PRAYER LIST 22
DO November 1994
November 1994, Home Services, Zurich, Switzerland
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great & precious promises, that by these we might be
partakers of the divine nature."--2 Peter 1:4.
(Please use this list with PL 20, the last long-term list. Thank you!)
For 14 years and up. Although JETTs are not allowed to read the Prayer Lists on their own, you may read it with them during Word time, or share prayer requests with them when having prayer vigil. Selected answers to prayer & testimonies of answered prayer may be read with OCs as well. Please be prayerful and use wisdom and discretion in what you share with JETTs or OCs. Be sure to present prayer requests in a positive spirit, explain things and answer any questions they may have.
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. It certainly is worth the time & effort, & it's wonderful to be able to rejoice together at the Lord's miraculous answers! "Prayer moves the hand & heart of God! He enjoys using us, confining the majesty & the power of His omnipotence to the hands of frail men & women! So pray!" (DM 2:65.)
In order to make it easier for you to cover all the prayer requests in the Prayer Lists during your prayer vigils, along with your Area, Home and personal prayer requests, we've tried to think of ways of keeping the Prayer List to a manageable size. One possible solution, which we're trying out with this Prayer List, is rather than including prayer requests for outside friends on the worldwide Prayer List, we're asking the CROs to include these on the Area-wide prayer lists which they have been sending out regularly. This way our outside friends will still be receiving the prayers they need from the Homes in their Area, which will no doubt be an encouragement to them, while cutting down on the number of requests the entire Family is responsible to pray for in the worldwide Prayer Lists.
For the same reason, we've also dropped the section of "Continued Prayer Requests from Past Prayer Lists". Those of you whose requests are on the Prayer List would probably appreciate that they be repeated as many times as possible, and we would like to as well, but we're sure you can also understand that in order to accommodate all the new prayer requests that come in, and to keep the list down to a size the Family has the time to thoroughly pray for, it may only be possible to list your request once. The bright side is that since the Prayer List is published every two months or so, that means that for two whole months the Family is praying with you for your request, and with fewer prayer requests, hopefully they'll be able to dedicate more time to beseeching the Lord for each one, thank the Lord! God bless you all!
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ANSWERED PRAYERS
(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.)
Dad & Mama:
1. As explained in Mama's Letter, "Safe in the Arms of Jesus", the Lord has blessed Dad with the most wonderful healing of all & complete deliverance from all bodily ailments, ill health & sickness--forever! Praise the Lord! Dad's now closer to us in spirit than ever, inspiring us with a Heavenly vision of the wonderful life ahead of us, & encouraging us to be faithful to the Lord & His Words & Work until the End!
2. Mama: In answer to hers and others' prayers, the Lord has given Mama supernatural grace, peace and happiness throughout and since Dad's Homegoing, as well as strength to continue her ministry each day, with the realisation of how wonderfully God has worked in every respect through this event, both in Dad's life and in ours. Also, thanks to your prayers, Mama has had absolutely no discomfort resulting from her cysts (see PL 21:78).
Worldwide:
3. Spanish court case (PL 21:105): As explained in FUN 25, Spain's Constitutional Court has ruled in favour of the Family, upholding the Court of Appeals' decision in the Barcelona civil case! It's a wonderful victory for the Family. Thank you again for your faithful prayers--they have paid off!
* Late News Flash: We just heard that the Spanish Supreme Court has announced its verdict, rejecting the appeal by the Barcelona District Attorney, and upholding the appeals court ruling acquitting the Family members of all of the criminal charges! The Supreme Court justices were unanimous in rejecting all four counts the D.A. was appealing on. This closes our last court case in Spain, effectively vindicating our Family there. What an answer to prayer! As a further victory, the positive outcome of the verdict received good media coverage both in the major Spanish newspapers as well as on radio and TV, praise the Lord!
4. The Lord has raised up several prominent & fair-minded child psychologists who are willing to help conduct studies on our children, to counter false reports by the anti-cult movement about Family child-rearing standards (PL 21:103).
5. Argentine court case (PL 21:107): The political commission of the Argentine congress voted unanimously to proceed with the full parliamentary hearing in which Marquevich is being accused of abuse of power in connection with a number of cases, most notably the one which he brought against the Family last year. Should the hearing go through, Marquevich may be forced to resign from his position as a federal judge. If that happens, Marquevich will lose his immunity & could face criminal charges for unlawful imprisonment of Family Members. The fact that the political commission (made up of members of parliament from all of Argentina's main political parties) was unanimous in its decision seems to indicate that Marquevich has lost the backing of his political allies. This could have a major impact on the outcome of our case in Argentina, which has yet to go before the Supreme Court.
South America:
6. Michael Eric (14, of Martin & Mercy) (PL 19:121): Healed of frequent throat & ear infections.
7. Suzy (of Jonathan & Clara) (PL 21:186): Suzy is recovering from meningitis amazingly well, with no visible side effects. She has almost completely regained her balance, & is walking by herself again!
8. Primavera: Healed of cyst in her womb.
9. Lidia (TSer, of Esteban) (PL 19:135): Healed from infected abscess in her throat that was spreading to her brain & causing a brain infection.
10. Argentine Joanna (PL 21:67): The Lord miraculously healed her from a severe asthma attack & lung infection for which she needed to be hospitalised. She's returned home from the hospital & has recovered amazingly fast.
11. Rejoice (9, daughter of ex-member David) (PL 21:70): The Lord has delivered her from her pain & cancer in His Own way by taking her Home to be with Him. Three hours before she passed away, Family Members visited her & her parents, & sang them songs about Heaven. TYJ that she's There now!
12. Francisco (8, of Maria Clara): Immediately healed from bronchitis after the local Family's prayers.
13. Meek (PL 19:134): Supernaturally healed of fissured disk & twisted nerve in her spine, which the doctors said could only be cured with an operation! (See testimony on page 18.)
Europe:
14. A very fruitful, uniting & inspiring Summer SWIFT programme (PL 19:100), with over 200 road teams sent out, resulting in almost 30,000 souls won, 380,000 personally witnessed to, & over 6,000 Videos distributed!
15. James (of Joan) (PL 19:165): Glaucoma completely healed!
16. Summer (PL 21:201): Since being put on the Prayer List she has been free of sharp leg pains.
17. Michelle (of Gideon & Grace): Broken foot completely healed.
18. Jesse (newborn, of Abe & Libby): Despite doctors' serious concerns, the Lord did a miracle & Jesse was born safely, & numerous tests indicate he is in good health!
Pacific:
19. Steven Faith (PL 21:235): His cancerous tumours have miraculously stopped spreading without chemotherapy! Recent tests show that only one tumour remains, & it has greatly decreased in size! (See testimony on page 20.)
20. Gabe Teacher (of Sunshine) (PL 21:238): A medical check-up showed that the lump in his chest was not a tumour or anything serious, & prayer has healed all previous discomfort.
21. Paula (Faithy): Miraculously healed of an infection in her womb that had been causing low blood pressure.
22. Honey (of Gabe) (PL 19:192): Hardly any more pain in spinal nerve since her prayer request was pubbed.
23. Lena (of Chris) (PL 19:185): Healed of uterus infection.
24. Faithy (of Dan): Pain in uterus much diminished.
25. Abe (of Mercy) (PL 21:219): Abscess in groin successfully removed.
26. David (good friend of the Family) (PL 11:139): Miraculously healed of lupus.
Asia:
27. John (teen, of Jim & Lily) & Tony (teen, of Jonathan & Lili Rose) (PL 21:250): Healed from malaria.
28. Tommy (JETT, of Stephen & Sue) (PL 19:246): Eczema is much better.
29. Isaiah (TSer) (PL 19:225): Shoulder injury healed.
30. Chad (12, of Jason & Lamb) (PL 19:226): Allergic itchiness & frequent sties have subsided.
31. Joanna (of John) (PL 19:227): Varicose veins much improved.
32. Philip (of Sharon) (PL 19:206): Demobilising pain in right calf healed.
33. Richard, Christian & Jamie (of Paul & Crystal) (PL 18:184): No asthma attacks in 6 months, & Christian has gained weight.
34. Sharon (YA, of Matthew & Mary) (PL 17:103): No tonsillitis since being on Prayer List.
35. Michelle (6, of Jeremy & Angel) (PL 21:248): No more asthma attacks.
36. Becky (of Mark) (PL 19:214): Delivered a happy, healthy baby boy.
37. Sapphire (of Cephas) (PL 18:188): Healed of infection & pain in ovaries.
38. Mr. P. (PL 18:194): Was paralysed, can now talk & has begun walking!
39. Natasha (9, of Victor & Dove) (PL 19:213): Healed of fungal skin infection.
40. Mary Dear Fighter (PL 19:217): Bleeding from cervical ulcer has subsided.
41. Michael Littlebear (PL 18:60): Headaches much better.
42. R.K. (PL 18:193): No falls, & health is better.
43. The Lord supplied a very powerful generator for one of our Homes in India, dramatically improving their water & electricity supply (PL 19:201).
North America:
44. New housing (PL 17:107) in several cities, with a good standard & good rents.
45. Lizzy (6, of Jerry & Julie) (PL 21:74): Successful operation for serious kidney malfunction; she is recovering very well.
46. Dust (PL 21:119): Healed from serious back problems that had kept him in bed or in a wheelchair for two months. (See testimony on page 22.)
47. Peace (of Michael) (PL 17:148): Healed of recurring liver problems.
48. Catherine (2, of Josh & Hope) (PL 18:127): No further ear infections or eardrum ruptures!
49. Liliana (PL 18:114): Healed of skin affliction. (See testimony on page 21.)
50. Jonathan (20 months, of Simon & Mary) (PL 21:127): Ankles & legs strengthened, started walking.
51. Robin (YA, of Dan & Joy) (PL 21:134): Healed of any further allergic reaction to the medicine she had taken for an impacted wisdom tooth.
52. Sunshine (PL 21:135): No longer spotting or bedridden during pregnancy.
53. Fruitful road trip to Chiapas, Mexico (PL 21:113): The Family was able to witness in the refugee & military camps, thousands of souls were won & Posters distributed as well as favourable newspaper & TV coverage!
54. Eden (teen), Monique (YA), & Hope (of John Mark): (PL 21:139, 18:116, 21:169) Safe, easy deliveries at home!
55. Rachele (YA, of Ivan) (PL 21:143): Safe, delivery & healthy baby at home in spite of complications. Healed of urinary tract infection & feeling stronger.
56. Rosita (YA, of David G.) (PL 21:137): Home delivery of twin boys! Both babies were breech & doctors had said it would have to be a C-section, but the Lord did a miracle & Casey Allen (9 lbs) & Michael Christian (7 lbs) were born safe & healthy--16 pounds of babies!
PRAYER REQUESTS
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CRITICAL OR LIFE-&-DEATH SITUATIONS:
In regards to praying for those with serious or critical afflictions, Mama recently commented:
We should pray that these dear ones will grow closer to the Lord through their afflictions, will pass the tests that they are going through, and will learn the lessons that He is teaching them. I don't say this implying that they've been bad & the Lord is punishing them, but only because any test or trial that we go through is to teach us lessons--that's one of its purposes. Also that they will be a good testimony to others, & that their suffering will make them more like Jesus in bringing about the beautiful qualities of humility, compassion, understanding, sweetness & love as this "light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh in them a far more exceeding & eternal weight of glory." Remember, from the weights come the wings.
Pray that during this period of physical affliction no one will consider them a burden, but rather one of our precious folks whom the Lord has honoured with this special test, & put aside for a little while so that He can refine & purify them, & so that they can fulfil an even greater ministry for Him by interceding in prayer for others. We should pray that their suffering will unite us in prayer & love, & that we will do all that we can to make things easier for them. We should also pray that we will all learn lessons through their suffering; that it will make us all think seriously about our time here on Earth & how short it could be & how serious we need to be about doing the work God has given us to do while we still have the time to do it.
57. Angie, 4, of Jonathan (Tiras Seeds) & Priscilla in South America, (FUN 25) has been diagnosed as having a cancerous tumour in her left kidney, which is growing quite quickly. Her doctors say that unless she is healed miraculously very soon, chemotherapy treatment & an operation will be necessary. Pray that the Lord will either supernaturally deliver Angie from this cancer without the need for chemotherapy (which is very unpleasant), or that He will raise up & anoint a good surgeon to perform the operation & administer the treatment wisely, & that it will be effective in removing the entire tumour. For comfort, faith, strength & wisdom for her parents during this time.
58. Jonathan, newborn of Joseph & Ruth (TSers), North America (FUN 25): Jonathan weighed only 1.6 kilos at birth & suffers from several birth defects which appear relatively minor, but could possibly be linked to far more serious defective chromosomes. Please pray for the Lord to totally & miraculously heal little Jonathan, & that further tests will show no signs of defective chromosomes.
59. Renee (of Tim) (PL 21:71), Asia: Cervical cancer. Her condition has apparently worsened since undergoing radiation treatment during the past year, and according to doctors' reports, much of the pain she is now suffering is a result of the side effects of the radiation treatment rather than from the cancer itself. Doctors report she has six months to a year to live. For deliverance from the cancer and from the painful effects of the treatment; faith and trust, strength, and grace for her, Tim & their children during this trying time. (See testimony on page 15.)
60. Faith (of Philip) (PL 21:72), Asia: Healing from breast cancer. For strength, faith & trust.
61. 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.
62. Thai Abe (PL 21:257), Asia: Abe underwent two brain operations about four months ago. Until now he has made remarkable progress thanks to everyone's prayers. However, recently his tumour has started to grow back, & along with the subsequent swelling in his brain, it has caused a few seizures, loss of strength in his left arm & leg, & loss of some body functions. That the tumour will miraculously disappear, & that Abe will regain full body functions quickly.
63. Heidi (of Peter) (PL 21:66), Australia: Advanced case of cancer of the cervix. Recent tests indicate that the cancer has spread quite quickly, infecting her chest & lungs. Her condition is very serious, & her doctors only give her a few more months to live. But despite the gravity of the disease, we know that "with God, nothing shall be impossible." For miraculous deliverance from this cancer, for the Lord's anointing on the doctors who are caring for her, & for faith, strength & encouragement for Heidi, Peter & their children.
64. Swiss Phoebe (PL 19:76), Europe: Continued fight against Hodgkin's Disease.
65. Peter (3, of TSers Dust & Maria) (PL 21:207), Europe: Leukaemia.
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MAMA & WS leadership:
66. For Mama's continued strength & wisdom & the Lord's anointing as she shoulders the responsibility of leading the Family, assisted now by Dad from the Spirit World, praise the Lord!
67. For Mama's resistance to colds & headaches, which she is very susceptible to & which weaken her considerably.
68. Mama: Vaginal & uterine cysts. For a speedy healing.
69. Maria & her Teamwork, as well as the CROs, have been working on a massive project these last six months, & are continuing to do so, as explained in LNF 213. Please pray for their strength, inspiration & wisdom as they counsel together & work to complete this important & detailed task before the Family birthday.
70. One of Mama's staff members who is experiencing back problems.
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WORLDWIDE
Parents & Children:
71. For the Lord to continue to raise up dedicated teachers, who will make education their profession in the Family; for the encouragement & appreciation of our present teachers.
72. 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.
73. That weak areas in our children's schooling will be strengthened through extra tutoring or supplemental workbooks & study material.
74. For any of our children who are having difficulties overcoming bedwetting.
75. 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. That the Lord will be with those who are not in the Family, that we can continue to show them the Lord's and our love for them, & that the Lord will bring back those whom He wants in His full-time service.
WS Pubs & Tools
76. GP Videos:
Filming of the Endtime Music Video.
Completion of Fantastic Friends show #2, Treasure Attic shows #5 & #6, "The Family" outreach video #2.
Production of Treasure Attic shows #7 & #8.
Planning of Fantastic Friends show #3.
Production of a "signs of the times" Endtime documentary video.
77. 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.
78. "Statement" Videos on Family Education, Persecution & Socialisation, all of which are being scripted &/or edited.
79. 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.
80. Paula (Faithy), writing about her life with Dad. For strength & inspiration; that the Lord will bring all the necessary details & anecdotes to her remembrance; against any hindrances or distractions.
Outreach & Follow-up
81. Christmas outreach: For a very fruitful Christmas season with lots of souls won, friends followed-up on & ministered to, performances, support raised, etc. For good advance planning & preparations; ample bookings for our singing troupes in key institutions & at Christmas parties, etc.; open doors for successful opportunities to witness & distribute large quantities of tools. Against any persecution or other problems that would hinder our Christmas outreach.
82. Muslim ministries, particularly in Muslim countries, or countries with large Muslim minorities. Fruitful Consider the Poor ministries to Muslims; for the Lord to raise up Muslim supporters; good follow-up of Muslim friends & sheep; favourable contacts with open-minded Muslim leaders.
83. 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, & to make our children's witnessing times fruitful & inspiring.
84. Singing teams: That the Lord will supply openings & anoint their performances; supply of sound systems & costumes where necessary.
85. "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
86. Pioneer teams & new Homes: The Lord's supply of all their needs; open doors to establish fruitful ministries; good PR with neighbours & local authorities; good witnessing, follow-up & provisioning.
87. For housing closer to large cities where we can have more access to fruitful witnessing spots.
88. Desperately needed finances for our Homes: Breakthroughs in tool distribution, follow-up & finding supporters, thus freeing personnel to devote more time to pioneer witnessing projects & train our young people. Great unity, vision & faith to implement the latest counsel on fund raising in Mama's Letter "Poverty or Plenty" & subsequent "Fund Raising" FSM series.
89. Seed corn stocks: That each of our Homes will be able to build on the seed corn stock that WS is providing them with, & wisely manage their seed corn funds to "get ahead" financially & maintain substantial stocks on hand at all times.
90. WS finances: Urgently needed funds for the many projects in the works, support of various pioneer & needy field ministries, etc. That the Lord will touch the hearts of friends to give, bring in large inheritances or special gifts, or miraculously supply in some other way.
91. That the TS fellowships will 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.
92. Our ministry to 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.
World Affairs
93. For the poor people of Iraq, particularly the children, who are cruelly and unfairly suffering from the U.N.-imposed economic sanctions since the end of the Gulf War, which have all but destroyed the Iraqi economy and its people's livelihood. That the sanctions will be lifted soon.
94. For the Palestinians in the Occupied Territories, who are suffering greatly as a result of the conflict between Israel and extreme militant Islamic organisations. In addition to their poverty and suffering, many are often not able to receive pay from their jobs in Israel, as the territories are frequently sealed off. That the Lord will comfort and give them peace in their hearts, provide for them, and bless Arafat's attempts to bring peace and improve his people's economic plight.
Persecution & Media
95. Solar Temple deaths: Against negative repercussions for the Family in Europe or elsewhere as a result of the recent deaths of 48 members of a religious cult--the Order of the Solar Temple--in Switzerland, & five related deaths in Canada. Although the Family has nothing to do with this group & has had no contact with them, the ACM often uses such tragic events to turn the public against small religious groups in general, including us. That this event will not hinder the preaching of the Gospel, & that it will not lead to any burdensome government inquiries into our Homes or activities. For our European media teams' proactive efforts in this regard.
96. Panama raid: Against any attempts by our enemies to use the recent police raid on what was erroneously reported as a COG house in Panama (there is no Family Home there) to fuel more negative press coverage or attacks on our Family Homes in Latin America or elsewhere. Also, if this is another case of Christians being falsely charged, that the Lord will vindicate them, & comfort & strengthen both parents & children during this difficult time.
97. 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.
98. 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.
99. For continued anointing for all of our media spokespeople. That they will be loving, wise & Christ-like in their interaction with the public, media, church people, academics, etc.
Court Cases
100. 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.
That the parliamentary hearing, which is investigating Marquevich's actions, will result in his impeachment.
For the Lord to keep the present Attorney General in his position until he finishes with his recommendation to the Supreme Court on our case. Our case could be greatly prolonged if he is replaced at this time.
For our close friends, lawyers & contacts who have stood with us through this persecution. That we can continue to minister to & feed them.
For 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.
For our main lawyer, who has helped us win our case & is presently working hard at pushing our civil suits through the courts.
101. France:
For the criminal case to be closed completely & speedily. It should be, as there is no evidence of wrongdoing on our part.
Our lawyers: conviction, perseverance, anointing & good communication with us.
Continued supply of funds needed for our defence.
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.
102. England:
For a positive, righteous verdict in favour of Pearl, allowing Sammy to remain with her. From what we've heard, the judge presiding over Pearl's case is now expected to rule some time in November. That during this time the Lord will speak to the heart of the judge and he will be persuaded that the Family is a safe place to raise a child, & allow Sammy to stay with Pearl in the Family. That the judge will study the various documents and material we have presented, and will realise that this is a question of religious freedom. Against any negative input from our enemies during this time while he is making a decision on our case, or if he does receive some, that it will more clearly expose where they are at.
That a recent media slam on the Family in England will not influence the judge's decision negatively, but that it will be further evidence of our enemies' attempts to unjustly persecute us.
That the Lord will strengthen Pearl and little Sammy. Pearl has asked for prayer that she and Sammy will be prepared mentally and spiritually for whatever is ahead.
103. Australia:
Our civil suits against Social Services (DOCS) in Sydney: For the related psychiatric visits & reports to conclusively support our position; 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.
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SOUTH AMERICA
104. For the Family's protection, & for strength & wisdom for our media representatives during a media storm that is brewing in Chile. The local bishop & mayor of the town where one of our Homes is located tried to stir up the media & officials to take action against the Family. Thank the Lord, there has been some positive media coverage as well, & our friends are standing up for us & pledging their support. Please pray that this will not develop into any serious persecution or harassment of the Family; for our lawyer's conviction & wisdom in handling the situation; that our enemies' plans will be defeated & the Family vindicated.
105. Needed missionary visas for new personnel in several Latin countries.
106. That a court case involving a Home in Brazil, that has been dragging on for a long time, will come to a speedy end, with the Family completely vindicated. Please specifically pray that the Lord will do a miracle & make a way for them, & the other Homes in Brazil, to continue to home-school their children.
107. Spanish pubs: For the publication of Raise `em Right; DB10; Childcare Handbooks & Lifelines in Spanish.
108. That teams attending certain fairs in South America will be able to distribute large quantities of tools.
109. Mary (cellmate of Claire & other Family sisters during Argentine persecution--see PEN 3 & 4): She was recently released from jail after three years of prison on drug charges. She asked the Family to pray that she will stay faithful to Jesus & her new life, & stand strong against temptations with drugs.
110. H. (prisoner in the same Argentine jail where the Family men were imprisoned): He's been in jail for 2 years for something he says he wasn't involved in, & he hasn't been tried yet. That the Lord will strengthen him spiritually & that he can be freed. He loves the Word & is very thankful for the Family.
111. Amanecer Primer Amor: Myoma in uterus (painful but benign tumours made of muscle tissue).
112. Clara (of Jonathan): Liver problems which prevent her body from absorbing starches or carbohydrates. She is quite underweight, as she can only eat protein & vegetables.
113. Steven (of Gracia): Stomach ulcer; bleeding haemorrhoids.
114. Juan Francisco (of Maggie): Severe back problems, sometimes confining him to bed.
115. Cristal (of Timoteo): Growth of the thyroid gland that may require surgery.
116. Heaven (12, of Timoteo & Cristal): Early stages of a growth of the thyroid gland.
117. Daniel (13, of Francisco & Kitty): Frequent asthma attacks.
118. Rebecca (of James): Cyst on her tailbone causing discomfort & back pains. That she won't need an operation.
119. Anita (10, of Martin & Mercy): Frequent throat infections; fever blisters on her lips.
120. Marisa (13, of Catherine & Richard): Frequent earaches.
121. Ivan (of Becky): Asthma; for improved eyesight.
122. Cris (9): That his femur (thighbone), which was attacked by a disease, will grow properly.
123. Maria (12, of Simeon & Victoria): Ear infections that have troubled her since early childhood, resulting in impaired hearing.
124. Christopher (1, of Abner & Felicida): Bronchial problems.
125. Joy (of Matt): Full recuperation from an operation due to a rare abnormality in her uterus. That she will not develop haemorrhaging or cancer as a result. That the mole they removed will not develop again & that chemotherapy won't be necessary. Against any further complications, bleeding or tumours.
126. Argentine Joanna: Full recovery after a severe asthma attack & subsequent hospitalisation. Against bronchial pneumonia & anaemia; for her full physical strength to be restored; encouragement, comfort, & faith. (See answered prayer #10.)
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EUROPE
127. For the Lord's solution to the military draft, which many of our European boys are subject to.
128. Continued strength & wisdom for the media team & Family in Poland who are presently under investigation by the government, instigated by Polish ADFI. That ADFI's true colours will be exposed & our Family vindicated.
129. EE music studios, which are working on Christmas Tapes in several EE languages. For unity, Spirit-filled recordings, & that the Tapes can be finished in time for this Christmas season.
130. Against any negative repercussions for our Family in Russia from an ACM "brainwashing" conference that was held in St. Petersburg. For the Russian media team as they step up their efforts to give people the truth & rebut ADFI's lies & allegations.
131. Housing for the Family in Moscow, amid skyrocketing real estate prices that have reportedly made Moscow rents the third most expensive in the World.
132. The Lord's safekeeping & anointing of those working on a massive GP printing project.
133. East European Mail Ministries:
More follow-up on MM members & for lasting fruit from among their numbers.
The postal system in Serbia & Croatia (some of our letters are being returned because of the war, but that's where they need the Word the most).
For the MM to become more self-supporting.
134. European sociologist friends: They've been experiencing financial difficulties & haven't been able to devote their full time to sociology, as it's not a very respected profession in Europe.
135. Miracle (TS): Legal paperwork for two of her children.
136. John & Joanna (TS): Complete release from a large debt incurred by an accident.
137. Against a cholera epidemic which is rapidly spreading in Southern Russia & the Ukraine: Protection for the Russian Family.
138. Timmy (6, of Francis & Claire), & Maria Nobody: Psoriasis (skin affliction).
139. Timothy (13, of Mark & Mercy): For undeveloped ligaments in his back to grow properly; relief from resultant pain.
140. Christiana (of Micha): Strong nausea (pregnant with #6).
141. Johnny (10, of John & Joy): Tumour in arm.
142. Magda (of Matthew): Torn ligament in knee.
143. Spanish Victoria: Swollen thyroid glands; extra strength for her leg (one of her legs is crippled).
144. Eleonora (YA): Recurring severe headaches & stomach disorders.
145. Joshua (of Faith): Swollen vocal chords.
146. Faith (of Joshua): Pinched nerve in hand.
147. David (of Sara), Francis (of Claire), Meekness, Matthew (TS), & Peter Pilgrim: Back problems.
148. Joseph (of Comfort): Haemorrhoids.
149. Davida (of Lance): Nasal allergies.
150. Karen (teen): Eczema on hands.
151. Crystal (YA, of Bill & Judy), & Carmela (YA): Debilitating back problems.
152. Tabitha Praisemore: Nausea & sharp pelvic pains (pregnant with #6).
153. Christina (TS): Arthritis.
154. Janet & Michael (of Jonathan & Ruthie, TS): Neurodermitis (skin disorder).
155. Andrea (TS): Rheumatism in feet.
156. Delight (of Abner, TS): Eye pains.
157. Estrella (of Emmanuel, TS): Very anaemic while pregnant with twins.
158. Michael (14, of Pierre & Bathsheba, TS): Gradual loss of hearing.
159. Sara (7, of Pierre & Bathsheba, TS): Learning disabilities; to learn to read.
160. Andrew (14, TS): Complete healing from serious accident.
161. Maggie (of Michael, TS): Anaemic; extremely low blood pressure.
162. Sarah (of Abner & Christina, TS): Asthma attacks.
163. Rejoice (of Andrew, TS): Recurring spots & boils on legs, which doctors don't have a cure for.
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PACIFIC
164. Suzy (of Byron): That she will be able to keep her food down, & for a problem-free, healthy pregnancy with #5.
165. Faithy (of Dan): Pain in uterus. (See answered prayer #24.)
166. Simon Setfree, & Andrew (of Rejoice): Chronic lower back pains.
167. Japanese Promise: Hyperthyroidism; for weight-gain.
168. Belte (of Hannah): Recurring colon problem, which is quite taxing on his health.
169. Sammy (of Dan & Faith): Stammering.
170. David (teen): Asthma.
171. Ecclesia (Japanese live-out): Non-cancerous tumour in her womb area about the size of an orange; that her bleeding will completely stop.
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ASIA
172. Pakistan: Fruitful interaction with local community & government officials.
173. Local language Audio & Video ministries: Accurate translations, needed singers & studios for recording.
174. Laos & Vietnam: Open doors for pioneering & new teams.
175. India: Peace & stability in troubled areas.
176. India Consider the Poor ministries: Protection in high-risk areas; continued fruitfulness.
177. Charity (of James): Numbness on one side of her upper body; distorted vision.
178. Renee: Normal & healthy pregnancy & delivery without complications (she is diabetic).
179. Stefan: Stiffness of joints & muscles in spinal area.
180. Simon Fighter: Recurring severe headaches.
181. Abi (9, of Happy & Charity), who has been deaf all her life. That she will be happy and content despite her handicap; for wisdom, love and understanding in caring for her.
182. Jessica (of Stephen): Severe back pain.
183. Victory (of John): Dizzy spells & abdominal pains.
184. Lily (of James): Lump on neck.
185. Sarah (2, of Peter Lance & Praise): Lump on chest.
186. Gabriel (12, of Peter Nic & Tender): Hernia & improved speech.
187. John (of Meekness): Strong stomach pains.
188. Katrina (9, of Lily): Longstanding problem with ingrown & infected toe nails.
189. Michael (7, of Abel & Bright), who is autistic: That the Lord will provide an institute where he can receive professional help.
190. Lily (16, of Tim & Renee): Eczema.
191. Ruthie (of Chris): Painful hernia.
192. Jessica (3, of Liz), & John (2, of Anna): Frequent problems with rectum.
193. Thai Maria: Frequent headaches & sore eyes.
194. Mary (Catacomber): Recurring heart attacks.
195. Faith (of Elkanah): Erosion of the cervix; recurring intestinal problems; for more strength.
196. Abel (7, of David & Angel): Ruptured eardrum.
197. Paul (of Priya), John & Jacintha Fighter: Legal paperwork.
198. Charity Meek (of David): Lump near eye.
199. Mary Meek (of Andrew): Long-standing gastric problem & gas pains.
200. Daniel ET: Protruding painful bone in knee.
201. Faithy (YA): Dislodged tendon in hand.
202. John (teen, of Jim & Lily) & Tony (teen, of Jonathan & Lili Rose): Full recovery from malaria. (See answered prayer #27.)
203. Mary Dear Fighter: Full recovery from cervical ulcer. (See answered prayer #40.)
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NORTH AMERICA
204. Our teen/YA team speaking at universities: The Lord's anointing & wisdom; appointments & good contacts.
205. JETT camp in Western US: Good low-cost location; planning & organising; positive lasting fruit in the JETTs' lives.
206. Julia (of Isaac), Peter & Lisa: Legal paperwork.
207. Spring: Unusually blurred vision; for faith & trust.
208. Kelly (15, of Simon & Naarah): Recurring appendicitis.
209. James (of Anna): Back problems due to an accident.
210. Seth (of Lily): Recurring sharp pains in left side, with strong heartburn.
211. Phoebe (of Stefan): Strength & good health during 9th pregnancy; against swelling in legs & feet.
212. Angie (of Simon): Swollen feet & varicose veins due to pregnancy.
213. Crystal Stream (18): Strained muscles in back & shoulder.
214. Gentleness (of Chris): Healthy pregnancy & safe delivery.
215. Mercy (6, of Francisco & Milagros): Skin discolouration.
216. Joy (17, of Augustine & Maggie): Problem with joints locking.
217. Laura (1, of YAs Joe & Comfy): To learn to walk. (She was quite underweight at birth.)
218. Joy (formerly Shalisha): Safe & easy delivery of #8.
219. Jason (of Cristy): For weight loss.
220. Keiko (YA): Broken finger some months ago that was not set properly.
221. Linda (14, of Jonathan & Celeste): Asthma.
222. Kristen Lovesong (TSer): Neck & back problems due to accident.
223. Amber (16, of Eman & Meek): Bones in her neck were out of joint, causing her great pain & partial paralysis. She is doing better now though still in pain. For full recovery & the Lord's anointing on the chiropractor who is helping put her bones back in place.
224. Sunny (of John): Speedy & full recovery after C-section birth.
225. Mark E. (YA, of Joseph Willing): That he won't be sent out to sea (he is in the U.S. Navy), so that he can continue to fellowship with the local Home. That the Lord will make a way for him to rejoin the Family & serve the Lord full-time.
REACTIONS TO THE PRAYER LISTS!
From Mary (of Simon), North America:
I'd like to thank everyone for their prayers for all of the requests on the Prayer Lists. We have submitted requests for specific needed healing on three occasions for two of our younger children & they were immediately healed! We had been praying within our own Home for them, but things weren't happening, so we felt they were serious enough to warrant sending in to the Prayer List. It's so inspiring to know that the entire Family is uniting all of their prayer power to fight the Enemy's attacks.
v
From Simon Simple, India:
I was deeply touched by Mama's beautiful moving plea to try to put ourselves in the place of those who are suffering & really pray for them as if it was for ourselves (see Prayer List 19). Since I suffer from seasonal attacks of asthma, I could really relate to what she said about how "healed from asthma" doesn't sound like a big deal, but it actually means a lot to the person going through it.
One incident I don't think I'll ever forget is when a few months back I had my worst attack, & the only reason I pulled through was because the Home prayed for me every night that I would be able to sleep. I remember one night I honestly thought I was going to pass away, I just couldn't breathe. The previous night my Shepherdess had told me to feel free to call her if I needed anything. So I did something I'd never done before--I phoned her at 1:00 a.m. to pray for me. (Simon is a full-time disciple, but due to unusual circumstances, he sleeps at his parents' home at night.) I honestly believe it was that prayer that pulled me through that night. I was very moved that someone was willing to wake up in the middle of the night to pray for me. The Lord brought this incident back to mind when I read Mama's plea, & reminded me how if the Lord, through someone's prayer, literally saved my life, shouldn't I be willing to pray daily & desperately for our dear ones around the World who need my prayers?
v
From Clara, South America:
I was very touched by what Mama said about each prayer request that is answered, even minor ones, being such a miracle of the Lord, since it probably affected the person that had the affliction in so many different ways (see Prayer List 19). I want to testify that the Lord has been miraculously delivering me from asthma attacks. I went three months without having any, & haven't had any major ones in a long, long time. Knowing how frequently I had them, I can only say that it's a true miracle.
What Mama mentioned about it making a big difference is so true, as since I don't get sick so often, I produce more, feel more encouraged & useful, don't get so discouraged thinking I'm more of a burden than a blessing, etc. So there are a lot of victories that come with healing, PTL!
v
From Vicky, Poland:
Since I've started making an effort to use the Prayer Lists more during my prayer time, these times have been very inspiring. I've been trying to spend at least half an hour daily praying for the worldwide Family, & it's really nice to know I'm having a part in upholding all our brothers & sisters in prayer.
Also, seeing the afflictions & diseases that some of our brethren have to fight has showed me how much I have to be thankful for. I'm so blessed! Now every time I start feeling discouraged about myself or am tempted to complain about some little thing, the Lord is faithful to remind me of all the more serious situations that others are in, & it helps me to have more of a positive outlook on my small problems & afflictions.
v
From Maria, Switzerland:
The prophecies from Prayer List 18 for the sister who had a long-term affliction were very encouraging! I could relate to them so well, as I've had some long-term afflictions, as well as battles I've been going through these past few months. Sometimes I'd wonder, "Where will it end, or when will I see the victory?" This past year it seemed I had lost a lot of things that were dear to me, including jobs, ministries or responsibilities. At times I'd felt so alone, downcast & that these afflictions & loss of ministries came upon me because I'm so bad & hopeless. So when I read these prophecies, I felt the Lord's Love so strong, & that He really loves & cares for every one of us & all the things He does are His blessings, that He has tailor-made for me. His ways & how He looks at things are so different than our ways. In my carnal-mindedness I often equate fruitfulness or spiritual maturity with positions, good health, talents, etc., but what the Lord wants most of all is our love & broken heart, & whatever will produce those fruits is what He'll do in our lives.
(From Mama:) I'm so thankful someone appreciated the prophecies & wrote in specifically about them. Maybe it will help others to tune in more to them & realise how powerful the Lord's Word through prophecy can be. God bless these dear folks who have made this sacrifice of sending in their thanks & lessons. I know it takes a lot of effort just to find the time to write these down, so I certainly appreciate it a lot.
v
From Bianca (13), Thailand:
In Prayer List 19 Mama shared how we should feel for others & walk a mile in their shoes. This spoke to my heart, because when I read the Prayer Lists, I tended to look for information & not pray for the people. I try to find out if there is anyone I know listed there.--Lord help me! It was convicting to realise how others go through suffering & pain, & they're depending on us for our prayers & desperation. I know that if I don't put my heart into my prayers it could make their sickness linger. Another lesson I learned along the same lines is to not be self-righteous towards those mentioned in the Prayer List. Sometimes I would think, "Why aren't they healed", or, "Why do they put such little requests (what I thought were `little') in there?" The Lord has led me to make a commitment to be more understanding, & He gave me the verse, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!" (Mt. 7:12.)
v
From Renee, Asia (see prayer request #59):
(Excerpts from a letter to Mama:)
Things are now much more clear when I read the healing quotes in the MOP about medicine & doctors & faith, & now I can say, "Yes, it is all true." I have experienced it and gone through it. I have suffered at the hands of many physicians. I now understand the meaning of, "Learning obedience through the things which I suffer," & that faith is trusting. Taking the stand to just surrender all has given me a peace that I didn't have before, because I was not surrendering. I recently again went over the prophecies that the Home received for me when I was first diagnosed with cancer, & they are very encouraging & instructional. The Lord has His hand on me & a definite plan & purpose for me in all of this. All the things that I tried to do medically didn't really matter or make things better. Now what I am doing is just reading & absorbing the Word. I am learning to fight in the Spirit & really rebuke the Enemy & to just be still, let the Lord do it, staying positive, cheerful & thankful.
After my last recent series of treatments, I came to the end of myself, to the point where I just wanted to let go of everything & trust Him. After that I had the peace that I had been seeking all along & couldn't find because I wasn't letting go & trusting. It all seems so much easier now to trust the Lord, but before it seemed so hard, & I thought that by trusting the doctors I was taking the easy way out.
My whole way of operating & thinking before was wrong, because I had been relying on myself & my own good works & efforts. I got to the point where I thought, "How could I die? You need me, Lord. You just trained me for four-&-a-half years to be a Teen Shepherdess. It's such an important job & it is such a great need!" I thought that I was important, but I know now that I don't have anything at all, & that I am just supposed to be clay in the hands of the Potter. I had a very high opinion of myself, & that was why I couldn't receive counsel from others, I kept wanting to go my way.
Before I go on I would like to make it clear that as far making a decision whether to go to the doctor or to take a stand of faith, I know that every situation is different, & through counsel & prayer, the Lord can lead differently with different people. The Lord can do or use anything, & these are the lessons He's been teaching me. I don't mean to speak negatively of anyone who is led to take any treatment for their ailments, as it wasn't so much what I did, but more my attitudes & relationship with the Lord that needed changing.
When I first found out that I had cancer, I was peaceful. I knew that the Lord loved me, but I didn't know what His Will was for me or what He wanted me to do. I later went to a hospital for tests to find out what stage the cancer was at. When we got the results, the recommendation was for radiation treatment, as the tumour was too large & spread out to be removed. I remember battling with the question, "Do I have the faith to take a stand & trust the Lord? What if I take the stand of faith to find out later that I didn't have the faith?"
It was a real battle & I was trying to have the faith for it, but I just didn't have it. Faith for healing has been a weakness for me. At that point it seemed so easy to just take the treatments. The doctors were so positive about it all, giving me a 90% chance of recovery. I thought that I had let this thing go on for long enough, as I had known that I needed a check-up for about two years previous to being diagnosed with cancer, but never went through with it. So I thought, "I have got to do something now!" So I turned to the doctors for help.
But at the end of the radiation treatment, the cancer was still there, although smaller. The doctor's recommendation was surgery to remove it all (a major hysterectomy). It seemed so simple to me, as the cancer was almost gone & all that had to be done was take this last bit right out. It was timely to operate, as the cancer would tend to start growing again.
I was supposed to be learning faith & trust, but it seemed so hard under those circumstances. During that time, I used to read Letters on healing like "Trust God", & it was so heavy for me, as I would get so condemned by it. I could hardly take the healing quotes in the MOP. I would choke on them. I couldn't figure out how to put the Word & going to the hospital together.
The operation was postponed a couple of times as the doctor had to leave town. It was a very trying time for me personally, as I got into heavy negative-thinking battles that I had never experienced before. I couldn't understand the Lord's love, and my relationship with Him seemed strained. Finally, after talking with my Shepherds about it, I had prayer against a domineering spirit, being afraid to let go and trust the Lord, and always wanting to be in control. I saw how I had been relying on my own strength for so long.
Finally I had the operation, which was a very heavy experience. With all that had happened before, & now with the operation, I was feeling pretty broken. My husband had been with me during the operation, & that drew us close together in the Word. It was like a whole new start & I was really happy. It seemed that all the struggling was over.
However, after the operation, they took a biopsy & it seemed that I still had traces of cancer, and I was advised by the doctor to take some more radiation treatment. Physically I was getting stronger & feeling really good. During my very first radiation treatments, before the operation, my bowels had been affected, as they got inflamed & the lining became thinner & weaker. The doctor said that it would take a year to heal. Taking the radiation treatment for the second time was just too much for my bowels and intestines, even though the doctor had said he had carefully calculated the dosage so it couldn't cause more damage. At one point a couple of months ago, I couldn't even go to the bathroom any more! It was getting progressively worse & there was a very tough week during which I had to have a lot of prayer. My bowels are still very inflamed, causing discomfort almost continually.
At present, it is still difficult to sleep, even for periods of two hours at a time during the night, & nearly impossible to take a rest during the day. I have lost 14.5 kilos, and am quite underweight. Sometimes I have to squirm & can't hold still because of the pain in my intestines (caused by the treatment), which makes it very difficult to do anything. Sometimes it is very hard to keep going & holding on to His promises & His healing. The outward signs are still negative, & it takes courage to keep clinging & believing. I'm learning many lessons about perseverance & enduring hardness & keeping up the fight. The continual discomfort is a real burden & a drain at times. The cancer is also growing again, & my physical condition continues to deteriorate.
Thank the Lord, I do have others reading with me at times. The Word is coming alive & supporting me, & I am praying more for others. I know I can't make it without Jesus. It's like walking on the water, but His grace is sufficient for me. This last month my son & youngest daughter moved to this Home, & they now alternate days being with me, preparing my meals, reading with me, praying & being with me through this difficult time.
I want to thank you again for all your Letters, encouraging Tapes & pubs that are so strengthening & feeding, as well as your wonderful sample of courage & fighting in afflictions & difficulties. I know that you understand. It's comforting to know that you've gone through many afflictions too. The encouraging comments you have made on the Prayer Lists really touch my heart. Oftentimes people have no way to relate to the situations listed, and they commonly just see the surface physical obstacles & illnesses, but don't immediately comprehend the depth of emotional & spiritual experiences that eventually bring about beautiful & lasting changes in heart, attitude & personality--the "Beauty for Ashes". I have a strong burden to pray for our Family around the World who are on the Prayer List. I can hardly do anything around the Home anymore, but I feel fulfilled in interceding for our Family worldwide.
I am very thankful for the 24 years that I have been in the Family, for the satisfaction & happiness & the wonderful life that I have had, & for my four wonderful children, now ages 16 to 22 years old, who are all dedicated to serving the Lord & being in the Family. I also really appreciate the love that you & Dad have for us all. I am so thankful for your concern & for everyone's prayers for me. GBY! I really, really love you.
Much love,
Renee
(Mama's response to the above letter from Renee:)
Dear Renee,
Thank you for your letter and for taking the time to share the beautiful lessons you have learned through your experience. God bless you for giving your testimony in such detail, enabling us to understand a little better what you went through. I know it'll be a great help to many of our Family Members who may go through the same or similar experiences in the future, and for this reason I would like to include your letter in the Prayer List. I have no doubt that it will make the Family pray harder for you, and I have the feeling that it may discourage them from opting for chemotherapy or radiation treatments before really counting the price they could pay in the way of painful side effects and related problems. In fact, they may run from these treatments as fast as they can.
God bless you, dear Renee! I'm so thankful that the Lord has worked in your life & helped you to be able to trust Him alone, knowing that whatever happens, He loves you & is going to take care of you. It must be wonderful to know that even if the Lord decides to take you Home to be with Him, you have the assurance that at last you did yield & did obey & did do it His way. And I'm not speaking only of changes in your medical decisions, but much more important, the changes in your attitudes and ways of looking at things. And just think, if the Lord does take you, you'll be able to be with Him & all of our loved ones who are already There, thank the Lord! I'm so happy for you, that you've fought this battle & gained this great victory. Your sample will encourage others to trust Him more!
(Prays:) Lord Jesus, please help Renee. Have mercy on her, Lord. As she explained, she's brought a lot of this agony on herself, but any of us could have done the same thing. Thy Word says that, "as a father pitieth his children, so You pity them that fear You", & You deliver them. "You know our frame & that You remember that we are dust." (Ps.103:13,14; 34:17.) So please help dear Renee. If You're going to take her Home, please do so peacefully and painlessly and in Your perfect time. And if not, please heal her quickly & relieve her of this terrible pain & discomfort. And most of all, give her Thy peace & happiness in the knowledge that she's in Thy Will & pleasing Thee, peace that whatever happens, it will work together for good for her & for Thy glory.
It's encouraging that despite your serious illness, you can be a wonderful help to the Family through your prayers! Isn't it wonderful how even when we are beset by serious afflictions so that all our natural strength is gone, the Lord still has a very important ministry left for us to do, a ministry of prayer. We'll never be useless, we'll never be a drain on the Family if we enter wholeheartedly into one of the most important callings of all, that of interceding for His children & His sheep everywhere. So keep praying for others, as they pray for you. I love you and pray for you too!
Love, Mama
TESTIMONIES OF ANSWERED PRAYER!
From Meek, South America:
(Editor's note: A prayer request for Meek was published in PL 19, as she had a painful disk in her upper back & twisted nerve in her spine. After this prayer request went out, Meek had her back scanned, & it was discovered that she had a fissured disk with the nerve entwined through the fissure, a condition the doctors told her was impossible to heal without a very serious operation. A doctor offered to perform the operation for free & told her if she didn't opt for surgery, she would very likely become paralysed. She decided to trust the Lord & He honoured her faith & miraculously healed her!)
It has been a very dramatic experience for me to go through such a miraculous healing & to find myself "in the hands of the living God." Perhaps the Lord knew that I needed this miracle to strengthen my faith in Him & prepare me for the times which are coming upon us. It is also a wonderful testimony of the power of united persistent prayer. Thanks to all who helped it to happen through their prayers for me. I love you all dearly!
The most important lesson I learned was to throw myself entirely on the Lord & have an intimate direct relationship with Him, rather than leaning on others. In the past I've had the tendency to depend on the faith of others to overcome problems. This time I had to have my own faith for the choices I was faced with.
After I decided to trust the Lord for my healing rather than go through with the operation, I had to learn a few lessons about not wavering. Well-intentioned advice & comments struck as darts when my "shield of faith" was lowered in an unguarded moment. My flesh brother called me from Hawaii to "warn" me that he knew of cases like mine, which "appeared to have reversed" then suddenly, "zap", a false move & total paralysis. It's often those subtle attacks that one's mind picks up on, thus undermining faith, & feeding fear. This is what was happening to me. Even though I spoke faith & tried to portray a positive attitude, I had a hard time totally believing it.
Consequently, in my mind, I tried to keep some kind of alternative door open (just in case "it wasn't really the Lord's Will for Him to heal me completely without any help"). In fact, even when it certainly seemed that the Lord was indeed healing me completely, I would occasionally still feel funny twinges in my neck & arm. I would wonder, "Is the fissure gone?" I wanted to get another scan to make sure the problem was gone, as a testimony & proof to the System of the miracle which had occurred, but I also secretly wanted it as "proof" for myself. The fact that it has not yet worked out for me to get another scan is teaching me to "walk by faith & not by sight."
Through this whole experience, the Lord is teaching me a lot about walking by faith. One night, before I even knew exactly what was wrong with me, I was experiencing excruciating pain in my arm & neck. I had moved into the study, as the pain didn't let me sleep. When I tried to change positions at one point, I discovered that I was paralysed--I couldn't move anything from the neck down. I remember clearly that the Lord put a certain feeling of faith in me--an assurance that it would only be temporary. I hung on to that feeling with all my might & it got me through that period of time that I lay there paralysed. Finally, I began to feel a tingling sensation return to my toes & legs. Gradually, movement returned. I take it now that what happened to me that night was a sign from the Lord--to give me the faith that He would gradually heal me in the same way. It was also a test from the Lord to see if I would hang on. Thank God, I passed that first one.
Another test did come, which I couldn't have passed on my own. This time, however, the Lord raised up a brother (who just happened to be visiting) to help me through it. It happened after I had recovered & was feeling normal. Suddenly, the symptoms began to return, just like when my neck problem first began. Over the next few days, the pain in my arm & neck intensified, until one night it became intolerable. At that point, I was not only in pain, I was scared & I just didn't know what to do to hang on! This dear brother showed up in the middle of the night to pray with me & help me fight in the Spirit. It was quite a fight, but he stayed with me, & I finally managed to sleep. In the morning I was fine again, the pain was totally gone! There are times when we can't make it without some help, but I now have the assurance that when it's needed, the Lord is faithful to supply.
I also realise now that the Lord simply won't let me get away with continued little disobediences, even if I've got them all nicely justified & explained away. The Lord was definitely dealing with me for my lack of taking care of myself physically, getting good get-outs, eating properly, etc. For a long time I'd been into "sacrificing" my get-outs for the Work's sake. Even though I had "good reasons" for not having time enough, I should have looked for solutions instead of just robbing time from the easiest block available: the get-out time slot.
One thing that has significantly worked to change my whole outlook on life has been the realisation that if the Lord has done this mighty miracle in my life, it must be for some reason. He must want to use me for something! Perhaps the Lord wants to use my testimony to encourage others. Praise the Lord!
(From Mama:) Meek's testimony is wonderful! Isn't it wonderful to have miraculous healings like this to encourage all our dear folks? I have a feeling that we would have a lot more of them if people would put God on the spot & tell Him that whatever happens, they are going to trust Him & not the doctors or hospitals. Of course, this has to be up to each person's individual faith, & we certainly would not want to over-persuade or pressure folks about this, because, as evidenced by Meek's testimony, when people decide to trust the Lord, the Devil fights them with everything he has. Often they go through a lot of excruciating pain, and it can be pretty hard to hold on and not run to the doctors for relief, so they should have the firm conviction and faith that the Lord wants them to trust Him instead of the medical profession. It's a big test for them, so God bless dear Meek. Thank You Jesus!
The Lord promises to honour our faith, & in her case, her faith lay in trusting the Lord alone. And as a result, she has come through with a beautiful testimony that she could never have had otherwise. I'm sure the Lord is proud of her & has rewarded her, not only with her physical healing, but with the reward of knowing that she is now able to be a wonderful testimony of His power to many. We don't at all condemn those who feel led to seek medical help, and you almost have to in the case of children if medical care is required by law; but we do want to commend those who have taken this very special stand of trusting the Lord alone, as it is often a lonely & difficult battle, but worth it in the long run.
I'm glad she brought out how not taking care of her body had contributed to her problems, & that breaking the rules hadn't borne good fruit, as well as how "well-intentioned comments" can sometimes really strike blows at people's faith for healing. And that wonderful part about the brother who fought the battle with her is another confirmation of how important it is that we take care of our sick, even in the night. Very very good lessons! God bless her for writing in such detail.
v
From Steven Faith's Shepherds, Japan:
Last year Steven's tumours were spreading, & when he visited the doctor, the doctor was very concerned about his condition & recommended immediate treatment with chemotherapy, etc. Steven felt led to take the stand of faith, & a prayer request has gone out on the last few Prayer Lists. He felt led to go for another check-up more recently, & after thorough investigation, the doctor was surprised to find that only one tumour remained, the original one on his shoulder, & that all the others had actually disappeared. The doctor himself said it was a miracle, & he recommended treatment on that one tumour. Steven writes: "The Lord has done a miracle & my last tumour has now shrunk to between 1/3 & 1/2 of its original size. It's barely noticeable on the surface. The Lord has given me great health & I'm feeling really well, PTL."
v
From Liliana, Canada:
(Editor's note: Liliana is Romanian & joined the Family 1-1/2 years ago in North America.) In Prayer List 18 there was a prayer request for me for a skin affliction. Before joining the Family, I had it twice for almost two years, & it was checked exhaustively by a number of doctors. After running tests for months, doctors diagnosed it as a type of eczema. I tried everything possible, from allopathic medicine to acupuncture & natural diet. I even had Roentgen radiation. Nothing worked.
Two months after I joined the Family, the symptoms surfaced again, & I didn't have the faith for healing. The doctors checked & diagnosed it again, & told me frankly that they didn't know much about the disease. They gave me a cream to apply when it would get very itchy & advised me to go for further tests.
I started praying that the Lord would give me the faith for healing & I had united prayer & the brethren laid hands on me. Nothing happened for months. I decided that I didn't want to go for further tests, but rather trust the Lord for healing. I think my lack of faith had been caused by the extended research on this disease that I had done before joining the Family, in order to understand better the cause of the disease & how to cure it. I think I knew as much as the doctors did about it, & that's why I didn't have faith for healing, because I couldn't figure out how the Lord could do all the necessary changes in my bloodstream & in my cells to bring about the healing.
After reading Grandmother's testimony about her miraculous healing, it suddenly happened: I received faith, just like that! I decided that it was the Lord's job to figure out how to heal it & not mine. From that day on, I had crazy faith that the Lord was going to heal me. Nothing happened for another few months, but my faith was still there. I went through some trying periods, but thank the Lord, I didn't give up. Six months had passed since having prayer, & my condition hadn't changed. Praying about it further, I got that I should ask others to fight with me in prayer, so I asked to be put on the Prayer List. After my prayer request was published, the Lord healed me in just a couple of months. How? I don't know! It is His job to heal broken bodies & my job to have faith, patience & a strong belief that the One Who created us can fix us too. Thank you all for all your prayers! Prayer does change things!
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From Peter Attack, India:
When a prayer request was published in Prayer List 14 for the painful allergy on my hands which caused bleeding, I'd tried nearly everything else & prayer was the only thing left. My fingers were in such bad shape that I could barely play guitar, do dishes, JJT or kitchen work without gloves. But the Lord healed me within a month! I am certainly convinced of the effectiveness of the Prayer List & that the Lord honours the prayers of our Family.
Recently I was having a few battles with discouragement, but when I started getting up first thing in the morning & interceding in prayer for our dear Family, I started feeling so much more useful & less burdened about things, since I was able to use this time to also include local prayer requests from our Home & Area. It showed me how prayer time is an appointment with Jesus that we just can't miss. "What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer."
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(Editor's note: The following is from a secretary, in her late 30s, who after many years in the Family, is pregnant for the first time. A few months into her pregnancy she had some complications with premature contractions & a cervical infection, which thank the Lord, He healed up. Following is an excerpt of a report she wrote in which she shared some lessons from this experience:)
From Lamb, Europe:
This complication was really unexpected, as I thought I was going great guns & was unfortunately taking things for granted rather than deeply looking to the Lord to keep me. The Lord used it to focus my attention on Him as well as just to change gears, slow down a bit, delegate & pull out more, so it did serve its purpose in those ways, as well as getting me desperate & looking to Him for this big change which is happening to me, & is going to happen in just a few months time!
After the pains & tenderness were gone & I was feeling better, I had battles with worry that this was to be an ongoing complication & I'd have to rest in bed till term, worry about this problem & worry about that problem.--I was really having battles & couldn't seem to rest my case with Him. The following day I again had pains & thought it was the same thing all over again, & my "fears had come upon me". My dear mate began to read to me some DMs on Faith & Trust, & I noticed that when I focused my attention on the Word I no longer had any more pains at all, & none since! It was just like a little touch of magic from the power of the Word & focusing my attention on that rather than all those mind battles over problems!
What a lesson--to draw my strength from Him & His Word rather than worry about problems so much! Since then, whenever I've been tempted to worry, not just about me but the situation in general & all the things that concern me, I've been going to the Word instead, which has been such a strength & encouragement. I think the Lord was illustrating how it's the only way I'm going to make this big transition in my life successfully, & showing me that this area of casting my cares on Him is an area I really need to grow in--sort of like laying the foundation for my new life ahead. So there have been lots of victories out of it, praise the Lord!
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From Dust, North America:
I'm so very happy to report to you that just a couple of days before I needed to make a trip to another city, I was able to get out of bed & start walking around! When you consider that aside from some wheelchair excursions, I was flat on my back for two months, it's nothing short of a wonderful miracle to be able to walk now, free of pain! Although my back is not at full strength & I'm not able to run & play as I once did, within the past few days I have been able to go on get-out walks, & generally walk around as normal.
I wish to heartily thank all of you for your prayers for me. It's quite a joyful thing for me to be able to tell you this glad news after some pretty dark hours of discouragement & wondering if the Lord would ever heal me. "He hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath He hid His face from him; but when he cried He heard him" (Psalm 22:24). PTL!
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From Lily (of James), Europe:
Prayer requests have appeared in a few Prayer Lists over the past years for our daughter Anna (7), who is mongoloid. We would like to testify how much it has helped both us & Anna. It has helped & encouraged to know that the whole worldwide Family has been praying for her. It has given me the strength to keep on going, as we have had to do a lot of "keep-on-going-by-faith" & not so much by circumstances & sight.
We would like to thank all our brothers & sisters worldwide for all your prayers. I have worked with Anna & her schooling, especially word flash-cards, for over 5-1/2 years, 2-3 times a day. It has been constant work day after day, week after week, year after year, with little results. Then one day in December last year, she suddenly started to read flash cards loud & quite fast. The word list increased & presently it's over 160 words, & she loves to read & learn. Her hand movements have also improved, as well as her speech. She has even learned to jump. This is supposed to be an almost "impossible" thing for mongoloids to learn, but she learned it through watching the "New Worlds to Discover" video! Music seems to be a key with her. She has memorised all the memo Tapes, children's Tapes, TIV songs, Treasure Attics & a lot more. Even though she doesn't have much of a voice, she sings along wholeheartedly.
I pray that this testimony will encourage every one of you who are going through difficult times or long-term battles, to see that if you keep going by faith, the victory will come! Please continue to pray for Anna's speech, penmanship & potty-training at night. We love you!
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From Tamar (10, TS), Brazil:
Some time ago a wart came out on the edge of my left eyelid. At first it was quite small, but then it began to grow. We went to an eye doctor who said that if it got any bigger he would have to remove it. Before long it was quite large, making it hard for me to read & write. Then one day my daddy & I prayed that the wart would fall off--that was at 9:00 in the morning. At 9:35 the entire wart fell off! It pays to pray! TYJ for Your love!
PRAYER IDEAS!
From Aaron Q, Daniel Paul, Penny & Prem, India:
Upon receiving a new Prayer List, we first divide the prayer requests so there's an equal number for each adult in the Home. Then we cut up 2 copies of the PL into these equal parts, & glue the columns on card stock. Each card carries a number & is given to an adult, who prays at least one time daily for the requests on their card. This way we go through the whole Prayer List at least once a day, or almost 30 times in the month!
Each week the cards are rotated. This is working quite well & has helped us to pray more. It is also inspiring to see how many of the "prayer requests" are answered in the next Prayer List! PTL!
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From Julie, Jerry & Zeb, South America:
To help us pray for all those looking for new housing, we made a house out of paper & set it up in the dining area. We also have a little basket containing small slips of coloured paper ("bricks") with specific prayer requests for the new houses as well as verses to claim for the request. For example, "For large kitchens that are well equipped with everything needed." Every meal, two people are chosen to go to the house with the bricks, & as they pray the request, they glue the brick-request or brick-verse they used onto the house. This has been a fun way for the kids to be involved in praying for new housing!
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From Jewel Surrender, Pakistan:
All of the prayer vigil teams have been reading the Letter "Prayer Vigil Victory" to re-envision us to be faithful prayer warriors. While busy with other things we thought more important, we had let our vigil time slip. Sickness & the threat of an investigation caused us to get desperate to find where we were being disobedient--daily prayer vigil was one area. We went on the attack & revised our vigil schedule, upgraded our vigil folder to make it more attractive & appealing, & updated our prayer requests to include three parts:
a.) A print-out of the most recent requests from the latest FUN.
b.) The latest Prayer List divided into sections for each day of the week.
c.) A list of local requests updated daily.
Our secretary printed out devotional readings for each day of the month, that had been typed on computer, & at devotions we write on that page the local prayer requests for that day & add it to the vigil folder. This has helped us to be faithful to keep our prayer requests updated daily. (Editor's note: Or, you could photocopy pages from the Daily Might or MOP.)
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From Ruthie, Russia:
Here's an inspiring new way to pray that perhaps you'd like to try with your children. We got this idea after reading the Letter "What Is Jesus" from DB10. In this Letter Dad explains that Jesus has many names, such as "Prince of Peace", "Good Shepherd", "Son of Righteousness", "King of Kings", "Lover of My Soul", etc. So instead of praising the Lord by saying, "Thank You Jesus", "Praise the Lord", we praise Him by also using some of His other names.
Also, as each person prays for something at devotions or at night, they can use one of Jesus' other names! It's fun for the kids, & helps them to better understand Who Jesus is, as these different names bring out the various beautiful & interesting qualities & characteristics of Jesus. It also makes prayer more personal, as sometimes just repeating "Thank You Jesus" can get to be a routine, to where we don't really mean it like we should. It's a fun project to find as many names/characteristics of Jesus as you can, & keep a record of them ("Lily of the Valley", the "Way", "Truth", "Bread of Life", etc.)!
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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 last 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 is praying for all the long-term requests regularly. Thank you! God bless you!
Mama
Pregnant mothers
Childcare teachers/
Shepherds
Children's 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
Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family