Karen Salmon - Ethiopia |
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Prayer Update July 2008
Dear Friends,
Thank you for all your prayers for the work here, I'm sorry I've been such a poor communicator - yet again! Current prayer requests and needs are:
- Jon, Kristi and family left this morning for a 6 week break, so I am here trying not to panic and rather take each day with enthusiasm for all the things it brings to me. Pray I'll be wise in my leadership and decision making.
- Mike and Kenny, Crosslinks' SMILE volunteers, and four Americans from the United Presbyterian church, have all settled in well to the routine of English teaching, recreation/sport with way too many children and youth at the youth centre and orphan ministry at Operation Rescue. Do pray that they'll quickly form deep relationships with the young people and have opportunity to speak into their lives.
- On Saturday we graduated 62 from our Peer Education Training at the youth centre. Pray that these graduates will teach others how to live safely in the context of HIV.
- Seven weeks ago Jon and I established two youth centre Bible Clubs for 7-12 year olds - one for girls and one for boys. Do pray for us as we teach the children and they learn their memory verses. We are currently studying the life of Joseph.
- The two youth centre older Girls' Bible study groups are encouraging and blessing me, Annalese and Michaela. Please continue to ask God to open the girls' minds to His Word and to reveal His truth to their hearts.
- Our living positively group at the prison has grown to 40, but only 23 or so attend regularly. We continue in our study of the Lord's Prayer. Also, each week I teach something practical to the group about staying healthy. Please pray for this special group that they would come to trust God as their Abba - Father and live the short time remaining to them experiencing His love and forgiveness.
- The fourth rural village school graduation at Chelekot was a great success. Pray that our plans to revisit these four rural villages will come together for the new semester and that God will guide us in how we proceed with ethical and/or peer educator training.
- Jill and Paul from Ballinderry left on Saturday after a busy two weeks repainting the youth centre walls - the place looks amazing! Next Friday a large team from their church will arrive to lead a Holiday Bible club at Operation Rescue Orphan Project. Do pray for their final preparations, a safe journey and that they'll have a successful time with the children here.
- Continued unrest in the north, east and now west of the country and in the capital Addis Ababa is a concern. Please continue to pray for peace.
This comes with much love,
Karen