Monthly Prayer Focus

Heat or eat? This is the terrible question that can haunt those living in poverty during the winter months. Poverty makes obtaining and keeping life necessities difficult, but the cold multiplies these problems. Not only are food, water and shelter still needed during the winter months, but a source of warmth becomes essential, too.

GFA missionaries help in the extreme cold by giving blankets and winter clothes to those in need, as well as sharing hope in Christ. Please join us in praying for those who need blankets and winter clothing.

Many impoverished families, especially those who live in remote regions, lack warm clothes and blankets. For daily-wage laborers whose incomes barely provide for their everyday needs, saving for additional necessities, such as warm clothes and blankets for their children, takes a very long time. Without sufficient warmth, these families face sleepless nights and fall prey to illnesses. For those neglected by society and facing greater poverty—such as leprosy patients, widows and the homeless—it’s even more difficult to get blankets.

Pray that people in need will obtain warm clothes and blankets. Pray that the vulnerable—especially children and those ostracized by society—will stay warm and protected from illness. Pray that believers can share Christ’s hope and love with the suffering in these harsh winter months.

Receiving a much-needed blanket helps people tangibly understand the love of God. When those who do not yet trust in Christ experience believers caring for their physical needs, they see that their love, and the love of God, is genuine.

Pray that people who suffer in the cold—and suffer without knowing Christ’s love—will receive the warmth they need and understand why they received the gift. Ask God to comfort the hearts of recipients and show them He is the Giver of good gifts (see James 1:17).

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith,” the apostle Paul wrote (Galatians 6:10). As we pray for those facing hardships this winter, let us not forget our brothers and sisters, including those in GFA churches. Though their trials are difficult, they live with the hope that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him (see Romans 8:28).

Pray that our fellow believers are encouraged and comforted as they face the difficulty and trials of harsh, cold conditions. Pray God will strengthen their faith through the trials and provide for their needs.

Just like those they minister to, GFA missionaries often suffer from the cold. They need warm clothes and blankets so they can sleep well and have energy to do their ministry, whether that requires travel or just being attentive to people and their needs. Winter clothes or a blanket can encourage a missionary and their family and help them to faithfully serve those around them.

Pray God will supply GFA missionaries with the warmth they need to thrive in the cold. Pray that they will have a special love for those in need and wisdom to know how to best show that love, both in word and deed.

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