May 1, 2005
Prayer Request
Message from God

Minimum Daily Requirements For Christian Parents

Your child's journey from age 4 to age 14 is very short. In today's world the trip is not a safe one. Christian parents need to put God into each day or their children will pay the consequences. The following ideas can make this easy.

Hang some Christian art in each Child's bedroom. Children are often quicker to respond to pictures than to words. The best choice is something with a theme, classics like "Christ my Pilot" and "The Good Shepherd" or something more modern from a Christian Book store. You may have to ask a clerk but most have some very inexpensive prints that are not always on display. Just tell them you want something for a child's wall. My own personal favorite is titled "Come Unto Me" and features only Christ's hands.

Teach your child to Pray. By the time a child is five he should be able to speak one sentence prayers with a parent. By the time he is six he should be looking for answers to those prayers. By seven he should be able to recite the Lord's prayer and have a good idea of what it means. By eight he should be praying with people outside the family, a few of his peers and a senior saint or two from church. By nine he should have a HABIT that will connect him to a church and other Christians for life. By 14 he should have a confidence and faith that is unshakable.

Bless your child each morning. If you want to see sudden dramatic improvement in your family and children try this for just one week. Each morning as they are leaving the house place one hand on a shoulder or head and repeat one of the following blessings.

Old Testament (Numbers 6:24) "May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you and give you peace.

New Testament (Eph. 3:16) "May God strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith."

Carry a copy of the blessings with you and when the children are angry, quarreling or calling names make them bless one another. No one, parent or child, can be angry and say a blessing at the same time. . .you have to choose. The habit of blessing one another helps us do just that. . .to choose between selfishness and blessing others.

Take short walks. Get outside to God's world as much as possible. You can identify trees, collect leaves, capture bugs or even squeeze the petals of a flower and paint with the juice. Let creation declare the Glory of God (Romans 1:20). Give your children an alternative to the network television muchkathon and endless violence. Adopt a plant.

Fill a tire with potting soil and grow a tomato or pepper plant. The great lesson for all spiritual gardeners is "If you want to pick flowers you have to plant seeds". It is the key to all relationships.

Purchase a deck of Scripture cards from a Christian bookstore and leave them on the kitchen table. Serve them as part of each meal. Seeing our children grow strong in spirit should mean more to us than feeding their bodies. Have each child carry his scripture card with him for 24 hours before returning it to the bowl on the table. Having a scripture in your pocket gives a child a sense of expectancy that God will make it real. If we don't feed our children scripture they will never learn to digest it.

Display your Child's Sunday School lesson on the refrigerator. Letting a youngsters efforts die a painful death on the floor of the car or in the trash is not exactly giving God's word the respect it deserves. Take care of each lesson. A lot of people have gone out of their way to get it to your child.

None of these efforts is a guarantee that our daughters and sons will know God in time to face all the pressures of being a teenager in this modern dangerous world but they are the least we can do. . .the very least.
(c) Charles White, Topeka KS

Prayer Requests

1) Pray for revival and an awakening in the church. . .

2) Pray for our country. . .Pray for wisdom for the members and especially the leaders of Congress regarding judicial nominees. Pray that qualified and wise judges will be affirmed and for a spirit of compromise to govern these concerns.

3) We can all pray. We all should pray. We should ask the fulfillment of God's will. We should ask for courage, wisdom, for the quietness of soul which comes alone to them who place their lives in His hands. --Harry Truman

Additional leaders to pray for:

Read: Isaiah 56:6-7

Oregon

4) Pray for Craig who has recently been told that he can't have surgery on his eyes to reclaim some of his vision because his eyes are too fragile. He was also told of the possibility of having a tumor on his spine. More testing is being done. Pray for this man and his family.

5) Pray for Stan who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hepatitis C about a year ago and given a shortened time to live. Pray for his family too!

6) Pray for Ed who has been in and out and in the hospital this week with problems in his legs.

7) Earl is back in the hospital. His family couldn't wake him up. The doctors think he has some kind of an infection.

8) Pray for Tom who is very ill.

9) Pray for a church in crisis. There is sin in the camp and they are not choosing to acknowledge it.

Washington

10) Thank you'all for your prayers! Dennis and Jan's house sold quickly. They have to be out by the middle of May. Pray now they find a house to move into -- very quickly!

Nevada

11) Pray for Jim and Peg as they prepare for their trip to Portland to visit Jay and V.Ann. They will be with us for 10 days!

Missionaries

12) Continue to pray for Jay Neuharth and his family as they deal with the death of his brother. He is back in Bishkek now after attending the funeral in Seattle. Interestingly, the event has give him some unique opportunities to witness to his neighbors in Bishkek.

13) Continue to pray for Joan. The New Age Festival will be complete by the time you'all get this, so pray for those who listened and hear the Word. Pray God's truth sinks in.

14) Pray for changes in process at Hard Hats for Christ as some retire, some fill gaps, and some step into new positions.

Message From God

One day God was looking down at earth and saw all of the rascally behavior that was going on. So he called one of his angels and sent the angel to earth for a time. When the angel returned, he told God, "Yes, it is bad on earth; 95% are misbehaving and only 5% are not." God thought for a moment and said, "Maybe I had better send down a second angel to get another opinion."

So God called another angel and sent him to earth for a time too. When the angel returned he went to God and said, "Yes, it's true. The earth is in decline; 95% are misbehaving, but 5% are being good."

God was not pleased... So he decided to e-mail the 5% who were good, because he wanted to encourage them .. give them a little something to help keep them going.

Do you know what the e-mail said? Just wondering. I didn't get one either.
Thanks, Doug and Jan Atkin, Reno NV

May 8, 2005
Prayer Request
How About Some Terrible Bible Jokes?

Prayer Requests

1) Pray for revival and an awakening in the church. . . How sure are you that God hears your prayers?

2) Pray for our country. . .Pray for the mothers of America that God will give them grace and wisdom as they fulfill their vital role. Pray that mothers will rear their children according to God's purpose, and that the families of America will be strengthened

3) Pray for our president. . .Pray for our President and his family. He requested specific prayer on the National Day of Prayer for wisdom and discernment as he performs his job, for strength as he performs his stress and pressure filled job, and for safety for Mrs. Bush and their daughters. Pray that their family will be blessed by God.

Additional leaders to pray for:

Read: I Samuel 2:1-2 & Psalm 33:12

4) Pray for the world. . .Pray for the safety of our Armed Forces as they face increasing attacks in Iraq and renewed violence in Afghanistan. Pray for the safety of our soldiers, and for the success of those who are working to prevent attacks against them. Pray for the families and loved ones during this time of danger and concern.

Oregon

5) The piano teacher -- who used to be a missionary in Trinidad -- asks that you'all pray for two ladies from Trinidad. One came to New Jersey long ago and has lived and worked for years without a green card. Now she is ill and afraid to get much help because of her illegal alien status. Her sister came to help her -- and to work her job so that she will have a job to return to when she gets well. She is here illegally also. Both have a deep background in spiritual matters. Pray for health, and a return to their spiritual roots.

6) Pray for Nate and Harry, Shirley's sons who are not saved and hostile to the gospel message.

Missionaries

7) Rod Taylor writes about his recent trip which you'all prayer for: "Dawn and I are grateful for your support in prayer. We both knew we were being prayed for. Here are a prayer requests for the coming month:
**Today was my first day back in the office in a month. Pray that I can deal with the accumulated paperwork quickly and be free to work on the follow-up from the trip.
**Ryan turns 10 on May 5th. As we celebrate with him and look forward to Lauren's 7th birthday on June 12th, we continue to understand our need for wisdom and courage in parenting. We need all the prayer we can get for our kids.
**Please continue to pray for God's protection on our marriage. There are lots of pressures and we know we need God's help to stay strong and connected.
**Health - please pray with us that we will develop habits of eating, weight control and exercise that will give us the health and energy we need to be actively engaged in our family life and to fulfill the ministry God has given us.
**Pray also for Lee & Betsy Rubottom as Lee has surgery on May 6th. Pray also for Dawn as she struggles with being so far away. (Lee is Dawn's father. Later report -- the doctors declared the brain tumor to be inoperable. Not sure what happens next)
** Pray for the GEM Youth Ministry. Praise God for a grant from Tyndale. Pray that my assistants Jon and Stacey Covell would get the support they need to return to Ireland and continue their ministry. Pray that God would bring 5 experienced youth workers to our team by October. Our GEM?K conference is coming up in August. Pray for our preparations and that God would work in the lives of these teenagers during the conference.
**Thank you, dear friends. Dawn and I are deeply aware of your prayer and grateful for your commitment to be part of our lives and ministry in this way."

8) Pray for Gil Harder and his daughter, Angela, are going to Africa on June 13-27 with a team to evangelize. He has led highly successful teams to Russia and South America. Pray for this group for their financial support, for their hearts to be open to the leading of the spirit, and their physical preparation for the trip.

9) Pray for Duane and Kenny Atkinson working for Hard Hats for Christ. They are in a position of change. Pray for stability for the family and a leading from the Holy Spirit.

How About Some Terrible Bible Jokes?

What entertainment did Noah hire for the animals?
An ark-estra!

On the ark, Noah probably got milk from the cows. What did he get from the ducks?
Quackers!

What was the difference between the 10,000 soldiers of Israel and the 300 soldiers Gideon chose for battle?
9700

Matthew and Mark have something that is not found in Luke and John. What is it?
The letter "a".

How do you get rid of bedbugs? Make them sleep on the couch!
(I know, that isn't a Bible joke -- but it sure was terrible!)

May 15, 2005
Prayer Request
Apologies

Prayer Requests

1) Pray for revival and an awakening in the church..."Now I lay me down to sleep..."

2) Pray for our country. . . Pray for the young people who will be graduating from high schools, colleges and universities across America in the next few weeks. Pray that God will guide their life choices to be honoring to Him. Pray that they will find fulfillment not only in meaningful employment, but in a place of service to our society. Pray that these future leaders will seek the wisdom of God for their lives.

3) Pray for our president. . .Pray for President and Mrs. Bush as they return to their regular responsibilities following this week's trip to four European countries. Pray that alliances against terrorism will be strengthened, and that those who are working to prevent terrorists from gaining access to even more deadly weapons will be successful.

Additional leaders to pray for:

Read: Matthew 6:6-8

Missionaries

4) Pray for the world. . .Pray that the recent capture of key terrorist leaders in Pakistan will result in the disruption of terrorist operations.

Oregon

5) Update and PRAISE!!! Elenor went through the tests this week and the doctor declared her cancer in remission.

6) Pray for Brandon. He is a young man who is chasing the wrong crowd and making some pretty ugly decisions about his life.

7) Pray for Lisa. She is a young woman who has also made some decisions that do not reflect her upbringing. Pray that some experimentation she has involved herself in has been totally unsatisfying. She has been a strong Christian and needs to return to His safe harbor. Pray for her parents who are very concerned.

8) Pray for Hannah. She has been homeschooled from K through 12 and is graduating from High School. She is planning on pursuing a career in music education and is already teaching music. She is an outstanding young lady and a pleasure to her parents and friends.

9) Pray for Isabel. She is one of PrayerWorks' ardent prayer warriors. This week she had a heart attack -- her second. She is in the hospital.

10) Pray for Stan, who discovered about a year ago that he had Hepatitis C for years and didn't know it. When diagnosed he was in Stage 4, and told he probably wouldn't survive long. The doctors put him in a chemo program for 48 weeks (most people either die or can't take the side effects and drop out) and he recently had his 41st treatment. He is really sick with the drugs but winning the war with the Hep C. Keep praying.

11) Keep praying for a church with "sin-in-the-camp".

California

12) Teresa called from Southern California today. She is a new to PrayerWorks, but ardent prayer warrior and a friend of Isabel. Please pray for her husband who has pancreatic and liver cancer. She also asked for prayer for:

** Brenda and her daughter, Ilene who is 12 and has leukemia. Pray for healing for Ilene, peace and strength for Brenda, and conformation of salvation for both.
** Carlos who has colon cancer and was admitted to the hospital with a major infection. Pray for healing and salvation.
** Rosiario is a Christian but is married to Robert, and abusive alcoholic. Pray that God intervene in the situation and save Robert.
**Pray for Eddie who is 84 and trying to care for his wife, Esperanza, all by himself. She is blind and has Alzheimer's disease and sometimes gets violent. It is an awful situation.
** Pray for Teresa's grandson. Every time her son-in-law has to leave home for an extended period of time (he works in the oilfields) the grandson begins to act out his anger. Now dad is being sent to Scotland and son is in a rage.

Nevada

13) Pray for Jan and Doug. They are Jay's sister and brother-in-law. Last weekend they received the call most dreaded by parents. Their son, Jeff, had been found dead in his apartment. Jeff had problems in the past with alcohol and drugs but he finally seemed to have found his place and was doing well. The cause of death will not be known until tests are done.

14) Pray for Jim and Peg, Jay's parents. They were to visit in Portland this week but found it necessary to stay home because of the funeral for Jeff, their grandson.

Washington

15) Pray for Cathy's daughter, Cindy, who has cancer. She is 40 years old and has been given a year to live if she does the chemo. She is not saved and has no peace in the situation. Pray first for salvation. Then pray for peace and healing. Pray for Cathy to release her daughter to the Lord.

Missionaries

16) Rod Taylor in Ireland recently wrote that Dawn was going home to be with her parents in what seems to be her father's final illness. They all felt it important that Ryan & Lauren get to have time with their grandpa, so all four of them are making the trip. Would you'all pray for their time together?

Apologies

There were so many requests this week there was no room for a "funny". I'll put in two next week.

Most of you got prayer letters (in the mail) that were wrinkled last week -- and you probably will this week. The copy machine repair man has been here once and will more than likely make a return appearance this week. We truly apologize for the mess!

May 22, 2005
Prayer Request
This Looks Weird, Huh? Believe It Or Not, You Can Read It! Try It!!

Prayer Requests

1) Pray for revival and an awakening in the church. . .Pray hard!

2) Pray for our country. . .As the nation observes Armed Forces Day, give thanks for the sacrifice and dedication of so many who have given their lives for our freedom. On this holiday, created to express thanks to our military, pray that every member of our Armed Forces will know the gratitude of all Americans for the sacrifice and dedication they have shown in service to the nation. Pray for their safety and protection as they continue to serve.

3) Pray for our president. . .Pray for wisdom and divine guidance for President Bush as he meets with world leaders this week

Additional leaders to pray for:

Read: Psalm 113:2-3

4) Pray for the world. . .The Russian Protestant church is under persecution. Permits to meet are being denied. Rent on meeting halls is raised so high the Christian groups can't afford it. "Rehabilitation camps" have been formed to "deprogram" those who have become involved in "the sects". Christians are being denied access to prisons, orphanages, and hospitals where they were previously welcome.

Oregon

5) Pray for Earl and Alice who are traveling. Pray for safety and a restful time. Pray for opportunities to witness along the way.

Washington

6) Pray for Agnes who has colon cancer.

7) Pray for the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles. The staff, administration, and residents are going through the transition pains of growing and sometimes it gets a little stressful. Pray for protection from the evil one. Pray for wisdom for the staff and administration. And pray for peace for the residents.

8) Pray for Jerry who may be opening up to the gospel. His marriage seems to be in trouble. Pray for salvation.

9) Pray for Joy as she continues to progress in her path of discovery.

10) Pray for Jay as he preaches in O'Dell Oregon on May 29th.

11) Pray for the Master's Work Board as we continue our search for some grant money. We missed the deadline and have to wait to October to reapply for one grant. We have found another that will fit our needs and qualifications. Pray as we apply for that.

12) Pray for Janice and her daughter, Jessica, who are planning to leave June 26th for a 3 week mission trip to Uganda. Please pray for strength to accomplish all that must be done before departure, needed finances, and for the harvest to be great.

Washington

13) Pray for Ginger and her mom, Ruth, as they "downsize" and clean out two homes to move into a 2 bedroom apartment. Pray for quick sale of the homes when they are ready and good results from the inevitable yard sales.

Wisconsin - I think???

14) Pray for Jamie. He has been exposed to Tuberculosis. Pray for his well-being. Pray also for the person who exposed him.

This Looks Weird, Huh? Believe It Or Not, You Can Read It! Try It!!

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdgnieg.
The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh!

The Second Round Of Funnies -- As Promised

Many years ago in Scotland, a new game was invented. It was ruled
"Gentlemen Only... Ladies Forbidden"... and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.

In the 1400's a law was set forth that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have "the rule of thumb"

Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury.

Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.

Coca-Cola was originally green.

It is impossible to lick your elbow. -- try it!

The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska
Thanks to the Hoods

May 29, 2005
Prayer Request
Have a Wonderful Day

Holy Spirit At Work

I continue to swerve and veer off course and God continues to put me back on track. How thankful I am that He works 24/7 keeping me on the right road. In fact I feel like I should be wearing a bright orange t-shirt that reads "Holy Spirit at Work"!

My most recent spiritual spinout began with the onset of summer. In the absence of the usual school year routines I gradually stopped showing up for my daily quiet time with Jesus. It began innocently enough with sleeping late, then going straight for the newspaper in the morning instead of the Bible. Spiraling further, I found myself spending way too much time surfing the internet. I turned to reading secular fiction instead of Christian fiction. I had a couple of drinks here and there. Cuss words were coming to mind, (if not my mouth), more profusely than normal. By mid summer I'd stopped listening to my favorite Christian radio station. This detour was a symptom; the cause was my subtle wandering from the Word.

Sometimes it's the most trifling things that become the most significant obstacles. In contrast to my typical summer routine in which I remain on course in my journey with Jesus, this year I was seized by the forceful pull of worldly distractions. I felt the lack of intimacy with God. I knew I was in conflict with His will. This sense of separation eventually made me aware of how I was squandering my time. At church my pastor spoke of living our lives everyday in a way that we could confidently face the Lord if called. Ouch! That perfectly timed sermon encouraged me to seek out God's will. How can I glorify Him with my life if I recklessly fritter away my time chasing hollow pursuits? He has given me everything, how can I give Him back anything less than my absolute best?

When the Holy Spirit towed me back on course I was immediately rewarded with the awesome peace that only His presence can bring. I was also shown how crucial it is, especially during this present time to stand firm on the Rock and not be moved. Not even a little bit.
© Sheri Del Core, Aptos, CA

Prayer Requests

1) Pray for revival and an awakening in the church. . ."But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: 'Wake up O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.' Be very careful, then how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore be not foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."
Ephesians 5:13-17 (SDC)

2) Pray for our country. . . As new stories involving crimes committed against children emerge, pray for the children of our nation, that they will be protected and their innocence preserved. Pray for Mrs. Bush's initiative, Helping America's Youth, that it will be effective in its efforts to draw children and teens away from violence, gangs, drugs and other negative influences.

3) Pray for our president. . .Pray for the President as he speaks to the graduates of the Naval Academy Saturday 5/28, asking God to protect him and to use him to encourage and inspire. Pray for all graduates across the nation this spring.

Additional leaders to pray for:

Read: Psalm 85:8

4) Pray for the world. . . Pray for the strengthening of the new democratic regime in Afghanistan, and pray for our troops who help that nation as they work toward freedom and democracy.

Oregon

5) Pray for Ken, a young man who needs to wake up to Jesus. Ask God to give an opportunity for a person to talk to him.

6) Pray for Billie. She has that super bacteria that was reported on the TV last week. The doctors have tried some high-powered stuff that is too new to be sure of the reactions. Pray for healing and no adverse effects from the drugs.

7) Pray for Bill. Last week Derek had the privilege of leading this 84 year old man to the Lord.

8) Pray for Willie who has cancer.

9) Pray for Carolyn who is a Buddhist and has heard to Gospel.

10) Pray for the youth group leaders, Jeremy, Amanda, Britany, Ashley, and Ian. They are doing a super job with a group of really rowdy, unchurched young people. Pray for wisdom.

11) Pray for JerryAnn who is into drugs and alcohol and thinks she wants out. Pray for Darrell who is also undecided.

12) Pray for Carolyn who was in a drug rehab program and ran away. The Lord led her to the home of a Christian and a return to the program. Pray she sticks it out this time.

13) Pray for yet another Carolyn (all three are different people) who is a nurse in a large hospital and carrying a heavy work load. Pray for strength and spiritual protection.

14) Pray for Meredith who is deeply depressed. Karen, her daughter, doesn't know how to help her. Pray for both to reach out to the Lord.

15) Pray for Janet, who desires God's comfort at the death of a friend.

16) Pray for Kailtin, a 15 yr old who is so severely depressed that she can't attend school. Pray for her parents as they seek help.

17) Pray for a lady who is worried about her brother who killed his wife. Pray God give both the desire to make right decisions.

18) Praise the Lord!!! Ethel Eakin has gone home to be with the Lord. She was a strong prayer warrior and served the folks at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles with warmth, smiles, and playing the piano for services.

Illinois

19) Pray for a man who injured severely when a semi truck crossed the center line and hit him. He has heard the message of the Gospel for years. Pray for salvation and healing. Pray for his family, also.