Weekly Prayer Update
Friday, November 3, 2023
Hurricane Otis Compassionate Response
Hurricane Otis was one of the strongest storms in recorded history to hit the Pacific Coast of Mexico when it made landfall on October 25. So far, 46 people have been confirmed deceased, and 58 people remain missing. In Acapulco, a city of almost one million people, many still struggle to access clean water, food, electricity, and other essential items. All three of the Nazarene churches in Acapulco were severely damaged. The Church of the Nazarene in Mexico, supported by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, is responding to the needs of residents in the city. A recent update expressed gratefulness for the many churches involved in relief:
“Nine days after the tragedy caused by Hurricane Otis in Acapulco, the Church of the Nazarene in Mexico in unity and love is responding with help from local church families with offerings and first-aid supplies. Pantry items were distributed today in the first delivery along with water and other items of personal need. The church is also delivering goods to those people affected. We thank all the churches who are offering (funds) and praying, and our global, regional and area leaders who have at all times been very attentive in facilitating and prioritizing this response that is just beginning.”
If you would like to give to support Hurricane Otis relief in Mexico, visit ncm.org/emergencyrelief.
Lord, we pray for all impacted by Hurricane Otis. We pray for your strength and comfort for each family who lost a loved one in the storm. As people who have lost their homes wait for aid to arrive, protect them from illness or harm. Help those who are overwhelmed find hope in you. Lord, hear our prayers.
Holistic Child Development in Nicaragua
In Nicaragua, four child development programs care for 110 children and teens. These programs guide young people as they grow spiritually, physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. One teenage student recently wrote his sponsor an update. “I am happy because I am doing well in school. One more year, and I will graduate from high school,” he celebrated. “I am thankful to God because my musical skills are improving, too, and I can serve in church.”
We pray for children and teens in Nicaragua. We know how precious each one is to You. Through the ministry of their development centers, may each one come to know and experience Your love and care. Lord, hear our prayers.
Anti-Human Trafficking Ministries
Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery that enables people to profit from controlling and exploiting others. Human trafficking is a global problem that affects people in every country in the world. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries partners with local churches in anti-trafficking efforts that range from awareness and education campaigns to prevention efforts that lower individuals' risk of being trafficked, as well as protection and care for survivors.
We pray for those who have survived human trafficking and for those who are still trapped. Encourage them and bring them healing and peace. We pray that those who would harm others in this way would turn from their ways and be brought to swift justice. May we learn to recognize the signs of trafficking and change our own habits that may support it. Lord, hear our prayers.