Philippians 1:3-5 NKJV
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”
Laurie’s Cozy Corner
What an honor it is to meet with women, hear their heart, dig through Scripture together seeking Him for the answers, helping them find FREEDOM, and praying with them. Life-change happens and God is glorified! I’ve been able to meet one-on-one with over 30 women this year, many on a weekly basis. God continues to amaze me!
I had the privilege of being asked to write a devotional for an organization’s Day of Prayer in May. It’s focus was on how we need each other for support and how praying together corporately is powerful. I was encouraged to share it here:
FRESH WIND
On a recent weekend getaway to Broken Bow, OK, my husband and I were enjoying a rain storm from the cozy, covered back porch of the cabin we rented. This cabin was secluded, high up on a hill, nestled in the tremendously tall trees. As the wind blew, we watched the 60-foot, mighty pine trees of this forest sway and rock while marveling how in the world they didn’t fall down. The Lord whispered, “Because they’re gathered in community.” Being close together gave them the stability to stand strong while offering the freedom to dance with the wind.
Isn’t that what we all need? Freedom to dance with the wind of the Holy Spirit while enjoying the stabilizing support of community? That’s what Women’s NPA offers us and especially on the yearly Day of Prayer. We need each other as we blaze the trail God has set out for us through our individual ministries and organizations. I have little doubt that each of you have felt very alone at times in your calling and maybe ready to “fall down” or quit. We have an opportunity to support each other through corporate prayer.
Corporate prayer is powerful! In Acts 12, Herod the king had just had James, the brother of John, put to death by the sword and because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he had Peter arrested. It says in verse 5: “So Peter was kept in prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.”(NASB) The passage goes on to say that many were gathered together praying at Mary’s house (the mother of John Mark). Even though Peter was heavily guarded and double chained, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell (vs 7). Peter was told to “get up quickly” and get dressed. His chains fell off, they walked past all the guards, doors opened wide, and he was free! He went straight to Mary’s house where there was much rejoicing once they realized it was truly Peter and that their prayers had been answered!
What in your life, your ministry, your organization needs corporate prayer to see chains fall off, doors opened wide and things set free? What feels impossible in the natural that we can lift up together in prayer and see God move? Let’s all witness a fresh wind as we join together corporately to pray for each other on Tuesday, May 6th. What a privilege it is to be in community together!
Mark’s Fuzz Buzz
Top: Mark was surprised when he received the Above and Beyond award at the Constable’s Office for his contributions as a Deputy and Chaplain.
Left: Mark officiating the funeral service for a fellow Deputy’s wife who died unexpectedly.
Right: Sometimes showing God’s love happens in the simplest of ways, like getting gas when a family is stranded in the middle of a busy road.
One of the most difficult aspects of ministry, especially in this profession of law enforcement, is the ever-present reality of death. Every time an officer, including Mark, walks out the door there is a sobering reality that they may not come home. It is a risk that every officer of the law AND their family learns to live with and accepts as a part of the job. As a Deputy and Chaplain, It serves as a reminder of the need to be ready and available to share the love of Jesus with all officers.
Recently a Deputy from another agency that Mark has been building a relationship with for years was hit with tragic news. His wife, who was former law enforcement in that same agency, died suddenly from complications of a chronic illness. This was a gut punch to many of us who know him and knew her. Mark was on duty at the time he learned this news from another officer and immediately reached out to connect with this Deputy. Mark subsequently went to his home to be with him and his 2 kids; to listen and grieve with them and to pray for them. Nothing prepares you for that.
Mark was asked to officiate the funeral service for her. Mark got word today that the family went to her favorite place on earth and spread her ashes as a part of the healing journey. Please pray for Terry and his sweet kids.
Thank you for your faithful, generous giving and prayers!
Your generosity also helps pay for:
Office rent at The Hope Center
Supplies, Bibles, Books
Coffees/Lunches/Dinners for our ministry meetings
ANSWER TO PRAYER!! WE HAVE BEEN GIFTED A NEW LAPTOP FOR OUR MINISTRY NEEDS!!
God is good!!
Our Family Update
We have welcomed a new little one to our tribe! Meet Mateo Vincent Rivero. Anna and Vincent are doing an amazing job as parents and are managing well with the sleepless nights. He surprised us 1 month early on May 8th and even though he weighed in at 6 lbs 1.8 oz at birth, he never had to go to the NICU!! Such a wonderful answer to prayer. They live in Allen so they’re the closest to us, which we love… we’re loving the drop-in snuggles!
