Praise God for His sustaining power in our lives. Pray for wisdom for us all to know how to best transition out of this season of shelter-in-place and quarantine for the good of one another and our neighbors. Ask God to guide us in what change He desires to bring about in our lives and in our church from this season. Pray for Him to use all of us for the spread of the gospel and the growth of His Kingdom through our witness here in Birmingham and around the world.

This week we are praying for Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries (ABCH). ABCH strives to protect, nurture, and restore children and families through Christ-centered services such as Family Care Homes for homeless mothers and their children, emergency shelter care for children, foster care training, professional counseling for families and children, camps and events for foster care families, and seminars on child and family issues. We’re also praying for Oak Mountain Presbyterian and Pastor Bob Flayhart.

Day 1: Pray for peace and comfort for the children in ABCH care during this COVID-19 crisis, especially those who have most recently entered their care. 

Day 2: Pray for protection from COVID-19 and good health for all who serve and are being served within the ministry. 

Day 3: Pray for patience and perspective for each house and foster parent as they care for children 24/7 in the home. Pray they are able to see and share simple truth as they abide in Christ, ultimately sharing eternal hope with the kids through their everyday interactions. 

Day 4: Pray for effectiveness and diligence for the staff working remotely, that they would work creatively and efficiently to serve the children and families while juggling the needs of work and home in the same environment. 

Day 5: Pray for wisdom for the ABCH leadership team as they make decisions for those they are serving and who are impacted by the ministry. Pray for Godly wisdom and discernment for today and all their days.

Day 6: Pray for the children and birth parents with ABCH who do not yet know Christ to respond to the gospel in faith, and for those who already have a relationship with Jesus to grow in their faith. 

This week we are praying for Kristi serving long-term in North Africa. Kristi lives in a major city and is currently ‘sheltering in place’. The virus is spreading in her city and the healthcare infrastructure is less than adequate. She is doing well as the Lord has provided for her needs as she tries to stay safe at home for the sake of herself and the sake of those in her community. Kristi asks that we pray for her in these ways:

Day 1: There is a city-wide curfew in Kristi’s city but many just don’t understand the importance of the curfew and the social distancing. Pray for the people of Kristi’s city to begin to realize the severity of the situation, and for government leaders as they take appropriate measures to deal with the crisis.

Day 2: Kristi is trying to make the most of the extra time at home. She is continuing to study language as her classes are online. Pray for her language skills to continue to develop.

Day 3: While Kristi does have extra time to study language, she is limited in ministry right now. Pray for Kristi to not grow discouraged and to remain dependent on the Father for every reason she is there.

Day 4: The majority of people in Kristi’s city are Muslim and do not have the hope of Christ to cling to during these dark days. Pray for God to provide Kristi unique opportunities to share Christ with her neighbors and friends. Pray for God to draw many to Christ and open their eyes to their need for a Savior.

Day 5: Pray for the believers in Kristi’s city to be bold to share Christ with their family as they are together during the lockdown. Pray for God to strengthen the local church in Kristi’s city and for the truth of the gospel to spread throughout neighborhoods and communities as people seek hope.

Day 6: Pray for God to continue to provide for Kristi’s needs. Pray for Kristi not to be anxious about anything but to turn to God, trusting in His comfort and care.