Prayers went up for all those in attendance as we prepared to pray for a young adult named Wendell (pictured above). He described the reality of the spiritual struggle many of us face at one time or another. Sometimes, this struggle takes the form of emotional turmoil and physical pain and comes through a myriads of circumstances that pull us away from looking to God. People of all ages and backgrounds came forward to support and pray for Wendell.
Pain and separation through sickness and war are also sobering reminders that we live in a broken world.
Yet, there is hope through it all!
Caroline introduced us to her friends Roy and Roberta. She is a hairdresser and has had opportunities to tell them about our weekly prayer gathering when they came to get their hair trimmed. The couple's young adult son, Mike is going to Afghanistan in a couple of weeks. They came tonight and were surprised by a prayer quilt featuring the emblem of the Marines. Pastor Derek called forward people who would commit to pray for the young soldier every day until he returns home.
The war in the spiritual realm is unseen, but very real according to the Book of Ephesians, chapter 6 and starting in verse 10. The weapon Wendell, Caroline and others are using is prayer,and it's making a difference!
Morningstar (pictured below) can certainly vouch for this as she found words to express the joy she felt over having witnessed a miracle. She lives in Canada, but she considers Forest Lake Church her church home, too. She had asked for prayers on behalf of a friend who lives here in town. The people of H.o.P.E had indeed prayed for her friend who had been transferred to Hospice care. Morningstar expected to come earlier this week to say goodbye to her friend and instead found her scrubbing her floor! The traces of the illness- gone.
Whether the sickness leaves one's body or another falls asleep in the death with the hope of a new body, we continue to reach out the God who has healing in His hands and is the source of peace beyond human comprehension.
Praying for our joy...and hope for the journey.
-Pastor Sabine
Here are some images of the evening, thanks to Dick Davis:)
Prayers for spiritual protection for the Lead/Senior Pastor. Thank you for your continued prayers on behalf of Dr. Morris, his family, leadership and ministry.
Morningstar is overwhelmed with gratitude and overjoyed because of God's grace allowing her to witness a miracle.
Mae brought this 'prayer square' and explained that each knot represents a prayer said on behalf of the recipient.
Isabelle asked for the prayer square for a co-worker who's husband has recently died. She wants to be a source of encouragement through a portable and tangible reminder of prayers for healing through grief.
Yes, a beautiful reminder...
"BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD" -Psalm 46:10