PRAYER LIST No.15!--From WS DO 11/93
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of them all!"--Psa.34:19.
(Please use this list with PL 16, the long-term list. Thanks!)
Dear Family,
God bless you! We love you, and thank the Lord for your fighting faith in overcoming both afflictions and enemies! Surely God has a place reserved for you in His Hall of Fame, among those who "through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented. Of whom the World was not worthy!"--Heb.11:33-34, 36-38.
Following are some of the many victories and answers to prayer that have taken place since the last Prayer List. We pray they will be an uplift and encouragement to you, a reminder that "God is on the throne, and prayer changes things."
This Prayer List is designed to be used with Prayer List 16, which contains the more long-term prayer requests from recent months. We appreciate your faithfulness to battle in prayer for our brethren who are suffering around the World, knowing that "the effectual fervent prayer of righteous men and women truly does avail much."--Jam.5:16. We love you!
* * *
Fainting soldier of the Lord,
Hear His sweet inspiring word--
"I have conquered all thy foes,
I have suffered all thy woes;
Struggling soldier, trust in Me,
I have overcome for thee."
"I have overcome, for thee;
Thou shall overcome, through Me."
Fear not, though the strife be long;
Trust thy glorious Captain's power,
Watch with Him one little hour;
Hear Him calling, "Follow Me,
I have overcome for thee."
Soon the conflict will be done,
Soon the battle will be won,
Soon shall wave the victor's palm,
Soon shall ring the eternal psalm;
Then our joyful song shall be--
"I have overcome for Thee."
* * *
ANSWERED PRAYERS: For All (OCs and under with guidance)
(Some of the answered prayers listed below were not mentioned as prayer requests in past Prayer Lists, but were prayed for locally. We've included them here for your encouragement, and to glorify the Lord for His marvellous faithfulness in answering prayer! Please remember to use wisdom and discretion in what you share with younger children.)
Dad
1. Dad's safety (PL 13:7): Our dear Prophet had two dangerous falls through which the Lord kept him miraculously.--One, in which he missed the last step of a staircase, and the other, outside where he fell flat on his face in the driveway. Both could have caused serious injury, but the Lord brought him through without one bruise or scratch in answer to your precious prayers. "Thou he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand."--Psa.37:24.
2. Dad's shoulder (PL 13:5) is completely healed.
3. Dad's eating (PL 13) has been going well. Sleep has been good and undisturbed. Health good. Eyes good. And he's generally encouraged. Thank the Lord!
Worldwide
4. Friends strengthened (PL 13:70): Many of our friends have come to the fore to vigorously defend us in the midst of the recent persecution. One man, the owner of a large factory who we've been ministering to for over 20 years without him showing much interest, gave the district attorney investigating us a glowing testimony of how he's seen us grow from hippy communes to wonderful productive families with perfectly adjusted, beautiful children.--Another fruit of faithful follow-up!
5. New friends and supporters (PL 13:76): VOCAL (Victims of Child Abuse Laws): Leaders of this U.S. organisation fighting the child abuse hysteria have raised their voices for fair treatment, in support of the Family. Although there had been talk of investigating us in Texas after the news of the raids in Argentina, when the Social Services heard that VOCAL was behind us, they reconsidered. VOCAL representatives had told the authorities, "If you intend a raid on the Family, you'd better do it right, because we are going to be breathing down your neck, and we're going to be watching everything." We've also made contact with some very helpful home schooling groups.
6. More new lawyers (PL 13:70) in many countries around the World, including influential civil and human rights lawyers who are very turned on by our beliefs and lifestyle.
7. Our Message (PL 13:75) has gotten out as never before during this persecution! In September, 14,371 press releases were sent out by our U.S. office alone. And the Media Team in one East European country reported that since June they have given out 19,000 press releases just in their country. The worldwide tally must be in the hundreds of thousands!
Worldwide, our total witness for September shot off the charts at 3.5 billion, equal to our last four years of witnessing! In fact, in Argentina alone there was a total witness of 1.4 billion, which itself is equal to our previous all-time high for the entire World!
This worldwide witness resulted from a grand total of 692 TV spots, 678 Radio shows, and somewhere close to 2,000 newspaper and magazine articles!
8. A "Larry King Live" interview on Oct. 20 featured two of our spokesmen facing off with two of our enemies and turned out miraculously well, as Dupuy (Watchman) condemned himself on camera in a show seen in 100 countries around the World! The Lord blessed the interview, made it fair and objective, and gave us a chance to present our Message worldwide on CNN.
9. Contacts in the media (PL 14:87): Many papers that originally ran slanderous articles on us have agreed to print our rebuttals, and after meeting us, some have even had a complete change of heart and begun running favourable articles on us. The Lord has given us favourable contacts with many international and local reporters as we've gone on the attack to get out our Message and rebut the lies being told about us. In the U.S. alone, we've had articles in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News, New York Daily News, rebuttals in the Boston Globe and International Herald Tribune, and letters to the editor in Newsweek, as well as dozens of other magazines and newspapers.
10. Academic contacts (PL 14:95): Many of our contacts among theologians, psychologists and sociologists have grown closer and more supportive, and we've established important new contacts as well. One particular academic was very excited to meet with us. He said he felt he had been sitting on the fence for so long in his life and it was now time for him to get involved. We told him that we need people with an objective view in his circle. He said, "It seems to me you don't need objective people but people who are willing to get in there and fight!" He said he'd had his theories and had written papers on religion and theology, but finding us was what he had been looking for.
11. Total victory in Sydney! Following the end of the one-year socialisation agreement in Sydney, the Department of Community Services (DOCS) was in full agreement with dropping any protection applications against our kids. When we went to court to finalise this, however, the judge refused to dismiss the case, despite objections from both our lawyers and the DOCS! It seemed a defeat at first, but through it the Lord won an even greater victory. The case was appealed to the Supreme Court, which speedily dismissed it, resulting in nationwide favourable media coverage, much more so than if the case had been dismissed a few days earlier. "Surely the wrath of Man shall praise Thee!"--Psalm 76:10.
12. In Lyon (PL 14:98), a victory was won when one of the minors judges handling two of our families ruled to close their case, and they are free to return to their home countries. The psychiatric reports were very positive, describing the children as well adjusted and able to speak their own mind.
13. New house in Aix (PL 14:98), allowing the Family to decentralise the existing home.
14. Answered prayers from Argentina (PL 14:85):
--Since the initial raids, about 70 brethren (adults and children) who were in Argentine institutions have been released at different times!
--Amy got custody of her two teens and made it safely to the U.S., even though backslidden Cherish (her daughter) had been attempting to get custody of her brothers and sisters, in collusion with the U.S. embassy.
--An operation on one of our lawyers went well and he keeps drawing closer.
--Another good civil lawyer has taken our case to fight for the children.
--A supportive lawyer finished his written request to impeach judge Marquevich and got 50 top penal lawyers to sign it.
--One of the Appeals Court judges visited the Family women in prison and went to one of the Institutes where our children are held.
--The children of the brethren in prison are now allowed to visit their parents two times a week.
--Gifts from supporters.
--Human Rights organisations have been supportive.
--Our YAs were able to go to their Home and get their clothing and some personal belongings. Most of the HER funds were recovered, as well as all of their documents, even though a number of other items were stolen.
15. Judgements against our enemies (PL 13:77).
--In Southern France, both Aix and Lyon have been suffering very violent storms and serious flooding. Some floods have wiped out entire towns, with mud slides covering some places with up to 180 cm. of mud. Aix-en-Provence was shown in the news as the city that was hit the worst. 100 cars were washed away in one night from the highway alone, plus enormous damages to highways and roads, properties, whole shopping malls flooded with mud, walls falling on parked cars etc., but we were miraculously spared even though the path coming down to our property looked like a river! The government has designated some areas as "Emergency Crisis Areas," sending in the military and Red Cross organisations. The Family has gone there with their teens and JETTs to minister to the people, letting them know who they are. They have already been a big hit with the Military and Red Cross folks, with one person commenting that, "We have the Army and Red Cross helping us, and even the Family!" Also, we learned that earlier this year in June (the month of the raids), the entire crop of grapes from the Beaujolais region, where some of their most famous export wine comes from, was devastated by hail stones. Many people say the whole area was severely depressed economically.
--Since the raids against us in Argentina, President Carlos Menem has had two close brushes with death, once when his helicopter had to make a crash landing and recently when he had an emergency operation for an obstruction in a neck artery.
--Sensationalist magazine Shukan Bunshun is under fire both from Japan's Diet (House of Parliament) and imperial palace after Empress Michiko collapsed following a series of articles that were highly critical of her. She lost her ability to speak, and Hanada (the chief editor of Shukan Bunshun and an enemy of the Family) had to go to the imperial palace a few times to talk about the situation, as well as run an apology article. Major newspapers declared that the Shukan Bunshun articles weren't based on facts and were far from the truth, exaggerated, or total lies. This has really destroyed their credibility. The Shukan Post, another Japanese weekly which ran a scandalous article on our past FFing, is being sued by another group it criticised.
--The host of the talk show "American Journal," who did a terrible show on us about the time of the NBC show, had a car accident recently. She got quite banged up with bruises and required stitches.
--Anti-cult psychiatrist Jolly West was fired from his position as head of the psychology department at his university.
--Recently Joyanne Treadwell publicly exposed her mother and stepfather (Deborah and Bill) on an international Spanish television program. She broke down in tears, saying that her mother had declared her an unfit mother and had her five-year-old child taken from her by court order.
--In Sydney the Lord has exposed our enemies to the World! The man who was sacked as Police Minister soon after the police raids in Sydney spoke up in Parliament, saying things like "the Police Commissioner told me that he had no evidence, circumstantial or otherwise, at the time of the raids, and that the raids were conducted in order to gather evidence needed." He went on to say, "as we all know now by history, no evidence came forward." He said, "in essence the Police may have raided nothing more sinister than a Sunday School!" Media reports said this "cast serious doubts over the legality of the raids and the failed prosecution that cost the government more than 4 million dollars."
--The Church of Zion in Bulgaria, whose leaders were the first to malign and persecute us there, spreading our enemies' lies, have now been seriously persecuted themselves. Although they were a legally registered church, they have now been banned and made illegal.
(Maria: Although it is often other Christians that persecute us, we should never pray that their ministries should be hurt, if they are winning souls, as Jesus commanded, and warning the World of the Endtime. If there is any evidence that Christians persecuting us are not only persecuting us but also doing something positive for the Lord in the way of winning souls or giving God's Message to the World, we should be very careful that we do not do anything to hurt their ministry.
(There have been cases in the past where we were in a position to do something to stop Christian groups who were persecuting us, but we declined to do so because it would have damaged their missionary ministry. In such cases it is better to pray that they will stop their persecution and that the Lord will chastise them in the way that He knows is best, without hindering their work for Him.
(We do not want to fight other Christians who have an active soul-winning ministry, or who have other fruitful ministries blessed by the Lord, regardless of how viciously they may be fighting us. We must pray that the Lord will show them the truth and stop their attacks on us in whatever way He knows is best, but not seek the dissolution of any fruitful ministry that they may have.
(No matter how misguided they may be when it comes to attacking us, God needs all the help He can get to preach His Message to this wicked World! The Lord knows much more than we do about where their heart is and what they are doing for Him, and we can let Him make the decision and judge them as He knows is best.
(By publishing this answer to prayer, we do not want to give the impression that we should gloat over the persecution of other Christians. The victory in this is that the Lord has stopped them from persecuting us, not that they have been declared illegal.)
16. Deprogrammer Galen Kelly received seven years imprisonment, with no parole, when he was sentenced. (PL 14:89) The judge reiterated that the motive is no justification for the crime (kidnapping), as the defense argument was that "it's OK to commit a lesser crime (deprogramming) to stop a greater crime (the cults)."
Pacific
17. GP childcare correspondence course (PL 14:234) has been fruitful, and we have been receiving phone calls from people even in remote parts of the country in response to our advertisement.
18. Baby Lena (PL 14:235): Her back has made remarkable progress, & it is noticeably less curved. Since requesting prayer, she has learned to sit by herself & stand holding a support.
19. Chinese Mercy (PL 14:245): After two separate operations (one on each eye), Mercy is now able to see clearly without glasses for the first time since she was six years old!
20. Anna (Phoenix) of Peter (PL 14:246): After prayer, the doctors found no sign of fibroids (non-cancerous growths) in her womb!
21. David Gypsy (PL 12:91): Eyes almost completely healed. Of the two large black spots in his vision, one is completely gone and the other has faded to a light gray which is hardly noticeable.
Asia
22. Faith (of Elkana) (PL 14:116): Breast pain has subsided.
23. RK, very close older friend (PL 14:120): Miraculously healed and doing well after a stroke.
24. Christina YA (PL 14:121): Pain from dislodged jaw bone completely gone.
25. Michael Little Bear (PL 14:122): Doing better. (Varicose veins, painful joints, backaches and migraine headaches.)
26. Teen Lily (14) of Tim and Renee (PL 14:150): Eczema clearing up and not spreading.
27. Sarah (17) of Dan and Tender (PL 14:151): Facial cuts healed and scars fading.
28. Newly opened YA Home (PL 14:156): Many precious lessons learned and victories won.
29. Mercy of Bill (PL 14:142): Seven months pregnant, and her umbilical hernia seems to be totally healed!
30. Reuben (2) of Ben and Heidi (PL 14:144): Miraculously healed of his hernia.
31. Ariane (14) of Stefan and Joy (PL 14:125): Now having regular periods.
32. Twins of John and Esther (PL 11:202): Putting on weight and are healthy and active.
33. Baby John of John and Victory (PL 14:139): Doing well, growing and gaining weight.
34. Peter of Mary: (PL 11:205) Snakebite wound healed.
35. John Newman (Ebed): (PL 14:157) Many victories and beautiful lessons learned.
North America
36. After the negative NBC program, the Family received a phone call from a very influential and radical lawyer, saying, "It looks like you need a lawyer!" He has agreed to represent us and has been helping us tremendously in our media attack, which is his specialty. (PL 13:70)
37. Andrew Greeneyes (PL 14:164): Hernia improving.
38. YAs Joy and Pandita (PL 14:166): Recovery from miscarriages. Pandita was healed right away, before the prayer request was sent in. Joy had a miraculous healing about 4 days after the PL came out.
39. Water problem in one of our Homes (PL 14:167): The problem with the city pump has been resolved and the Lord protected the Home from any diseases which could have developed.
40. Miracle of Gabriel (PL 13:13) was able to have a normal birth instead of a Caesarean when the Lord miraculously turned her baby around from breech position. Also, Mercy of John had a natural delivery even though her baby was born breech.
41. Joy of Michael (PL 14:168): Gave birth to a 9-and-a-half pound healthy baby boy in spite of placenta previa, and even though it was her 10th Caesarean there were no complications.
42. Ester (PL 14:169): Has not suffered any more from recurring and painful herpes.
43. Gina (formerly Abiah) (PL 14:178): Had a successful operation and is recovering very well.
44. Josh Fighter (PL 14:176): Gallstones healed.
South America
45. Brazil media and picketing explosion! Since the beginning of the Argentina persecution, we have appeared in or on the following: 79 newspaper articles, 20 TV shows, 6 radio shows and 2 magazine articles. This was a combined mass witness of over 427 million--or almost 3 times the population of Brazil! From the above, we estimate that we have received over 60% good coverage.
We estimate that so far we have picketed on over 30 different occasions in 8 different cities at all Argentine embassies and consulates, banks, airline companies, social clubs and even some major shopping centres. We also did a protest concert at the largest park in Brazil, where the teens sang on the main stage during a big Spring festival and where we made a strong statement about the Argentine situation to an audience of thousands of people. We were even able to picket while Menem and the Brasilian President were going by in a motorcade, and we're sure they clearly saw our signs.
46. Rebecca Fiel (PL 5:138): Completely healed of fallopian tube problems.
47. Lynn (ex-Leah, in GN 396, ML #2547) has been healed of a deficient thyroid without the need or use of medication, and has begun to lose weight.
48. Daniel Conquer (17): Lasting victory over negative thinking.
49. Tabitha (PL 12:175): Knees are healed and she continues to lose weight.
50. Daniel Guererro (PL 11:237): Back is improving, although he still needs the frequent use of a supportive brace.
51. Pablito (PL 14:189): Recovering well after heart operation and is gaining weight.
52. Car for the work in Colombia (PL 13:69).
53. Maria Fe (6, of Joan) (PL 11:230): Asthma is much better. She can now sleep in a horizontal position; for over a year she slept upright on her knees, leaning over a big pillow, due to her breathing problems.
Europe
54. An anti-cult meeting in the EE was largely unsuccessful, as only between 5-30 people showed up for the different meetings instead of the 150 that were invited. Some of the attendees also received literature from us and expressed interest.
55. Stolen van and materials were returned (PL 14:232).
56. Hip infection healed. One of the children of Gideon and Grace got an infection in his hip which caused a build-up of fluids. At first it looked serious, and we had to admit him to the hospital for tests. We stopped our whole Home and had desperate prayer for him while at the same time also praying for our brethren in bonds. The Lord did a complete miracle and reversed the fluid build-up, brought down the infection, and the next day we were out of the hospital with the child!
57. YA Crystal (PL 14 Cont.) has recently started to walk short distances with a crutch after being bedridden for many months.
58. Praise (PL 12:200) Hernia very much improved, cyst on right ovary totally gone, and wrists greatly strengthened. A couple of years ago, doctors had told her that her cyst was the size of a ping-pong ball. When she recently went for a check-up, the cyst was gone.
CRITICAL OR LIFE-&-DEATH SITUATIONS: (For age 14 and over.)
59. Renee TS (of Tim): Cervical cancer. After undergoing radiation treatment for the cancer, it was not healed, and doctors are now suggesting a hysterectomy. For deliverance from the cancer, and faith and trust.
60. Steven Faith (PL 12:83): Possibly cancerous tumour in his shoulder. The Lord miraculously healed one tumour, but the doctor has now diagnosed a second one.
61. Susana (Kidron): Recovering from operation to remove a malignant cancer. That the Lord will give her a quick recovery, and that the cancer will not return.
62. Matthew, whose backslidden ex-wife Maria has gotten custody of their three children, after telling a judge a lot of lies and showing her outdated Family literature. That the children will be able to return to the Family, and that the Lord will give Matthew wisdom in knowing how to resolve the situation. For the necessary legal and financial help.
Patient Remission Spontaneous
(USA Today) Every day, patients are told they have cancer, some cancer that can't be treated. But a rare few of those survive regardless. Their cancers have just gone away. Doctors call it "spontaneous remission." They don't know what to make of these cases, usually dismissing them. "It's seen as anecdotal, so it doesn't have any value," says Franke-Ogg of Kingston, N.Y., diagnosed in 1984 with incurable lymphoma. "It's only numbers that are valuable." But unexplained remissions may not be as rare as people think, say researchers who spent eight years combing the medical literature for reports. (Maria: Too bad people don't give God the credit for His miracles!--Answers to desperate prayers in times of crisis!)
PRAYER REQUESTS:
PACIFIC: (For age 14 and over.)
63. JETT Isaac: For the Lord to dissolve or heal the remnant of a benign tumour under his arm that required surgery; also for recovery after correctional surgery on his foot.
64. Francis: Herniated disk in lower back; that it will return to its proper position.
65. Faith (of Dan): Strong pains in her ovaries, uterus and back.
66. Amana (14): Eye condition known as amblyopia (progressive dimness of vision), and for recurring black spots in her vision.
67. For the spiritual strength and conviction of a friend who says he loves the Family and wants to help us, yet disagrees with our doctrines and compromises with our enemies because he is very concerned about his reputation and the opinions of men.
Summary of Continued Prayer Requests from Past PLs:
* GP childcare correspondence course: For a greater ministry among needy parents, better organisation in creating the text and the tools, and for those who are writing and translating for this project. (See Answered Prayer #17.)
ASIA: (For age 14 and over.)
68. Our faithful Black brother, Jonadab (of Praise), went Home to be with the Lord after a serious case of cancer which progressed very quickly. Please pray that the Lord will comfort his wife Praise and her children. Dad and Mama commented, "The Lord must know he is more needed Up There than he is here right now. We rejoice that Jonadab is now out of his pain and happy in his Heavenly Home, but we suffer with dear Praise and her children. We love you, Praise, Daniel, Vicky and Gabriel, and want you to know that our prayers are with you during this difficult time. The Lord will comfort your hearts as you look to Him for His help, and will bring forth `beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning.'--Isaiah 61:3."
Following are excerpts from some of the prophecies received at Jonadab's graduation ceremony:
"Insomuch as ye have done it unto the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me. That was always Jonadab's motto, and his greatest desire was that he could live that way. And he did live that way. Love your brethren while they are still around. Give, and it shall be given unto you, and when ye meet Me in that Heavenly City, I will say unto you, `Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful in these few things, now I will make you ruler over many things.'"
* * *
"Despise not the little things, the everyday things, the little tasks, the little jobs in this life, and many little things yet to come before the End. But hold that fast which thou hast and let no man take thy crown. For seest thou not that this one so close to Me was faithful in the little things? Despise not the day of small things and small people, for great will be thy reward in Heaven, as great as his reward is now."
* * *
"I have brought this one to you, and have brought this experience to you for an example, that ye may follow in his steps of faithfulness in the little things.--Faithfulness in love for Me and love for others, and love for the little people. I have brought this as an example to your youth, that they may know that death is not something to be feared, but is a beautiful graduation to the glories of the next life. Be thou faithful in that which is least, and I will give thee a crown of life. In the World ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I will give you the strength to overcome the World."
* * *
"A faithful man who can find? In Jonadab I have found a faithful man, a man full of faith and understanding to stand in the gap and intercede for the great war that is waging in the spirit.
"I have called Jonadab to stand and to intercede for the hearts and minds of your children. He shall be a mighty man of valour and shall fight battles of the spirit as never before. He shall gain victories and beat back the Enemy's inroads. For now is the hour, now is the time. He came unto the World for such a time as this. He has now received his highest calling and his highest award."
* * *
"Have I not said that he that is greatest among you must be servant of all? This dear one, Jonadab, was he not servant of all right until the very day that he came to be with Me in My Kingdom? Therefore the opposite is also true; he that is servant of all shall be greatest among you and chosen to lead My troops into this Endtime, to lead My victorious Endtime Army of teens to conquer the Enemy, with the Spirit and mighty power of My Word."
* * *
"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season. His leaf also shall not wither, but whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. He hath been a good tree, he abode in Me and I have planted him by the rivers of water. And if ye abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, ye too shall be like a tree that bringeth forth much fruit for My Kingdom. They that be wise shall shine as the stars for ever and ever."
69. Philippines: A new attempt to smear the Family through our dance videos, with attacks both within the Senate and the media. For the Lord's wisdom and guidance in how to address and rebut this latest smear attempt, and that the Lord will turn this into a real victory.
70. Bad backs: Willing, James (of Charity) and French Paul (of Felicia).
71. Magdalene YA: A healthy pregnancy and baby, for proper weight gain and against irregular bleeding.
72. Karen Tribes: Our witness to the precious Karen refugees, and for their youth, who are so hungry for the Endtime message.
73. Laos: Our continued fruitful witness.
74. Ben of Heidi: Varicose veins.
75. Claire (3) of Asaph and Charity: Hernia.
76. Lily (of Andrew): Complete healing after a stomach operation.
77. Joan (of James): Speedy recovery from a serious illness.
78. Indian Catacombers: That their circumstances will change so that they can join full time.
79. Esther Praise: Severe gastritis (inflammation of the stomach).
80. Shanti (2-1/2) of Mark and Faith: Recurring tonsillitis.
81. Andrew Sunshine (of Esther): Temporary dislocation of jaw bone.
82. Stevie and Ruthie's upcoming baby: Birth defect diagnosed. For the Lord's Will in the baby's delivery and life.
83. Faithy Singaporean: Stomach ulcers.
84. Michael (4) of Maggie: To regain hearing in one ear.
85. Liz Grey (68): Allergies which hinder breathing and cause headaches; for continued good health and strength.
Summary of Continued Prayer Requests from Past PLs:
* Teen Lily (14) of Tim and Renee: Eczema. See Answered Prayer #26.
* Sarah (17) of Dan and Tender: Healing of facial scars and strengthening of neck muscles. See Answered Prayer #27.
* Faith (of Elkana): Healing of lump on her breast. See Answered Prayer #22.
* John Newman (Ebed): Victories in forsaking the past. See Answered Prayer #35.
* Natalie (4) of Jason and Lamb (PL 14:137): Cyst over her left eye to disappear.
* Leah of Nathan (PL 14:141): Varicose veins.
* Crystal (PL 14:133): Difficulty in swallowing, and coughing that interrupts sleep.
* Zac Worder (PL 14:148): Strength and full recovery after setback following a major hernia operation.
* Priscilla (PL 14:143): Strengthening of her good leg, as she had polio in the other leg.
* Daniel: Complete healing from leprosy. (PL 12, Answered Prayer #31)
* Abner (PL 12:119): Myotonia (hereditary muscular disorder).
* Abner Happy (PL 14:117): Recurring viral fever and leg swelling.
* Priya (of Paul) (PL 14:118): Cyst in uterus and painful varicose vein.
* RK, very close older friend (81 years old): Continued strength and good health. See Answered Prayer #23.
* Michael Little Bear: Varicose veins, painful joints, backaches and migraine headaches. See Answered Prayer #25.
* Paul Martin (3) of David and Crystal (PL 14:124): For testicles to completely descend.
* Dusty (1) of Jim and Lily (PL 14:126): Double hernia.
* Suzie (PL 14:127): Numbness in right leg, and for regular periods.
* Political stability in Pakistan. (See PL 12, Answered Prayer #29.)
NORTH AMERICA: (For age 14 and over.)
86. One of our good friends who has been helping us in our battle, but desperately needs funds to continue with his work. That the Lord will provide the finances in some way to help him in his time of need.
87. Funding for a precious Christian friend who operates a radio show and mailing list dedicated to fighting for religious freedom and exposing groups like CAN. He is thousands of dollars in debt and is having to shut down. That the Lord will do a miracle and supply the necessary funds so he can continue.
88. For the Family to be able to receive incoming personnel and get them set up and integrated into the North American Work. For the funds necessary to cover their setup costs.
89. Conferences which the Family will be attending. That our time at each of these conferences will be very fruitful and that the Lord will open mighty doors for our witnessing and follow-up.
90. For a photo story being done on the Family: That the pictures will come out beautifully, and that newspapers and magazines worldwide will pick up the story.
91. Against our enemies: Specifically that we will be able to take legal action against someone who appeared on the "Ocurrio Asi" show posing as an ex-member.
92. Against persecution in Mexico, where our enemies have been publishing negative articles about the Family and may be planning to stir up the authorities to take action against us.
93. Mexico Ranch School: Solution to a problem with a polluted water source.
94. Michael and Rebecca: Legal situation.
95. Christopher (4, of Hope): Chronic bedwetting.
96. Spring (of Steven P.): Varicose veins.
97. Jewel (17, of Nathan and Victory): Recurring headaches.
98. Jeho: Seriously torn ligaments in his ankle.
99. Josias (of Maria): Intense shoulder pain possibly caused by complications from a broken arm.
100. Joy (of Michael): Speedy recovery from her tenth Caesarean.
101. Hope (of John Mark): For physical strength and against anemia. Against any attack of fear or discouragement.
102. David Rejoice: Loss of vision in his right eye.
Summary of Continued Prayer Requests from Past PLs:
* For the healing of the daughter of a close Family friend and supporter who has some psychological and physical problems. (PL 14:162)
* Timmy (6, of Ava) (PL 14 Continued): Rheumatoid Arthritis. More progress needed with his neck and hips.
* David Light (PL 12) (15, of Rose Midwife): Blind in left eye due to an accident.
* Dawn: (PL 14:171) High blood pressure.
* Christopher (PL 14:172) (8, of Ira and Esther): Weak bladder causing bedwetting.
* Victor (PL 14:173) (10, of Santiago and Lydia): Ear infection that is causing hearing loss.
* Flower: (PL 14:18) Frequent headaches and varicose veins during her pregnancy.
* James: (PL 14:181) Complete healing of his back, neck and frequent headaches.
* Susanna: (PL 14:182) Pigeon toes, and to adapt to her new orthopedic shoes.
* Serena: (PL 14:183) Serious backaches during pregnancies.
* Rosita: (PL 14:184) Safe and normal delivery in spite of placenta previa.
SOUTH AMERICA: (For age 14 and over.)
103. The Family in Paraguay, who are suffering legal problems related to the persecution in neighbouring Argentina. That they can clear their name and prove their innocence to be free of these entanglements.
104. Marion (9) of Joanie and Josue went to be with the Lord after contracting a serious blood infection. She was in a coma for several days, after which she departed from this life to the next one, and is now healthy and happy with Jesus. (Maria: We're so thankful that Marion's suffering is over. We know that she will be missed greatly. Grandpa and I are praying that Jesus will heal the broken hearts and comfort you who have been close to her, with His Love, and give you special strength during this time of trial.)
105. Miguel (of Pablo): Hearing. He is totally deaf in one ear, and the other ear is plugged up due to a cold, which discourages him, and makes it hard for him during devotions, meetings, etc.
106. A close friend's strength, wisdom, faith, and physical and spiritual protection, as his work is dangerous and very time-consuming. That he will be able to spend more time with the Family and be able to help us more. For his marriage situation.
107. Gentleness (of Tiago): A healthy pregnancy and natural delivery. For a favourable doctor who will have patience and faith and not insist on a Caesarean due to a weakened womb.
108. Paloma (5, of Joana): Pneumonia.
109. Simon (10, of Paul and Rebecca): Speedy recovery from serious burns and relief from pain. That he won't scar, will regain full use of his foot, and that the Lord will have the hospital lower the bill. He also has high fever, vomiting and dehydration after contracting a childhood sickness.
110. Possible opening to perform at an important Latin music festival broadcast throughout South America. That our application will be accepted and our teens and YAs will put on a powerful show to win many to the Lord.
111. Strengthening of a precious king and supporter who is getting hit with doubts and lies, especially from his family and priest.
112. The upcoming presidential elections in Colombia. That God's man will be chosen and that the new government will be tolerant and even favourable toward the Family; against any violence in the country during the campaign.
113. David (4, of Paul and Ruth): His left leg has separated from his hip bone. That his leg will go back into the hip joint properly and will not require an operation.
114. Diego, (1, of Tim and Vicki): Chronic cough due to allergies.
115. Natalie (baby of Tim and Vicki): Serious viral lung infection.
116. Eman (YA): Intense headaches and pain in his eyes; healing of his "lazy" eye.
117. Claire (YA): Healing of her eyes.
118. Juan Francisco: Skin fungus infection.
119. Protection from meningitis epidemic amongst the populace in Chile.
120. Susana (of Francisco and Paloma): Bronchitis, and for her lungs to be strengthened.
121. Vanessa (of Phineas and Joy): Cross-eyed.
122. Virginia: Growth in her uterus.
123. Ana of Samuel: Asthma and varicose veins.
124. Healing of a daughter of a friend of the Family, who has muscular dystrophy.
125. Steven, Amanecer (teen) and Gabriela (6): "Incurable" fungus in their eyes.
126. Maria Helper: Separated stomach muscles and hernia.
127. Daniel Joseph: (5, of Peter and Maria Helper): For his testicles to descend properly.
128. Joy Mercy: Recovery from amoebiasis (disease caused by amoebas), new pregnancy and problem with varicose veins.
129. Daniela (4, of Fran and Ruth): Problem with the pigmentation in her skin resulting in white blotches.
Summary of Continued Prayer Requests from Past PLs:
* Lynn: Better circulation and good health. See Answered Prayer #47.
* Handicapped Pepe (13) of Madalena (PL 14): Permanent relief from suffering.
* David (15) of Rebecca Red and Paul (PL 14): Complete deliverance and total healing from his handicapped state (he is mentally like a baby of only a few months).
* John Paul (6, of Matt and Joy): Recurring allergies which bring on asthma. (PL 14:197)
* Setup of two Media Homes: Supply of needed equipment and establishing of personnel in their specific ministries. (PL 14:200)
* Pablito (of Josue and Maggie): Complete recovery after heart operation. See Answered Prayer #51.
* David (4, of Paul and Ruth) with cerebral palsy: To be able to walk with crutches and to walk on his own. (PL 14:190)
EUROPE: (For age 14 and over.)
130. For a Spanish judge who handed down a very favourable verdict on the Family some months ago. He has been suspended for 9 months, supposedly because of some statements he made to the press. But another judge claimed that the reason for his suspension was just a front, and that "They've gotten him with whatever they could," because he is so controversial. That the Lord will encourage him and expose any behind-the-scenes plots behind his persecution.
131. German Phoebe of David: Pregnant, and quite sick with full-day morning sickness. She's been placed on an IV drip for a while and then will have hospital tests. For her health, healing, strength and safety, and an accurate diagnosis if there is anything amiss.
132. Becky: Healing and recovery without the need of an operation after experiencing some severe pains from a fallopian tube pregnancy or a blocked fallopian tube.
133. Our shift of personnel and emphasis from Eastern Europe to Western Europe, and for those involved to be happy about the changes and new assignments. For quick and easy resettlement.
134. Bulgaria: That there will be no negative repercussions from an investigation of the Work in Bulgaria; for a change of heart in Bulgarian Crystal's father, who is trying to stir up trouble for the Family there.
135. Against a religious crackdown in Russia and the Ukraine in response to the "White Brotherhood" sect, which said the end of the World would come this November. Officials predicted mass suicides, while cracking down on the distribution of religious literature, and newspapers published articles on brainwashing and mind control. Protection of the Family, and that this will not lead to further religious repression or affect our ministry in a lasting way.
136. For a suit against anti-cult activist Nemeth Geza, who very blatantly and publicly called one of our mothers a "prostitute." That this will put a stop to his slanders and activities against the Family.
137. Ruth: Full recovery from pneumonia.
138. Andrew's back: Painful, with a possible muscle problem.
139. Housing: Continued supply of needed housing in Western Europe and favourable relations with future landlords. For the Lord's help in handling a former landlord who took a turn against us and is illegally asking for an exorbitant amount of money and extra rent before releasing the brethren from their contractual obligations.
140. Shepherding: Victories in shepherding of JETTs and teens. For any teens who have left to learn their needed lessons and return to the fold speedily.
141. The Gypsies in Eastern Europe, who are suffering severe persecution and deprivation, having lost many of their rights and employment opportunities after the fall of Communism.
Summary of Continued Prayer Requests from Past PLs:
* YA Crystal (PL 14 Continued): Continued healing of her leg and back problems. See Answered Prayer #57.
* Simon (PL 14:214): Back trouble.
REACTIONS TO THE WORLDWIDE PRAYER LIST! For All
From Elisabeth Grey (68), SEA:
I was very touched by Mama's comments at the beginning of Prayer List 12, where she says she believes we'll be having more afflictions from now until the End to purify us and make us stronger. Having had an affliction for over a year, and still being bothered by my lifelong allergies, I can say yes to that! Since I got my heart right about it, I can see that because it causes me to constantly pray and look to the Lord, refusing to get discouraged or upset or lose faith when the Lord hasn't seen fit to heal me yet, never doubting His promises that He will, it has greatly strengthened me in an area I was weak in--that of giving up when I didn't get the answer right away. I can clearly see how much I may need this strength in the final days of the End. Praise the Lord for His mercy in giving us what we need to make us strong fighters!
From YA Carmela Youngblood, Europe (excerpt from a letter to Mama):
GBY! I really love you so much and pray for you often!
I'm writing you a little note to share with you some of the lessons I've been learning from a longstanding affliction the Lord has allowed me to have.
I had been working in Russia for nearly a year, and was in Siberia. Then one day several months ago while walking home I fell flat on my back on the ice-covered street.
The fall has affected my whole right side, from my neck to my foot. And since I'm right-handed, it has been a bit difficult to manage. But the Lord is healing me and it is now much better than before, although it still causes me a lot of pain every day. I know the improvement is only in answer to prayer and nothing the doctors did, as I've been to many different doctors and they all say something different, and try something which is supposed to fix my back. But so far they haven't helped.
During these months I've been doing a Word study on Faith and Healing, and I've been reading a lot about you and your problem with your eyes. I have to say that now I can better understand the fight for healing and some of the battles over having an affliction last so long. It really makes me pray for you even more.
Something that has really stood out to me while reading is how you always have faith that in the Lord's time He is going to heal you. You always speak faith and look at things from a positive viewpoint, and you still keep your head up high and sing through the rain. GBY!
Another thing that's really come alive to me is Dad's quote that "the Lord will never give you any more than He knows that you and He can bear together." There were many times when I was going through some of the different medical treatments that I didn't think I could take the pain anymore. Or sometimes I'd get real frustrated that I wasn't able to move my hand or arm to even brush my hair or take a shower. But the Lord always gave me the verse, "My grace is sufficient for thee, for My strength is made perfect in your weakness ..."
One time about two months ago I was lying on a table and the doctor was doing his treatment on my back and shoulder. That day I didn't have very much endurance or grace, and I was trying to hold on to my verse but the pain was just too much. So I was lying there crying as he was treating me. I was also feeling a little insecure and alone, as I had just come to a new country and Home to get my back worked on. So I was surrounded by new people and I couldn't speak the doctor's language.
I was lying there and I was kind of telling the Lord it was enough and that I couldn't take it anymore. Then I had a mental review of Jesus' death from the movie "Jesus of Nazareth," seeing all He went through for me before He died. So I said, "I'm sorry, Lord. I know this is nothing compared to what You went through for me." Then I saw a beautiful clear picture and the feeling was so real of Jesus patting the side of my face and telling me He understood. Jesus was right there with me and fulfilling His Word to help and strengthen me in my time of trial and need. Thank You Jesus! It felt so good.
Grandpa explains in the last seven paragraphs of "The Benefits of a Handicap" how much good an affliction can do for us. I've really come to understand and see that more. Previously I had a little bit of a hard time understanding why the Lord allowed so many afflictions to happen in the Family, when to me it seemed like it just slowed down His Work and made it harder for us to do our job for Him. But now I understand and see the good it does to go through something like this. It has made my life so much deeper, and the way I see things and my values in life have changed so much. It has made me appreciate all the little things the Lord does for me so much more.
I've always been very healthy and have had so few accidents. So I really took many things for granted.--Things which I now know that it's only the Lord that I can do. In the past I didn't really think or pray so much before doing so many of the "normal" everyday things. But now I have to stop and pray and even get help from others. It's been very good for my pride too! It makes me so thankful for our wonderful Family.
The main thing I wanted to say is that I can now not only pray for you and Grandpa with my whole heart but with a much better understanding and feeling for what you're going through. I really love you and keep you daily in my prayers. Thank you for everything you do for all of us. I'm so happy and thankful to be a part of this wonderful Family!
(Maria: Sweet girl!--Your suffering is His adornment for you, which is making you radiant and beautiful. See how He has already used you to comfort many others in your Family with the comfort with which you have been comforted? Look how He has used you to encourage us all! Thank you for making the sacrifice to communicate these precious lessons. We all cry with you--not only tears of sorrow for your pain but tears of joy at the beauty that has resulted. As you have offered us encouragement for our spirits, we, your Family, will offer our prayers for your healing. What a good sample you are to all of us! Grandpa and I are proud of you!)
Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family