Pray: He Goes Before Us
“After just a few weeks in their home, receiving consistent love and nurture, Blake came to life with personality.”
You have most likely considered the power of prayer in your life. We know that without prayer and the power of God throughout our ministry, the miracles we see would not be possible. While there are many miracles our staff could share from across the state, below are two stories of miraculous transformations we’ve been able to observe and celebrate. Stories which give us a glimpse at the power of prayer at work through two of our foster families and ways in which God used their specific gifts and service to change (and in some ways, save) the lives of children in our care.
CARTER'S STORY
Carter* came into care when he was eight months old, weighing just nine pounds. As He faithfully does, God had gone before us in preparing a family for Carter. Knowing how much additional care he would need, we were able to place him with foster parents who had strong medical backgrounds.
Like our staff, our foster parents were surprised at how frail Carter looked when they first saw him. He had been hospitalized multiple times before coming into our care, and during one of those stays, hospice was called in because it appeared he may pass away, as he was so weak. He could not do simple tasks such as reach for a toy, even though it was clear he wanted to.
Carter remained with our foster family for a little over six months. He received excellent medical care while with this family and saw multiple specialists. He left their care weighing over 16 pounds, smiling, pulling himself up, playing with a ball, beginning to speak, and showing signs of being able to swallow on his own. And his hands, always clenched before, finally opened.
Although Carter has since moved to another foster home, our foster family keeps up with him and still celebrates his progress. Today he is now able to hold a sippy cup with two hands and continues to gain weight!
BLAKE'S STORY
Before Blake* came into our care, he was in the hospital for two weeks because he was large for his size and behind developmentally for his age. At one year old, Blake weighed thirty-two pounds, could not sit up on his own, and suffered from issues with eating. Coupled with his medical issues, he had been terribly neglected and as a result, rarely engaged with those around him.
We were able to place this dear baby in a home with a foster family well suited to help meet his specific needs. After just a few weeks in their home, receiving consistent love and nurture, Blake came to life with personality. He started smiling and interacting with people, began sitting up, and was able to clap his hands, as well as make sounds with his mouth.
Now after just six months in care, at nearly two years old, Blake can stand, play, and walk with assistance. He is thriving in the home of his foster parents and the care he receives from his foster family is just what he needed to excel in his development!
WAYS TO PRAY
The prayer needs we have are multifaceted. Some are for our children in care and their biological families, for our foster parents and staff, for provision state-wide, and for those who are being called to serve as foster parents, donors, or volunteers to join us in our mission to protect, nurture, and restore children and families through Christ-centered services.
We humbly ask that you take some time to pray for our ministry today—for those being served, and for those who serve. Pray the Lord will continue to prepare hearts and homes for the children who need them. We also ask that you pray and consider what your next step may be in contributing to our mission, whether it be service or resources. And if you feel led, we would love for you to pray with us on a consistent basis as a monthly Prayer Partner.
Find more information about coming alongside us in prayer here.
Photo and names have been changed for privacy purposes.