One of the four objectives of Scripture Union’s current strategy is to equip others. Spiritual preparation is the most important aspect, but in a world of increasing professionalism there is always a need for acquiring new skills and developing our abilities. Through publications, through training courses, through consultancy with churches, through modelling good practice in our activities we aim to help others become more effective.
Sunday 9: Focus for today and throughout the week
Learning happens in many ways. Some is formal and some informal. But the demands of ministry among children, young people and families grow ever greater. Pray that God will raise up people with skills and training to meet the exciting opportunities that still exist.
Monday 10
Scripture Union’s Top Tips series is a popular way of getting just the right level of theoretical knowledge and practical ability. Short and to the point they cover a range of topics of interest to children’s and youth workers. Pray that more leaders will discover and benefit from them and for the writers of new titles as they are developed.
Tuesday 11
The Christian Resources Exhibition at Sandown Park starts today. This is an important
opportunity to meet with a large section of the Christian public and SU has a stand in the
exhibition area which will involve a number of staff over the next three days. Pray for fruitful contacts and for many to be able to see for themselves the range of valuable resources and advice available.
Wednesday 12
In the Youth and Children’s Zone at the exhibition, Scripture Union is offering a range of
seminars and individual consultancy. A number of staff will be involved under the overall
guidance of John Stephenson. In previous years these have been very well received. Pray that they will be well attended and that many will leave better equipped to serve God and his church.
Thursday 13
The Children’s Evangelism and Nurture course run in association with Cliff College has a record number of students, forty-two. Coming from a variety of backgrounds they have a common passion to work with children. Pray for them as they juggle the course, work, church and family life, with many of them returning to study after a break of many years. Pray that they may be fully equipped for their future ministry.
Friday 14
The mum of a 6-year-old with Down’s Syndrome is quoted in The Life speaking about a midweek group for 5 to 11s. She says, ‘I’m amazed. She’s improved so much and she loves to come and gets so much out of everything.’ Pray for Alice Langtree, Special Needs Consultant, as she helps SU staff, Associates, volunteers and churches to work more effectively with children and young people with special needs.
Saturday 15: International focus
We give thanks for the Bible reading cards produced each year by Open Bible, Ukraine
(Scripture Union) in Russian and Ukrainian and used by all the teams throughout the Former Soviet Republics. Please pray that this simple tool will encourage many to read the Bible systematically and prayerfully. This year is the last in a five-year cycle – please pray also for planning for a new five-year programme starting in 2011.