lord helped us'! It's been a long haul for sure, but in spite of the many knocks & bruises along the way, the Lord's been right there with us through it all, & we are so thankful for His love & care!
"The judge will make his judgement in October, giving us more time to pray for him. We are praying that in the next weeks, as the judge quietly ponders all that he has heard, that the Lord will punch through to him in a greater, more personal, & clearer way than ever before.
"In many ways, the battle has just begun, & we are now fighting on the most favourable terrain of all (prayer), without having to fight in Man's legal arena. Of course, all of us here & around the World have been praying desperately for victory, but now that we are no longer facing the day-to-day details & ups & downs, we can all focus more completely on the one thing that is now most needful, praying desperately for the Lord to move in the judge's life & clarify the real issues for him.
"Thank you very, very much for continuing to pray & encouraging the rest of the Family to keep praying for the final victory in this case! We need you so much!"
Please continue to desperately pray that the Lord will touch the heart of the judge to "judge righteous judgement", & allow Sammy to remain with Pearl. That all the Word & positive testimonies about the Family which he has read will speak to his heart; that he will be able to see through the lies & distortions of our enemies, recognise the truth & realise that the Family is a proper place for Sammy (& all our children) to grow up in.
Pearl's mother: That the Lord will miraculously change her heart to be more open to Pearl & Johnny & the Family.
For Pearl, & Matt, who have been very involved in this longstanding court battle, to get fully rested up physically & spiritually after months of very strenuous & draining court proceedings.
Against a negative media campaign which we've heard our enemies are gearing up for to coincide with the judge's ruling. That their plans will be confounded & come to naught.
105. Spain:
For the Justices of the Spanish Supreme Court & the Constitutional Court, who are presently deliberating on the appeal launched in both courts by our enemies against cases we won in Barcelona. Please pray that both courts will uphold the present rulings in our favour, & that the appeals will be struck down. For a speedy end to all our legal proceedings in Spain.
Our lawyers: Conviction & wisdom in fighting for our cause in these two cases.
106. France: (See answered prayer #5.)
For Family Members who are preparing to rebut ADFI's accusations against the Family in a face-to-face meeting arranged by the judge presiding over the court case. This meeting will take place in the presence of the judge, some time in September or October.
For the criminal case to be closed completely & speedily, as there is no evidence.
Our lawyers: conviction, perseverance, anointing & good communication with us.
Our appeal against Judge Permingeat's (the minors judge) ruling: For the hearing of our appeal at the court of appeals; that we will be able to present our evidence of the good fruit of our Bible-based education; that Permingeat's ruling to prolong the "socialisation program" (external weekly court-supervised activities for the children) for another year will be overruled.
Continued supply of funds needed for our defence.
Families involved in the case: Strength, encouragement, close connection with the Lord, finances, & supply of a new house.
Wisdom in preparing a possible civil suit against the French government for the raids on our Homes. For the lawyer who is helping us with this.
107. Argentina:
That the appeal lodged by the District Attorney (in collaboration with Marquevich & other opponents) will be rejected by the Supreme Court. That the favourable ruling by the court of appeals exonerating the Family will be upheld & the whole case against us will be laid to rest.
For the Lord to keep the present Attorney General in his position until he finishes with our resolution. Our case could be greatly prolonged if he is replaced at this time.
That the re-examination of our case by a provincial court will result in a favourable conclusion similar to that of the court of appeals.
Our close friends, lawyers & contacts who have stood with us through this persecution. That we can continue to minister to & feed them.
Our lawsuits against Baamonde, Rebollo & other adversaries; for continued media exposure of our adversaries' evil activities--that it will damage their ability to fight us.
Our main lawyer, who has helped us win our case & is presently working hard at pushing our civil suits through the courts.
108. Australia:
Socialisation activities (Melbourne): That the activities will be beneficial; that the children will be a good witness & sample. So far the activities have been going well.
Our civil suits against Social Services in both Melbourne & Sydney: For the psychiatric visits & reports needed; for our lawyer's strength, wisdom & health, as he is working very hard on the civil suits. For funding needed to push these cases through.
The preparation of a submission asking for a government inquiry into the raids in Melbourne & Sydney.
For a friend who is working on a 45-minute TV special on the Family. That it will be a good testimony & witness.
For Judge Levine, who presided over Lamb's case in Australia. According to media reports, there are attempts to remove him from his position, in part due to his decision not to remove Lamb's children from her custody.
NORTH AMERICA
(For age 14 & over.)
109. For those attending several upcoming NRM-related conferences; for needed finances & logistics.
110. For authorities to respond to our information campaign & become better informed regarding the Family & religious trends in America. That human rights organisations will take a greater interest in our cause.
111. That our lobbying against CAN & its affiliates will be successful, & that their current campaign to get in on the U.S. Health Bill will be thwarted.
112. Wisdom in our dealings with a Canadian tabloid TV show that is apparently preparing what may be a smear show on the Family. This show has been in contact with Priebe & other antagonistic detractors & is presently asking the Family for an interview.
113. Our ministry to the Chiapas refugee camps in Mexico (where a violent popular uprising started last January). For protection, wisdom, & good fruit.
114. Follow-up on those met during recent NRM-related conferences.
115. Against any possible changes in U.S. schooling laws that could restrict our Homes' ability to home school their children.
116. Warren (9, of Simon & Naarah): Full recovery from a diabetes shock; that his insulin level will remain stable.
117. Veronica (5, of Simon & Naarah): Eczema; food allergies.
118. Abner: Back problems.
119. Dust: Healing of a persistent back problem which causes considerable pain & adds greatly to the strain of his responsibilities, which involve lots of travelling. (See page 18.)
120. Amber (16, of Eman & Meek): Spastic colon.
121. Chloe Midwife (19), Rebecca (14, of Santiago & Lydia), Trust, Summer & Katrina: Migraine headaches.
122. Jonathan & Amor: Legal paperwork.
123. Aladdin (19, of Pandita): Inflammation of the eye (iritis).
124. Andre (of John & Marie): For normal physical growth, after being healed from leukaemia.
125. Joy: Varicose veins.
126. Ivan (YA): Ulcers; back problems; for weight gain & better health.
127. Jonathan (18 months, of Simon & Mary): Weak ankles; flat feet which have so far prevented him from learning to walk.
128. Ama: Haemorrhoids.
129. Jeremy (3, of Rufus & Dulce): Haemorrhoids.
130. Claire (1-1/2, of Santiago & Lydia): Chronic ear infections.
131. Lydia (of Santiago): Kidney problems.
132. Mercy: Depigmentation of the skin.
133. Joy (of Matt): Hernia.
134. Robin (YA, of Dan & Joy): Allergic reaction to penicillin she took for an impacted wisdom tooth.
135. Sunshine (of Sammy): Pregnant with number 3. Against placenta previa, & spotting which has kept her bedridden.
136. Ruth: Tumour in leg.
137. Rosita (YA, of David G.): Anaemic, 7 months pregnant with twins. For continued strength & good health during her pregnancy, safe delivery, & healthy, full-term babies.
138. Daniel (baby, of Peter & Pearl): Eczema.
139. Eden (teen, pregnant): Baby to turn from breech position.
140. John Paul (16): Back problem; asthma.
141. Vickie: Fibrous tumours.
142. Simon Black: Knee problem.
143. Rachel (22): Healthy & safe delivery.
144. Dulce (of Rufus): For her weight loss to stabilise & to recover from nervous condition.
145. Daniel (of Esther, TSer): Arthritis.
146. Elena (16, of Michael & Lily): Dislocated shoulder.
147. Ira (of Esther), Victoria (12): Swollen & sore gums.
148. Paul (14, of Job & Tryphena, TSers): Deaf & suffering from night blindness.
149. Faith Pioneer (TS): Transplanted kidney is malfunctioning.
150. Luz (of Josue): Pregnant with tumour in womb, which could cause complications.
151. Danielito (of Bernabe & Luz, TSers): Serious kidney infection.
152. Susanna: Constant nausea & dizziness during pregnancy.
153. Sebastian (4, of Chris & Celeste): Tumour in his colon.
154. Yasuko (11, of Lirio): Fungus on hands.
155. Heaven (5, of David & Tirzah): Recurring hereditary skin problem causing strong itchiness.
156. Mother Eve: Painful dislocated hip after a fall. She has been hospitalised for the past month.
157. Mark E. & Eli (YAs, of Joseph Willing): Both backslid a couple of years ago & are now in the Navy; Mark has recently renewed contact with the Family (see his testimony in a Hope, coming soon, D.V.). That the Lord will help them find their way back to the Father's house, & will keep & protect them while still in the military.
158. Paula (Bithia): For her work on writing various statements on the Family's behalf, exposing our enemies' tactics & motives in attacking us. Against distractions or problems that would hinder her from working on this; for inspiration, anointing & a powerful delivery. Continued spiritual strength, faith & trust in the Lord. For her children to yield to her change of heart.
159. For a respected academic friend who has been very supportive of the Family so far. He has recently been under a great deal of pressure & is being hit with some doubts about our sincerity. That the Lord will give him renewed faith & trust in the Family.
Summary of Continued Prayer Requests from Past PLs:
160. An end to the drought in Puerto Rico, now in its tenth month (PL 19:256).
161. David (5, of Ruth): For leg & hip bones to stay in place; continued strength. (See answered prayer #30.)
162. Susanna (of Stephen) (PL 19:301): Full recovery after operation.
163. Rose (of Matthew) (PL 19:265): Against nausea; for a strong & healthy pregnancy & easy delivery.
164. Love (PL 19:266): Duodenal ulcer.
165. Renee (3, of Paul & Melody) (PL 19:267): Healing of ears & adenoids; full hearing restored.
166. Angie (12, of Matt & Rose) (PL 19:268): Restoration of full sight to right eye.
167. Paloma (of Zac) (PL 19:269): Goiter; severe haemorrhoids; herpes.
168. Maria (14, of Zac & Paloma) (PL 19:270): Varicose veins; recurring headaches.
169. John Mark & Hope (PL 19:282): Legal affairs; physical & spiritual strength for Hope, who is pregnant.
170. Daniel (6 months, of Peter & Pearl) (PL 19:258): Eczema.
171. Mariangela (7, of Sammy & Belen) & Juan Pablo (9, of Pablo & Ruth) (PL 19:259): Front teeth to heal completely after falls.
172. Hope (of Steven): Recovery from complications during delivery of #10. (See answered prayer #19.)
173. Sunny (of John) (PL 19:290): High-risk pregnancy because of diabetes.
SOUTH AMERICA
(For age 14 & over.)
174. For projects to mass distribute Videos & Tapes in some South American countries to get off the ground.
175. Against an investigation of the Family in a South American country; that no persecution of the local Homes will result; wisdom & anointing for the media team as they take proactive measures.
176. Eric Daniel (baby of Daniel & Flor): For testicles to descend.
177. Juan: Infected gums needing substantial dental work.
178. Ruth: Severe nearsightedness.
179. Bart (of Mercy): Small dark spot in the vision of his right eye.
180. Perla (of Reuel): Against any potential harm caused by a chest x-ray she had during her first month of pregnancy (not knowing she was pregnant).
181. Rita (long-time friend): Cancer of the uterus.
182. Vicky (YA, of Tim): Bothersome allergy on hands.
183. Esdras (11, of TSers Samuel & Crystal): Hansen's Disease (leprosy).
184. Tame (5, of TSers Ezekiel & Ester): For her brain to develop normally & that she will be able to learn to talk.
185. Against our Homes' exposure to hepatitis in several Latin American countries.
Summary of Continued Prayer Requests from Past PLs:
186. Suzi (of Jonathan & Clara): Complete & speedy recovery from the aftereffects of meningitis. Her full recovery is expected to take several months, as she needs to learn to walk again. (See answered prayer #32.)
187. Margie (PL 19:124): Bleeding ulcers in cervix.
188. Maria Fe (teen, of John & Fe) (PL 19:138): Cystic fibrosis.
189. Clara Heaven, German Steven (PL 19:127): Asthma.
190. Michael Eric (13, of Martin & Mercy) (PL 19:129): Frequent ear & throat infections.
191. Maria Clara (2-1/2, of Mateo & Brunhilda): For her dislocated hips to go back in place; that her paralysed legs will regain feeling & that she can learn how to walk. For continued supply of needed medical care for her. (See answered prayer #38.)
EUROPE
(For age 14 & over.)
192. Media storm in Poland: Direction & wisdom for our media team; that they can effectively refute our enemies' lies & negative publicity against us; for our proactive push against ADFI's affiliates in this country.
193. The Lord's anointing on the Polish Family as they take part in a documentary being produced on NRMs. That it will result in a factual & positive witness.
194. Against a possible media flare-up in a West European country.
195. Wisdom & the Lord's leading concerning a documentary that a TV producer wants to do on the BI Show Troupe.--If it is the Lord's Will that we go through with it, that it will be a positive witness & accurate portrayal of the Family.
196. For a renowned West European NRM specialist who recently visited a Home; that he will continue to draw closer to the Family & have a more complete & accurate understanding of our beliefs & way of life.
197. For the push to decentralise large Homes throughout Europe. Speedy supply of new smaller Homes in the proper locations.
198. The Homegoing of Liberty (of Willing): Liberty had a sudden but peaceful Homegoing, which doctors attribute to a brain tumour that had been discovered in tests done a few days before her graduation. Although her death came as a surprise, apparently the Lord deemed it best to spare her from further pain or suffering resulting from the tumour, & take her to her heavenly reward & a higher calling with Him! For the Lord to comfort & strengthen Willing, & Liberty's children; that any legal matters pertaining to her graduation can be resolved without any problems or difficulties. (See page 15.)
199. Backslidden teen who has had serious legal problems: That he can be situated in a stable situation & get a job, & that his actions will not be a bad reflection on the Family or cause his parents undue problems.
200. Havilah (YA, of Gabe) (pregnant with #1): Cyst in womb. For a safe & healthy pregnancy & baby.
201. Summer: Strong pains in leg greatly hindering walking.
202. Servant: Sprained back.
203. I. (6, son of close friend of Family): Diabetes.
204. Johnny (1, of Nehemiah & Vigna): Chronic bladder infection; to regain appetite & gain weight.
205. Jewel (of Micah): Recovery from difficult delivery.
206. Meekness Nightingale: Sprained back.
207. Peter (3, of TSers Dust & Maria): Leukaemia.
208. Thaddeus: Arthritis.
209. Grace (of Leyland): Serious varicose veins; pregnant with #10.
210. German Clara: Eczema.
211. Joy: Pregnant, with severe inflammation of joints. For a safe & easy delivery, as this condition can greatly affect giving birth.
Summary of Continued Prayer Requests from Past PLs:
212. Balkan pioneer teams (PL 19:149)
Good health, supply (including housing), & strength for the difficult conditions they face.
Protection from sniper fire, land mines & other dangers.
Wisdom & discernment as they minister to the refugees, the local Croatians & others, all of whom are very needy, broken, & in many cases bitter.
That the Lord will lead the teams to those with the greatest receptivity, & help them find the key to reach these people's hearts & lives.
A continued fruitful ministry to the U.N. soldiers, particularly those wounded & in the rehabilitation centres.
For the ministry to the refugee children.
Alertness both spiritually & physically.
Good communications with local U.N. or government officials.
Against any air strikes or shelling, & for an end to the conflict in the Balkans.
213. Jesse (of Leyland & Grace) (PL 17:183): Chronic ear infections.
214. Lily (of Andrew) (PL 18:159): Scoliosis.
PACIFIC
(For age 14 & over.)
215. Byron (YA, of Suzie): Tumour under arm. (Thank the Lord, in answer to prayer this has not hindered him from doing his work.)
216. Miki: Eczema.
217. Praise: Tumour on uterus.
218. Etoile: Swollen or enlarged ovaries. That they will be healed without the need for an operation.
219. Abe (of Mercy): Painful abscess in groin.
220. Harmony (15, of Peter & Joan): Asthma.
221. Peter Irish: Black spots & lines in vision.
222. Angie (8, of Steven & Anna): Double pneumonia.
223. Willing (of Molly): Back problems.
224. Luke (of Joan): Successful surgery to remove bone chips in knees.
225. Sophie (10, of Tito & Christina): Nearsightedness.
226. Crystal (of Stephen): Tumours in uterus.
227. Maggie: Against bleeding during pregnancy; for good health & sleep, & a healthy baby.
228. Christina: Healing of right ankle, despite doctor's claims that her ankle condition is incurable.
229. Marcus: Inflamed tendon on knee.
230. Marie Claire: Cyst on ovary; that she will be healed without having to undergo a type of chemotherapy for it.
231. Mitsuru (5, of Matthew & Charity): Nearsightedness.
232. David (15, of Emanuel & Olivia): Asthma.
233. Sara Kiwi: Swollen hernia.
Summary of Continued Prayer Requests from Past PLs:
234. Crystal (of Hab) (PL 19:83): Diagnosed as having a pre-cancerous stage of breast cancer. That it will heal & not develop into malignant cancer.
235. Steven Faith (PL 18:69): Continued healing of cancer & painful tumours in shoulder.
236. Paula (Faithy) (PL 19:175): Low blood pressure.
237. Mercy (5, of David & Peace) (PL 19:197): Recurring middle ear infections. Against side effects due to long duration of infections.
238. Gabe (of Sunshine) (PL 19:177): Lump in chest causing discomfort.
239. Love (PL 19:179): Migraine headaches & eye aches.
240. Chinese Jenny: (PL 19:198) Live-out member in China, going through a difficult time of decision-making. To stay close to the Lord.
ASIA
(For age 14 & over.)
241. James (of Charity): Partially slipped disk. The base of his spine is out of alignment, putting pressure on the spinal cord. For strength.
242. Charity (of James): Asthma; for weight gain.
243. Sara (of Simon): Complications during 7th pregnancy.
244. Joan (of Simon): Recurring pain & bleeding after operation; for strength & regular periods.
245. Hosanna & Maryann, Heidi, Celeste, John & Jacinta: Needed legal work.
246. John F.: Anointing for Farsi translations.
247. Faithy (14, of Byron & Marie): Injured knee.
248. Michelle (6, of Jeremy & Angel): Asthma.
249. Suzie: Eczema.
250. John (teen, of Jim & Lily) & Tony (teen, of Jonathan & Lili Rose): Recovery from malaria.
251. Ana (8, of Stephen & Sue Torch): Recurring facial boils.
252. Melissa (14, of Paul & Felicia): Appendicitis attacks.
253. Lydia (17, of Adam & Divina): Impaired hearing in one ear.
254. Sharon (YA): Tonsillitis.
Summary of Continued Prayer Requests from Past PLs:
255. India (PL 19:201): Stable electricity, water supply, good phone communications for Homes.
256. India (PL 19:202): Live-outs' spiritual growth & fruitfulness.
257. Thai Abe (PL 19:234): Quick convalescence after an operation for a brain tumour; for full use & strength of his arm & leg; that there will be no further recurrence of the tumour.
258. Peter John, James (of Dust), Abel, Newheart (of Joy), Dove (YA) (PL 19:210): Back problems.
259. Eman (YA) (PL 19:211): Hernia.
260. Joanna (of John) (PL 19:227): Psoriasis (skin disease); painful varicose veins.
261. Peter Prayerful (PL 19:216): Abnormal enlargement of limbs.
262. Jasmine (1-1/2, of David & Angel) (PL 19:215): Proper growth of leg.
263. Mary Dear (PL 19:217): Cervical ulcer.
264. Dulcea (JETT, of Jesse & Penny): Double vision & a bad squint in one eye. (See answered prayer #58.)
265. Mr.D. (close friend) (PL 19:232): Business problems.
266. Ingga (close friend) (PL 19:233): Continuous physical affliction, resulting in discouragement.
267. Carmel (JETT, of Michael & Sharon) (PL 19:219): Improved hearing & speech.
268. Charity (10, of Mercy) (PL 19:223): Very weak eyesight.
269. Timo (YA): Cyst on lower lip. (See answered prayer #61.)
270. Jesse (9, of Sarah) (PL 19:224): Nearsightedness.
271. Flame (6, of Sarah) (PL 19:222): Asthma.
272. Christopher (of Jewel) (PL 18:190): Deafness in left ear.
273. Angel (of David) (PL 18:189): Womb infection.
274. Abi (deaf daughter of Happy & Charity) (PL 18:191): Clear & improved speech.
REACTIONS & TESTIMONIES!
(For All. However, please use discretion in what you read with children from this section, & be sure to explain anything they might misunderstand.)
Liberty's Homegoing (see prayer request #198).
(Editor's note: The following prophecy was received during a prayer session held in one of our offices after Liberty's homegoing to ask the Lord why He took her so suddenly.)
She hath been very dear & precious unto thy Father's heart, & I have called her unto Me for a time such as this. For ye have each received an unction from the Lord. I have given each one their several abilities & their anointing, & I have given unto her Mine anointing for a special task. Therefore think it not strange that I should call her unto Me at such a time as this. For the days of this earth wax worse & worse, & the hearts of men grow colder & colder. As the dark days approach, My light shall shine brighter, & I have gathered her unto Me that she may fulfill the purpose that I have ordained her for. Ye have your calling & she has her calling. I have My plan, & My ways are above thy ways; therefore think it not strange that I should call her unto Me, for she shall fulfill that for which I have called her.
Know ye not that I am the God of all flesh? Shall I not do with My Own as I will? Therefore stumble not at the death of this little one, for she has loved Me & I have loved her; yea, ye have loved her also. So trouble not yourselves at the death of this little one. For have I not had My hand upon her life all this time? Therefore fear not, only believe; for in believing ye shall find rest & peace & comfort unto your hearts & souls. Not one sparrow falleth to the ground but that thy Father knoweth it. All things that come of the Master's Hand are planned, & she hath fulfilled My plan. Therefore stumble not at these things nor think it strange, for I have need of her.
(The following is a letter that was read at a Family ceremony after Liberty's funeral, written by one of the European CROs:)
Dear Liberty, we want you to know how very special you were to us while you were here, & indeed, how very special you still are to us. Your memory is one which we will all cherish in a special way, for in one way or another, you touched each of our lives in a unique & personal way. You were someone who always made it easy for others to be good, who always had a smile & a word of encouragement, & you were always comforting to be around. We felt from you such love, such outgoing concern for others, such a shepherdess' heart, & we are so thankful for the blessing of being able to call you sister & friend. We love you, Liberty, & though this time of parting is--for those of us still on this side of the veil--a sad one, we rejoice for you, & for the memory of your life with us, & for the testimony of His Love which your life stood for.
You've been with us here in England for two years now, & before that, for many years in Eastern Europe, a field which was dear to your heart & into which you poured your heart & soul. And with all you've had to pay in personal sacrifices over the years, you came to Western Europe quite broken & yielded to do the Master's Will. Over the months & years that we were privileged to know you, we were so touched by your fighting spirit, your can-do attitude, & your calm & peaceful spirit even in the midst of whatever storm was raging around you. You were always positive, uplifting, & had a smile & word of faith & encouragement on your lips, no matter what was happening, & this was always such a source of strength to us all. You are to us a wonderful testimony of the beauty of a life yielded to His Love, of a person willing to die to herself to be what He wanted you to be, & of a vessel of the Lord's Love for all.
When we asked the Lord why He should have allowed you to pass through the veil at this particular time, why your illness wasn't discovered sooner so that something could be done to help you, He said that He had purposed to take you as one who could stand in the gap & fight for the rest of us in the spirit; just as you had here on earth, only more effectively & powerfully than ever before. At this time of crises & battles of all sorts facing us on many sides, & with all that we face in order to continue to accomplish what the Lord has called us to do, we can see the Lord's wisdom in calling you on to not only a place of higher service, but of greater reward, more perfect peace, & complete freedom from the cares & burdens of this short, mortal life.
You fought the good fight of faith, & now you've laid hold on eternal life in a way which can never be taken away from you! Though we are saddened to miss your smile & cheerful love here on earth, we can't help but rejoice for you over the fact that you passed on so quickly & easily, at the joy you must now be experiencing, as well as being so very thankful for your help from the spirit!--And many of us can already testify to feeling your help in many ways! So when we shed our tears today, it isn't for you, but for ourselves, as we love & miss you.
Dear Liberty, we love you & are sure that whenever your name is spoken by those who knew you here on earth, that our thoughts will turn to Him Who allowed us to have the blessing of your presence with us for a time, & will inspire in our hearts the desire to be more like Him, more like the sample of His Love that we saw in you. And what greater deed can be done by a mortal, than to inspire others to be more like Him!
v
From Liz & Faith's Shepherds, SEA:
(Editor's note: We thought it might encourage you to read these updates on the health of Liz Grey & Faith (of Phillip), who are suffering from cancer & have been on the Prayer List for some time, God bless them. Thank you for your continued prayers for them, we're sure they appreciate them!)
Elizabeth Grey: The Lord has miraculously kept Liz from experiencing any pain, though some other symptoms have developed. For the past six months she has experienced vaginal bleeding, which at times can be quite intense, & this has caused her to have to rest quite a bit. She also has become a lot weaker & has had to slow down considerably. However, the Lord has turned this into a beautiful Romans 8:28, as it has helped dear Liz to take up the Ministry of Prayer, not only interceding for many different situations & people, but also receiving guidance & direction from the Lord on many occasions, which has been very beautiful, praise the Lord! Dear Liz continues to take a real stand of faith & has a very victorious & praising attitude which we really admire her for. God bless her.
Faith: Faith is doing quite well. The cancer has been a catalyst in helping Faith grow stronger spiritually, though physically she definitely is weaker & tends to tire faster. She has some pain in her left breast & it gets quite sensitive. She says there are also some smaller lumps in her right breast. She is taking the stand of faith, & of course it's a real fight, God bless her. When she's having problems, she asks for prayer & then generally the pain subsides. She's very, very brave & happy & in the victory. Thank the Lord, she is able to carry on normally & she seems to do fine as long as she gets her quiet time & gets to bed on time. Spiritually she is doing very well. Please do keep her in your prayers, as the battle is not over.
v
From Gallio, Europe:
I wanted to thank you & others for your prayers, as my heart has been doing better of late (see PL 19:167)! Actually, about two weeks ago, it had started getting worse, as previously the pains & shortness of breath & dizziness would only come while exerting physical effort, but then it started happening just sitting at my desk working in a sedentary position. A few times it started getting pretty strong & I asked the Lord for a verse & got Galatians 2:20, "But the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me & gave Himself for me."
I really had to cling to that, as certainly my life in the flesh is all by faith. When I would hold on to that verse & quote it, the condition would subside, but if I let go, it would get a bit worse, which shows what a real spiritual warfare it is.
Then too, in praying about what to do, the Lord reminded me of the need for more regular & vigorous get-out. I have been getting it every day, but perhaps not doing it the way I should. So I started having a minimum of one good solid hour walk, starting off slowly to avoid the initial pain, & then once I felt I was past the danger point, I would pick up speed to a brisk walk. I started out by even walking longer, an hour & a half, & afterwards I felt great! I have experienced very little of the former difficulties.
I also discovered that the best time of day for me is early morning, as when walking in the afternoon, or particularly after dinner at night, it almost seemed to have the opposite effect of bringing on the difficulties. Perhaps it's due to my digestive system or just the way my body is functioning at certain times of the day, but in any case I found that the morning walks bear more fruit. I have tried to be faithful with these & so far it seems to be helping.
v
From Dust, North America:
Thank you for your prayers, especially for my back (see FUN 23), which is doing better, but is still in need of the Lord's complete healing. I'm learning some very precious lessons during this time. One of those lessons is expressed in the comments which you made, Mama, on the first page of Prayer List 19, where you explain what a victory it is over so much pain & heartache & trials when the Lord heals, especially a long-term affliction.
I must confess that up until I had this problem with my back, which has put me flat on my back for the past several weeks & has been quite painful, I didn't grasp what these prayer requests really mean. But now I've come to realise through this prolonged affliction that, like you said about someone suffering from asthma, "who was afflicted with this very draining & often fear inspiring & even life threatening affliction, to them, the words, 'asthma healed', are some of the most wonderful words they've been able to say & they mean more than we can ever realise".
I've always been very ready to pray for healing requests, but somehow this whole dimension of healing prayer requests & fighting for healing had escaped me.--I guess because I've always enjoyed very good health & haven't had to fight for victory over a prolonged affliction such as I'm having to do now.
Now when I read prayer requests in the Prayer Lists, I can hardly read them without weeping for those who are suffering such afflictions, pain & heartache, & who are so desperately asking for prayer. It causes me to wonder, "Where have I been?!" It wasn't until such an affliction befell me & until I saw it expressed by you, Mama, that now I think I understand these things. I know that I at least have more understanding & compassion for those who are afflicted & in need of healing than I ever had before. Seeing your heart as expressed in these few comments has touched me very deeply, & even now I can hardly read through those words without weeping for Dad & you & so many of our precious Family Members who are fighting to "bring down the Lord's healing touch". May God touch & heal each & every one! Having now suffered this back problem for the past several weeks, I don't think I'll ever look on another healing prayer request the same.
v
From Magdalena, South America (mother of Pepe, see answered prayer #33. Excerpts of a letter to Dad & Mama.):
I'm writing this note to let you know about my son Pepe's graduation & to thank you & the whole Family for your prayers & concern for him & for me. I know that I couldn't have made it without them. The Lord took him Home while at the hospital after his lungs stopped working properly, causing his heart to stop.
Mama, you say in the Letter "Endure Hardness" (GN 515), "As we now come closer to the End, we are going to have to learn more patience. We are going to have to learn how to endure! We are going to have to get used to fighting more long-term battles. We are going to learn what it means to really hold on, not just for one day or one month, but perhaps for many months at a time. We are going to have to learn to truly cling to God's Word & 'endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ'!" (ML 2786:14.) This whole Letter is so true & was a tremendous help to me during those times when it seemed like, after years of desperate prayer by many, the Lord wasn't answering. It gave me faith to hold on & to believe His promises. It wasn't easy, but the Lord made it that way so I could learn precious lessons of believing faith, perseverance, patience & about your & the Family's love for Pepe & I. Many times I was tempted to fear what it would be like to be stuck somewhere with Pepe without the Family's help. But during all these years, you & the Family have never failed us, & have helped & upheld us in the Spirit. I never felt like I was fighting alone. Thank you!
The Lord also told us that one of the reasons He had Pepe in an institution for so long was so we could witness to the sweet & dedicated people that work there, as well as bring His Love & Salvation to those poor afflicted children & adults. Many have received Him, in spite of their handicaps. They've always been receptive, & have received Jesus & our lit. D.V., the local Home will be able to keep ministering to this institution.
v
From Matthew & Magda Polish, Europe:
We'd like to send a big "thank you" to all who prayed for us during these trying times. (See PL 19:163.) We sure felt your prayers. We knew we couldn't make it without them. It was only your prayers that helped us to stay victorious when faced with the fact that our child might die, carrying the baby through to the end of the pregnancy, waiting for the day of delivery, & finally, having to say goodbye to our precious little one.
The Family's love & concern was especially dear to us. Magda had a long labour because of complications with the baby, & I spent most of this time with her at the hospital. But it was a wonderful feeling to know we were not alone, that you were with us in spirit. It was comforting to know there was a prayer chain going on. Every time I called Home with an update from the hospital I was assured of everybody's love & prayers.
Sometimes it's so easy to take for granted the fact that there are always others who love & care for us, that we forget what a miracle it is. But situations like this make it so much more alive & clear that the Family is the best place to be in!
We now know how much your prayers are an encouragement to those going through suffering, trials, court cases, etc. We have experienced that the Word & prayer are the best help & power we have in the Family! TYJ! Thankfully, Matthew & Magda.
v
From Abigail, SEA:
When reading over the "Answered Prayer" section of the Prayer List, I couldn't help but stop & really pour out my heart in thanks to the Lord as fervently as we have been petitioning the Lord for these requests. It impressed upon me so much how Dad has taught us that we should acknowledge & thank the Lord just as fervently for the answer as when we first prayed. Previously I would read through the "Answered Prayer" section hurriedly & not take the time to acknowledge & thank the Lord for all the miraculous ways in which He has been answering everyone's prayers. There are so many beautiful victories won, it makes me so happy to have such a God as ours Who is working so many mighty miracles for us! TYJ!
v
From Julie, Asia:
To read the testimonies of people who have felt the answer to our prayers is so uplifting & faith-building & makes me want to pray all day. To know there are those who are depending on our raising the standard for them in prayer makes me realise what a true prayer warrior is. It brings me into true fellowship with those I don't even know but whom I care about, & in turn become closer to Jesus. I'm realising how limitless prayer is, yet how little I take advantage of its potential.
v
From Gina, North America:
I would like to express my gratitude for these Prayer Lists & the Family's support in prayer, as they've touched my life personally. I've had two of my boys on them (Peter, 17, & Paul Mark, 7) & the Lord's really worked in both of their lives & answered their requests. I was also on the Prayer List once & the Lord answered too. I am so thankful for the Family's faithfulness to pray for these prayer requests. It truly shows each one's love & concern.
v
From Paula (Bithia), North America (excerpts from a letter to Dad & Mama):
I was moved to tears to hear that a prayer request had been sent to the Family on my behalf once again. However, the tears didn't come this time because of the love & concern that has been so earnestly conveyed by the Family, but because I have experienced the answer to those prayers.
As the battle raged against me & as I contended with the oppressors that sought after my soul, I became weak & weary; & when my soul fainted within me, then I remembered the Lord & was delivered. Surely, I could not have come to this point had it not been for the prayers of many. My renewed spirit & strength is the direct answer to the prayers that all have prayed on my behalf! I only wish there was some way to convey to those that have sought the Lord on my behalf the extraordinary & divine way the Lord has been a Deliverer.
I have many to thank for these earnest prayers, as they have given me a gift that is without measure--a renewed & strengthened relationship with the Lord, enabling me to become secure & comforted in the Love of Jesus, a gift that I will endeavour to share with others. Hallelujah!
Amazingly, of all my children (who have been very much against my friendship with the Family), my youngest son Victor, the most troubled & weakest, has become my strongest supporter & defender! He himself stated after having witnessed many heart-wrenching tirades delivered by his brothers & sister against me, "Mother, I have seen a new strength in you & ability to cope with traumatic situations that you have never had before." I explained to Victor that this new strength has specifically come from the Lord & my restored relationship with Him. Victor said, "I know. That's the kind of relationship I want to have with the Lord." Victor went on to say, "I'm glad you are helping the Family right now. You can continue as long as you want. I'm just so happy you are surrounded by those that can give you the spiritual support you need."
I love you both dearly. Truly, it has been Jesus' healing elixir that has carried me through & which will continue to carry me--but your sample, Dad & Mama, has also been as a light on a hill which has guided my steps.
Love & prayers, Paula.
v
(Editor's note: The following is from one of our main Pubs editors who has been sick with a bad cold, which has made it difficult for her to complete the important & timely projects she is working on. We felt the lessons that she shared below might be a help to others in a similar situation. Please keep this person in your prayers, that the Lord will give her the necessary good health & strength to do her important work.)
(Excerpts from a message to Mama):
I found that having that bad cold was just what I needed, & I can see a real Romans 8:28 in it. It was a blessing in disguise. I had come back from a couple of needed days off very rested--and having had a break from desk work was nice--but I was very keyed up, with all this nervous energy inside. I don't know exactly how that came about--I think it might have been just a cumulative effect from the heavy workload over the last few months. I felt like inside I was going 100 miles an hour.
For a while I had been having a hard time getting good Word or prayer time, because I was so keyed up with so many thoughts & this big "push" feeling. The Lord had been checking me about this for some time, with thoughts like, "Boy, am I praying at all? Am I even thinking about the Lord or looking to Him at all?" I knew I had been missing the quiet time I needed, that unhurried fellowship with the Lord, & I was trying to correct myself on it, but I wasn't having much success.
So the end result was that I was pretty much running on adrenaline or the "rush" or the "high" of all that was happening & all that there was to do. I knew I needed to settle down, but it just wasn't happening. And when I came back from my few rest days, I had determined in my mind, "Okay, rest time is over! Now I'm really going to buckle down. I'm going to work hard & long hours, & get back in the groove & make lots of progress, etc. etc." But now I realise that there was so much self-effort involved in my plan. I was determined that I was going to do this, & I was going to do that, etc., instead of seeking the Lord for His help & strength.
It almost makes me laugh now to see that was not at all what the Lord had planned, as the very next day after I had come up with this "great plan" that I was determined to follow, I got such a bad cold that all I could manage to do was either sleep, lie in bed, or sit in my chair. I was as sick as a dog. My eyes were very watery, & I was blowing my nose about 25 times an hour. I was a mess!
At first I was devastated. Things were certainly not going as I had planned. But since I had absolutely no strength, it was fairly easy to resign myself to my fate--that I was just going to have to quit struggling & relax & wait it out. It soon dawned on me that quiet time was just what I needed, & I realised, "Wow, this is great!" Instead of working at a feverish pace to "catch up", I just needed to calm down & get back in contact with the Lord & give Him more respect.
So there I was, sick in bed, & the idea of trying to get any of my pressing projects accomplished was pretty much out of the question. But I found there's a tremendous sense of peace & relaxation when you can't do anything but just lie there or sit there in quietness. It was like entering a time warp where there were no limitations, schedule requirements, group meetings, or obligations of any kind. It was actually quite nice, except for the physical discomfort.
It's not like I had any monumental lessons or revelations during that quiet time, but it certainly served to jerk the rug out from under me & bring me down a few notches. I have a problem with self-effort & leaning too much on my own strength or will power. Sometimes I know I'm leaning too much on the arm of the flesh, I know I'm not depending enough on the Lord or seeking Him enough, but I can't quite pull myself out of it. So in such cases, it's always helpful when the Lord takes things into His Own hands. It feels so good to know that He's in control.
I read so much Word on natural strength, the importance of not depending on myself, giving the glory to God, etc.--It was just what I needed.
I feel very happy with what the Lord has done; & even though I'm rather weak physically now, as I'm still fighting the cold & earaches & a bad backache, I feel much more equipped spiritually to do the work I need to do. Thank You Jesus!
PRAYER IDEAS!
From Happy, Mary & Marcela, South America:
We learned a valuable lesson on prayer, as we had been letting our prayer vigils slide. The Lord didn't bless that, & one of our kids became quite sick. Since we didn't have the personnel to be able to carry on constant prayer vigils, we put someone in charge of ringing a bell every hour so everyone in the Home could stop to pray. We're doing this every day now, choosing different themes each day. We're also being more faithful with our daily prayer vigils.
From Sharon (YA), SEA:
We have been trying to be more faithful with our prayer vigils, so we started a Prayer Chain Book. The way it works is that you pass the book around to anyone who is home, for them to stop what they are doing for a 15-minute prayer break. After each person does their 15 minutes they pass it on to the next person. The prayer vigil deacon makes a list each day of everyone who will be on the chain. It's a real inspiring way to pray as it's uniting--you see the names ticked off of people who have prayed before you, & it makes you want to join in & desperately pray too.
From Lily (teen), Asia:
Here's a new way to pray called "Beep Prayer". You break up into teams of 3-5 people & each team is given a certain subject to pray for. You go around the circle in your team, using a one-line prayer, but you can't repeat the same thing twice. For example: Mary, John, Sally & Chris are on one team. Their prayer request is for Dad & Mama. If John uses the words "Mama's eyes" in his prayer, & Mary also uses "Mama's eyes", she is then "beeped out", & on it goes. The goal is not to beep everyone out but to help people to be in tune & awake during prayer & not space out while other people are praying. It's a lot of fun & keeps everyone on their toes.
(Editor's note: We're so glad you're coming up with new prayer ideas to keep prayer time exciting & variety-filled. God bless you! We thought you might be interested in some varying reactions to this particular prayer idea. One person brought out the point that, "When praying in a group, there are times when it is fine to pray for the same thing someone else prayed for--just as during a prophecy session the Lord may give you the same verse that He gave someone else. Prayers come from the Spirit of God [see Rom.8:26], so when trying to concentrate on not repeating what someone else said, it could be more of a head trip than a heart prayer."
(On the other hand, someone else remarked that from their experience, "At times this could be a valid way to help those praying--the children in particular--not to space out during prayer time, since they'd be listening to the prayers of others so they don't repeat the same. It may seem a bit awkward at first, but it's like when we started trying not to repeat the word 'Lord' so many times while praying. For most people, myself included, it took real effort & concentration, & at first my prayers didn't sound so natural or spontaneous, but then I got into the habit. I think it could be a fun way to help people tune in & get the most out of their prayer time."
(Thanks for sending in your prayer ideas so they can benefit others too! We love you!)
From Julie, Asia:
While our Home's road team was away, the middle & older children took up the torch to be the prayer warriors for the team. They acknowledged their every request for prayer with a fervent, full-of-faith spirit & came up with numerous fun & inspiring ways to get everybody behind the road team in prayer. When the road team returned home, it was very exciting for these children in particular. It was like welcoming home the winning team. There was such a spirit of unity & Godly pride amongst the group, & prayer was what had brought it about.
From Paula (teen), Asia:
The Prayer Lists are a constant reminder of how little my problems really are compared to those asking for prayer. I have written down some of the "life-&-death" situations in my notebook, so whenever I pull it out, I pray for them. This also helps me to fill up my time with prayer instead of unnecessary talking or thoughts.
From Tim, Tanya & Celeste, Australia:
This month we put up a prayer list with specific needs that we wanted the Lord to supply. We put a chart on the wall where people wrote the request. Then there were two columns, one for the date the need was prayed for, & the other for when it was answered. We prayed specifically for $2,000 in two weeks, & the Lord supplied, mostly in a lump sum just at the end of the two weeks. It was so encouraging! We also prayed for a car, & the Lord supplied that as well! Hallelujah!
From Joan, Tamar & Ben, Europe:
We received a TV, video, hair dryer, toaster & two tape players from two relatives who stayed a few days with us & read our "Prayer & Answered Prayer List" on our notice board! Praise the Lord!
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE LONG-TERM PRAYER LIST
As a reminder, we thought it might be helpful to include a brief summary of the main topics covered in the long-term list (PL 20). Hopefully this will come in handy to jog your memory in praying for these topics in case you're having prayer vigil & PL 20 is not available. If you want, you could even copy down this list of topics to carry & pray for in situations when you can't have the Prayer List with you, such as when out in town or taking public transport, etc. However, this is not meant as a substitute for PL 20, so please do try to refer to PL 20 for the specifics of each request.
In order to make sure that the prayer requests from the long-term list are not forgotten, how about making it a prayer vigil habit to pray for at least two requests from the long-term list every day, along with the other requests from the regular Prayer Lists? This way, you can be sure your Home has prayed for all the long-term requests at least once every six weeks. Thank you! God bless you!
Dad & Mama
Pregnant mothers
Childcare teachers/
Shepherds
Childrens' shepherding/
education
Teens/JETTs
Health
WS pubs production
Video/Audio productions
Witnessing/follow-up
Friends/supporters
Teens' witnessing ministry
Special outreach ministries
Mail ministries
Victories over NWOs
Homes' spiritual standard
Home Teamworks
Family leadership
Home/WS finances
Good Word time
Housing
Landlords/neighbours
Legal paperwork
Vehicles/drivers
Stability of local & national
governments
Media teams
Lawyers
Academics/influential friends
Media coverage/contacts
Against enemies' activities
Protection from persecution
[end]
Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family