The lyrics to this song have been on my heart particularly as I pray from 1am. There is Power in the name of Jesus. To break Every chain. The lyrics are an affirmation of my faith. We are all bound by different chains, things that hold us back. We want to break the chains restricting the children in Ghana. I think God also has plans to break the chains holding us too, the worries we let get to us, the doubts. Let's rise up and continue to step out in faith!
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
There is power in the name of Jesus
The lyrics to this song have been on my heart particularly as I pray from 1am. There is Power in the name of Jesus. To break Every chain. The lyrics are an affirmation of my faith. We are all bound by different chains, things that hold us back. We want to break the chains restricting the children in Ghana. I think God also has plans to break the chains holding us too, the worries we let get to us, the doubts. Let's rise up and continue to step out in faith!
As I’ve been praying tonight, I’ve felt a real sense of anointing over you guys at RHF. I only know Beth but I really feel all you guys have been called to something so amazing and something that God holds completely in his hands.
I prayed that you would all know the anointing God has on you, the verse Isaiah 61v1 came to me “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, he has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound”.
As I prayed over the prayer points, I felt a real sense of calm in that God knows all these prayer points, he knows the desires of your heart and he will provide a way. I’m excited for all God has planned for RHF and to see the outcomes of this 24 hour of prayer. Thanks for letting me be a part of it, I’ll keep you guys in my prayers.
God Bless xx
(Suzie)
I prayed that you would all know the anointing God has on you, the verse Isaiah 61v1 came to me “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, he has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound”.
As I prayed over the prayer points, I felt a real sense of calm in that God knows all these prayer points, he knows the desires of your heart and he will provide a way. I’m excited for all God has planned for RHF and to see the outcomes of this 24 hour of prayer. Thanks for letting me be a part of it, I’ll keep you guys in my prayers.
God Bless xx
(Suzie)
Your love never fails, it never runs out, it never give up on us.
Seventeen hours in to our 24 hours of prayer... and wow... God has delivered.
Reading your blog posts has been amazing, it is clear that God is at work here. When we come to pray, we meet with God, and it's lovely to read how so many of you have felt that and have been encouraged and blessed through your prayers.
What has really struck me today is the recurring theme of the power of the witness of those children in Santro/ Soga. The kids know how to pray, sure they might sometimes fall asleep, but when it matters, they can pray so earnestly, Agnes has an incredible little army of prayer warriors! Their childish, strong faith is an inspiration to us all. And as you all see, they have little, but they are happy, they know contentment. Many in our society seek contentment in possessions, money, work... but they don't find it. These children have far less distractions, and a more physically apparent need, they trust in God, and they are happy.
Agnes too, her prayers are incredible, we often joke that Agnes has God on speed dial... she really does. When Agnes prays, you know that God is listening, she covers everything, trusts in him for everything. I thank God that we are blessed to have such an amazing leader on the ground in Ghana.
Tonight as a few of us met in the church I prayed aloud that God would provide for our volunteers, my father prayed that those who are meant to come will come, and then I mentioned the names of four people: Zoe, Helen Peacock, Sarah and Johnny G. Helen has tonight, found the correct flights at a cheaper price than she has been able to find recently, and has booked her flight! Within hours my prayer has been answered. Thank you God :)
I'd like to share a few other times when my prayers for Ghana have been answered.
I often travel to Ghana on staff flights, meaning I'm standby. This Christmas, at the last minute it was decided that it would be cheaper/ safer for me to hand deliver the christmas boxes to the kids than for us to send them cargo. When I went to look at my passport my visa expired the day I planned to return - it was as if God had planned this 2 years ago when I bought that visa. The flight was full. I had way too much baggage. Everything was rushed and last minute. But we found time to pray. At check in the lady ignored my overweight baggage when she could have charged me. Around that time, whilst I waited and prayed to get a seat on an oversold plane, we found out that the plane had been changed, to a larger model, with more seats! I've never heard this happen before. Another answer to prayer. When God wants us to do something he clears a way for us, he is in every detail. On my arrival in Accra 4 separate customs officials asked what was in my boxes, all of them took me at my word and didn't inspect them and waved me on. God was with me every step of the journey.
In our first year of building we began the foundations. We told the builders we would be able to pay them and to finish the work. When we arrived back from our summer trip, in one week we received two separate donations of £3000, totally unexpectedly. The amount we had in the bank account was near exact to what we owed the builders. We stepped out in faith and God blessed us, providing everything we need.
I love to think of God as a caring father - a vicar once said how when we sin and mess up, God is like a father, whose child is learning to walk, when we fall down he picks us up again and again, lovingly. When we come to him and ask him for help, he's not going to say no. I find this image of God so helpful in understanding my relationship with him. Whatever we do, he'll be there waiting for us when we turn to him for help.
A final thought... when I was in church last week, at the amazing St Peters Brighton, during the worship, I had so many things on my mind, concerns about certain elements of the project, and other personal worries. As we sang and I prayed I had a lovely image come into my mind... I was stood by a river, that flowed down to a large lake. The lake was aglow, it represented God. As I stood there I let all of my worries one by one drift down the river, away from me and to God, I gave them all to him. I felt so refreshed, with God's help none of my concerns seemed anywhere near as overwhelming anymore. Today is about praising God, giving him the glory for this work, and about giving him all the worries we have about it, all the requests we have. We're handing them to him, because we know that he is able. He is stronger, he is higher than any other. He'll guide us and use us, strengthen us, equip us and show his love to those children through us. To be a part of Gods plan for those kids is an incredible blessing, as some of you have said, we are honoured and priviliged.
Thank you God, and thank you God for equipping me with such an amazing family of ambassadors, thank you for using them to strengthen me, and for breaking their hearts as your broke mine for the children, your children.
Amen.
Tuesday, 1 May 2012
After watching the video, and reading the prayer blog, and the specific prayer needs of Raising Hope, I felt compelled to focus on the children, Agnes and the building.
I prayed for the continued safety and health of all of the children, and that they may continue to know the love and guidance of God.
I prayed for Agnes' safety and health as well, that she may have continued strength for the children, and be protected and encouraged in all she does.
I prayed that God would bless The Raising Hope Foundation with the necessary means by which to complete the orphanage, to provide a safe, permanent home for these children.
And a massive thank-you to God for all he has done for the Raising Hope Foundation already. Thank-you God for every single person who has donated, volunteered and gone to Ghana, every fundraiser, the trustees, and Kinza.
And I pray that God will continue to bless the amazing work The Raising Hope Foundation does, and that through its work, people will come to know God.
Emily <3
I prayed for the continued safety and health of all of the children, and that they may continue to know the love and guidance of God.
I prayed for Agnes' safety and health as well, that she may have continued strength for the children, and be protected and encouraged in all she does.
I prayed that God would bless The Raising Hope Foundation with the necessary means by which to complete the orphanage, to provide a safe, permanent home for these children.
And a massive thank-you to God for all he has done for the Raising Hope Foundation already. Thank-you God for every single person who has donated, volunteered and gone to Ghana, every fundraiser, the trustees, and Kinza.
And I pray that God will continue to bless the amazing work The Raising Hope Foundation does, and that through its work, people will come to know God.
Emily <3
“Men often become what they believe themselves to be. If I believe I cannot do something, it makes me incapable of doing it. But when I believe I can, then I acquire the ability to do it even if I didn't have it in the beginning.” - Gandhi
I am not a person who prays. Sure, I've "prayed" before, at school, on rollercoasters, sang hymns at weddings. But I've never really really prayed. I have never considered myself a Christian. I do believe in something higher than us. I am spiritual. I believe good things happen to good people, that if you are good then good things will happen to you. When I heard about the plan for a 24 hour prayer, I must admit my initial reaction was...I don't pray, I can't pray, I can't do that. Then I came across Gandhi's quote (above), and it all clicked into place.
Today I am putting my first ever real honest true prayers out there for the Raising Hope Foundation and the children of Sogakope and Santrokofi.
The RHF has changed my life. The children and the orphanage are my total motivation. Since my first incredible meeting with them in the summer of 2010 I have been proactive fundraising, spreading the word about their plight, our goals and achievements as a charity. I've babbled at every possible opportunity about how these wonderful, awe-inspiring children laugh and smile and are just so full of light and life despite the horrible backgrounds and struggles they deal with every day. I will continue to fight for them, fundraise to provide them with a roof over their heads, an education, the love and care they deserve....
...Just, until now, I haven't offered anything to them spiritually, and that's going to change today.
I pray that God may bless the children of Santrokofi and Sogakope, today and every day. Fill them with hope, because hope and faith will guide them to believe that they can do anything they put their hearts to, and be anything they want to be. I pray that they be kept safe from harm until the orphanage is complete.
I pray that the RHF be blessed in their continuing work in Santrokofi, and that the volunteers be filled with encouragement and determination to raise the funds to complete the orphanage this year. I pray that they be protected and blessed during their trip to Ghana this summer.
I pray for Agnes, whose incredible love and faith in the children just blows me away. I pray that she receive guidance every day in supporting the children, that she remains in good health and that everything she needs to nurture herself and the children be provided for.
I pray for Emile and the builders. May they be filled with strength as they complete the orphanage in Santrokofi.
I pray that the Living Faith Foundation board be strong in the face of challenges.
I pray for Sister Kinza. You are a continuing inspiration to me. May you be blessed and loved and protected by God in everything you do. Without you, none of this would even be.
And finally, I pray for the parents of the children, who have brought such wonderful, beautiful loving individuals into this world. Because they have made me a better person with their love and their laughter and the light that radiates from them, and I thank God for providing me with the opportunity to have them in my life. I am truly truly blessed.
The RHF is my family. I love each and every one of you and I am absolutely honoured to be a part of this.
I can <3
I am not a person who prays. Sure, I've "prayed" before, at school, on rollercoasters, sang hymns at weddings. But I've never really really prayed. I have never considered myself a Christian. I do believe in something higher than us. I am spiritual. I believe good things happen to good people, that if you are good then good things will happen to you. When I heard about the plan for a 24 hour prayer, I must admit my initial reaction was...I don't pray, I can't pray, I can't do that. Then I came across Gandhi's quote (above), and it all clicked into place.
Today I am putting my first ever real honest true prayers out there for the Raising Hope Foundation and the children of Sogakope and Santrokofi.
The RHF has changed my life. The children and the orphanage are my total motivation. Since my first incredible meeting with them in the summer of 2010 I have been proactive fundraising, spreading the word about their plight, our goals and achievements as a charity. I've babbled at every possible opportunity about how these wonderful, awe-inspiring children laugh and smile and are just so full of light and life despite the horrible backgrounds and struggles they deal with every day. I will continue to fight for them, fundraise to provide them with a roof over their heads, an education, the love and care they deserve....
...Just, until now, I haven't offered anything to them spiritually, and that's going to change today.
I pray that God may bless the children of Santrokofi and Sogakope, today and every day. Fill them with hope, because hope and faith will guide them to believe that they can do anything they put their hearts to, and be anything they want to be. I pray that they be kept safe from harm until the orphanage is complete.
I pray that the RHF be blessed in their continuing work in Santrokofi, and that the volunteers be filled with encouragement and determination to raise the funds to complete the orphanage this year. I pray that they be protected and blessed during their trip to Ghana this summer.
I pray for Agnes, whose incredible love and faith in the children just blows me away. I pray that she receive guidance every day in supporting the children, that she remains in good health and that everything she needs to nurture herself and the children be provided for.
I pray for Emile and the builders. May they be filled with strength as they complete the orphanage in Santrokofi.
I pray that the Living Faith Foundation board be strong in the face of challenges.
I pray for Sister Kinza. You are a continuing inspiration to me. May you be blessed and loved and protected by God in everything you do. Without you, none of this would even be.
And finally, I pray for the parents of the children, who have brought such wonderful, beautiful loving individuals into this world. Because they have made me a better person with their love and their laughter and the light that radiates from them, and I thank God for providing me with the opportunity to have them in my life. I am truly truly blessed.
The RHF is my family. I love each and every one of you and I am absolutely honoured to be a part of this.
I can <3
RHF has been much on our minds today, and we've sent brief prayers to the Lord numerous times throughout the day. He is able to do far more amazingly than all we can ask or even think.
We shared about RHF at our Afternoon Fellowship at Rehoboth, Horsham today and prayed together for all those involved in this tremendous work. We pray that where there are those who as yet do not know that wonderful love relationship with the Lord Jesus, they may find him and praise him for all his wonderful provision for all our needs - and particularly for the work at Santrokofi.
We shared about RHF at our Afternoon Fellowship at Rehoboth, Horsham today and prayed together for all those involved in this tremendous work. We pray that where there are those who as yet do not know that wonderful love relationship with the Lord Jesus, they may find him and praise him for all his wonderful provision for all our needs - and particularly for the work at Santrokofi.
A Prayer for Ghana
Lord I pray that all prayers going up for RHF will be answered. I pray that all demonic attempts to frustrate the work will be destroyed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Please Lord remember all those who are working on behalf of RHF will be upheld and blessed and that those going to Ghana this summer will be protected and blessed and that they will be a blessing to the children there. Help all money needed to be raised to come quickly and for the work there to be able to be finished far quicker than we could imagine, for you have said Lord that you will do far more than we can ever ask or imagine. Praise Holy name O Lord for your goodness so far. May all the glory be to you Lord God Almighty. In the precious name of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen and Amen. Nigel.
My time in Ghana was the most incredible experience of my life. I fell so in love with the children.
I light a candle and pray that we continue to attract the most amazing and hard working volunteers, and enough funds to complete our immense task.
"Distance between people's hearts is not an obstacle but just a great reminder of just how strong true love really is"
I light a candle and pray that we continue to attract the most amazing and hard working volunteers, and enough funds to complete our immense task.
"Distance between people's hearts is not an obstacle but just a great reminder of just how strong true love really is"
A prayer for Ghana
Lord, thank you for showing us this work to do and walking with us on this journey. Praise for all the volunteers who have gone to Ghana. Thanks for the friendship that has grown among them all. Draw us close to you. Thanks for recent encouragements. Bless the children and Agnes! Strengthen the LFF borad and ours. Be with the children you want to bring to this this home in Santrokofi once it's finished. Be with all those preparing to go to Ghana this summer. Help us find more supporters and thanks to everyone who help raise funds / donated to the RHF in the last financial year.
"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations. i will be exalted in the earth" Psalm 46 :10.
Pray for Agnes that you will be with her, support her and protect her and that she may visit the UK soon. Lord, thank you for all this technology that enables us to work effectively in Ghana and with each other. Thank you for your son, Jesus. we do this all in his name and for his glory. Amen Simon enjoyed his hour of prayer.
"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations. i will be exalted in the earth" Psalm 46 :10.
Pray for Agnes that you will be with her, support her and protect her and that she may visit the UK soon. Lord, thank you for all this technology that enables us to work effectively in Ghana and with each other. Thank you for your son, Jesus. we do this all in his name and for his glory. Amen Simon enjoyed his hour of prayer.
We can do anything if we believe!
God by His nature seldom does or works things out in a conventional way. When we trust and believe in His promises knowing that He delights in helping and blessing us, He answers prayer in such a greater way that we could ask or think. Knowing and believing this becomes His power working in us. Eph. 3:20 says it like this; “Now to Him (God) who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us…”
I have always believed in God, used to go to Church, but have not always been a regular prayer...
However, seeing in Ghana how much they truly believe in God and how they live their lives focused so much on religion, it made me think maybe it is worth turning to God and thanking him when we need him/he does something good (which of course he does everyday!)
Not only are the children extremely happy and mostly healthy, religion gives them a strong sense of togetherness. They have a support system and something to celebrate. Whether or not you believe in God, he is definitely enriching their lives.
Today I will be praying that he continues to help with the work in Santrokofi, but also to thank him for what has already been achieved. So much has been accomplished in the few years that RHF has been set up - and that is definitely thanks to God, as well as the amazing team of volunteers, fundraisers, supporters and the RHF board of trustees.
We should be thankful for what RHF has created - we have all made friendships, we have built an RHF community! And we are doing something amazing together, along with the Living Faith Foundation in Sogakope.
I will ask God to be with us all again this year, from today during this important day, throughout the Month of May and then on and on. I hope we gain the support at all the great events we have planned before Ghana, I hope people donate not just money but clothes, books, toys for the children and I hope that he helps everyone that wants to go to Ghana this year or the next or the next find a way of doing so!.. I already know that he will be with us when we go over there and throughout the summer camp!, but I may pray for that too.
Romans 4:16-22 “So that’s why faith is the key! God’s promise is given to us as a free gift. And we are certain to receive it…if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed – the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.” When God promised Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, Abraham believed him. God had also said, “Your descendants will be as numerous as the stars,” even though such a promise seemed utterly impossible! And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though he knew that he was too old to be a father at the age of one hundred and that Sarah, his wife, had never been able to have children. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything He promised…”
I have always believed in God, used to go to Church, but have not always been a regular prayer...
However, seeing in Ghana how much they truly believe in God and how they live their lives focused so much on religion, it made me think maybe it is worth turning to God and thanking him when we need him/he does something good (which of course he does everyday!)
Not only are the children extremely happy and mostly healthy, religion gives them a strong sense of togetherness. They have a support system and something to celebrate. Whether or not you believe in God, he is definitely enriching their lives.
Today I will be praying that he continues to help with the work in Santrokofi, but also to thank him for what has already been achieved. So much has been accomplished in the few years that RHF has been set up - and that is definitely thanks to God, as well as the amazing team of volunteers, fundraisers, supporters and the RHF board of trustees.
We should be thankful for what RHF has created - we have all made friendships, we have built an RHF community! And we are doing something amazing together, along with the Living Faith Foundation in Sogakope.
I will ask God to be with us all again this year, from today during this important day, throughout the Month of May and then on and on. I hope we gain the support at all the great events we have planned before Ghana, I hope people donate not just money but clothes, books, toys for the children and I hope that he helps everyone that wants to go to Ghana this year or the next or the next find a way of doing so!.. I already know that he will be with us when we go over there and throughout the summer camp!, but I may pray for that too.
Romans 4:16-22 “So that’s why faith is the key! God’s promise is given to us as a free gift. And we are certain to receive it…if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed – the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.” When God promised Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, Abraham believed him. God had also said, “Your descendants will be as numerous as the stars,” even though such a promise seemed utterly impossible! And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though he knew that he was too old to be a father at the age of one hundred and that Sarah, his wife, had never been able to have children. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything He promised…”
Prayers for our Scholarship Students
I want to pray for Jones. In our first year of summer school, Jones was a model student - helpful, and clearly very bright. It's been lovely getting to know him, and to now be able to sponsor him to attend SS in Accra where he is studying electronics. Last week at the board meeting we were talking about how we want the students we sponsor to give back and get involved, and also our concerns for the electrical phase of the project. The next day Jones wrote to me, to tell me of his progress at school and how he can now install sockets, and asked if he would be able to help out with the electrical installation, which is the next phase. I am so grateful that we have been blessed with the funds to allow us to sponsor Jones, and that the day after we spoke about it, unbeknown to him, Jones volunteered. I pray that our scholarship scheme will be able to expand, that we would be able to give opportunities to those in Santrokofi that wouldn't otherwise be able to, and that those students would in return be a blessing to younger generations.
I also want to pray for Gods continued blessing and protection on our other scholarship students - Peace, Lucy and Evelyn. I pray they would be protected from any illnesses, anything that would hinder their studies. It's lovely to see Peace getting involved with the children living with Agnes, and we look forward to meeting Lucy this summer. It's also great to see Evelyn working so hard to provide a future for her and her daughter Lizzy, one of the children I met living with Agnes on my first trip. I want to ask for guidance as we develop a more formal scholarship scheme, that we'd get the funds to those who need it, and be blessed with enough money to meet all of the need.
My thoughts...
Okay, so here it goes. I've been building up to this post for the majority of my designated prayer time by reading other people's great posts; some very personable, some very positive and reflective and by listening to music and looking at photos of our time in Ghana: Of the Volunteers, of the children, of the red soil and the landscapes. And it makes you think. I wonder what they are doing now? What clothes they are wearing today? Are they Happy? Are they sad? as Sister Danni put it: the people by God's grace are happy: Something that couldn't go unnoticed were the smiles apparent on everyones faces as you walked through the village.
(Bare with me: I'm not really sure where this one is going?) Like Danni Prayer isn't something I really do or know how to do. In church I would just kind of kneel there wondering what everyone else was praying for? What's for lunch? That kind of thing. And I guess I came to realise prayers do work when we first got to the Orphanage and saw the Tro Tro for the first time. The larger bodies of volunteers crammed in with children and everyone's luggage made an impressive game of real life tetris. Having seen the state of the roads, or shall we say mud tracks and the driver's unconcern for the highway code it was going to take a miracle to get to Santrokofi unharmed. And I remember Auntie Agnes popped her head through the window to say a prayer for us the volunteers and the children's safety and may God watch over us as we make our journey. And I found myself agreeing with this prayer and how lovely it was to be apart of it all.
And what do you know we made it safely. And I know every night that we were away that Auntie Agnes would be making a prayer for our safety all the way until our flights back. And I bet they still are praying for us everyday, which actually is something that I've just thought about for the first time as I type these words - which is pretty special. I think everyone touched each other's lifes in ways that are too difficult or unjust to even put into words - it's a feeling.
Finally I will talk about something which I picked up upon when I was over there. Actually only having spent my time now thinking I see it a bit differently. When we were there they would call us their brother or their sister and we would call each other those words. I always thought we were like a family out there especially among the volunteers but really in their culture I think they just embraced us and brought us into their lives and hearts and it's not about being black or white or from England or Ghana everyone is seen as the same. Maybe that's what it was. But it's something amazing to be a part of. And I will end it on - I'm not really sure what to pray for but if it was for one thing it would be the continued happiness which I think kind of incorporates many things like being content, and having enough food, getting education. So Happiness it is.
Lets keep up this good work people.
(Bare with me: I'm not really sure where this one is going?) Like Danni Prayer isn't something I really do or know how to do. In church I would just kind of kneel there wondering what everyone else was praying for? What's for lunch? That kind of thing. And I guess I came to realise prayers do work when we first got to the Orphanage and saw the Tro Tro for the first time. The larger bodies of volunteers crammed in with children and everyone's luggage made an impressive game of real life tetris. Having seen the state of the roads, or shall we say mud tracks and the driver's unconcern for the highway code it was going to take a miracle to get to Santrokofi unharmed. And I remember Auntie Agnes popped her head through the window to say a prayer for us the volunteers and the children's safety and may God watch over us as we make our journey. And I found myself agreeing with this prayer and how lovely it was to be apart of it all.
And what do you know we made it safely. And I know every night that we were away that Auntie Agnes would be making a prayer for our safety all the way until our flights back. And I bet they still are praying for us everyday, which actually is something that I've just thought about for the first time as I type these words - which is pretty special. I think everyone touched each other's lifes in ways that are too difficult or unjust to even put into words - it's a feeling.
Finally I will talk about something which I picked up upon when I was over there. Actually only having spent my time now thinking I see it a bit differently. When we were there they would call us their brother or their sister and we would call each other those words. I always thought we were like a family out there especially among the volunteers but really in their culture I think they just embraced us and brought us into their lives and hearts and it's not about being black or white or from England or Ghana everyone is seen as the same. Maybe that's what it was. But it's something amazing to be a part of. And I will end it on - I'm not really sure what to pray for but if it was for one thing it would be the continued happiness which I think kind of incorporates many things like being content, and having enough food, getting education. So Happiness it is.
Lets keep up this good work people.
He has done great things
I was 14 when I first got a sense of longing to go to Africa, I wanted to go and change the world, I wanted pick the children up I had seen on charity videos and tell them everything would be ok. I wanted to show them that they are not alone.
I was 19 when I first went to Africa and I will never forget how much that experience changed my life. What really struck me was how faithfully Ghanaians pray, how grateful they are for everything they have, even though to the Western eye they have very little. These people really are living everyday for God and they make sure they thank him for everything that they do have, that humbled me. So firstly I am truly thankful to have been given the opportunity to go to Ghana, to comfort these children and to be changed by the experience.
I feel privileged to be a part of such an amazing, everyone at Raising Hope Foundation truly has a heart for the children out in Africa and we all get on so well. I pray that God will continue to work through all of us.
God has already done great things for us and now we are asking more will be done through us for his glory.
My Prayer:
Lord, Thank you for everything you have done for Raising Hope Foundation so far, thank you for giving us strength when the road ahead was bumpy, thank you for enabling our vision to become a reality. Thank you for the work that Agnes does and for her continued love for the children. Lord, thank you for putting this so deeply on my heart.
Relationships are not always easy, Lord I want to thank you for the relationship between us, Agnes, her board, the Canadians, the chiefs in Santro and the builders. I pray that you will strengthen our relationships and use them for your glory.
I pray that through RHF and LFF that your work in Santrokofi will be done, Lord I pray that you will provide the necessary funds to enable us to finish the Orphanage within a year and that the children in Santrokofi who have nothing will finally have somewhere to call 'Home', stability in their loves, people around them who love and care for them and accessibility to education.
Open up before God, keep nothing back, he'll do whatever needs to be done.
Psalm 37:5 The Message
I believe that if we ask, God will provide, but that we have to exercise patience because everything will happen within God's perfect timing.
Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for him to act.
Psalm 37:7 NLT
I was 19 when I first went to Africa and I will never forget how much that experience changed my life. What really struck me was how faithfully Ghanaians pray, how grateful they are for everything they have, even though to the Western eye they have very little. These people really are living everyday for God and they make sure they thank him for everything that they do have, that humbled me. So firstly I am truly thankful to have been given the opportunity to go to Ghana, to comfort these children and to be changed by the experience.
I feel privileged to be a part of such an amazing, everyone at Raising Hope Foundation truly has a heart for the children out in Africa and we all get on so well. I pray that God will continue to work through all of us.
God has already done great things for us and now we are asking more will be done through us for his glory.
My Prayer:
Lord, Thank you for everything you have done for Raising Hope Foundation so far, thank you for giving us strength when the road ahead was bumpy, thank you for enabling our vision to become a reality. Thank you for the work that Agnes does and for her continued love for the children. Lord, thank you for putting this so deeply on my heart.
Relationships are not always easy, Lord I want to thank you for the relationship between us, Agnes, her board, the Canadians, the chiefs in Santro and the builders. I pray that you will strengthen our relationships and use them for your glory.
I pray that through RHF and LFF that your work in Santrokofi will be done, Lord I pray that you will provide the necessary funds to enable us to finish the Orphanage within a year and that the children in Santrokofi who have nothing will finally have somewhere to call 'Home', stability in their loves, people around them who love and care for them and accessibility to education.
Open up before God, keep nothing back, he'll do whatever needs to be done.
Psalm 37:5 The Message
I believe that if we ask, God will provide, but that we have to exercise patience because everything will happen within God's perfect timing.
Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for him to act.
Psalm 37:7 NLT
Come to pray to me and I will listen to you
I’ve not been
to Ghana and perhaps never will but I am
grateful to all those who have been there. It is though them that we have a
witness to the Lord’s amazing love and provision both for the workers and the
children at Santrakofi and to all those
who have travelled there to serve Him. .
The pictures of the children arm in arm with
some of those I have known as children and now young adults is a confirmation
that we are all part of his wonderful creation, we are all part of His family
and that He loves each one of us equally. That’s why
he sent Jesus to earth. He came to teach us, to guide us and to lead us back to the Father by
dying on the cross at Calvary so that we could be free from our sins.
For God so loved the world that gave
his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have
eternal life (John
3:16)
Make no
mistake, many have turned away from God and demonstrably this is the major
cause of the inhumanity and the inequality we see across the world today. That's
not what God wants but through Jesus he
has given everyone a way back to him and a way to live a new life with Him.
So today I am praying for two things ;
1 That he
will continue to provide the funds
needed to complete this stage of the work - we know he can provide as he has
done before and I am sure he will honour the fundraising efforts of everyone whether
they run, walk, ride, jump out of an aeroplane or bake a cake . (Personally I am more of a cake
man ...)
2 That
through association with the work of RHF many will come to know and love the Lord
Jesus as their personal saviour both in Ghana, in the UK and across the world.
If you are a
supporter reading this and you don’t yet truly know the Lord Jesus for yourself
why not make that your first priority. It was great to read the earlier post of
someone praying for the first time, bless you and please don’t leave it there - keep on praying .
For I know the plans I have
for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to
give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come to pray to me, and I will listen to you. {Jer 29:11 -12}
"Be still and know that I am God"
I spent time with praying over these points this morning and during the time I was praying, I could sense God saying "Just be still and know that I am God. Though these things seem big in your eyes, they are minuscule in mine. I am able."
Just a few verses that I was reminded of:
Matthew 7:7 - "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
Matthew 7:31-32 - "So don't worry about these things, saying 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs."
Psalm 113:7-9 "He picks up the poor from out of the dirt, rescues the wretched who've been thrown out with the trash and seats them among the honored guests. A place of honor among the brighest and the best."
Just a few verses that I was reminded of:
Matthew 7:7 - "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
Matthew 7:31-32 - "So don't worry about these things, saying 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs."
Psalm 113:7-9 "He picks up the poor from out of the dirt, rescues the wretched who've been thrown out with the trash and seats them among the honored guests. A place of honor among the brighest and the best."
God is able
Just been reading UCB notes in my hour to pray.. It says that Jesus prayed while others slept! He turned from the demands and expectations of others to be sure that His agenda lined up with God's agenda.That's what I feel we are doing today. God has promised He is able to give more than we ask or imagine if we pray in faith believing. God has blessed the work of the Raising Hope Foundation in this country and in Ghana.
Let's pray today believing that God is able to do more than we ask or think when we pray with faith.
Let's pray today believing that God is able to do more than we ask or think when we pray with faith.
After spending 4 months in Ghana, all I wanted to do was to go back again. Thanks to fate/God/coincidence, call it what you will, I met some amazing people at University who were setting up a charity in Ghana (no prizes for guessing which charity!)
During my first trip to Ghana I realised what a huge part religion played in the everyday lives of Ghanaians and I just couldn't understand - how could God allow people who prayed and believes SO much live in such poverty? It was only during my second visit that I began to understand, with a little help from some very special people, that everyone we meet in Ghana is happy - truly happy.
They may be "suffering" or "paining" (these words get used a lot in Ghana) but i you ask them if they are happy or well the answer is always "yes" or "by the grace of God, yes". If you were ask someone here that you'd be lucky to even get an answer.
I learnt quickly that the children we work with don't pray for more food (although they will ask you for more food every half an hour!) or more clothes or a better house, they pray for each others' health and that Aunty Aggie remains strong and healthy. It works. If you ever had a few days spare and asked Agnes to tell you about her life you'd know that everything these children pray for happens. The fact that these children live in a country with so many diseases and health problems - malaria, yellow fever, TB - yet are *usually* so healthy and any illness they do suffer is short-lived proves that their prayers work. The fact that RHF is now working with the people of Santrokofi shows that if you ask, God will provide.
This morning I have prayed for the first time in about 12 or 13 years. I prayed for the health and safety of the children, that they are doing well in school and not worrying Agnes too much. I prayed for Agnes' health and asked God to give her the strength to keep going and not give up on any of the children no matter how "challenging" they can be.
I asked for help with our fundraising, I asked him to protect those crazy, crazy people who are throwing themselves out of a plane. I asked him to give my mum the strength to believe that she can do the Great Manchester Run. I asked him to provide opportunities for us to raise more money in the future.
I asked him to help everyone who wants to come to Ghana this summer to find the means to get there and most importantly, asked that he give them strength and patience to work well with the children so that the children can benefit from our visit.
Then I stopped praying and thought that maybe I was asking for too much and that maybe, praying should be about giving thanks for what we have already achieved and the experiences we have already had with the RHF and the children.
During my first trip to Ghana I realised what a huge part religion played in the everyday lives of Ghanaians and I just couldn't understand - how could God allow people who prayed and believes SO much live in such poverty? It was only during my second visit that I began to understand, with a little help from some very special people, that everyone we meet in Ghana is happy - truly happy.
They may be "suffering" or "paining" (these words get used a lot in Ghana) but i you ask them if they are happy or well the answer is always "yes" or "by the grace of God, yes". If you were ask someone here that you'd be lucky to even get an answer.
I learnt quickly that the children we work with don't pray for more food (although they will ask you for more food every half an hour!) or more clothes or a better house, they pray for each others' health and that Aunty Aggie remains strong and healthy. It works. If you ever had a few days spare and asked Agnes to tell you about her life you'd know that everything these children pray for happens. The fact that these children live in a country with so many diseases and health problems - malaria, yellow fever, TB - yet are *usually* so healthy and any illness they do suffer is short-lived proves that their prayers work. The fact that RHF is now working with the people of Santrokofi shows that if you ask, God will provide.
This morning I have prayed for the first time in about 12 or 13 years. I prayed for the health and safety of the children, that they are doing well in school and not worrying Agnes too much. I prayed for Agnes' health and asked God to give her the strength to keep going and not give up on any of the children no matter how "challenging" they can be.
I asked for help with our fundraising, I asked him to protect those crazy, crazy people who are throwing themselves out of a plane. I asked him to give my mum the strength to believe that she can do the Great Manchester Run. I asked him to provide opportunities for us to raise more money in the future.
I asked him to help everyone who wants to come to Ghana this summer to find the means to get there and most importantly, asked that he give them strength and patience to work well with the children so that the children can benefit from our visit.
Then I stopped praying and thought that maybe I was asking for too much and that maybe, praying should be about giving thanks for what we have already achieved and the experiences we have already had with the RHF and the children.
The power of prayer
You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.
And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.
Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it
Matthew 21:22
And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.
1 John 5:15-16
Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it
John 14:14
Encouragement during tough beginnings...
When we first started building in Summer 2009, we actually began in a town called Wli, which is about 30 minutes from Santrokofi - Agnes already had land there, the project was for the same children, but a different location. We cleared the site, and began marking it out.
And then the youth of the town attacked our builders and had Agnes put in jail (thankfully very quickly released!). In the space of 24 hours we went from being elated at starting the project to having to leave the village in a rush. That evening , with Agnes, some of us prayed. I opened my Bible, at Psalm 27. It's words were so relevant to what we were facing, it even has reference to those who mothers and fathers have died. God used it to encourage us. The very next day we met with the chiefs, and work began in Santrokofi.
Looking back we can see why God moved us. Our new location is so much better, the people are supportive, and instead of being attacked, our work has been blessed. Psalm 27 continues to encourage me, especially with regard to the project in Santrokofi.
Psalm 27:
And then the youth of the town attacked our builders and had Agnes put in jail (thankfully very quickly released!). In the space of 24 hours we went from being elated at starting the project to having to leave the village in a rush. That evening , with Agnes, some of us prayed. I opened my Bible, at Psalm 27. It's words were so relevant to what we were facing, it even has reference to those who mothers and fathers have died. God used it to encourage us. The very next day we met with the chiefs, and work began in Santrokofi.
Looking back we can see why God moved us. Our new location is so much better, the people are supportive, and instead of being attacked, our work has been blessed. Psalm 27 continues to encourage me, especially with regard to the project in Santrokofi.
Psalm 27:
1
The Lord is my light and my salvation —
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked advance against me
to devour[a] me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.
to devour[a] me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.
4 One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
7 Hear my voice when I call, Lord;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face! ”
Your face, Lord, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, Lord;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face! ”
Your face, Lord, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, Lord;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.
13 I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
Monday, 30 April 2012
Join us...
As we spend the day asking God to provide and bless the work in Santrokofi, please use this blog as a space to share your prayers/ thoughts... whether that be a picture, a verse, a song, a drawing, a poem, etc etc. It'd be great if we can inspire each other and keep a track of what's going on throughout the day!
To start you off, we've put together a video of photos and some of our favourite worship songs, you may find it helpful to watch/ listen as you read through and pray for the requests listed in the previous post....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1HbycuYKRM&feature=youtu.be (sorry it won't let me embed it, so please click on the link!)
Kinza xx
As we spend the day asking God to provide and bless the work in Santrokofi, please use this blog as a space to share your prayers/ thoughts... whether that be a picture, a verse, a song, a drawing, a poem, etc etc. It'd be great if we can inspire each other and keep a track of what's going on throughout the day!
To start you off, we've put together a video of photos and some of our favourite worship songs, you may find it helpful to watch/ listen as you read through and pray for the requests listed in the previous post....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1HbycuYKRM&feature=youtu.be (sorry it won't let me embed it, so please click on the link!)
Kinza xx
24 Hour Prayer... Tuesday 1st May, 6am - 6am
Last week we decided that we would dedicate the month of May to praying for Gods blessing, guidance and provision for our project in Santrokofi, beginning with 24 hours of prayer... in which someone, somewhere, for a continuous 24 hours will be praying for the project. We believe that if we step out in faith God will bless this work. He's done it in the past, and he can do it again! This time though we are really going for it, we worship an awesome God... he can do anything, so we're going to ask him to provide the money needed to complete the orphanage home by the end of 2012.
That's roughly £60,000. To date we have raised £65,000.
Thank you to everyone who's signed up. Below is a list of things we would really appreciate prayer for:
- We want to start by giving thanks to God for all he has done so far. In 3 years we have raised over £65,000, chosen a plot of land, hired the lovely Emile, and built a home with a roof on it. We've gotten to know the kids and leaders of Santrokofi, running summer schools and providing sponsorship for further education. None of this has been without it's trials, but God has protected us, guided us, and provided for us.
- Please pray for Gods continued blessing in terms of financial provsion. That he would bless our summer fundraising events, everyone who is going out and seeking sponsorship - let God put the plights of these children on their hearts.
- Pray for successful grant applications, (in particular an outstanding application with St Marys University), and opportunities for corporate sponsorship/ matched funding.
- Recently we have officially joined forces with a number of people from Santrokofi who are now living in the UK and want to help us - pray that this union would be fruitful, that we can support each other, both financially and with their knowledge of the village and its people.
- Please pray for Agnes, for her health, her strength. Pray for guidance for her as she daily faces the trials of running a school, caring for children and being in charge of building projects.
- Pray for the Children of Santrokofi. We have recently been informed that many of them are walking the streets in the day, whilst their carers walk long distances to farm. We are now looking at setting up a place that they can go to/ sleep at if necessary in the interim to opening the orphanage. This is something we are working on with Manaseh Mulba (lives in London) and a lady from Santro who is currently in Accra (Magaret). Please pray that this can get going until we get the home open.
Pray for the schools, and the teachers. Last year their was a high failure rate at the end of term exams.
- Please pray for those students we are currently sponsoring - Jones, Peace, Lucy and Evelyn.
- Please pray that God would bless the work of others helping Agnes, and that we and them can work together to maximise the support we are giving to Agnes and the children.
- Please pray for Gods guidance in the way we work with the board in Ghana, particularly in terms of supervision of the project.
- Please pray for all the children living with Agnes, and Saviour has he continues to go live in Accra.
- Finalllllly, please pray that we would have a successful summer trip to Ghana (August 12th - Spet 2nd), that God would provide for all of those who wish to come, that we would be safe and remain healthy, and that we would continue to build relationships with the children and adults in Santrokofi.
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