As many of you know, SFCV needs our prayers. I believe any place that cares for orphans needs our prayer. There is a spiritual battle going on for the least of these. Caring for orphans is God's heart. Satan will do all he can to sabotage those who want what God wants and care for what God cares for.
I had an interesting and timely vision this week. As I was preregistering at the hospital on Thursday (as all this was going on on the internet), on the wall behind the worker was a poster of the Great Wall of China. It read "Teamwork: Many hands. Many minds. One goal." I just sat there reading it over and over and felt God speaking to me. We need to stand together for the orphan and those who care for them. "A house divided against itself cannot stand."
With that in mind, I tried to think of what we could do to help from around the world.
...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:6-8
Prayer (and fasting) and thanksgiving and thinking on what is lovely!
On prayer and fasting:
I researched and came across a prayer list for missionaries. A few didn't seem to quite fit, so I went through them and picked the ones that seemed appropriate. I plan on fasting and praying on Monday, then continuing my prayers over the week. Each day I will post a few more items to pray over. Some will be more general and scriptural, some may be more practical. I would love for all of you to come along side of us and pray for SFCV--the Bakers, the staff, the volunteers, adoptive families, and most importantly the children--those still there and those who have been adopted and need healing.
Please use this however the Lord is leading you. If He is leading you to fast, great! Don't feel that you need to fast on the same day as me. I think having people fasting throughout the week is awesome too. I know some of you may be new to fasting and may be fearful of it. A few thoughts (and I am not a pro!)--it can be food, but it does not have to be food! Is there some other area God is asking you to fast? Internet? Shopping? TV? If you do choose a food fast, there are different kinds--liquid, Daniel, partial, full... I tend to do a combination. I usually do liquids throughout the day and then around 6-7 pm I will have a small, plain meal. Sort of a liquid/Daniel mix (no meat or sweets, nothing fancy). The real goal isn't to be legalistic about it. The goal is to replace that item/time with prayer time, that's what's important. Don't get caught up in the how to, get caught up in the who--God!
On thinking on what it lovely: lets share success stories!
Ok, now that that's out of the way let's get to the praying! Here are a few that I thought would be a good start to the week:
1. Focus on God Pray for the leadership of SFCV to stay focused on God and His plans above all else.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you (Matthew 6:33).
2. Confession and repentance Pray for them to regularly seek examination by God and to repent from any errors that have crept into their lives.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way (Psalm 139:23-24).
3. Humility Pray for them to have a spirit of humility and to willingly ask God for wisdom in carrying out their assignment.
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him (James 1:5).
Thanks for joining us in this time of prayer and fasting. I can't wait to hear the victory stories!
(This is my first time organizing a prayer and fasting. I am new to some of this, so if you see an area I am incorrect or unscriptural/theologically off, please message me and let me know. And I'm open to suggestions.)
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