Hold the Ropes
Here at missionary training we daily get together for about twenty minutes between two of our classes to pray for different missionaries around the world. We call this time "Hold the Ropes". It has been awesome to see some of the ways the Lord has answered prayer. I wanted to share a few of the things that have been happening with some missionaries this last year.
On November 22, 2011 A couple who recently finished the training program had to have an emergency c-section when their baby was only 24 weeks. Little Zachary arrived months early and was only 1 lb 9 ounces. He was not very developed, as you can imagine. We have been praying for him for months now, and for his family as it has been an emotional few months for them. We have received news recently that his parents have been able to bring him home! After 114 days in the hospital, he is strong enough to come home. He has developed well, and has endured many operations. It is just amazing to see what the Lord has done here and how he has showered his love and care on this family through the body of Christ. Pray for Zachary as he continues to grow, that he would be strong and fully functional!
Another recent prayer request has been baby Kira. Just last week a missionary couple to Mozambique experienced the horrible fall of their 3 month old baby girl. She fell from a balcony about 10 to 15 feet high and had many facial fractures and a broken femur. AMAZINGLY she does not appear to have any brain issues. Her brain did not swell, and less than a week after the fall she has been able to come home!! Praise the Lord!!
This has been such a hard thing for her parents to endure, but through it all they are growing closer to our Lord. Just this morning Kira's parents said this:
"We cannot even begin to express how deeply grateful we are for every one of you who has stood by us, near and far, in prayer.This is going to be a long road, but we know that we have had an incredible miracle take place before our very eyes and in our own hands, and her name is Kira. I get chills and tears just realizing that this is actually happening, and God is more tangible than ever before. Our prayer is that his name is lifted up for the world to see, and when they look, they will see his beautiful face, full of love and his open embrace to us all. Lord Jesus, Father God, Holy Spirit, YOU ARE."
How amazing is it that we can bring these things before the Lord? We have had hundreds more updates and requests sent to us from missionaries all over the world. We have heard of people coming to know the Lord, and prayed for new brothers and sisters as they grow. We have prayed for missionaries as they head out to the field for the first time, and for other missionaries as they return from the field after years of service. We have prayed for people as they study language, and as they teach and as they disciple. What a privilege we have to be a part of what God is doing in the world and through missions!
