Attendees: Linda, Katie, Laura, and Cathy

“I tell you the truth,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life” (Luke 18:29-30).

There is no doubt that loss, pain, worry (even guilt) accompanies leaving loved ones behind for the sake of following His call on one’s life. Lord, Counselor, would you please give great discernment and wisdom of how best to care for aging parents long-distance. We ask for peace, love, understanding, and clear communication among siblings, along with provision for the various stages of transition as the needs become more complicated. Wisdom and provision (and timing) in “emergency” visits. If their parents don’t know Jesus as their Savior, would you bring them into intimate relationship to You before they die. Lord, we ask that the women in this situation will have divine appointments with other women attending the retreat – one’s that only You could orchestrate.

We pray the volunteers get over jet lag quickly and enjoy the “bonding” process as they prepare things for the ladies arrival.

Russia is the world’s largest country extending across 11 times zones between the Baltic and Pacific. About 30% of the people live on less than $1.00 US a day, 38% live in absolute poverty and 75% are worse off now than under Communism. We realize the government faces a daunting task in building this nation. We ask for political wisdom, economic stability, justice, and the upholding of the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of religion. The church in Russia has suffered the most severe and sustained persecution of any nation in recent history. Thank you Lord for Your protection and for enabling His Church to survive, grow, and triumph in the end. Father we now pray for the church’s flexibility, adaptability and cultural relevance. There is a need for practical holiness and integrity in daily life. Unity is needed among the various Christian groups and many Christians have emigrated. Lord, raise up more godly leaders and sound preaching of the Bible. We commit to You Lord the long-term global workers and ask for their issue of visas, local acceptance, wise deployment, and protection from violence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

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