Jan. 1, 2007

January 2007 Prayer Letter

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year!  I trust that this letter finds you well and looking ahead to what the Lord has in store for the coming year.  This time of year is always somewhat reflective for me.  I try to take some time to look back over the year that was.  It's encouraging to see ways the Lord was working in my life and in the lives of the kids that I often miss in my day-to-day routine.  Looking at the year as a whole, those things stand out a little more clearly.  Of course, reflecting on the past year can also be challenging.  I'm reminded of goals I made for the year that have yet to be reached.  I also take time to think and pray for the kids and adults alike who have left our community this year.

I was thinking I could just cut and paste from last month's letter – the part about being very busy and tired – and it would still be appropriate.  Of course, the fact that I'm actually writing this letter before Christmas (one of the busiest times of the year for us here) explains that, at least in part.  However, I would ask for your prayers again this month.  There are four staff members, myself included, who spend the majority of their time with the school children.  All four of us have been pretty drained for the last month or so.  Please pray for us.  And pray for the children who have to put up with us in all of our tired, no-energy glory.

What I mostly want to say this month is thank you for all you have done this past year.  Thank you for your faithful prayers and support.  Thank you for holding us up before the Father and for holding us in your hearts this year.  I know I have said this several times before, but I truly believe that you are an essential part the work being done here.  I believe with all my heart that prayer matters.  As you pray for us, things happen.  I wish you could see the healing that has happened in the lives of so many children this year.

I leave you with wishes once again for a Happy New Year to come.  Please continue to pray with us and for us.  Please continue to hold the children in your hearts this year.

Love,
Paul

paul.rase@wordmadeflesh.com