Monthly Prayer Focus

“It touches me when I see the young ones not able to speak for themselves, who cannot provide anything for themselves; it is really sad. But when you see children who are coming from where they were—lone, dark places [where] they were dirty [and] no one was taking care of them—when you see them smiling at school, sharing meals, saying sorry … you can see that there is a big difference. … These young children are the future of the country, future of the world.”—Remy, a child sponsorship project coordinator in Rwanda

GFA World’s Child Sponsorship Program is bringing practical help and the love of Christ to children in poverty in both Africa and Asia. This month, join us as we pray for these kids and the staff and sponsors that serve them.

Our child sponsorship program empowers children with encouragement and practical solutions, providing them with all kinds of solutions such as education opportunities, medical care, protection against malnutrition, clean water, income-generating gifts for their parents and more. This foundation enables children and their parents to look to the future with hope, knowing that education can break the cycle of poverty.

Please pray that God will continue using the child sponsorship program to equip kids for the futures He has for them. Pray that He will grant enrolled children success, favor and the open doors they need to thrive in their communities and countries. And pray that as they face difficult subjects or daunting exams, God will give them strength to press forward to a brighter future.

Just as Jesus cared for the needs of the whole person while He was on earth, our child sponsorship program seeks to uplift children in need along with their family, household and community. Kids in the program, and those around them, receive tangible help alongside loving guidance and care. Project staff invest in the lives of the children as they model godly character traits, help children develop social skills, offer advice for families facing difficult situations and pray for needs.

Please pray that children will grow up to be healthy and strong in all areas of life—physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Pray that they will increase “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). And pray that in every interaction with the sponsorship project, the kids and their families will experience Christ’s life-transforming love.

In addition to experiencing poverty, enrolled kids often face other stressors and challenges. Some face personal health challenges.Some come from broken families or endure verbal or physical abuse at home. Others, due to difficult home situations, struggle to attend school regularly. Project staff intercede on these children’s behalf through prayer, practical help and counseling. Still, the road to restoration is often long and rocky, and these children need our prayers.

Please ask the Lord to be very near each sponsored child who is suffering right now. Pray that He will rescue them from dangerous situations. Pray that He will open doors and break down barriers that could keep them from realizing their full potential. Pray that He will show His healing mercy to them and any of their family members who are sick. And please ask God to redeem broken families and restore the years the locusts have eaten (see Joel 2:25).

Sponsors faithfully pray and give so children can experience the love of Christ through the child sponsorship program. Each of these brothers and sisters is on their own journey with the Lord, and today we can come alongside them in prayer and ask God to bless them as they continue their walk with Him.

Ask the Lord to bless these sponsors and increase the fruits of their righteousness (2 Corinthians 9:10). Pray for His mercy, provision and guidance for them and their families. Pray they will know Him more and be filled with His hope and power (see Ephesians 1:17-19). And pray for those who have unsaved family members, that the Lord will bring salvation to each of their loved ones.

In Africa and Asia, God has raised up brothers and sisters with hearts for the children in their communities. These dedicated men and women serve as child sponsorship staff members, and their responsibilities include things like event planning, administrative tasks, house visits to families and everything in between. Staff stay in tune with the needs of their communities, and they take initiative to offer practical help and hope in whatever way possible.

Please pray God will give creativity, wisdom and energy to staff members as they seek to meet the needs of children and families. Ask Him to bless the staff, provide for them and their families, and refresh them the way they’re refreshing others (see Proverbs 11:25). Pray that Christ will enable them to be His hands and feet to the people they serve. And ask Him to raise up more sponsorship staff in the days to come so that we can start child sponsorship projects in even more communities.

  Print these prayer requests out for your convenience.