Humbled by Prayer

By Cynthia Laird, Member of the Senatobia District Mission Team
 
Photo right: Rev. Amanda Gordon, with her back to camera, addresses members of the Senatobia Mission Team during a prayer service.
On Saturday, June 20, 2015, Southaven First United Methodist Church hosted the Senatobia District United Methodist Volunteers In Mission (UMVIM) 2015 prayer service.  For months, prayer partners have been diligently praying for God's grace and power for the mission.  First, we gathered for a potluck meal as some of us met our prayer partners for the first time.  What a blessing to see those smiling enthusiastic faces, and to know the deep Christian love that they feel for the Lord and His work.   
 
After the meal, we joined for the prayer service in the sanctuary.  Cheryl Denley led the service, Joann Freeman offered a prayer for the mission, and Rev. Amanda Gordon, our mission team leader, shared a message about mission experiences from last year, and some new opportunities awaiting us this year.   
Then the team members joined with their prayer partners for individual prayers.  Finally, we shared in a covenant prayer at the altar while our prayer partners laid hands on our shoulders.  It is very humbling to know that someone values your service to God so much that they continually offer up prayers for you.
 
Our mission trip will take place on July 4 - 11, 2015. There are 15 members on the team this year, just like last year. Half of the members from the team last year are returning to El Salvador. We look forward to seeing El Salvador with a fresh vision through the eyes of the new team members.  We also look forward to experiencing God as we work with and learn more about the people of El Salvador.  Please pray for the safety for our team as we travel, and that our team and the people we encounter in El Salvador will together experience God's grace, power, and love in a miraculous way.