August Prayer Bulletin
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
I hope you're enjoying some sunshine where you are, and like me, the Olympics. I have been deeply touched to see all the athletes who have given reference to their faith after winning a medal, or losing out on one, as well as seeing the videos of all nations worshipping together in the Olympic Park - what an amazing testament! Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, who was diving for Great Britain, referenced Joshua 1:9 (above) after her dive. She spoke about how she had been reminded by God to be 'strong and courageous' in her event.
This verse feels very applicable to all the tragic events that have been happening in our nation over the last few days. It is a good reminder to be strong and courageous, not only in our faith, but in our prayers and responses, and to not be discouraged. As well as praying for our work, and those we're seeking to help through our network of churches and charities, please do also take time to continue to pray for the communities affected by the horrific situations in our nation.
We would appreciate your particular prayers for all our partner churches and charities who are supporting refugees and asylum seekers at this time, and that they would support to those who are feeling anxious or downcast by these recent events.
Firstly this month we are very thankful to God for:
A new connection with The Diocese of Truro, which will enable us to present Acts 435 to their churches in September. Please pray that many churches will attend this online event and understand just how Acts 435 can resource them.
Our partners who are continuing to support those in their communities with specific needs, and who are continually looking for better ways to serve them, such as putting banners up in their community drop-ins or seeking new opportunities to save carpets in social housing (see prayer point below).
The 555 individuals and families who have been helped in July by Acts 435 Advocates and donors, with £73,545 distributed to those who need it most.
Please join us in praying for:
Our School Uniform Appeal, which launches on Friday as we send out our mailshot to our regular donors. Please pray that we can support many families with the cost of school uniforms.
Our connection with the Let's End Poverty Campaign, which is preparing to present letters to the Prime Minister from individuals who are facing poverty. We have been invited to find an individual story. Please pray that we can find the right person, whose story will have an impact.
One of our partner churches who is paving the way in their community to stop carpets from being removed from social housing. They're looking at cleaning decent carpets instead of them being removed, to stop individuals going without due to the cost. Please pray that if this trial is successful, we could look to pass this knowledge onto our other local partners.
Our Key Partner Gathering in September, which is a time for our key partners to connect, and learn more about how they can engage further with Acts 435. We have also invited some friends from other charities and church networks to learn more about our work. Please pray that we will get many attending and it will give us a good opportunity to connect with our partners and external friends.
Our staff team, as we take some time off at various points during this summer. Please pray for good rest and time together with our families.
As always, thank you for your prayers for these individuals, our Advocates and for Acts 435 as we seek to do more for those in need in the UK.
Best wishes,
Katie
