Attendees: Jamie, Angela, Holly, and Kelly
Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle (Psalm 103:1-3).
We ask that your comfort be felt in tangible ways when these ladies experience loneliness, home-sickness, depression, and grief. So often while serving overseas one has to grieve losses long-distance. When news of a loved one’s sickness, divorce, struggles, or death occurs, they can feel trapped, helpless, sad and maybe even guilty, dealing with pain that those around them may not be able to empathize with. There are times when they experience compound grief, as in the losses can be multiple (i.e. death of mom, grandmother, close friend). There may be trauma where they live, that they are processing (or not) and thus feel isolated. Processing these can be a lonely, long road. Lord, we ask You to be their anchor in the middle of their emotions, and pray for your loving arms to hold them. May they each meet someone at the retreat with whom they can share their heart and feel heard.
JAPAN: One of the world’s economic superpowers, Japan faces social challenges that can seem insurmountable. Materialism runs deep and many young people are seeking to fill their lives with the latest electronic gadgetry. In a culture that deeply values uniformity, choosing to follow Jesus and become his disciple is a courageous decision. We pray for the churches of Japan, usually no more than 50, and their commitment to outreach and spiritual growth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
©2015 Thrive.