The Gift of Prayer

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Evangelist Alex Kidisangu holds a picture of his prayer partner

During our visits to Tungamalenga, we exchange many gifts. Some are tangible, the gifts of resources and supplies and tokens of our affection, and others are intangible, the gifts of hospitality and understanding and the faithful witness to the power of God's love.

Our Tanzanian partners have been especially generous in sharing their gift of prayer with us. From the start of our partnership, we were told of how representatives from each of twenty village congregations would gather at a central location once a month to pray for Shepherd of the Valley and for the ministry we do together. Some of these evangelists would walk or bike for hours to spend a day in prayer for us.

When we visit our partners, our days are filled with prayers. At the start of any journey, even a ten minute drive to a neighboring village, we pause to pray for safety on the road and for the skill and attentiveness of our driver. At the end of each journey, we give thanks for its conclusion. At the start of a meal we ask a blessing and give thanks for those who have prepared our food. At the start of a meeting, we ask God's guidance. When we visit a new village, we ask God to bring us together in unity.

A few years ago, one of our confirmation classes made prayer cards as gifts. They took photos of people at SOTV and printed cards with the person's name and a promise to pray for our partnership. We had about 25 prayer cards to distribute during that trip, and they were the most requested item that we brought. It was clear that our partners valued the prayers of our congregation and individual members. As we distributed the prayer cards, we took a photo of the Tanzanian recipient holding the SOTV prayer card, and we were able to bring those photos home to give to the prayer partner. It was a beautiful exchange for both partners.

So we're doing that again. So far we've collected about 150 photos of individuals and families. We'll be taking photos again this weekend before and after worship, so stop by and be part of the gift of prayer!

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