Pray With Purpose this May

Thursday, May 3 is the National Day of Prayer. Today we are posting our monthly prayer letter so you can lift-up the work in which God has called us to participate in through prayer. Or join us tomorrow, the first Friday of the month, as the international family prays in unity for our programs.

BURUNDI

We praise God for:

  • The training on “Theology of Work” in the District of Vyanda, Bururi. It was excellent! We have been invited to teach there again. Initial plans were made for 60 participants, but about 90 people participated, including local administrative personnel, chiefs, pastors, headmasters, and teachers. This district is known for having wildfires every dry season. Now a commitment has been made to protect the forest and multiply tree planting this coming fall.

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Reflections on Ash Wednesday: Teach us to sit still

Prayer in Haiti

“Teach us to care and not to care

Teach us to sit still.” ~T.S. Eliot, Ash Wednesday

by Aly Lewis

I am a recovering perfectionist, or so I’d like to think. More often than not, I’m recovering from the ramifications of perfectionism instead of overcoming perfectionism itself. Most of the time, I’m recovering from a bruised ego and a worn out soul.

At the risk of sounding like one those ridiculous job interview farces where the candidate arrogantly clucks out weaknesses that no one in their right mind would call weaknesses, “I try too hard. I care too much,” (eye roll please) the truth is, I try too hard and I care too much. About the wrong things.

I try too hard in the wrong things. I care too much about the wrong things.

Read More

Living on a Prayer

The fight against extreme poverty can be overwhelming. Sometimes it’s hard to even know where to begin—what to say, what to do? We ran across this prayer written by Walter Brueggemann, and it seems like a pretty good start for those times when you just don’t know what to do (pray) or what to say (try these words).


“On Creation”

Yours—we gladly attest—is the kingdom, the power,
and the glory.

Yours—we gladly assert—are the heavens and the earth.

It is you who made all that is,
sun, moon, stars,
rivers, forests, fish—
and us.
We say, “in your image.”

Yours the kingdom and the power and the glory—and then us.

You do not will us to be powerless either,
so you endow us with power to work
to rule
to govern.

We reflect you in our working
in our ruling
in our governing.

Ours is the chance for justice and/or injustice
for mercy and/or rigor
for peace and/or war.

We grow accustomed to our power,
sometimes absolutizing,
and then are interrupted by the
doxology on which we have bet everything:

Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory. And we are glad.

— “On Creation,” taken from Prayers for a Privileged People by Walter Brueggemann

National Day of Prayer

Today is the National Day of Prayer! Join Plant With Purpose as we pray for our brothers and sisters around the world and the work that God is doing to bring us into increasing connection, love, and concern for one another. We give thanks for the privilege we have to partner with rural farmers in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Tanzania, Burundi, and Thailand! Here are some of the prayer requests from Plant With Purpose’s programs in the developing world:


DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Please pray for:

  • The savings and loan groups to implement sustainable agriculture techniques on their plots of land to improve their crop yields.
  • Farmers to care for and protect their environment with dedication.
  • Farmers and small business owners to be able to pay their loans back.
  • The Lord Jesus to inspire the minds of pastors and church leaders to develop community projects that impact their communities.

HAITI
Please pray for:

  • The fragile political climate after the final results of the election.
  • The new President to surround himself with people who have good intentions and a good vision for Haiti.
  • Better understanding between the Haitian and Dominican governments to improve the relationship between the people along the border.

BURUNDI
We praise God for:

  • The new programs under the Belgian Embassy funds that officially started this April. Please pray for their success.

We pray for:

  • The new staff who will be hired for the Belgian Embassy program.
  • Daphrose, our staff member who has been sick and is currently on sick leave.


MEXICO
We praise God for:

  • The visit of Cathi Lundy’s group and pray for it to be a fulfilling experience.
  • The self-esteem workshops that have been carried out in the communities. Pray for many women to be blessed with increased strength in their identity.
  • The children’s clubs and the work that has been carried out in schools with the Festival of Values.

Please pray for:

  • Protection and provision for Scott’s group during their trip, and that they are blessed by their visit to the communities in the Oaxacan Mixteca.


THAILAND
Please pray for:

  • The political situation in Thailand. Pray that God would guide the new leadership of Thailand and their decision-making.
  • The preparation for the Holistic Ministry Conference in Thailand May 23-26.
  • Our staff and farmers as they prepare for planting trees in their agroforestry plots, upland farms and community forests.
  • The preparation for the Women’s Literacy Program. We are working with New Life Center Foundation and the Non-Formal Education Department on the development of the curriculum and training program.


TANZANIA
We praise God for:

  • The infrastructure improvements funded by USAID: One local irrigation canal, four charcoal houses and two simple greenhouses.

Please pray for:

  • The sudden drop of two clusters in USAID to not negatively affect the farmers they served.
  • The rains to start, as they are currently later than the farmers expected.
  • Early adoption of a new record keeping system in VICOBA (village community banking) groups.
  • Increased teamwork.


USA
We praise God for:

  • A safe trip to Tanzania for Claudette, Accountant, and Armando, Programs Director.
  • The many opportunities to meet with churches and individuals.
  • The $5,456.71, which doubles to $10,913.42 with our matching grant, raised during the Trees Please! campaign.

Please pray for:

  • Safe travels for everyone attending the Holistic Ministry Summit the week of May 9th and for the international directors’ speaking engagements during the week. Also, pray that the Summit would foster increased unity and collaboration throughout our programs.
  • God’s financial provision.
  • The Springtime of Hope special event on May 15th in Orange County to excite new and existing partners. 
  • A fruitful vision trip to Oaxaca for Scott, Corbyn and all the trip participants.
  • Our gala committee as they plan for our annual gala, which will be on Saturday, October 8th at Paradise Point Resort.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. We are deeply grateful for your partnership.

Pray with Plant With Purpose this December

Today is Plant With Purpose’s International Day of Prayer and Fasting. Once a month, the Plant With Purpose staff around the world comes together to rejoice in our victories and blessings, pray for each others’ needs, and acknowledge the ways God is working in and through the Plant With Purpose family.

Please join Plant With Purpose’s international body as we pray together.


HAITI
We praise God for:

  • Safe travel and return for Dezo and Guy who represented our Haitian staff at the international meeting in Tanzania.

Please pray for:

  • The eradication of the cholera disease that is spreading throughout the country.
  • Wisdom for the politicians to foster a peaceful climate after the results of the election. There is currently civil unrest as people await the decision of the electoral committee.
  • Our staff member Serge’s prompt recovery from a motorcycle crash.


TANZANIA
We praise God for:

  • A successful international meeting and everyone’s safe travel home. 
  • A peaceful and successful year.

Please prayfor:

  • Continued growth of our programs. 
  • Greater participation and cooperation with our partners in the USAID organic agriculture project. 


BURUNDI
Please pray for:

  • God’s grace as we embark on a new project in partnership with World Relief Burundi and the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration that will allow us to work with new community groups.
  • The political situation, which is still unstable after the general elections. Pray with us for God’s intervention so that the ruling party can find a common ground with the opposition that is refusing to accept the election results.


MEXICO
We praise God for:

  • The nursery committees in the communities of El Oro, Ojo de Agua, and Nuxiño; they have been very active in this year’s reforestation efforts.
  • The progress made in the ecological latrine project in Monte Flor Tamazola and the enthusiasm of the families that participated in cistern construction in Santa Inés.
  • The enriching exchange between the Mexico staff and Plant With Purpose’s other partners at the international meeting.

Please pray for:

  • The strengthening of our holistic ministry.
  • Further development of the organizational capacity and self-management of the revolving funds groups. Also pray for continued excitement over the savings group that was established with the youth club in Nuxiño.
  • Greater participation in seedling production from authorities in Santa Inés and Monte Flor Tamazola.


THAILAND
We praise God for:

  • The accomplishment of a new organizational structure for the Plant With Purpose Thailand Center.
  • The participation of 80 church leaders in the Holistic Ministry Workshop.

Please prayfor:

  • The development, implementation, and impact of new projects, including a community based tourism project, a women’s handicrafts project, an environmental network, and a holistic ministry project.
  • The Christmas celebration at Suan Cha (a non-Christian village) to be a blessing for the village. Also pray for a time of celebration and fellowship during the Christmas Celebration at the Plant With Purpose Thailand Center.
  • Successful expansion into two new villages with an emphasis on agroforestry, backyard agriculture and environmental preservation.
  • The preparation of a Holistic Ministry Workshop for 60 denominational leaders on January 18th.



DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
We praise God for:

  • The strategic alliances that Plant With Purpose Dominican Republic has made with similar organizations to promote the wellbeing of the communities.

Please pray for:

  • The Holy Spirit to give wisdom to our new spiritual development promoter, Benjamín Benitez Trinidad, as he carries out his important tasks in rural communities. Also pray for Jesus to touch the hearts of the discipleship group participants and leaders.
  • A better life for the small business owners and farmers. Also, that they would be able to fulfill their loan commitments.
  • Wisdom in the transition process from the traditional loan program to a savings and loan program. Also pray for the adoption of sustainable agriculture and Bible teachings in the new savings and loan groups that have formed in 16 new communities.
  • Positive results in the grafting efforts on the avocado trees in the border region.
  • The farmers in the border region to become more aware of their role in the care of the environment.


USA
We praise God for:

Please pray for:

  • Generous year-end giving so that Plant With Purpose can empower more rural families with the tools and training they need to flourish.
  • Active participation by volunteers and patrons at the many Alternative Gift Markets this season.
  • A safe and fruitful trip to the Dominican Republic for our Program Director, Armando Osorio.
  • A safe return from Tanzania for our Tanzania Program Officer, Christi Huizenga.


Thank you so much for your prayers and support. We are deeply grateful for your partnership.

Prayer Requests from the Field

Every month we lift up new prayers and praises from our partners in the field, as well as from our staff here in the United States. Below are prayer requests we received from our Burundi and the Dominican Republic staff. We will continue to post prayer requests this month from our other programs.

Click here to sign up to receive monthly prayer requests via email.

We invite you to join us in praying for these countries.

Burundi
Prayer for:

-Political stability.  There are still political concerns regarding the fate of the opposition who did Our staff in Burundinot participate in recent legislative and presidential elections. Some of them have fled the country, which might cause problems once again.
-The new government to be more inclusive in order to diffuse political tension in the country. -Wisdom in dealing with land issues, (an increasingly serious concern).
-Courage and good health for the Plant With Purpose Burundi staff.     

Dominican Republic
Prayer for:

-Pastors to be more involved in the community projects and farmer associations.A church in Los Mogotes
-The expansion and strengthening of Bible study groups in the communities.
-Our spiritual development goals and objectives to be achieved even in the midst of adversity.
-Wisdom for the recruitment of a new Economic Development Assistant, who will help with the prompt procurement of loan payments.
-The authorities in the city council and national congress, so that they work ethically and have a servant heart for the community.
-The development of ecological awareness within the community groups.
-Farmers in the border region to increase their awareness about caring for natural resources and their coffee and fruit plantations, so that their livelihoods will improve.
-The savings and loan groups to be effective and efficient within the communities in the central and border regions.

August Prayer Letter

Dear Friends and Prayer Partners:

Today is Plant With Purpose’s International day of prayer and fasting. Please join us in praying for our programs around the world:

Haiti

Praise for:

  • Bob’s safe travel in Haiti in July.
  • Good results from the Haiti relief project financed by the United Nations.
  • Safe distribution of seeds and tools in the communities with Plant With Purpose members and non-members in partnership with Food and Agriculture Organization.

Prayer for:

  • Serge, our technician in Haiti, who lost his wife and child in the earthquake as he lives with this difficult loss.
  • The many thousands who are still living in tents or under plastic tarps and may be there for years to come.
  • The Episcopal parish in Grand Colline as they tear down the old church, school and guesthouse and begin rebuilding.
  • Better crops for the summer agriculture season.
  • Delcius, a member of the staff, who has his son suffering with meningitis.
  • Continuity in the relationship between Haitian farmers and Plant With Purpose staff. The
  • staff received a large number of tree seedlings from the Dominicans to be used for reforestation on the Haitian side of the border.

Tanzania

Praise for:Baba and Mama Banzi

  • The first crop of beans that the Miwaleni farmers group from the low land have started harvesting as part of the USAID funded project.
  • The Rural and Agricultural Finance and Food Security Learning Program which is finally coming together and is ready for use.
  • Good health for all the staff.

Prayer for:

  • Tanzanian Technical Director, Mama Banzi’s father’s health and recovery.
  • A safe and successful trip to India for Richard and Samson which will take place during second week of August.
  • Ideal weather conditions, motivation and determination for the coming harvest for farmers under the Plant With Purpose / USAID project.
  • A stable political situation for the International meeting since this is an election year in Tanzania.

Thailand

Prayer for:

  • A favorable outcome for the hill tribe communities as the forestry authorities decide whether or not to move forward on establishing a national park in the region.
  • The recently established network of churches to respond to the needs of the communities.
  • Churches to respond to the growing drug abuse problem in the communities.
  • Wisdom in moving forward on a joint program with Mercy Ministries Foundation, Micro Economic Development Foundation, Compassion International, and our partner organization, UHDP.
  • Plant With Purpose staff as they seek God’s wisdom in improving their work.

Mexico

Praise for:

  • The Solana Beach Presbyterian Church visit to Oaxaca, which was a great blessing to the community of Nuxiño.
  • The progress made in the construction of the Community Center (CECIC) in Nuxiño.

Prayer for:

  • The reforestation activities that are being carried out in the different communities where we work.
  • Our sister Claudia Camacho, the Plant With Purpose Mexico assistant, who is taking an exam to begin her MBA studies.
  • A healthy pregnancy and birth without complications for Claudia’s sister Veronica.

Dominican Republic

Prayer for:

  • Wisdom in working with the new savings and loans groups in the central border region.
  • Increased awareness for farmers from the border about protecting the soil and caring for their seedlings so that they can see an improvement.
  • Farmer associations to remain united and obtain financing for their agriculture plots from various sources.
  • Wisdom for the new spiritual development promoters from the central and border regions who have just begun their work.
  • Churches to be more involved with the groups that Plant With Purpose partners with.
  • More discipline in credit repayment from farmers and small business owners.
  • The savings and loan groups to be a success.

Burundi

Praise for:

  • The positive recognition Plant With Purpose Burundi is receiving from local authorities and other Non-governmental organizations.
  • God’s grace that took people through the difficult election situation. After weeks of political tension around elections, situation is settling down. All elections (Local, Presidential, Legislative and Senatorial) are complete. The new government is likely to be formed in near future.

Prayer for:

  • Continued growth of the communities where we work and the organization as a whole.
  • The electoral process in Burundi, which has thus far been tumultuous. Please pray for God’s intervention, and that the elections would be free, fair, and peaceful.
  • The nomination of the new government to be peaceful.
  • The right person to be recruited to join the staff as the new accountant.

USA

Praise for:

  • Jimmy, our new Development Department Assistant, and Claudette, our new Bookkeeper.
  • Our wonderful summer interns who generously donated their time and talents.
  • A great trip for Solana Beach Presbyterian Church to our program in Oaxaca, Mexico.
  • A strong beginning to the new fiscal year.

Prayer for:

  • Our annual Planting Hope Gala on October 9th to have a high attendance, raise much needed funds for Haiti and the other countries we partner with, and for God’s spirit to be present as people learn about Plant With Purpose’s vital mission.
  • Preparations for the upcoming trip to Haiti for St. Clement’s Episcopal Church and La Jolla Presbyterian Church.
  • Orientation and training of new staff.
  • The right person to fill the open Program Officer position.
  • A smooth audit process.
  • Increased exposure for Plant With Purpose.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support! We are deeply grateful for your partnership.

2009 Day of Prayer for God’s Creation

Plant With Purpose is excited to announce that October 21st is Renewal’s second annual Day of Prayer for God’s Creation.

We have the opportunity to join Christian students around North America in standing together to pray for the renewal of God’s creation. The event will draw participants from Christian colleges, churches, and communities across North America.

Renewal believes that prayer is an important practice for all of us as we seek to reclaim and renew our Biblical calling to care for God’s creation. Once a year, in the fall, Renewal calls on Christians to participate in a day of prayer to seek forgiveness, wisdom, and leadership in caring for the whole of God’s creation. Renewal issues this call every year as an open invitation to all Christians.

This year, Renewal is calling on Christians to pray for energy stewardship and climate change. Renewal believes this expression of unity in prayer is vital during an age wherein our careless and irresponsible stewardship of energy resources has led to severe harm such as: air and water pollution, climate change, mountaintop removal, environmental injustice, and violence and economic instability.

By coming together in prayer, we stand in solidarity with the people and places that are being harmed by poor stewardship of energy resources. On October 21st 2009, we will collectively express our concern as Christians, acknowledge our participation in this broken and destructive system, and ask for grace, forgiveness, and guidance as we seek God’s help to address this crisis.

As Christians, we’re called to be “the light of the world,” and to demonstrate Christ’s vision of hope. In this time of darkness, we are called to pray for guidance, present solutions, and reach out to our neighbors who have been harmed by poor energy stewardship and climate change.

Overconsumption of our energy resources has led to great harm, but with God’s help we can make needed changes and offer practical solutions that offer hope to the people and places affected. The 2009 Day of Prayer for God’s Creation is an opportunity to shine a new kind of light, and demonstrate Christ’s hope for the world in this important area.

On October 21st, join Christian students around North America as we gather to fast and pray for God’s creation.

The students of Renewal are inviting all Christians to join us in fasting from one source of energy use for the day. Examples include: not driving for the day, shutting off lights, fasting from cell phones, television, computers, or other sources of electricity, eating vegetarian for the day, etc.

In the evening, Christian students on campuses across North America will demonstrate their unity and solidarity by turning off the lights for one hour, and hosting prayer vigils for a time of prayer for the people, places, and wildlife that are harmed through poor stewardship of energy resources. These prayer vigils should reflect your community and could include: a candle-lit service, a prayer meeting under the stars, a chapel or church service, a prayer walk, etc. Use your God-given creativity!

Renewal is inviting all Christians to participate in this day of prayer and fasting. We encourage you to join in the personal fast and organize a prayer event in your community!

For additional resources, click on the below links:

Suggestions for Day of Prayer Events

Day of Prayer Fasting Ideas

Sample Prayers on Energy Stewardship

A “How To” guide and sample timeline for organizing your Day of Prayer event!

For more information or to register your event, please email: ajjoyner@renewingcreation.org