Community Focus 1

Hey Hope Church family,

We hope last week was a refreshing "reset" as you start the new year and you were reminded of the importance of devoting time to be with the Lord each day. The Bible says In 2 Corinthians 3:18, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." Let's continue to let the Lord transform us as we spend time with him. In light of how the Lord has already been moving in the last week, and the continued need for prayer, we have decided to extend our season of corporate prayer through the end of the week! We will be turning our focus to organizations in our community that are serving others.

Today, we want to pray for **Youth for Christ** & the **Albert Lea Police Department.**


##South Central Youth for Christ

SCMYFC serves our area youth with programs like the drop-in center at The Rock, Campus Life for High Schoolers, and T&T for Middle Schoolers, as well as camps through the year at Prairie River Camp in Bricelyn, and more.


Below are specific prayer needs for the ministry:

**Pray for staff positions to be filled.** They have 2 open positions at camp and are understaffed in other areas as well. Pray that the Lord would lead the right people to fill those roles; that there would be laborers for the harvest.

**Pray for the camp dining hall to be completed.** They are still in need of resources to complete the facility, pray for the funding to be met ($20,000) and for volunteers and professionals to finish the project.

**Pray for protection from any schemes of the enemy over staff and families.** When God is at work, the enemy tries to prevent the Kingdom from advancing, claim the victory of Jesus over the staff and their families.

And lastly, they ask we join them in praying for **Unity in the Body of Christ.** For reconciliation, restoration, repentance and healing in the lives of believers.


##Albert Lea Police Department

The Police Department serves an essential role in our community. As they daily serve our community, below are a few things you can pray for specifically:

**Pray for protection for the officers.** Pray for no harm to come to officers as they serve and protect the community, and for soft hearts to the brokenness of those our City. For protection physically, emotionally and spiritually, that the Holy Spirit would cover in all situations.

**Pray for God-honoring leadership.** Ask the Lord to bless the leaders with wisdom and discernment in decision making, and that their choices would be in line with the Word of God.

**Pray they will be true peace makers in our City.** In James 3:17-18 "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." Pray the the officers would know the Lord and act from the wisdom of God and reflect His character in all of their actions.

Thank you for continuing to pray with us!