As the end of our internship has drawn closer, we have recognized the need to step out of our roles as “primary care-givers” and hand over those whom God has entrusted to us to others whom God has called into His kingdom work. God put in our hearts two areas of focus for prayer:

  1. A prayer for labourers to be raised up to continue the work of harvesting a field that God has already prepared. In answer to this prayer, we saw God bring in wonderful people with a similar burden and a heart for reaching the lost, and specifically people with a similar background to the friends we serve. Praise God that we got to share in praying and see Him provide in answer to prayer. Ministry truly comes from the very heart of God. I am reminded of this truth as I see Him continuously amaze me by His work in me, through me and around me.
  2. A prayer that some of our friends who hadn’t been connected to other believing friends would somehow be connected. At a recent IFI event 2 friends for whom I had been praying both came up to me and asked how they can be connected to others in IFI. This was an amazing answer to prayer!

It is so exciting to look back on this year and see how God has worked in the lives of each of our friends, drawing them closer to Himself. I am reminded of Jesus’ prayer in John 17. In v. 12 Jesus says “none has been lost” and that is the testimony I can give of God’s work in this year. None have been lost by the grace of God.

I pray the words of Jesus for my friends. By God’s grace, “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me” (v. 6a). “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name” even as I leave this work (v.11). My prayer is “that you protect them from the evil one.” (v.15). “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (v.17). May your word that has been sowed in their hearts bear fruit. Lord may the work you have begun continue and be brought to completion on the day of Christ Jesus (Phil 1:6). For your glory and honour I pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.