Dean Kayondo and I telling the children how important they are to God!

Just a “taste” here of my recent African Adventure in Uganda. I know you are eager to hear/see more so we are preparing a special Uganda newsletter edition to go out sometime later in November. God did so much that it is impossible to share in one article!

I want to use this time/space to encourage some who may be feeling that God is calling them to step out/up in their church or school to champion/be a voice for the children and what God has sovereignly deposited in their spiritual DNA for such a (critical/pivotal) time as this. Recognizing, equipping and releasing children NOW to function in their gifts/callings is something that is happening all over the globe. #GenerationNow is arising and their prayers are changing the face/fate of nations!

Just say, “YES!” Don’t be afraid and don’t think you need a whole lot of knowledge or structure or help. Step out/up and see what God will do. The children will thank you for it! As an example to encourage you, I will share the story of how our Uganda assignment came about.

Almost three years ago, Bill and I found ourselves living full-time in Boone, NC after having resided in S. FL for over 35 years. We quickly became part of Appalachian House of Prayer – an independent HOP led by Pastor Larry and Carla Cole. The DNA of App Hop is different, targeted prayer-sets during the week and at other special times. Occasionally, teens and children would come in with their parents but not participate. They would busy themselves on their phones and other devices, read a book or just look plain bored. Of course, I was always wanting to round them up and get them involved!

Eventually, Pastor Larry agreed that we could begin a new prayer-set: one targeted to the children/teens with adult participation as well. You know, InterGenerational. At APP HOP, we call it Family Prayer Day and we just celebrated our 1st Anniversary!

I quickly realized how new this territory was to me. ENI/WSC had always been the one to introduce the concepts of “children/prayer/no jr Holy Spirit.” We would sweep in for a weekend, work with children, families, staff to train them with our fabulous PRAYERTOOLS and then depart – leaving them to build upon the foundation laid. Now, I was in charge of my own WSC and responsible to grow/mature/oversee it.

We quickly became a small, dynamic group and found ourselves kneeling on the floor over a laminated map of the world praying for Africa – specifically for schools in Africa. Our youngest pray-er was 2 1/2! Almost immediately, our now year-old connection with Head Teacher John Ssentamu and Good Shepherd Primary School began. You all know the grand adventure it has led to. See much more about it in our special report coming later in November.

Imagine just where the prayers of the children/adults in your World Shapers Club group will lead you! Esther has said for over two decades now that children are the most untapped resource of prayer power in the church. Partner with them. Share adventures on the PRAYground. More pray-ers mean more prayers and, more answers…

for such an (opportune) time as this!

Mary