PRAYER LIST 47 DO/TS July 1997
Copyright 1997 by The Family
"Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us" (Psalm 62:8).
Please use this list along with PL 35, the latest long-term list. Thank you!
For 14 years and up. Can be read with JETTs, but they shouldn't read it on their own. Selected prayer requests, answers to prayer and testimonies of answered prayer may be read to younger age groups as well, at parents' and teachers' discretion.
ANSWERED PRAYERS
Asia:
1. Sharon B. (PL 43:27): "My prayer request against cervical erosion was recently published. Because of various symptoms, I went in for a check-up and the doctor advised me to have a PAP smear, in case there were any cancer cells present. As it turned out, I only had a mild case of cervicitis that was cleared up by some surface medication. I wanted to thank everyone who prayed for me. I had the faith that if many Family members were praying for me, the Lord would heal me, and He did!"
2. Charity (PL 42:65): Has not had any severe problems with asthma in the last couple of months.
3. Paul (PL 42:67): No asthma bouts since he sent the prayer request in.
North America:
4. David (18, of David and Charity) (PL 44:39): He is now walking without crutchesa real miracle and something the doctors said would be impossible after his motorcycle accident.
5. Anna (of Juan) (PL 46:30): Kidney stones removed with no problems.
6. Lily (of Michael): Successful operation to remove cervical cancer. Please pray for a speedy recovery and that further tests will show no more signs of cancer.
7. Mary (PL 41:72): Healed of irritable bowel syndrome.
8. Mercy (of Bill) (PL 46:10): After being on the critical list for six months due to cervical cancer, the Lord has done many miracles in healing and helping Mercy recover from an operation, as well as the further radiation treatment. She is now in much better health and recovering well. (See testimony on page 4 for more details.)
Europe and Africa:
9. The Polish police investigation into sects (PL 46:44) was supposed to be finished by the end of May, and as nothing adverse has been reported by the Homes, it looks like it passed uneventfully. The Homes were in the middle of the Summit/Bellwether video meetings when they found out about this investigation, so they weren't able to take any proactive steps, other than desperate prayer, which the Lord answered.
10. Pat (PL 38:148): "About eight months ago I hemorrhaged for 17 days, stopped for 10 days, and then hemorrhaged for another 17 days. It was serious and I could hardly get out of bed. I wrote in to be put on the Prayer List and three days later in the middle of severe hemorrhaging, the Lord healed me up on the spot! I was flipped out and, though weak, went around the house telling everyone. Recently I went to the doctor for a checkup, as he had previously found a lump on my womb and asked me to come back every three months to be checked for cancer. I didn't go back for six months and then the Lord told me to go for a check as a testimony because I was healed. The doctor was surprised I was better, because of the seriousness of the situation when he had first seen me. Praise the Lord! What a wonderful Jesus we have!"
11. Melissa (8, of Michael and Michelle) (PL 46:12): "She is doing much better, thanks to everyone's prayers! She is healed of epilepsy, and her bone marrow has started producing white blood cells again and some red cells."
12. Paul (of Tamara): Stomach and digestion problems are gone.
South America:
13. Court case victories: (From Brazil Media Team:) "The Lord gave us a tremendous victory in the Niteroi Appeal. (This case came about in '92 as a result of a raid on the studio Home, which was in the city of Niteroi at that time.) The Appeals Court voted unanimously to grant us our appeal! This effectively closes the Niteroi case, with a victory on all counts! This creates another very good precedent for us on the home schooling question. We also believe that the Rio case is now officially closed, but due to some confusion in the Rio Court we were not able to confirm that. If this information is correct, then the six-year-old Rio/Niteroi cases will have finally been won! Praise God!"
Pacific:
14. Meekness (of Martin) (PL 34:22): "I went to see our doctor friend for my regular checkup, after having some internal organs removed many months ago. The doctor carefully checked the area where a few months ago, a couple of other doctors suspected recurring cancer. It showed no difference from the previous checkup and looked very normal. My blood level was also normal. We were so encouraged by this miracle the Lord has done!
PRAYER REQUESTS
CRITICAL OR LIFE-AND-DEATH SITUATIONS
15. Glory (of Jeremias), South America: Recovering from uterine surgery due to cancerous tumors. Pray that the cancer will not spread to any other part of her body; for the bleeding to stop; that she will regain her strength; against pain; for faith and spiritual strength and wisdom in any medical decisions that need to be made.
16. David (4, of Paul and Lily), Europe: His cancer has returned. He went seven months free of this sickness, and then last month a new bump came up in the same general area. The tests showed that it was another tumor. Thankfully, it has not spread anywhere else and is still a local affliction. They removed the tumor surgically and have put David on a new round of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Pray for David and his parents, as this is understandably quite a setback and disappointment. Pray for faith, strength and courage to make it through this test and trial; that the radiation treatments won't do any damage to David's body and that the Lord will keep him through it all.
17. Sara (of David), Europe: For full recovery after her operation to remove cervical cancer. That the operation will be confirmed successful and that no radiotherapy or chemotherapy follow-up will be needed. For healing of the "incurable" degenerative nerve disease that was brought on by the cancer.
WS
18. For the GPU's efforts to get the mass marketing of videos off the ground, as well as secure broadcasting deals. For wisdom, good research, and the right contacts and open doors.
ASIA
19. Indonesia: For the political situation to stabilize so the work can continue.
20. Paul (6, of David and Crystal): For his testicles to descend without further treatment.
21. Paul (of Crystal); Jonathan: Stomach disorders.
22. Joy Harmony: That pain from a long-term sickness in her joints will continue to subside.
23. Tim (of Cheerful): Chest pains caused by a bronchial obstruction, which also makes breathing difficult.
24. Abel (Jonathan Trust): Damaged ligaments in right shoulder.
25. Peace: Curvature of the spine. For her overall health, as she is quite weak physically.
NORTH AMERICA
26. Lisa (18, of Kitty): Sustained back injuries when a mini-van she and nine other teens were in went out of control and rolled several times. The assisting medical personnel said that it was a miracle that none of them were killed or critically injured. The van burned and was totaled.
27. Jake (of Damascus): To find the cause of the eruptions and bleeding in his throat. That the tests will continue to come out negative as far as any debilitating or life-threatening diseases.
28. Mercy (of Bill): Continued freedom from cancer; full recovery; protection from side effects of radiation treatment or long-term damage. (See answered prayer #8, and testimony on page 4.)
29. Julie (7, of Matthew and Ester): Learning problems due to complications at birth. For upcoming testing and continued care.
30. Hope (of John Mark): Chest pains, inflamed stomach and constant fatigue.
31. Abner (baby, of Apollos and Maria Clara): For normal development of testicles.
32. Hope Fighter (of Josh): Bursitis (inflammation) in her knees.
33. David: Recurring hypoglycemia; for strength and proper blood sugar level.
34. Lilly (of Silas): Suspected of having uterine fibroid tumors.
35. Rachel Love Springs: Fainting and trembling for unknown reasons.
36. Christina (of John Peter): Complications with her 11th pregnancy.
37. Christian: Possible skin cancer.
SOUTH AMERICA
38. For the Lord's protection against possible persecution and/or media storm involving one of our Homes; for wisdom and discernment in dealing with the neighbors, the landlord, the police and the lawyers.
39. That the Lord will work behind the scenes to get the Argentina court case moving along; that the provincial judge will decide to take the case and close it. This would be to our advantage and would work in our favor in our civil suit against the government. Also pray that the Lord will raise up a competent lawyer who will help with the case while in the provincial court (which is out of our current lawyer's jurisdiction). Continue to pray for our lawyers and media team, for their wisdom, guidance and encouragement.
40. Gracia (of Steven): That further surgery to remove her ovary due to cysts will not be necessary, and that they will disappear.
41. Joanie (of Tommy): Problem in her urethra; that surgery will not be necessary.
42. Amy: Recuperation from a difficult delivery; that she will be healed from a urinary infection, chronic anemia and that the Lord will completely strengthen her body.
43. Mateo (of Belen): For a successful operation to remove a tumor in his thyroid glands.
44. Sara Luiza (baby, of Mateus and Lily): Possible heart murmur.
45. Clara (of Jonatan): Recuperation from a kidney infection; allergic inflammation of the nasal passages.
46. Jared (of Hannah): Recovery from tuberculosis.
EUROPE AND AFRICA
47. For the Family in Croatia. For peace and protection, as there are still regular incidents of violence, and armed people everywhere. Elections are coming up in September and many expect something to happenmaybe not war, but a lot of confusion and disorder.
48. Against the passing of a new bill in Russia limiting religious freedom. Should this law pass, it could have serious repercussions for the Family and other Christian missionaries in Russia. Among other things, it would in effect make the publication and distribution of our literature illegal there. [LNF: Thank the Lord, Yeltsin has vetoed this bill and sent it back to the parliament for overhauling. Please continue to pray, however, that the Duma accepts Yeltsin's decision and the law will be shelved or that deliberations about it will take a long time and it will lapse.]
49. For visas and extensions for Family members in Russia, the Ukraine and other countries in Eastern Europe. Visa and registration laws are tightening up considerably, and it's becoming more difficult to get extensions.
50. Melissa (8, of Michael and Michelle): For the complete healing of her bone marrow; that the production of all blood cells would reach a normal level. Her cells which cause blood to clot are still very low, as something seems to be destroying them.
51. Patience Amor (19): For complete healing of colitis, a cyst on her right kidney and ulcers in her large intestine. Against side affects from the hormone medication given her while hospitalized. That she will keep her special diet faithfully, and for protection from the air and water pollution.
52. Benji (baby, of Phillip and Kasia): Down's syndrome. For his heart and overall health. On the last doctor's visit they were told that there is a big chance he won't have to go through the heart surgery!
53. Joy (of Paul): That the tumor removed from Joy's thyroid gland is not cancerous as the surgeon is inclined to think, and that no further surgery or treatment will be needed.
54. Marianne (of Mark); Paul (of Charity): Dangerously high blood pressure.
55. Sara (15, of Simon and Vicky); Loana (17): Scoliosis (curvature of the spine).
56. Diamond: Infection in ovaries and fallopian tubes.
57. Mary Magdalene: Two cysts on her ovaries and resulting painful inflammations.
58. Victoria: Strength during chemotherapy treatment, against nausea and other side-effects.
59. Elisabetta (17): Inflammation of the bladder and intestines.
PACIFIC
60. Korea: A Home in Korea writes: "Refugees from North Korea carry with them rumors of preparation for a possible invasion of the South by the North's military sometime between July and October. Please join us in desperate prayer that the Lord will restrain the North's leadership from launching a reckless and desperate attempt to seize the South and its resources to resolve its own crippling famine and paralyzed economy."
61. Precious (6, of Chris and Lena): "She had a serious, long seizure which it seems she hasn't fully recovered from. Pray against the symptoms, that we will find the cause, and mostly that she will be healed."
62. Juan (of Ina): Ulcerative colitis (ulcerous inflammation of the colon).
63. Esther (12, of Abe and Mercy): Scoliosis.
64. Mark (of Mary): Continued prayer against symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
65. Jonathan: Cysts on his head.
66. Micah (of Jewel): Heart pain.
67. Sunny: Lump or growth on her breast.
NOTICES AND TESTIMONIES OF ANSWERED PRAYER
Graduation Notices
Sammy (10, of Andrew and Lily in North America) went on to his Heavenly reward on July 22nd. He fell ill six weeks ago when the cancer of the lymph system, which had been in remission, returned. He passed on peacefully in his sleep at 7:00 in the morning. More details will be given as we receive them. In the meantime, our prayers are with you, dear Andrew and Lily. We pray that the Lord will comfort you in your loss with the sweet peace and reassurance of knowing that Sam is happy and safe in the arms of Jesus and Dad.
Ana Lua (of Paulo in South America) went to be with the Lord on July 31st, which was also her 37th birthday. Her Homegoing was quick, and she didn't suffer much. She'd been able to spend the last week or so with her children in a little house on the beach that the Lord had provided for them. Her husband Paulo, and the children, Maria Cristina (9), Paulo Tadeu (7), and Maria Isabel (5) continued on with their plans and celebrated Ana Lua's birthday along with her Homegoing. Thank the Lord that our dear sister Ana Lua is now safe and healed in the arms of our precious Husband, and enjoying Heavenly fellowship with Dad and many loved ones there. Please keep Paulo and the three children in your prayers, for comfort and encouragement; that they can adjust to their different life and that the children will accept and understand that their mommy is now happy in Heaven.
From Mercy (of Bill), USA:
Dearest Family,
Thank you so very much for your prayers for me since I was diagnosed as having cervical cancer. My heart is overwhelmed how your prayers and encouraging words of prophecy have kept me going.
To give a little background, Bill and I have been blessed with 14 children in the last 18 years, two of them awaiting us on the Other Side. We spent eight of the last 18 years in Thailand, which was a wonderful time.
Being pregnant and nursing nearly all the time has not always been easy, but I have felt it as a calling and have always been willing to say yes to giving birth to another child. I remember a few years ago, some folks asked me why I didn't pray for a break. So I asked the Lord for a break in between pregnancies if that was His will, but I found myself pregnant within a couple of weeks.
Last December I had surgery to remove cancer from my cervix. I was supposed to have a radical hysterectomy, but during the surgery they discovered quite a large amount of cancer spreading via the lymph nodes along one side. The scheduled surgery was aborted and instead they tried to remove as much of the spreading cancer as they could. It was very tedious and delicate surgery that lasted over four hours. Thank the Lord, we had a very good surgeon and the surgery went well. Since then I've undergone six weeks of radiation treatment to kill the primary tumor in the cervix.
Thanks to the many prayers of the Family, this also went well and I not only tolerated the treatment, but had no weight loss, (a primary concern with radiation treatment). The doctors and staff have all marveled at how strong I've stayed and how well I've been able to take the treatment.
Many have asked us the outcome of the treatment, if there is any verdict. There really isn't. We now just have to wait and trust. The doctors have done what they could, and now I am in God's hands. Since they found the cancerous cells were spreading, there's a very high chance of recurrence within five years, usually at around the two-year mark. We were quite discouraged at first, but if God is to heal me then He can overcome any odds! Our extremity is His opportunity! In fact, it will be more of a testimony now and He will get more of the glory!
Many have also asked about me, concerned about how I am doing, seeming to think I am bedridden. Well, here again I want to thank you for your prayers. I am up and about all day, performing my usual duties. I had to go slow for a while, but I've now recovered from all the treatment and I'm feeling stronger every day.
All through my life and through all the pregnancies I have been very strong and healthy, so having to face this illness and meet other people with similar afflictions or even worse has opened a door in witnessing that very quickly reaches people's hearts.
Many times my New Year's prayers have been along the line of being more compassionate and loving. By His grace I believe I am beginning to know what it's like to walk a mile in someone else's shoes. I'm not recommending cancer in order to learn the ways of the Lord, but this is how God has chosen to deal with me, His child, in His infinite wisdom.
The battle is not over, as now I have to go in for regular checkups. So I will be thankful if you could please remember to keep me and my family in your prayers.
Much love, Mercy
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Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family