Tuesday 17 February 2009

To my Loved Ones, Friends & Enemies

Mama and Papa are requesting prayer, not for us or our family, we are all fine. I am requesting prayer for "MaryAnn" (not her real name). MaryAnn lives at a shelter right now and is trying to find work so she can get out on her own.

MaryAnn has been employed before but now with a criminal record, jobs are very scarce for her.


Last Friday Mama and I picked up MaryAnn and three others at the shelter and took them job hunting. We do this each Friday, but this was MaryAnn's first time with us. Mama prayed out-loud as we left in our van. She prayed about them turning their lives completely over to God and that God would help them in finding direction in their lives.

MaryAnn was dressed very well, had her list of job openings, and her resume - but was terrified and discouraged. No job that day.

Please pray for all the "MaryAnn's" that need help and another chance. If you think of it, Pray for them particularly on Friday mornings as we go job-searching.

Mama and Papa Thank you!

26 comments:

Devoted said...

Father God, we thank you that you are always in control even during our darkest hours. We take comfort in knowing that you know our paths, that you are the light and the way. I lift up this particular woman to you right now, Father. You know her needs, you know her strengths...draw her to you now, give her the confidance that comes from you. Be with those who are seeking a job, a place to live, a place to belong...You are our hope, you are their hope, her hope...Thank you o Lord for Mama and Papa and the influence they have on others as they serve you whole-heartedly, as they give themselves to the service of others, bless them, keep them safe and healthy. We love you o Lord you are our all, our reason for being hear our prayer now Father and we give you all the glory, all the honor, all the praise. In Jesus precious and holy name, amen.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Devoted - oh My! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I really hope that you succeed in finding them jobs, and I have to say that I think that that is a great way to help the needy!

nanatrish said...

You guys are so sweet. This is a wonderful ministry. People need to see hope and love in action. I am so thankful for your friendship. I pray also for MaryAnn. I pray the Lord will lift her up and encourage her as no one else can. He knows just where she needs to be and what she needs to be doing. She is blessed to have you, Mama and Papa. I pray you are enjoying Florida. It sounds to me like the Lord is using you no matter where you are.

Anonymous said...

Amazing work that you're doing and I will be praying for guidance and desire in the lives of those you're helping.

Indian Lake Papa said...

K - Actually we have had some success with some of the residents. In fact last Friday we had lunch at a very nice Bagel/Deli shop where one of the residents now works. We had taken her job hunting several times. She now has a place to live and has a car!

Trish !! Have been missing you! We think of you often! Keep MaryAnn in your prayers. Florida has been good.

Toby - this is our second year doing this when we come to Florida.
All the residents also attend our church on Sundays as well! We get to hug and pray with them as well. God is so good!

CrossView said...

Amen! in agreement with "Devoted"...

Anonymous said...

Actually, I think I will be praying for all the Papa's and the Mama's as well! God bless!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Ric - thanks for stopping by - your prayers are appreciated. Pray especially for mama, she has a real heart burden for these are new family.

Crossview - I know I can count on your prayers.

Carol said...

You are a great encourager to me...what you and Mama do for the suffering in our society. I received a brochure from Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, and I want to get involved...but I'm scared. I know that God will equip me and go with me, and so I will move forward. But I just want you to know that your involvement in helping others greatly encourages me to do the same. Thanks for who you are and what you do for the cause of Christ!

Anonymous said...

The homeless always have a tough time but this year looks like it is going to be especially hard.

I work part time at a local shelter and I can already see more new faces there.

You and Mama are doing what you can and I hope Mama's prayers for MaryAnn will be answered.

It is trials like this that demonstrate the importants of faith. Without it it's just too easy to give up.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Carol - what I suggest is contacting shelter staff and make an appointment to talk to them. Tell them when you are available and what you are willing to do. We told them that to start we had Friday AM available for whatever they wanted us to do. You know you can talk to me or mama anytime.

Ed - you really hit it - it is easy to give up - and, we have seen that. Mama wasn't ready for that, and that hit her hard when she saw them quit. But, she is learning to focus on the successes.

DEb said...

Awww....I'll pray for "Maryann"... how kind of you...you are her Angel.

Indian Lake Papa said...

DEb - We appreciate your prayers for MaryAnn - God is pleased!

Robin said...

Praying that she comes to know Jesus and lets HIM put her life together according to HIS will.

We should all be praying that for each of our lives...

Indian Lake Papa said...

Robin - thank you for your prayers. this lady is surrendering her life completely to God - I am praying for a miracle in her life.

Life Adapted said...

Papa, God is using you to give MaryAnn and so many others a different way. I pray they will reach out to the hand of Jesus offered to them through you and Mama. I pray others will see MaryAnn for the child of God she was meant to be and offer her work. God will do great things. Be ever so blessed as you have been a blessing to so many others.

Indian Lake Papa said...

LA - We are praying that the "MaryAnn's" will all find jobs!

Unknown said...

how did the job search go today?

Indian Lake Papa said...

Tam - it went very good! Several positive interviews/applications. We just keep plugging away!! MaryAnn is anxiously awaiting a motel housekeeping job that sounded promising - she is willing to start there if that's what God opens for her.

Anonymous said...

praying for her..and also for you!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Darla - I know she appreciates the prayers and so do I. Thank you!

Kimberly McKay said...

You're an amazing couple with beautiful servant hearts. I will pray for these that you've mentioned each Friday that God lays on my heart. Thank u for making us aware!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Kim - thanks for your kind words! We are trying to be servants of our Lord.

Anonymous said...

still praying for Maryanne, any updates? loveyousomuchyoulittledarlin thing!!! (it has to run together that is how I am saying it to you!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Darla - I actually saw her today - no job yet. Tomorrow is a special day - she commented the other night at church she would someday like a study bible. I just got my new ESV Study Bible so tomorrow I am giving her my NIV Life Application Bible. It is in very good shape yet. We are taking 4 "Maryann's" job searching tomorrow, please pray.