Praying to Change the World blogger publishes spiritual mentoring guidebook

 

More than 15 years ago, I became the Barnabas Mentor Coordinator for Joy El Generation (www.joyelgeneration.org). Having been equipped in mentoring and discipleship before coming to Joy El, I quickly developed a training for our Barnabas mentors. We have added many supplemental seminars through the years, but the foundational mentor training has remained basically the same.

A few years into leading the program, I decided to create a training workbook for those mentors who could not attend the onsite foundational training, which is held twice each fall. Approximately one-third of the new mentors use this written training format each year.

Many times since then, I have received requests for the training workbook from individuals, organizations and churches outside of Joy El. We at Joy El have always been happy to share it, but we clarified that the workbook was specifically geared toward our Barnabas program. The frequent response to that was, “You should publish this on a broader scale for a more general audience.”

My husband, Aaron, and I have prayerfully considered this off and on over the past several years. Finally, about two years ago, we felt the Lord leading us that the time was right. We found a kindred spirit in a regional publisher who wanted to publish the guidebook and the project began.

My husband and I are now happy to announce that the book, Invest Yourself: A Guidebook for Spiritual Mentoring, is now available! You may purchase a copy through most online booksellers, as well as by special-ordering through your local book store.

The goal is that the reader would be ready to start intentionally mentoring others in their faith after working through this resource.

“I have to say that guidebook is amazing,” said pastor and speaker Tyree Sterling. “The practical steps to get someone from point A to point Z are incredible! I’m a strategy guy so all of this is right up my alley!”

Fore more information, check out the fun online book launch at this link: https://youtu.be/2nrzrvVhm9w. 

To read a regional article about the book, visit https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2646028192357/greencastle-woman-authors-book-on-spiritual-mentoring?noAds=1&_f=app_share&s=i16

One option for purchasing the book: https://a.co/h0NanZh.

Please join us in prayer that God will use this resource to expand and strengthen his kingdom around the world.

This blog post was originally published on joyelcamps.org. 

Prayer as Myanmar's military junta burns Thantlang in Chin State

Lord God, Myanmar continues to be on our hearts, but we know that our concern is only a glimpse of your concern for your imperiled children. We grieve to know that the military junta continues to bring destruction upon its own people and land. We grieve the burning of over 100 homes and two churches within Thantlang, Chin State, this week. We grieve the terror brought on by burning, rocket-propelled grenades and other tactics the junta is using to torment the people of Thantlang. Lord, we think of the prophet Habakkuk’s lament: “Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence” (Habakkuk 1:3). Lord, we long to see you act in Myanmar. We long to see you act in Thantlang. We long for you to do something in our own day that is absolutely unbelievable (v. 5). Reveal your mighty hand in Thantlang, Lord. Bring peace to Chin State, Lord. We humbly plead, amen. Source: The Chinland Post

Prayer about deadly explosion in Russia's western Ryazan province

Heavenly Father, we grieve Friday’s deadly explosion in Russia's western Ryazan province. We pray for the loved ones of the 17 workers who perished as they worked in the ammunitions disposal plant. We pray for investigators as they seek to discern the cause of the fire that launched a yellow fireball into the air above the building and then resulted in a scattered, charred ruin. We are thankful for Governor Nikolay Lubimov’s verbal commitment to improving safety in this and other “hazardous industries.” We pray that the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation will successfully examine this plant’s history and that all involved will learn what can be done to prevent future accidents. Again, Lord, we think of the loved ones of those who were lost in this tragedy. Please comfort and provide for them. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Source: https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/22/europe/russia-gunpowder-plant-explosion-death-toll-intl/index.html

Prayer about Bali island earthquake

Lord God, we pray for those impacted by Saturday morning’s earthquake on Bali. We are thankful that all affected people have been successfully and creatively evacuated across a lake, since the road was covered by the landslide. We are thankful that the search and rescue operation has concluded already. Yet, three people were killed in this natural disaster, including a three-year-old girl. While we are thankful that these numbers are not higher, for the loved ones of these three people, life will never be quite the same again. Please help those who grieve sense your presence and comfort. May they turn to you for complete healing. Rally their support networks to walk the long journey of grief with them. Also, if there is anyone who was missed in the search, somehow bring attention to them for rescue. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. PC: Antara Foto/Fikri Yusuf/via REUTERS Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/earthquake-magnitude-48-strikes-bali-kills-three-2021-10-16/

Prayer in response to report of extensive sexual abuse within French Catholic church

Lord God, we are overwhelmed by both grief and gratitude as the major investigation released Tuesday revealed the horrific extent of the sexual abuse problem within the French Catholic church. First, we thank you for truth coming out, as well as those who diligently and righteously pursued it. We celebrate the courage of those survivors who were willing and able to share. We are thankful that the commission was established by Catholic bishops in France and worked independently from the church these past several years. Next, Lord, we lament the more than 200,000 children whose abuse over the past 70 years has been uncovered! So many lives! So much brokenness! Lord, we ask for your supernatural intervention as the healing, restoration, redemption, and remuneration process proceeds. May the church’s promise to act come to the most beautiful fruition possible for these circumstances. May pedophiles be removed from all positions of influence and may the scourge of abuse within the global Catholic church continue to be corrected. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/report-finds-216000-children-were-victims-french-clergy-sex-abuse-since-1950-2021-10-05/

Quick update

I apologize for the lack of prayer posts. I have been sick. I continue to pray for the world and trust you are too. I will get back to posting as soon as I am able. Blessings! Isaiah 40:29

Prayer about COVID hospital fire in North Macedonia

Heavenly Father, we grieve with North Macedonia over their COVID hospital fire. We are devastated to learn that at least 14 patients were killed when oxygen cylinders exploded in this makeshift hospital. We pray that remains will be found to identify any other deceased patients so families can have closure. We also pray that the investigation into the cause of the fire will be very clear and efficient. Lord, we know people are frustrated by what they feel was an unsafe temporary facility. We also know that many nations have struggled to keep up with the demands caused by COVID-19. We pray for truth to come out and for people to be gracious toward each other while they await the news. We pray for hope and healing for the grieving. We also pray for a new facility to be quickly, yet safely, built. Finally, we pray for the slowing and cessation of COVID transmission in North Macedonia. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58496405 PC: EPA

Prayer for Indian pastor experiencing ongoing persecution

Almighty God, we pray for Indian Pastor Shelton Vishwanathan, who has been repeatedly attacked by Hindu extremists for his faith and ministry. First, we thank you for his life and work. We are grateful he is alive, despite more than one attempt to kill him. We pray your blessing on the elderly woman who risked her own safety by releasing him from captivity. Please protect and provide for her, and draw her to You. Second, we thank you that his family was restored to him. We are thankful they could be located, despite fleeing the country after believing him dead. Finally, we celebrate that Vishwanathan continues to share the Gospel, despite the persecution he has experienced. Lord, we ask for your protection on him and his family. We pray that they will find transportation, since their last vehicle was stolen by assailants. We pray that the police will pay attention to these incidents, not turning a blind eye to acts of Hindu terrorism. Lord Jesus, we pray that many people will come to know you through Vishwanathan’s family, including some from among his would-be assailants. In Jesus’ powerful name we pray, amen. Source: https://issuu.com/faithandjustice/docs/f_j_14.3_august2021_digital/18 PC: Morning Star News

Prayer about oil spill in Gulf of Mexico

Lord God, we pray about the large oil spill happening in the Gulf of Mexico after Hurricane Ida’s destructive visit. We celebrate that it is so far not affecting coastlines and we pray that that continues to be the case. We pray for the ongoing efforts of Clean Gulf Associates and the US Coast Guard, as they seek to find the source of this oil spill as quickly as possible. We pray for the safety of divers and all other personnel working to identify, contain, and clean up this problem. Lord, we are concerned about the damage this pollution is causing within the gulf, including the havoc it is wreaking on wildlife. Again, we pray for the source of the problem to be discovered and repaired as quickly as possible. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Source: https://apnews.com/article/business-environment-and-nature-oil-spills-083370b76caf6d4e3099f90eb9ac4a9c PC: Maxar Technologies via AP

Prayer for Philadelphia and the Northeast after Ida-caused flooding

Almighty God, we pray for the rescues still happening in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after remnants of Hurricane Ida flooded the Northeast Wednesday. We are thankful for the more than 100 people who have already been rescued from this city alone—plus the 41 children rescued from a school bus nearby. With over 500 calls made for rescue in Montgomery County, we know volunteers and emergency personnel are still hard at work. Please bless their efforts and protect them. May they reach everyone before dark. Lord, there will be continued rescues and recovery not only in Pennsylvania, but also in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware. Please be with the communities of this region as they look ahead to a long recovery. Please be with those who grieve the at least 23 people known to be dead as a result of this storm. Please grant not only housing, but hope, to those who have lost their homes and businesses. Lord, we know you reign--even over the roaring and foaming waters. May people in need turn to you and experience your provision during this time. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Source: https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/02/weather/ida-northeast-flooding-thursday/index.html

Prayer to find source of Japan's contaminated Moderna vaccines

Lord God, we pray about the contamination issues Japan is having with Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine. Contaminated batches of the vaccine come at a particularly bad time, as Japan deals with a spike in Covid-19 cases and hosts the Paralympics. With millions of doses suspended or eliminated due to contamination, we pray that the source of the problem can be quickly uncovered. We are thankful that Spanish pharmaceutical firm Rovi, which bottles the vaccine, came forward with a possible problem that it is investigating. May their investigation be efficient and above reproach. If the problem actually originated elsewhere, may that be quickly uncovered. We also pray that those who received the contaminated doses before the problem was discovered would not have any adverse side effects. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58405210

Praise for record-breaking drug bust in Montenegro

Lord, we are delighted to hear of a large law enforcement victory amid the chaos in today’s world. We celebrate the record-breaking drug bust carried out by police in Montenegro. We are thankful that the 1,000 kilos of cocaine hidden in a shipment of bananas will not fall into the wrong hands, and, in fact, we pray that it will be entirely, properly disposed of. We pray for the two people who were arrested and charged with unauthorized production, possession and distribution, that they may turn their lives around. We also pray that this huge drug bust will begin a significant disruption to the popular drug-smuggling route to Western Europe. May Montenegro continue to have victory in eliminating drug use and decreasing crime within its nation and region. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Photo courtesy Montenegro Police/Twitter Source: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2021/08/27/montenegro-cocaine-bust-bananas/6271630079316/

Prayer about terrorist attacks around Kabul airport

Lord God, we grieve the terrorist attacks around Kabul’s airport! We continue to be disgusted by the Islamic State’s violence! Lord, guard the hearts and minds of those who will be receiving the bad news about their loved ones being killed in such a way. May they be surrounded by help and support when they hear the heartbreaking news. Gird their hearts and souls. We pray this for the families and dear friends of the 60 Afghans and 12 US service members who were murdered through these attacks. We pray for the 15 US service members who were injured. Please help them get to safe and excellent medical care as quickly as possible. May they recover from these injuries as well as possible. While we do not know numbers, there are bound to be dozens of Afghan injuries as well. May the injured receive priority evacuation so they can get to safety and good care as well. Lord God, there are still so many people awaiting evacuation--with their fear now exponentially multiplied. We are frustrated by what is happening in Afghanistan. We lay our agony before you and ask: help decision-makers be wise, considerate, humble and effective. May you somehow glorify yourself amid this mess. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. PC: Victor J. Blue/The New York Times/Redux Source: https://www.wsj.com/articles/afghanistan-kabul-airport-explosion-11629976397

Prayer for Kabul evacuations

Almighty God, we lift our hearts before you about the Kabul evacuations. With the promised evacuation deadline less than a week away, we are concerned for the thousands who are still trying to flee Afghanistan. Lord, we may pray with only a mustard seed of faith, but we ask that everyone who needs and wants to flee will make it out of the country on time. We pray for obstacles to be removed, safe travel to and out of the airport, exceptional behavior by the increasingly desperate masses, and good leadership. We ask protection for the protectors, who are assisting with this emotionally and physically draining event. Lord, please provide essential food and water for those who wait and for those who assist. Prevent further stampedes. Send a supernatural peace over this place. We particularly pray for your children among these masses to shine brightly, distributing hope along with kindness. Lord, reveal yourself among the chaos in Kabul. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. PC: Senior Airman Brennen Lege/Air Force Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-58279900

Prayer about family's mysterious death in California's Sierra National Forest

Lord God, we ask for your help as investigators seeks answers to why California residents John Gerrish, Ellen Chung, their 1-year-old daughter Miju and the family dog died in the Sierra National Forest early this week. With all four found dead without signs of violence, trauma or suicide, their death is a true mystery. As investigators explore options from toxic gases to carbon monoxide from abandoned mines to toxic algae, please bring clarity. May the toxicology reports also provide insights. Lord, we are concerned not only for closure for this family’s loved ones, but that other similar deaths do not occur. Finally, Lord, we ask for peace as people grieve these mysterious deaths. May joyful memories bring smiles amid the sorrow. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. CREDIT: COURTESY STEVEN JEFFE Source: https://people.com/human-interest/john-gerrish-ellen-chung-miju-family-of-3-mysterious-death-california-hiking-trail-dog-initial-autopsy-no-clues/

Prayer for Compassion International's work after Haiti's earthquake and tropical storm

Heavenly Father, we are grieved by all Haiti has suffered from its 7.2-magnitude earthquake, closely followed by Tropical Storm Grace. We know that thousands of Haitians have been displaced, but today we particularly pray for the 46 Compassion child development centers that have been affected—15 of which are considered “destroyed.” Lord, we are grateful for the ministry of Compassion International in Haiti and around the world. We are grateful that Compassion serves almost 127,000 children in Haiti. We are saddened by the disrupted ministry, yet grateful that Compassion team members are doing all they can to creatively care for children and their families amid this chaos. We are thankful that over 11,000 food kits have been distributed so far, and we pray that many more reach families in a timely fashion. We pray for the first Compassion Haiti team, celebrating their safe arrival in the affected area, and asking your blessing as they work closely with Compassion church partners to discuss the crisis response and better assess the overall situation. We pray for the safe and efficient arrival of the Compassion Haiti medical team. May they quickly connect with families who need their care. Lord, we know recovery is going to be a arduous process for the nation of Haiti. We pray that Compassion will rebound quickly, in order to continue and even expands its ministry to Haitian children. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. PC: Georges Harry Rouzier Info source and way to give: https://www.compassion.com/crisis/advisory-earthquake-in-the-southern-part-of-haiti-august-2021.htm?referer=623437&j=759000&sfmc_sub=13571542&l=74_HTML&u=12662966&mid=10965948&jb=48&alias=%%linkname%%&utm_source=mc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=HA_Earthquake_and_Storm_Crisis_Prayer_AUG18_206539

How to pray for Afghanistan

With all that is happening in Afghanistan, I know you are likely praying already. Here is a resource that may help: https://www.persecution.com/2021-08-afghanistan/?_source_code=EM21H7.

Prayer about crocodile attack in northern Australia

Lord God, we pray for the Australian soldiers who were attacked by a crocodile while swimming in Queensland’s far north. We are moved by the soldier who endangered his own life in rescuing his colleague from the attacking crocodile. We see this as an example of the kind of love you demonstrate for us (1 John 4:10). We are thankful that the men received prompt enough medical attention that they are both currently in stable condition. We pray that their medical care proves effective and that both men recover. We pray for the wildlife officers investigating the incident Saturday to have wisdom and success in discerning what happened and whether anything needs to be done to prevents future incidents. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australian-soldier-seriously-injured-crocodile-attack-queensland-media-2021-08-07/

Prayer about wildfires in southern Turkey

Almighty God, we ask for your help with the wildfires raging through southern Turkey. Please send rain, redirect winds, drop temperatures, empower and protect firefighters… Lord, please do whatever is necessary to protect people and stop the fires. We pray for safe and efficient evacuations wherever needed, including those conducted by emergency rescue vehicles. We pray against anyone trying to stand their ground in an unsafe location—that they would be aware that their lives are more valuable than any property. We pray for the quick arrival of the water-carrying planes promised by the European Union and that they will make great contributions to the firefighting. We pray for those who grieve the eight people killed so far by the fires. May there be no more deaths. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. AP Photo/Emre Tazegul Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58057081

Prayer as results from Daphne Caruana Galizia assassination investigation are released

Almighty God, we are thankful that truth is coming out about the death of Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. In death, Caruana Galizia continues to accomplish what she did during her long career: expose corruption. We are both relieved and grieved to hear that a public inquiry into her assassination has revealed that the Maltese state is responsible for her tragic death by car bombing. We are thankful that some arrests have been made. We pray for investigators to continue bringing the guilty to justice. And, Lord God, we pray for Caruana Galizia’s family and other loved ones to move toward closure as these events come to pass. Grant powerful comfort, deep sleep, and abiding peace. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Photo and info source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58012903