Sunday 16: Focus for today and throughout the week
While volunteers are needed throughout the year the peak comes in the summer with holidays and missions, when nearly 3,000 join the team for a week or two. The economic situation makes it harder to volunteer. Pray that God will call the right people.
Monday 17
Each summer many different skills are needed. Some of the specialist skills, lifeguards, caterers, instructors for sporting activities are the hardest to fill since training and qualifications are needed and are often in short supply. Pray that God will prompt the right people to apply. Pray too for Simon Barker, Team Leader Volunteer Ministry, and Clare Luxton Volunteer Coordinator, as they work hard to find the right people.
Tuesday 18
Processing applications, obtaining CRB clearance, checking references and maintaining
contact with team members is a major task. Pray for Dave Cooper, Ministry Support Services Manger and the team; Michelle Johnson, Kim Ross, Alison Peace, Jill Taylor, Ann Armstrong and Becky Fawcett, as they often face a mountain of paperwork. Ask God to give them patience, perseverance and a sense of satisfaction in serving him.
Wednesday 19
Volunteer leaders of the summer activities carry a heavy load. They have a major role in
recruiting team and ensuring that they are motivated, trained and fully aware of what is
expected of them. They have to make sure the each activity is conducted to the highest
possible standard and to the glory of God. Ask God to give them his strength and to equip them for all the situations that they may face.
Thursday 20
Over the next few weeks summer teams will be meeting to plan their programme and to
prepare themselves spiritually. Some members will be on the team for the first time and there is much to learn about working with children and young people, leading groups, giving talks and handling the Bible properly. Pray that each person will be well prepared by the time they come to their event in the summer.
Friday 21
X:site events are an example of year-round events that depend on volunteers. Tomorrow those volunteers will be active at events in the North East, North Wiltshire, Leeds, Swindon, Keighley, South Wiltshire and Newbury and on Sunday in Havering. Pray that God will encourage them as they serve him and that as other areas catch the vision for X:siteso more volunteers will be available to make them happen.
Saturday 22: International focus
As Scripture Union in Poland plan their events and activities, their limited human and financial resources are always crucial issues – pray that God will meet their needs. They held their first youth training session earlier this year; let’s pray that those who came will have gone back to their churches and groups with new ideas and will become more effective in serving God.