Prayer for Chile on Sunday, October 4, 2015

Lectionary Selection: Mark 10: 2-16

Prayers for Chile:

God, we come before You today in thanksgiving for the people of Chile. We pray for God filled relationships in Chile and around the world- for trust, love and reconciliation. As the children came to Jesus and were blessed, we pray for this same childlike faith throughout the seasons of our lives. May children around the world draw closer to You Jesus and may we follow their example. From 3 years old to 103 years old may we all continue praise your name with gusto, walking in faith that You go before us.

We pray specifically for our brothers and sisters in the northern regions of Chile as they heal from the recent earthquake. We pray that You comfort those who are mourning the loss of loved ones, their homes or their businesses as they begin the process of rebuilding. As natural disasters such as this, as well as strikes in the workforce and conflicts in educational policy continue to trigger traumatic responses, we pray for resilience in the Chilean people. Inspire and encourage us to practice neighborly love and understanding and to seek Your perfect peace. Amen.

Mission Stewardship Moment from Chile:

“I’ve been following the Lord for over 80 years now,” she announced excitedly, eyes shining as she began her testimony. “Now, I’m almost 104 years old and I’m waiting here for the Lord to take me home!” she concluded as her eyes shone and she demonstrated her ability to walk unaided.

Later that afternoon after worship, I started my activity session at Bethany House, The Pentecostal Church of Chile’s Home for the Elderly. Today’s activity was beading jewelry and the folks got right to work. “I’m becoming a kid again!” an elderly man exclaimed as he skillfully strung beads, racing his pal seated across from him. “And I only can use one eye!” says another, who earlier claimed he couldn’t bead but now was on his third bracelet.

A month ago at a children’s camp, we used this same activity to teach resilience explaining that as the elastic string can stretch and come back together again, we too can do this in difficult situations. As we sang camp songs learned earlier that morning, we worked with the little ones to thread the beads which represent the different factors of resilience.

From afternoons with the elderly to craft time with the littlest children, I see hope and wonder as both generations look forward to the posibilites that lie before them. Today I give thanks for the support of our partner Pentecostal Church of Chile and their many ministries made possible by your donations. I give thanks that in a country healing from recent traumas of dictatorship and natural disasters, Chileans of all ages continue to demonstrate resilience, find joy in community and hope in God’s promises.

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Lauren Kabat)

Mission Partners in Chile:

More information on Chile: http://www.globalministries.org/chile

Global Ministries Missionaries in Chile:
Lauren Kabat serves as a Global Mission Intern with the Pentecostal Church of Chile (IPC) assigned to the Shalom Center. Her appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund, Our Churches Wider Mission, and your special gifts.