PRAYER LIST 48 CM/FM September 1997
Copyright 1997 by The Family
"Lord, it is nothing with Thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on Thee" (2 Chronicles 14:11a).
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. Tim Servus (of Cheerful) (PL 46:18): Feeling much better after sending in a prayer request for a bronchial obstruction that was causing labored breathing and chest pains.
2. Abi (of Dan) (PL 45:16): "I was diabetic during my last pregnancy in the U.S., and had to take insulin three times a day as well as have weekly checkups at a hospital. My pregnancy was closely monitored, as diabetics can often have complications. After the birth of our last child, the doctors strongly advised us not to have any more children. Nine months ago we came to the field of India, and soon after our arrival I found out I was PG again. I was a bit fearful, as my other babies have been quite big and there have been complications. After sending in a request to the Prayer List, the Lord did miracles for me! I haven't been diabetic or needed to take insulin throughout my entire pregnancy. The Lord also answered prayers for a quick delivery. Christian was born after two hours of labor and only two pushes!"
North America:
3. Lily Joy (of Michael Towne): Operation to remove cervical cancer was successful, and there are no signs of it anywhere else.
4. Timmy (9, of Matthew and Ava) (PL 36:64): "Timmy is making outstanding progress in his fight against juvenile arthritis. He went for months with both legs in casts in order to stretch them out. He is about to go into braces, and is quite mobile using a walker. He has been battling this for seven years, and now the doctors are encouraged. He swims every day, is a very happy young fellow, and is especially encouraged that he is also catching up in his school work."
Europe and Africa:
5. Elaine (of Ricky) (PL 41:144): "I would like to thank all the people who have prayed for me against migraine headaches. I have not had a serious headache in over three months. Prior to this I was having severe headaches twice a month for the past year. Needless to say, I'm very, very thankful."
6. Croatian Becky (PL 43:55): She went for a check-up with a cardiologist and found her heart to be perfectly fine. She's had pain and her heart doesn't always beat regularly, but she's healthier than ever.
7. Yohan (1, of Michael and Lydia) (PL 45:53): Since being on the Prayer List, he hasn't had a single fever convulsion.
8. Christina: Healed from a lump in her breast. "A doctor first located the lump and suggested a mammograhpy because of the risk of breast cancer. At the mammography they kept taking x-rays in order to find the lump, then sent me on to the doctor, who told me that there was now no trace of any lump!"
9. Angel (8, of Jonas and Ania): "Skin on her hands is totally healed after being put on the Prayer Lista miracle, and without the use of any medication. (It's hard to even get a good cream here in Russia.)"
10. Katrina: Healed of constant pain in her right upper arm.
11. Libby: An inheritance from her father came through.
12. Jesse (of Libby and Abe): "We put our two-and-a-half year old son on the Prayer List for his speech, as he would only make very basic sounds. Now he's talking up a storm and puts together some very articulate little sentences."
South America:
13. Gloria (of Jos) (PL 46:36): "On my last visit to the doctor, he was very positive and said he found me to be very well; everything seemed to be normal again after having problems with my ovaries."
14. Glory (of Jeremias) (PL 47:16): "Glory has almost no pain, can walk slowly, eat, etc. She is able to urinate on her own (after two months), and she will be able to undergo radiation therapy next week, which is another miracle, as it was booked up for months. The Lord has also given us first-class medical service for free. Thank You Jesus!" (See prayer request #25 for more details.)
Pacific:
15. Meekness (of Martin) (PL 34:22): "Our doctor gave a positive report after her regular check-up. Her CEA level (a cancer indicator in the blood, supposed to be below 5, which was 18.9 in March) has continued to drop, and is now at 1.0!
16. Mike (PL 45:66): "The Lord has been continuing to heal and strengthen Mike after his car accident. Thank you for your love, prayers and concern."
17. Jer: Tumor on his knee is much smaller.
18. David G.: Severely injured thumb almost completely healed.
19. Faith: Prolapsed uterus healing well.
20. Amor: Healed of nerve problems, bursitis and ear problems.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
CRITICAL OR LIFE-AND-DEATH SITUATIONS
21. Melissa (8, of Michael and Michelle), Europe: Aplastic anemia (blood disease). For her protection against the side-effects of the treatment, and that there will be a complete healing of her bone marrow without any further complications. Also pray for Melissa and her parents' comfort, and against discouragement. (For more details see page 5.)
22. 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. 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 a big disappointment and discouragment. 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.
23. 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.
24. Marina, Pacific: Recently it was discovered that she had a cancerous tumor. She decided not to undergo an operation and, thank the Lord, the tumor has been shrinking. However, she has since had severe stomach pains due to a buildup of gas. For strength, encouragement and God's anointing on the doctors. For continued healing of her tumor, and against any further occurrence of cancer.
25. Glory (of Jeremias), South America: Underwent a hysterectomy due to cancerous tumors. The operation was successful and all traces of the cancer were removed. However, she had to undergo a second operation on her intestines, which became twisted and entangled during the first operation. For the cancer not to spread; for the success of the radiation treatment and against undesirable side effects; for two fingers in Glory's left hand which lost feeling after the second operation; that her urinary system will normalize; for strength and speedy recovery from the operations.
WS
26. For the GPU's efforts to get the mass marketing of videos off the ground, and to secure broadcasting deals. For wisdom, good research, and the right contacts and open doors.
27. WS book give-away project: For the anointing and strength for the PPC teams as they undertake this monumental project. That all the books will reach the Homes safely and quickly.
ASIA
28. Vietnam: That a soon-coming change in the country's leadership will result in continued openness to foreigners, so we can remain and witness in that country.
29. Vietnam and Turkey: Progress in translation of tools.
30. Nepal: Against a renewed anti-Christian movement, specifically aimed at stopping proselytizing. The political condition is at present highly volatile. For the government to stabilize; that long-term visas will come through shortly, as otherwise the team may have to leave.
31. Faith PI (of Paul): Diagnosed as having pre-cancerous cells in the cervix and possibly inside the uterus. The doctors strongly suggest an operation at this stage, as they are convinced it will develop into malignant cancer. That the Lord will do a miracle of healing without the need for an operation. For grace, faith and trust for Faith, Paul and their three children.
32. Noelle (2, of Stevie and Ruth): Large cysts on the left side of her face. That Noelle will be free from colds or other illness, as with each mild sickness the cysts swell. Wisdom regarding medical decisions, especially in regards to a new form of treatment that has been developed.
33. Timmy (9, of Mary): Recently contracted polio and has lost the use of some muscles in his hips and legs.
34. Victory Fighter: Disease causing severe dizziness and loss of balance.
35. Rosita and son, Sammy: They went to visit her 10:36 relatives in a Muslim country, and are now being forcibly kept from returning to the Family. Their passports were stolen, and the government refuses to issue them new ones, so they are unable to leave the country. For strength, encouragement, and quick release from the situation; for the Lord to raise up people to help them.
36. Philip (12, of Peter and Esther): Severe infection in both ears. That fluid in the middle ears will drain; for no further loss of hearing; and for wisdom in any medical treatment.
37. Shikhar (baby, of Daniel and Crystal): Born premature. For normal development and functioning of all body systems.
38. Joan (of Jay): Cysts in breasts.
39. Brian (3, of Ready and Thai Rose): Persistent hydrocele, or swollen testicles. (See Prayer List 41.)
40. Marie (of Gabe): Growth on her neck.
NORTH AMERICA
41. Martin (11, of Jonathan and Lily): Severe heart pains. (He had open heart surgery when five years old.)
42. Chris and Celeste: Amoebas and typhoid fever.
SOUTH AMERICA
43. Legal/media developments in a major city in Brazil: An antagonistic neighbor of one Home has tried to stir up the media and judicial authorities to investigate the Family. That no investigation will be launched by the authorities, and against any harassment of the Home by the media; for anointing and strength for our legal team and for the Lord's supply for their Homes.
44. Venezuela: Against an unnecessary, intrusive and time-consuming investigation of the Family that is possibly going to be carried out; for financial supply for those planning to leave for other fields.
45. Primavera (of Sol): Fibroid tumor in her uterus. Against heavy and painful periods; for guidance as to whether or not she should have an operation.
46. Mateo (of Belen): Operation to remove a tumor in his arm.
47. Phoebe (of Joel): Serious condition of varicose veins in her uterus. That an operation will not be needed.
48. Miguelito (11, of Meekness): Recovery from operation on his nostrils. That he can breathe better; against polyps (usually a non-malignant growth or tumor in the mucous lining of an organ such as the nose, often causing obstruction).
49. Ricardo (baby, of James and Talita): Born two-and-a-half months premature, and now in an incubator. That he will gain weight, continue to breathe well on his own and be able to fight off any infection. For James and Talita's encouragement and strength.
EUROPE AND AFRICA
50. Yeltsin has sent back to the Russian Duma a revised version of the law to restrict religious groups such as ourselves. While more accommodating to larger Christian religions, in other ways it is even worse than the one he originally refused to sign. Please pray that somehow the law will be rejected, shelved or that deliberations about it will take a long time. Against possible civil unrest as a result of Yeltsin's decision, which the leader of the Orthodox Church has warned about. Against growing pressure on the government from the Orthodox Church to seriously restrict religious missionary activity.
51. Preparations and open doors for the Family's participation in important upcoming international conferences on religious issues.
52. Against the possible adoption of laws against small religious movements that are being considered by the European Parliament and the Council of Europe. That the growing lack of tolerance by individual governments in Europe towards non-conformist religions will not result in difficulties for Family members or other Christians.
53. For the Lord's protection, anointing and wisdom for academics and others who are fighting for religious freedom in Europe; and that the Lord will raise up more people to defend the rights of small religions. That the Lord will raise up academics and other experts who will be able to refute the false notions of "brainwashing" that are being accepted as fact by European governments.
54. Against any negative consequences from various official commissions being held about NRMs in several European countries, including Germany.
55. Against the passage of laws being considered in Switzerland, being touted as measures to protect the public from brainwashing but which are actually anti-religious.
56. For the Lord's wisdom in knowing how to respond to the ACM's growing influence in Eastern Europe.
57. Michael: Already battling multiple sclerosis, has now been served with a custody suit by his wife, who abandoned him and their children some time ago and left the Family, but now wants the children back.
58. Tim Odessa: Diagnosed with melanoma. After further tests the doctors haven't been able to detect any signs of cancer anywhere else in his body. Thank You Jesus! They do want to give him post-operative radiotherapy treatment, which Tim has decided not to go for. For complete cleansing of cancer and against any future recurrence.
59. Gabriel (16, of Steven and Christina): Epileptic cramps in which he passes out. There is danger of serious injury, as it happens very suddenly and results in him falling down and often banging his head or back. He becomes unaware of things around him for an hour or two, and has no memory of what happened. That he will be delivered from these cramps once and for all.
60. David (of Heidi): Duodenal ulcers (the duodenum is the portion of the intestine immediately below the stomach), caused by bacteria and resulting in strong pain and loss of blood.
61. Sharon (19, of Phil and Shiloh, former member): Her baby girl was born three weeks premature and the doctors have discovered some symptoms of possible Cornelia de Lange syndrome (a condition that could leave the baby severely retarded). At only two or three days old, the baby had an operation on her digestive tract. A few days later she suddenly stopped breathing and is now on a ventilator. Sharon has asked for prayer that the Lord will do a miracle and heal the baby.
62. Olivia (2, of Adam and Laura): A disease contracted from a tick bite that, when developed, attacks the brain and the nervous system and other organs which can result in very serious physical problems. Please pray against the spread of the disease and against any long-term effects.
63. Snezhana: Severe eye problems, which the doctor says can cause blindness.
64. Faithy: Epilepsy.
65. Angela (of David): Undergoing a knee operation.
66. Davida: Heart problems.
67. Michael Tristan (baby, of Christina [18]): Born premature at 28 weeks. For continued weight gain so he can be released from the hospital; that he will adapt easily to breast-feeding, as the hospital staff will allow Christina to begin breast-feeding him this month; that the oxygen he is getting in his incubator will not affect him negatively in any way. For Christina's strength and encouragement, and that she will keep her milk.
68. Adam (2 months, of Peter and Pearl): Undergoing a hernia operation.
69. James Delight (FM): AIDS.
70. Patricia (7, of Joy Newman): For her right eye to be strengthened. The surgery was a success, but due to her handicap (cerebral palsy), her eye goes out of alignment and causes her to see double. That she learns to control this eye.
71. Joy (of Paul): For healing and strength after a couple of operations to remove cancer, and for her voice to return to normal.
72. Esther (14, of Victoria); Sara (15, of Simon and Vicky); Loana (17): Scoliosis.
73. Paul; Marianne (of Mark): High blood pressure.
74. Julie: Torn ligament sustained in a bus accident. She's in a lot of pain and can't walk.
75. David (of Sara): Speedy recovery after being hospitalized for heart trouble.
76. John David Fisherman: Deterioration of the vertebrae, for which he has had to be hospitalized. Against any further erosion or fracturing of the vertebrae, and for a speedy recovery.
PACIFIC
77. Sydney civil suit: For the Lord's leading and guidance for our lawyers. For unity in the work and with each other and any former members who are affected. Against possible efforts by antagonistic former members to stir up trouble and hinder or harm the Family; that we can have fruitful communication with them.
78. China: For dedicated laborers for this needy field. For financial supply and security and protection for all the teams in China.
79. David (13, of Paul and Joy): Twisted his neck quite badly, which put stress on the bones and got them out of alignment.
80. Praise: Continued healing of a tumor.
81. Gideon (of Joan): Lung problems.
82. Jeremiah: Twisted legs and small tumor on his knee.
83. Stephen: Inflamed veins in his leg causing him to be bedridden.
84. Ginny (of Chris M.): Fibrocystic disease.
85. Jeremiah: Recurring eye infections that affect the iris.
86. Tommy: Heart trouble; for strength after a mild heart attack; that his heartbeat will return to normal.
87. Manami (9): Very weak eyesight.
88. Hiromi: Uterine tumor, and resultant infection after a failed operation to remove it.
89. Renee: Diabetic pregnancy.
90. Crystal: Diagnosed as having endometriosis (disorder affecting the female reproductive system).
91. Anna: Debilitating inflammation that causes pain in joints.
92. Jasmin: Symptoms of a hereditary degenerative nervous disease, which can be fatal.
93. Maggie: Recovery after an operation on her thyroid glands.
NOTICES AND TESTIMONIES OF ANSWERED PRAYER
From Michelle and Michael, Europe:
In March '97, our sweet daughter Melissa (8 years) was diagnosed with a serious blood disease called aplastic anemia. (See prayer request #21.) This is a condition where the bone marrow has either stopped or greatly diminished the production of blood cells. Although her condition is life-threatening, we are very thankful that it hasn't been painful and that Melissa has been such a fighter through all the treatments. The treatment so far has not been successful, and she has been dependent on regular blood transfusions, which require several visits to the hospital weekly.
She just got out of hospital after a three-week treatment which was quite strenuous on her little body. After the treatment, there were some complications and for a couple of days Melissa was very seriously ill with memory loss and partial loss of her senses and bodily functions. We were so very desperate. The answer to prayer was amazing, as one morning Melissa woke up and was completely restored! Even the doctors were amazed, as they had predicted a slow, gradual restoration. Please do pray for the Lord's protection from any side effects of these treatments.
We are desperate for the Lord to protect Melissa from mistakes by the medical staff and side effects of the medications they prescribe. In this country they have laws that give the doctors the power to override the parents' wishes regarding medical treatment of minors. The tragic thing is that most likely this life-threatening malady is a side effect of a medication Melissa was prescribed to take for a mild form of childhood epilepsy. Her type of epilepsy was not in itself dangerous and, as in all childhood epilepsy, it probably would have disappeared by early puberty. As you can imagine, we regret having taken her to the doctor in the first place, as her "latter end is worse than the beginning." This has been a source of so much heartache and even condemnation. But the past cannot be undone, and we have clung to the comfort of the Word against condemnation and for the faith to fight for her healing now.
Melissa has been able to be at home for the past couple of months, which has been a big blessing. It has been a real encouragement for her to be at home with the Family, being able to read the Word, pray and praise in a Godly atmosphere. Melissa looks fairly healthy and can lead a pretty normal daily life with the exception of having to be careful not to be exposed to infections due to her low resistance. We have been really thankful for the encouragement from the Lord regarding Melissa's illness. In all the prophecies, the Lord has promised a miraculous healing. Not only have our shepherds and we heard in prophecy the Lord's sweet encouragement, but also precious brethren we know in India and Thailand have written us and sent beautiful words of love and encouragement from the Lord. Even one of our supporters here phoned and told us that the Lord in prophecy had promised healing for Melissa.
We are clinging to these promises and the Lord's Words for strength. Please continue to pray for Melissa and her healing, and also that we as a family have the peace, faith and patience to go through this time of testing and to get to our new mission field of India in His good time.
From Claire (of Matthew), China:
After returning from the hospital when I had problems with severe bleeding in my pregnancy, I spent most of the next five months in bed. I had problems with very painful blood clots in my legs, lymph infections and, towards the end of my pregnancy, mild toxemia. Though this was a rough time physically, to be honest it was one of the most wonderful times I can remember as far as just lying in Jesus' armsas there wasn't much else I could do. I was very well cared for by the dear ones here, and it was a special time.
During that time I went over and over the Family Prayer Lists, praying for other people, for China, for our work for just everything. In that sense it was a very wonderful and special time, even though at several points we wondered if I was going to go be with the Lord and we sent out some emergency prayer requests to the local Family.
Aside from the intense pain, which the Lord used to slow me down and keep me down, it was a wonderful time of refilling. I just felt sorry for everyone else who had to do all the work! My baby was born here in China five months ago, naturally and beautifully, perfectly whole, despite all the health problems. Thank You Jesus! We named him Jordan, as the Lord surely brought us across the Jordan of affliction and fulfilled all His promises to us. PTL! He's such an angel and a blessing! And I am now healthy and totally recovered.
From Abigail G., Italy:
All at once I started to have strong headaches with high fever (39-40C), that would go down only slightly for two hours after taking aspirin. After the Home got together and anointed me with oil and prayed for me, the Lord showed me that I needed to stop taking the aspirins, which I was taking every six hours for the almost unbearable headache. Even though it was a battle to obey because the headache was very strong, I went ahead. Miraculously, the headaches stopped. Because the high fever continued, we decided to go to the doctor who immediately diagnosed the sickness as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (or Rickettsiosis) caused by a tick, and suggested immediate hospitalization for the treatment. This was a big battle for me, knowing how bad the hospitals are in this part of Italy.
The Lord led us to an nice hospital only 15 minutes from Home and to a sweet doctor who was one of the few in this city who specializes in this sickness! From then on it was miracle after miracle, and now I can say that the Lord answered all our prayersand not the day after or a week later, but immediately! Like the verse says, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all" (Psa. 34:19). I can testify that "all" in my situation was A-L-L. Not some, but ALL!
During the four days that I was in the hospital, I had very close communication with the Lord. He encouraged my heart, answered each one of my prayers, and helped me to fight the Enemy when he attacked with discouragement or fears. I could feel the Lord very close to me, fighting by my side in this battle, and the Word that I read became more alive. Looking back now, I can really say that I didn't go through this sickness, but the Lord carried me in His arms through this sickness!
The Lord also gave me the strength and the opportunity to be a tool of His love for many people there. I really don't know how I did it, but even when I was physically very weak, the Lord gave me the strength to comfort others with the same comfort that He was comforting me. The day before I came home, many patients received Jesus.
The battle isn't finished yet, as I'm still under treatment, but the most important thing is that I am on the winning side with the Lord at my side! Most of all, I can't help but thank the Lord for all the things that happened in my life through this sickness!
From Sarah, Australia:
I would like to thank everyone for their prayers for my health. I had severe prolapse of the uterus. After years of it hindering me from doing much exercise or entering into many activities, the Lord led me to a very precious doctor who explained an operation which would correct the prolapse without affecting the womb or ovaries. (I also had heavy bleeding and fibroids: Various doctors over the years had recommended hysterectomy; this doctor was the first to even explain any alternative! He explained that the fibroids would disappear with the onset of menopause.) The operation went wellno complications.
I was surprised to find a whole world of people that needed to be reached with the love and encouragement that only the Lord could give: the nurses, the cleaning ladies, and of course the other patients and their relatives! I felt that I was right in the center of God's will, in a world that heretofore I had viewed as "out of God's will" for me. It made me realize that God often does things contrary to our natural expectations, and I shouldn't judge how the Lord leads others when it doesn't "look" right to me.
All this to say, thank you for your love and many prayers. I'm certain the operation went so well because the Lord honored all your prayers. Thank you for your love. Facing a potential life-and-death situation helped me realize how much we need each other. Just prior to going into the operation, someone handed me a prophecy they'd received for me. The timing was a tremendous gift from the Lord, and it meant so much to me; possibly the most encouraging gift I've ever received! Where in the world would such a thing be possible, except in the Family!
From Victory (SGA), Thailand:
Ever since I started my periods at age 13, I've had a very rough time. I usually got severe cramps and headaches for two to three days. I couldn't hold food down either. During these times, I usually took lots of aspirins to keep me going so I could work and not have to lie down; I sometimes took up to nine a day.
I was aware that taking so much aspirin might not be good, but I blew off the checks. One day during Word time, as I was reading the FSM about menopause and what it said about taking aspirin, it got me thinking seriously about it and the Lord suggested that I not take any more aspirin. I had already popped two first thing that morning, as I had started my period.
When the cramps started coming, my first reaction was negative, as a couple years ago I had tried to quit aspirins, but it didn't work and I went through a year of very rough periods. So I wasn't so hot on this new idea from the Lord. Nevertheless, He was very comforting and reassured me that He would be with me and help me through. Well, the pain began to intensify, but the Lord talked me through it and helped me to relax, which not even the aspirins helped me to do. That night I slept through the whole night, which was a total miracle, because usually the nights are the worst and I get very little, if any, sleep for the first few nights. The Lord also told me to eat even when I didn't feel like it, as that would give me the energy I needed.
The Lord saw me through the next few days. I had to ask for prayer at times, but that was good, as before I would just go to my aspirin bottle, which I kept full, without even thinking to look to the Lord. Lord help me! I found myself talking to the Lord more through the day, and that not only gave me the grace and strength that I needed but it also helped me to be more inspired and happy during this time, as I usually get quite down and sensitive during my periods.
I asked the Lord why it didn't work when I tried to quit aspirins before, and He said it was because I didn't believe it would work and I eventually quit trying to look to Him. This last period wasn't entirely without pain or weakness, but when it got bad He helped me through it. I often had to do my part, like asking for prayer, or praising Him. Sometimes it was something practical that the Lord would tell me to do, like have a snack or lie down for a couple minutes, rest on the bus, etc., and whenever I followed what He told me to do, I felt better. Thank You Jesus!
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Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family