ORPHANOS
Memphis Messiah
On December 12th, for the third year in a
row, Orphanos will be hosting the Memphis Messiah. MM08 is
a partnership with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Choir, the
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, the Memphis City School
System, and the Catholic Jubilee School System.
Essentially, Orphanos enables around 5,400 students to attend a
performance of Handel's renowned work, Messiah.
There is no charge for the students. On December 13th
there will be a public performance with tickets sold on
Ticketmaster. This is a very unique concert event.
Please go to our website:
memphismessiah.org
for a detailed history of the event, how it ties in with
Handel's life, and how it serves the children at risk right here
in Orphanos' home town of Memphis.
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Pray for the hearts of the students who
will hear God's Holy Word set to music.
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Pray for the many logistics surrounding
transporting so many thousands of students.
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Pray that the Lord Jesus would be honored
in this effort.
Jamaica
The leadership of Robin's Nest Children's
Home in John's Hall Jamaica have announced their search for a
new couple to assume leadership responsibilities for the home.
The outgoing founder has retired and come home to Minnesota, and
the ministry is currently being maintained by short term
volunteers. Applicants can contact
Orphanos or Robin's Nest directly for a job description and
requirements listing.
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Pray for the transition time between
Michelle's departure and whomever God has chosen to replace her
long term. Pray that confusion would be minimized.
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Pray the leadership team at Robin's Nest will
be able to quickly identify whom Goad has already identified for
this ministry role.
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Pray for the children as they wait for a new
head of their home.
VIVA INDIA –
"The workshop and role play approach of the training has
opened up my eyes to the contemporary challenges of the trafficked
and sexually exploited children. I could learn things that are
helpful in making a difference in the lives of children."
"This training needs to be imparted to many others and hence
we will recommend it to our colleagues. We also request Viva India
and Love146 to organize it regularly so that the trafficked and
sexually exploited children may receive better care."
- Praise
God for answered prayer!
- Pray
that as delegates continue to process the things from the
Cutting Edge conference and the training there will be great
fruitfulness and that no seed would be wasted.
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Continue to pray for the Viva India team headed up by Dr
Shantanu Dutta and supported by networker Steven Christian. Pray
for continual wisdom, favor and blessing as they press in to all
that Father wants to do through the networks emerging in this
Nation.
INDIA –
Alongside the fact we are rejoicing for the opportunities
opening to us in India we remain conscious of the very great
suffering many thousands of Christians are experiencing in Orissa.
A recent communication keeps this in our hearts and prayers and we
share it with you to encourage further and ongoing prayer for our
brother’s and sisters working for the Kingdom.
About 50,000 Christians of this area have been displaced.
Hundreds are still hiding in the forest for fear of death. Others
have gone to neighboring states, even to Bangalore, and Kerala and
others are in many relief camps with no facilities at all.
Why can't they go back home? Their homes have been demolished
to the ground, everything is destroyed, during the state sponsored
genocide. They can stay in their village on one condition. They
must become Hindus. When they refused, they will be killed or
driven out from their villages. They can still go back but must
be ready to be forcefully converted to Hinduism.
After an anti Christian rally where 100,000 people gathered in
Bhubneswar a ‘resolution’ was made that a bandh (shut down) is to
be observed on the 25th of December. No trains, buses or any
other vehicle will run, shops will be shut in all of Orissa. This
is the first time in history a shut down is taking place on
Christmas day. Church goers will be targets and there could be
another uncontrolled upsurge against Christians all over Orissa.
Please pray:
- That
the Bandh (Shut down) will be cancelled
- People
will be able to go back and rebuild broken homes, hearts,
business, and churches.
- For
the rehabilitation of all those who have been effected.
- That
the Central Government will act and will not drag its feet.
- Pray
for the counselor's who are working to visit relief camps and
bring comfort and encouragement. Please pray for safety and
wisdom. This is an emotional and difficult ministry.
ZIMBABWE –
Prominent figures, including former U.N. secretary general Kofi
Annan, believe Zimbabwe could soon collapse due to a political and
economic crisis, South Africa's ANC leader Jacob Zuma said on
Monday. "They believe the situation is very bad. They believe
things could collapse in a few months time in Zimbabwe," Zuma told
reporters after meeting Annan, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
and other prominent figures.
We know from our Viva Zimbabwe networker that there has been a
cholera outbreak in Harare with one child having died as a result.
They don’t know the extent of the epidemic but there is currently
no running water in most parts of the city.
- Please
pray for these dear ones working with the children that Father
would draw close and that they would know His love and wisdom as
they live through the reality of a country in melt down.