I think we have done well this year to give a whole month to marking the ‘Season of Creation.’ Of course, it is not quite over yet – On Sunday 1st we will share communion in the morning, and then join with other Christians in Cowes for a joint Harvest Thanksgiving at 6pm at Apex church.
We began by thinking about how all our small acts and individual contributions flow together to make a mighty river of righteousness and justice, and we will end the month together around the Lord’s table and then with our brothers and sisters from other fellowships – remembering that our faith is not an individual thing: When we follow Christ, we are accepted into His family, into His own body, along with every other believer.
We are privileged with today’s ease of communication and transport to personally know what is happening across the world. How delighted we were to discover the BMS’ harvest appeal featured our brothers and sisters in Uganda. I hope you were inspired by what you learned. As well as giving financial support through BMS, we also support the teams in Uganda in prayer. They know that on Wednesday evenings we are praying for them, and we often receive (via Lois and Angela) updates and requests, as well as Benon’s greetings and blessings for us.
We have a small part in the work they do, but we receive so much encouragement from our relationship. We are inspired by their work and their faith. We are encouraged by God’s favour and answered prayers. On Sunday I shared the need for the right rain and encouraged you to pray. On Wednesday we heard Gulu and another area who needed good rain were getting it. Praise the Lord! Last Wednesday Angela shared a picture with us of the Gulu Globetrotter school complete with the new furniture purchased with money raised by Maren’s fundraising work, and we remember answered prayer for the office that was built, for Cek Cam and for other projects. We are also inspired and encouraged by Benon and Dorothy’s evangelistic missions – over 140 new believers since Good Friday.
Do join us on a Wednesday evening as we intercede for our mission links, Cowes Baptist Church family, our community of Cowes, and many other things near and far – all as our Lord taught us to pray, that His Kingdom may come, and his will be done here on earth as it is in heaven. For your own prayers this month, here is a reminder of BMS prayers from Sunday, plus some more pointers!
Thank you for your faithfulness in loving our brothers and sisters well.
God bless,
Pastor Judith
“In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.”
Psalm 37: 19
Lord God, you are the one who upholds the poor, cares for the needy and comforts the weary.
We praise you that you come alongside families in Uganda and give us this opportunity to help them.
We pray you would protect farmers in Gulu from the threats of poverty and climate change. Please enable their children to grow up healthy and safe. Help them to earn what they need to pay for urgent medical care and for school.
Help us to give generously, trusting in your promises and plans.
Thank you that through gifts given at harvest time and the work done by BMS World Mission Agriculturalist Genesis and his team, generations in Uganda will be blessed.
Lord God, you sent your Son Jesus that we might have life and have it to the full. We marvel at the picture of heaven you describe, as a banquet feast where no-one goes hungry.
We pray that this harvest, families in Uganda and across the world would experience the abundant life made possible by your Son. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen
Other matters for prayer for our brothers and sisters in Uganda:
Pray for the right rain at the right time in all the different parts of the country.
Pray for the 140+ new believers and the pastors and churches who are discipling them
Pray for Christians who are facing violent persecution from Islamic militants.
Pray for the survivors of the attack on a school earlier in the year and the families of those were killed or abducted.
