APRIL 2012 PRAYER GROUPS FOR SCHOOLS NEWSLETTER

April 20th, 2012

Greetings to you all as we face another year. As each year begins I ponder on what God will do in our lives and in Prayer Groups for Schools. Also what theme/verse is appropriate for the year for us? What is God saying to me? This year I feel led to have as our theme/verse “Show me your ways Lord, teach me your paths” Psalm 25:4.

When we want to know more we ask the usual questions- How, why, what, when, where? This year I would love each one of you to ask yourselves the question- “Lord, show me your ways, teach me your paths”. What is the Lord going to show you? Where is He leading you? What do you want Him to do with your life this year? What will you learn this year?

In Psalm 25:5 it goes on to say, “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long.” Do you have that hope?

Sometimes the road we travel is long and rough, and we may stumble and fall and have to overcome the obstacles along the way. Sometimes the way is smooth and all is going well. Then sometimes there’s a fork in the road and we have to decide which way we’ll take. Let’s seek God and have faith in Him that He’ll show you the right way to go, and He’ll direct your paths. Prov 3:5&6.

As we face the year ahead many of us are at different stages in our walk with God, and some may question God as to why things are happening. Each morning we are encouraged to come before the throne of Grace and seek the Lord, trusting in Him and asking for guidance for that day. Psalm 43: 8.

In Ps 32:8 we read, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, I will counsel you and watch over you” Here is the answer of Godly instruction to those who trust in the Lord. I pray that this verse will be a comfort to you, with the reassurance that God will guide you always.

The reason this newsletter is later than usual is we were asking God to direct us to the right school for this year’s Prayer Day. Now we have it, Praise the Lord! So make a note of it in your diaries. It is to be at St Andrew’s College in Wantirna, on Fri 7th September. So thank you to St Andrew’s for allowing us to have it there. We pray the school will be blessed.

We also want to welcome Lyn Gray to the support team and look forward to working with her.

May the Lord bless you all as you continue to uphold the work of P.G.S., either being actively involved, or financially or prayerfully supporting us.

If you would like the support team to visit your school group, or know of someone who is willing to come and help and work with us on team – we’d love to hear from you. We need more on team to help expand our network and reach other groups in Victoria. We’d love to hear from you.
Trust in the Lord and ask Him for guidance to show you His ways.
Wishing you a blessed Easter and May God richly bless you.

Sincerely,

Marilyn Ford
(Co Coordinator PGS Vic)

OCTOBER 2011 PRAYER GROUPS FOR SCHOOLS NEWSLETTER

November 6th, 2011

Greetings dear friends,

Our theme for this year is “Wait on the Lord”, and as this year is rapidly drawing to an end many of us can reflect back on events and answers to prayer in our groups and in our lives as we waited on the Lord to see what He would do.

For our annual celebration for Prayer Groups for Schools Prayer Day on 2nd September we met at Mt Pleasant Rd P.S. in Nunawading. This was only the second time we have met in a primary school, and it was not only a pleasant, encouraging, and exciting time, but also inspiring as we met with one another, welcoming a good number of first timers.

Attendance numbers were about 100, meeting in the school’s large multi purpose room. Of that number we had 48 schools represented of which were 33 primary schools having 26 with prayer groups and 15 secondary schools with 12 prayer groups. We were very encouraged by this. The furthest distance travelled was from Bendigo. There is still a need to expand our Prayer groups to cover more schools and areas. If you know of any schools wanting to start a prayer group, or would like to “adopt a school” to intercede for them, and/or alternatively perhaps may like to help us on team for a year or two to help us cover more wider areas, we on team are waiting to hear from you. Is God calling YOU?

For those who were unable to attend on the day I’ll share with you some of the day’s happenings. Chiara (on team) was our M.C. and opened with Psalm 40:1-3, then introduced the school chaplain, Karen Wilson, who opened with prayer. She then welcomed the school Principal Lisa Yeoman, who warmly welcomed us to the school. Lisa reflected warmly and with encouragement of the work and commitment that Karen is doing at the school, and the connectedness between the school and wider community, that has resulted through various programmes that Karen has implemented in her 4 yrs as school chaplain. This emphasized the need and importance of chaplains in schools.

Three mothers from different schools gave their testimonies, all focusing around our theme “wait on the Lord “and seeing what He has done .They all emphasized the importance of being part of a prayer group.

LAI POH: from Doncaster P.S. started in Pg when her son was in prep. At first the group met in the chaplain’s room, but as numbers increased they relocated to a bigger room… the after school care room. Here there were toys for the kids so they were amused while mums prayed. They have a multi cultural prayer group so some mums pray in their mother tongue, this way they are all united in prayer, even though not understanding each other.

As time went on, Lai Poh attended an area meeting in Manningham, where the request came for PGS needing a Data base /IT person to fill the vacant gap. She responded and came on team and enjoys being involved and serving in this ministry. We are very grateful to have her help. We waited on God and He heard and answered our prayer. Lai Poh encouraged others to come and join the team too.

ROSEMARY TAN: from Caulfield Grammar and Scotch College spoke next. She became involved in PGS 7 yrs ago when her daughter was in Yr 7, and has been praying weekly since then in schools. She is also a CRE Coordinator for surrounding schools.

When Rosie first started in her PGp it was with enthusiasm and expectation about what she thought could be achieved, but as time went on she learnt it was not what she wanted but what did God want? Our hearts need to be fully committed to praying His will in each and every situation. We need to remain steadfast, patient, believing and faithful, waiting on the Lord, as He can do all things.

We need to pray expectantly, as God is at work even when we can’t see it. She referred to answered prayer… the first was bringing a new Christian Principal to the school. The second was a little boy who wasn’t sure he liked the new Principal, until after being on a school bus outing the Principal sat next to him, happily chatting. His comment later was “He’s really nice and he cares about people!”.

SUZY SONG: from St Andrew’s College, has been involved in PGp for 9 yrs now. When she first started she was a new Christian and was invited to the group. Some of the friends made there are now her lifelong friends, and have enriched her life. As time went on she learnt to pray aloud, and then became a leader of the group. Sometimes they had 2 prayer groups at the school. Some people went to the meeting for the wrong reasons, but God gave her wisdom to deal with these issues.

Last year the school relocated, and that was a tumultuous time needing much prayer, but through that time opportunities arose to pray with others not known before. With a change in her work role Suzy can’t get to the meetings now, but meets weekly with the current leader where they share and pray together. God is blessing, growing and teaching the new leader. We need to put on the full armour of God, praying at all times in the Spirit with all prayer and supplication.

Our praise and worship was again led by our gifted musicians… Juliette and Lyn, with community singing the songs “As the Deer Pants For the Water” and “How Great is our God “.

Julie (team member) led the 2 prayer segments where we broke into cluster groups of 8 to share and pray together. We really felt the presence of God in our midst as we prayed and praised Him.

We were greatly encouraged and inspired by our guest speaker, Lisa McInnes Smith, who is a renowned speaker, motivator and author. She told us of her experience 15 yrs ago as a mother of a preppie child she asked the school Principal for permission to start a prayer group “to pray for kids in the school”. His initial answer was “No”. But subsequently she and another friend, who is now her best friend, later began praying around the kitchen table, and invited others to join them.

Together this group shared significant and moving highlights, praying for children and families. Lisa re iterated the importance of personally inviting the mothers of school children to join them, regardless of their denomination, as they were praying for their kids, and not just inviting the Christian friends . Get rid of all those labels, knowing God loves us all. When we invite them let them know we want to pray with them. Grow our faith, and love the people. In the prayer group use simple, quick prayers. Be natural and not over spiritual, and have that connectedness. She also encouraged us to be involved in a prayer group, and for some to take on CRE teaching as we felt led, being a God teacher. Prayer prepares us. Wait on the Lord and be prepared to be an active waiter.

Lisa also encouraged us to be involved in the school ministry, be community based as well, such as in PFA, school council, canteen ,where we can be serving more in the school Wait on the Lord and see what He will do.

A very big thank you to Lisa who greatly encouraged and inspired us on the day.

Marilyn, (Coordinator) mentioned in her address the awareness of many individuals and other groups who are praying for our schools, and we thank you for your prayer support there. We are thankful to the faithful PGps that are meeting. Some groups who find it hard to get together email their prayer request to each other, and another option is to get together of an evening. PGS has no Government funding but we are thankful to God for His ongoing provision, and for the generous donations that were given on the day, which we will use to further the work of PGS. Thanks to all who gave on the day. It was very encouraging. If any of you have changed address or now have email and not listed it with us, we would appreciate being informed please, so Lai Poh can update our mailing list. Thank you. We encourage some of you to have an area meeting, and if needing team to help in this field please contact us. Also if you would like team to visit your group, please ask. We want to support you.

God is at work as each of our groups meet, and I want to share an answer to prayer that was passed on to me. A prayer group met on this particular day a bit before 3pm, and felt led to pray for safe travelling mercies for the grade 6 kids returning back by bus from school camp later that afternoon. When they arrived at the school at 3.30 to pick up the kids there was an ambulance next to one of the buses… One of the drivers had collapsed at the wheel with a stroke…6 minutes AFTER arriving at the school. The group had been praying before 3pm when the bus was on the road. So their prayers were answered… the kids had arrived safely. It was that small nudge from God to pray for the kids’ safety…even though they were near the end of their journey. May we be open to those promptings as we pray, as a potential tragedy was avoided through the obedient response of a prayer team. (By the way, they are still continuing to pray for the driver.)

When we pray we need to wait on the Lord, and ask for strength to walk in the fruits of the Spirit. (Gal 5:22&23). When we pray in the morning it can make such a difference, pausing before entering the day. “I had so much to accomplish, that I had to make time to pray”. Ask for guidance what to do and say … God is in control.

God is waiting for us to call on Him (Ps.25:4&5) “show me your ways, teach me your paths, guide me in your truth. My hope is in you all day long.”He hears and answers in the ways He knows best, (Ps 40:1-3) ”I waited patiently for the Lord, He turned to me and heard my cry.”

I pray that as you wait on the Lord you will become aware of the joy and enabling of the Spirit in your lives as you put your trust in Him.

Bless you all as you continue to serve Him, and as the Christmas season approaches it will be a time of Love, Joy and Peace.

God Bless you all,

Marilyn Ford
(Coordinator PGS Vic)

PS. Would you like your school to host next year’s Prayer Day? Please pray about it and contact us.

2011 Prayer Day for Schools

July 25th, 2011

2011 Prayer Day for Schools

March 2011 Newsletter

March 18th, 2011

Greetings to you all again as we enter into 2011. I hope you feel refreshed after the holiday break and are ready to face the New Year with expectation.

Our theme for this year is “Wait on the Lord” and as we wait we want to thank God that He is a pioneer who has prepared a way for us to follow.

In Psalm 25: 4&5 it says “ Show me your ways ,O Lord, teach me your paths … guide me in your truth … my hope is in you all day long … I wait expectantly for you.” We need to start each day asking God what He is going to do in our lives today? What reassurance and comfort we can get when we wait on the Lord.

When you pray expect great things from God, and believe He will help to plan your day, and is going to bless and help you. Wait on Him. Pray- stop- and listen .Ask Him for guidance and direction each day in your words, thoughts and actions, to keep you moving in the right direction. Then listen for His response, which sometimes we hear as a still small voice deep within our hearts.

Wait and expect Him to fill you with peace and joy. Listen to what he is telling you to do and let Him work it out according to His will. Be obedient to Him and He will teach you His ways. Trust Him.

When we wait on the Lord and read His word we have the assurance in Psalm 119: 105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path” We don’t need to grope around in the darkness because God will light the way for us and lead us in the right direction. I pray that as you wait on the Lord this year He will bring you joy, peace and direction.

I been encouraged this year to hear of some prayer groups doing prayer walks around their schools and I had the privilege to join one of these walks. Maybe this is something your prayer group could prayerfully consider?

Our support team is small in number – but united in prayer, and to follow on from this newsletter one of our team members- Julie Wong, has written her testimony of her calling to the PGS team.

We still need a venue for our Prayer Day for Schools on Sept 2nd (mark in your diaries!) and are waiting on God to supply this need. Would your school like to be the host on that day and be blessed by having the event there? Please contact me if so: I’d love to hear from you.

Lastly if anyone has had a change of address, or has an email we can send newsletters to please let me know, thanks, to keep our records up to date. and save on postage . As most of you are aware we have no funding and rely on donations to cover our expenses such as postage, and printing of booklets and newsletters. Thank you for your financial gifts and continued prayer support for Prayer Groups for Schools.

Thanks also to our I.T. data person Lai Poh who is doing a great job, and we really appreciate her help in getting this newsletter out to you.

Blessings to you all as you wait on the Lord this year,

God Bless,
Marilyn Ford
(P.G.S .Vic. Coordinator)

JULIE’S TESTIMONY

I came on to the Prayer Groups for Schools support team in early 2008. I was part of the Scotch prayer group and had attended an annual Prayer Day for Schools held at Scotch College in 2007.

I was really inspired during that meeting. I remember sitting there listening to the testimony of a young lady who had started a prayer group in her child’s school, and although there were only a few mothers praying, her story was an inspiration as to the power of prayer when 2 or 3 are gathered in His name.

I was approached to come on the support team committee, and although hesitant at first , due to my normally crazy schedule (working part time, being involved in several prayer groups already, actively involved in church and having 4 children and a husband to look after) I agreed to take on the area of Manningham.

Since that time I have seen several new prayer groups start in Manningham area and seen existing groups flourish. I am blessed to have a highly motivated and enthusiastic group of pray-ers in Manningham who are passionate about seeing God move in their schools.

I often try to put into words the enormity of what each prayer group does.(not just in my area). When you think of how many children are in a school, for example it may be up to 500 students, and then you think of their families, you begin to see the size of each ministry of each prayer group in each school.

Each one of these prayer groups covers a whole community of families and teachers in prayer. Most of these children have no one else covering them in prayer, and many families are struggling with social and domestic issues.. We may never see the results of our prayers first hand, but we believe that our prayers are always heard by our God who loves each child. Our God is a faithful God and is moved when we pray. We may only see the fruits of our prayers when we reach heaven.

It is an amazing thing to do when we give to God our time and be His hands and feet in this world.

If you can commit to even one year or be involved in a prayer group, this is a ministry that touches God’s heart, I would highly recommend everyone to pray and ask God if this is a ministry for you. I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed.

In terms of the Support Team, we meet together once a month to pray, share and encourage each other. As you wait on the Lord we would love to see more of you join us on the team over the next year to see more schools covered in prayer and to see His Kingdom come.

Julie Wong-
(Manningham)

October 2010 Newsletter

November 25th, 2010

Greetings to you all,

As the end of the year approaches I look back over these past 10 months and can give thanks to God for answered prayer, and all that He has done in PGS.

Two immediate answers to prayer are that we give thanks to Lai Poh who has taken over the role of database program system. We welcome Lai and she is also involved in a prayer group in Manningham.

The second answer was that Kilvingon Girls Grammar School was our venue for this year’s Prayer Day for Schools. This was held on September 3 and we had a good turn up of about 75 people from a wide area of Victoria representing 35 schools. Some of these were new attendees, and this was encouraging. We also has representatives from Access Ministries, Kids’ Hope and Salt Shakers.

The morning started with Kilvington’s madrigal group singing 2 songs, followed by 2 items from the school Christian Band. Then Janet Costello their chaplain opened in prayer and shared a little of her role at the school. Jon Charlton their Principal welcomed everyone to the school ,and asked that we pray for Kilvington next year as they go through challenges and changes as they will be going co-Ed in 2011. So please uphold Kilvington in your prayers.

Barbara Stringer from Malvern Central P.S .shared how her prayers were answered to establish CRE in the school and a prayer group has a focal point in the school now. A verse she left with us was “ do not despise the day of small beginnings”…‘’nothing is impossible with God”. We pray and God does the rest.

Colleen Houghton shared also- She is involved in children’s ministries at Crossway Church, and is also co ordinator of Kids Space and Kids Hope at the church. She shared ideas in how we can connect with the school community in practical ways, teaching the fruits of the Spirit-.We need to know what God’s heart is for our community and encourage our church to be connecting with schools. Question she asked was “how would you have God partner with schools?” We were all inspired and encouraged by what Barbara and Colleen shared.

Community singing was again ably led by our gifted musicians, Juliette Keating and Lyn Bland.
The prayer sessions in small cluster groups were led by Chiara ,and many prayers were offered and praise given too.
In the Co ordinator’s report we heard that a group in Portland was concurrently meeting at the same time as we were. DIstant in body but one in Spirit.

New prayer groups started this year have been in Box Hill P.S, Brandon Park P.S, Doncaster S.C, Fintona, Lilydale West P.S, and Vermont P.S We have about 240 prayer groups meeting now in Victoria. WE are encouraged by the groups who meet faithfully, some facing opposition, some struggling, some distant. Please keep interceding for all prayer groups in Victoria and don’t be discouraged. God’s love is powerful and He is in your midst.

In late September I was invited to go to Bendigo where I met up with Barbara Evans and a few prayer warriors, and the next day Barb and I drove to Kerang, where we had a special time of fellowship over a meal with about 14 CRE teachers there. We were able to give them the bigger picture of PGS and encouraged them to keep praying for their schools and perhaps starting up a prayer group there. Discussions and prayer were shared together and a bond has been made with them.

In mid October I had the opportunity to go to Geelong and was able to connect and pray with some girls there .and encourage them.

We are praying God will continue to open doors and give us the opportunity to make PGS more widely known.

In 1 Corinthians 13 we read of God’s love and some of the things said here are: ‘ God’s love endures long and is patient- kind- never anxious- never boastful- not conceited- not self seeking- rejoices when right & truth prevail- it never fails- it is the greatest.

In July I shared the opportunity and privilege to go overseas with my husband to Oberammergau to the Passion Play in Germany, which is only performed every 10 years. It’s about the passion of Christ, His suffering ,His death and resurrection. The picturesque village of 5000 people has about 2500 being involved in the play’s production. There can be up to 1000 people on stage at one time, Very impressive. T o see Jesus hanging on the cross, knowing what agony He suffered was a very moving experience. It made me realize even more so, that God did not spare his own Son but delivered him up for us all (.John 3:16. ) His love is deep, wide, high, and long and exceeds our knowledge. Can you understand how God was willing to send his Son to die for us? Can you imagine the agony of the Father and all the angels in Heaven as they watched Jesus suffer and die? Can you understand the intense love that left Jesus on the cross till the end? I experienced the power of God’s love that day.

So as the year draws to a close I pray that you may go out and share God’s love to others and that God will bless you as you continue to pray for our schools and be involved.

On behalf of the support team thank you for your prayers and we look forward to working with you in the year ahead.

Season Greetings to you all,

God Bless,
Marilyn. Ford

Details for Day of Prayer 2010

August 20th, 2010

Theme: The Power of God’s Love
Date: Friday 3rd September 2010
Venue: Kilvington Girls’ Grammar School
2 Leila Road, Ormond 3204
Melways map 68 E7

Details Day of Prayer 2009

August 16th, 2009

Theme: Jesus is Lord

Date:Friday 4th September  10am to 1pm

Venue:  Featherstone Hall, Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar School

34 Scott Street, Canterbury Melways 46 D12

Download Latest Newsletter here

April 13th, 2009

March 2009 Newsletter

April 12th, 2009

Greetings to you all as a new year begins. Already a few months have passed , and we have experienced floods in Queensland and devastating bushfires in Victoria. Our love and prayers and sympathy go out to all who may have experienced  loss in homes, family, friends ,possessions and property. The public response has been phenomenal, and as a small contribution PGS has given a donation of $500. This was aimed to be specifically given  to schools which were affected , as our focus is on (prayer groups for )schools. By donations given to PGS through the year  we have been able to help others. So thank you to those who have given.

    Sadly we farewelled another team member at the beginning of the year – Swee Yong,who has left for family reasons. So we thank her for her prayer support and commitment  in her areas of Monash and Knox. This now leaves a vacancy in these areas which we would dearly love to fill. We have some faithful prayer warriors there. So if you feel led to take on  this role please contact me .We also  need more team members to cover a wider area in Victoria, particularly needed  in Geelong and Ballarat. Remember our vision to have all schools in Victoria covered in prayer.  Please pray that the right people  will respond to these requests.

    Now for the good news! We are happy to announce that the venue for this year’s  Annual Prayer Day for Schools on Fri. September 4th  will be held at  Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar School in Canterbury. Please note this in your diaries, as always it’s a special day of encouragement and prayer. Plan to be there.

  

 Our theme chosen for this year is “Jesus Is Lord!” In Hebrews 13:9 we read ,”Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever…all may change but Jesus never..Glory to His name.” What an awesome person is Jesus Christ. We become His children by receiving Him as our Saviour. He is Lord of our lives ,our Heavenly Father. What a comfort to know He is there for us- Someone to walk and talk with and who listens, and if we listen to Him He  answers us in his own way. I love the words in the hymn, “I Come to the garden alone ,” when it says, “and He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own..”His Sovereignty reigns supreme. He died, He rose and He lives within our hearts .

 

 He knows us perfectly beyond our knowledge.(Psalm 139:1-6). He made us and we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. (Psalm100:3)

  In Col. 3:17 we read “whatever you do , whether in word or deed do it all in the name of  the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him.” This is my prayer  for all of you , friends who have a heart to pray for our schools and families and church communities. Look to Jesus and He will direct you. Jesus is our Lord. Let’s see what  wonderful ways He will work through PGS in 2009. 

   To end this newsletter, we’re including a testimony from another team member., Dalrene Benjamin , who shares how the importance of prayer has impacted her life.

   DALRENE’S  JOURNEY:

                                    

    Ever since I gave my life to God in 1983 , God has  been the guide of my life .In 1985 , I heard Him very specifically  call me to the prayer ministry .Prayer has always been the focus of my life, challenging me to “walk by faith and not by sight”(2 Corinth 5:7). Through the years He has faithfully led me to various prayer groups. Since migrating to Australia in1986, I was so joyful to be living in a country with a rich Christian heritage. However, God has also led me to grieve over the years  for the many lost souls, showing me how easily the enemy can take hold of people or institutions.

   I have learnt  that without real dependence on God through prayer, there is no real success, joy, or security. I have seen and experienced many battles won through prayer and praise. The hand of God moves when we ask ,seek, and knock! (Matt.7:7)”for without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6)

   With regards to Prayer Groups for Schools, a friend whose daughter was at PLC first invited me to join, as she knew my calling was the prayer ministry. However, I had just had my 3rd  baby at the time and had many excuses. I am sure she kept on praying for me, and it was only when she left as a missionary  overseas that God made a way for me to join the prayer group in 2000.

Having been a member for nearly 2 years, it was then God gave me a dream about the school which I was greatly excited about., and shared with the other two ladies in the group who were regulars.

I had no idea what the outcome of this dream would be. However, a short time later I was put on the spot by the Principal that I was to lead the Prayer Group. I just felt inadequate, and I  immediately replied, “ No, not me..” but she just walked away with no reply, leaving me alone! I  sought the Lord , and then the next week I was asked the same thing at my son’s school!.I wondered what God was doing and saying to me? Then He reminded me of the dream  and the calling to prayer . So totally depending on God and His Spirit to be in control, I accepted the the first offer.

Our prayer group was growing, and I was greatly encouraged , just fasting and praying and depending on God to work in and through us. I believed that the group was to be inclusive and welcoming of every Christian who came with a desire  to pray  for the children and the school, and that language was not to be a barrier. Over the years there was a lady who faithfully came and prayed in Korean- it was amazing! We were so blessed, different races, nationalities, language, colour, denominations all coming together , and yet no barriers, and  worshipping  the same Lord of All!!.We saw great and mighty things happen through the power of prayer.(Jeremiah 33:3). By leaning  on God’s promises I  learnt that they are never broken.

   I was invited to join PGS Support team in 2005, and after much prayer  and waiting on God  I came on board in 2006. Then in 2008  I became treasurer ,and now I enjoy being part of the team as we pray unitedly and work together, and it amazes me to see how  God brings His people together  with vision and zeal to serve Him. His faithfulness is great! Jesus Is Lord.

    May God richly bless you all ,

      

    Marilyn Ford. (PGS. Vic. Coordinator)   

 

2009 News

April 12th, 2009

annual Day of Prayer for Schools Friday September 4th at Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar School in Canterbury

Read Dalrene’s testimony in the newsletter