The Power of the Believers’ Prayer

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On Saturday, April 14th, one reporter, Mr. Ahmed Salkida, reported through twitter that He knows the whereabouts of the Chibok girls.1 As an “insider” into many of the goings-on within Boko Haram, Salkida has asserted that only fifteen of the Chibok girls are still alive. According to Salkida, the girls are either married off, or brainwashed into Islam, unwilling to come out of their new home, if it can even be called that.

The Nigerian government has de-bunked Salkida’s claims, asserting that they are not true, and they are encouraging the public not to lose hope.2 My heart is deeply grieved by just the thought of what Salkida has said being true. Today, I am asking the Church, and all people, to please pray for the Chibok schoolgirls—that Salkida’s reports are not true, and that these young women would be freed.

“Who is the Church?” you may ask. I am not referring to buildings; I am referring to how the Bible describes the Church, in the New Testament: us. Those who believe on Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior are the church; our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).

If you are hesitant toward what I’ve said, I can understand. To many, the words “prayer” and “church” can sound stuffy and merely religious. You may have never heard of this “we are the Church” stuff, before. Although I understand, let me reassure you: Jesus came to bring freedom to those held captive by religious do’s and don’ts. He came to heal those who are spiritually sick– knowing their need, not for religion to “clean them up,” but for someone to save them from themselves.

In the even that Salkida’s reports are proven true and accurate, I ask that you all pray for the young women who are still remaining. As we pray, let me speak of some encouragement given today about prayer, by my pastor: “What is happening is mostly invisible. But, where 2-3 are gathered [in Jesus’ Name], there He [Jesus] is” (referencing Matthew 18:20).3 Friends, let’s not get weighed down by how situations look. If we are to live our lives by faith instead of sight, there will be times when what we believe will seemingly conflict with what we are seeing; but this does NOT mean that Christ is not moving.

As I ask you to pray, I am not demanding something religious, or something to merely make us feel like better people. I pray that these posts do not come off that way. Instead, I pray this: that, as a Believer in Jesus Christ, you would know that you can come to Him confidently and boldly. May you know that His Love for you—and His Sovereign Power in every situation—is greater than anything you could ever imagine! As we come before Him together, may He hear our cries, and do what He alone knows is best.

I love, and am so thankful for, each and every one of you. I am thankful that I am able to come before Jesus with you all, praying for the different things He is pressing upon our hearts. Though it might not be done in our way or timing, I know Jesus has these Chibok girls, wherever and however they are, in His Hands.

Do you know Jesus?

As said above, Jesus did not come to merely show the way to salvation to others; He came to be the way. Whoever you are today, and whatever you have done, please know that Jesus does not demand for you to clean yourself up before you come to Him. He merely wants you, right now—sin and all. He, as you surrender yourself to His Loving, Perfect ways, will do the rest.

Learn more about Jesus Christ—who He is, why He came, and why it matters—here.

Please pray for (get a prayer sheet for this, here)…

  • The Chibok schoolgirls. Jesus knows their condition more than anyone ever could. Please pray that Ahmed Salkida’s reports are not the truth; pray that more than 15 are alive, and that Christ would keep them alive and safe. Pray, of course, for their freedom.
  • Ahmed Salkida. I have no idea where this man is at with Christ; please pray that He would come to know Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior.
  • For the war on terror in Nigeria. Please pray that the Nigerian military would continue to fight against Boko Haram; pray that captives would be freed, and that Jesus’ Will would be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven, through them.

1 http://saharareporters.com/2018/04/14/only-15-chibokgirls-custody-boko-haram-still-alive-salkida

2 https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/04/chibok-girls-salkidas-claims-not-unknown-fg-presidency/

3 Pastor Dick Foth, Sermon: “The Church,” Series: “Long Story Short,” April 14-15th, 2018.

 

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“Rejoice Always”: Hope, 4 Years On

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Friends and Readers,

Thank you for spending your time today, reading this blog, and praying for the many people it advocates for.

For obvious reasons, today is a sad and solemn day. For those of you who do not know, as of today, it has been four years since the Chibok schoolgirls were kidnapped by Islamic terrorist group, Boko Haram. 276 innocent young women were kidnapped and condemned for simply going to a school that was deemed “sinful” by Boko Haram (their name in Hausa, the local language in Northern Nigeria, means “Western Education is sinful.”)

Over these past four years, approximately 164 of the young women were either freed through negotiations, or made their way out themselves. This is a cause for beautiful celebration.

But, unfortunately, four years into their captivity, 112 still remain within the clutches of Boko Haram. A video was released, with many of the purported Chibok girls stating that “We are the Chibok girls. We are the ones you are crying about for us to come back. By the grace of Allah, we are never coming back.”1 Whether or not these young women mean what they say, it can look like the war on freeing and rescuing these young girls is bleak. But there is always room for Hope.

The Catholic archbishop of Canterbury met with Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari, on March 11th, 2018.2 Amidst speaking about the herder-farmer conflict and how education tackles poverty, the archbishop urged Buhari to protect Christians undergoing persecution in Northern Nigeria, as well as pushing for the Nigerian government to free the Chibok girls (and Leah Sharibu, the only “Dapchi girl” still in Boko Haram captivity because she refused to renounce Christ). Some of the archbishop’s words concerning the Chibok girls stirred Hope in me, even now. He said:

“It’s so important that we pray for the peace and progress of Nigeria – and particularly for the liberating peace of Jesus to be with all those held in captivity.”2

The liberating peace of Jesus, even in captivity. The archbishop’s words reminded me of Philippians, when Paul the apostle—who is currently in prison for sharing the Gospel—tells the readers in the church of Philippi to “rejoice in the Lord,” and that “It is no trouble for me [Paul] to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you” (Philippians 3:1, NIV, brackets mine). In one of the worst possible situations to be in, Paul is not complaining, or venting, or worrying. No—He is rejoicing, seeing even the idea of prison as an opportunity to tell even his guards about the faith and hope found in Christ alone.

“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.”
(Philippians 1:12-14, NIV)

There is no doubt—the Apostle Paul was sold out to Jesus, and, in faithfully serving Christ, was brought to experience Joy, no matter the situation (Philippians 1:25). But I think it is important to know that Joy does not always mean one has a smile on their face, skipping through tulips as if nothing is wrong. Paul  speaks of being cheered up by Timothy’s news regarding the people of the church in Philippi—which tells us that Paul needed to be cheered up, at times, and that he was cheered by hearing about his loved ones. Instead of Joy simply meaning happiness, it can be said that Joy is found in a growing and flourishing relationship with Jesus Christ, no matter the situation. It is because of this truth that Paul so confidently states in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this [living in plenty and in want] through him who gives me strength.”

All of this is well and good—but what does it have to do with the Chibok schoolgirls? Looking at their predicament, it can be all too easy to be flung into despair, and for good reason. How are we supposed to “rejoice always,” as Paul states, while still seeing the reality of the situation? We are to focus on the eternal, un-conquerable Hope found in Christ Jesus. Whether the Chibok girls in captivity or are free, Jesus Christ is alive, risen, and reigning; and, no matter how powerful Boko Haram (led by satan) is, Christ has the final word on the subject—always.hope jesus

This Hope is unshakable, and is the very reason for why this entire blog exists. So, even in the midst of such terror, heartbreak, and despair, let us remember that the liberating Peace of Jesus can be had at all times, even in captivity—if only we start looking to Christ, instead of looking down.

In solidarity,

Annalee Hoover, ISAIAH 62 PRAYER MINISTRY

Do you know Jesus?

“Promise Maker, Promise Keeper, You finish what you begin.”
– “The Lord Our God” by Kristian Stanfill

In the beginning, Adam and Eve felt no shame (Genesis 2:25). But, as they sinned, they became filled with shame—and tried to cover themselves in fig leaves.

God, finding them in their sinful state, is grieved by their disobedience; yet, He covers them with something better than fig leaves: the skin of an animal. In this, God showed Adam and Eve that He was going to cover them and their sin, and that it was going to take the death of an innocent sacrifice to do so.

Fast-forward almost 4 thousand years3, and Jesus is on the scene. The perfect Son of God, God Himself, died the death we deserved—and God atoned for our sin better than we could ever do on our own through being “good enough” (Ephesians 2:8-10).

God has freely given all we need to be saved—God’s provision is Christ Jesus. Learn more about our need for a Savior, and how Christ fulfills this need, here.

Please pray for (you can find the prayer sheet for this, here):

  • The parents and loved ones of the Chibok schoolgirls. This is no doubt a horrific day for everyone involved; please pray that they would put their Hope and Trust in Jesus, through this time.
  • The Chibok girls who are free. Today may be triggering for them, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. Please pray that they would be comforted and would have a Godly community of people around them, to help them.
  • The Chibok girls still in captivity. Let’s pray that they truly desire to be free, and would be able to get free, either through negotiations, or through escaping.
  • For renewed interest and focus on the Chibok schoolgirls. Let’s pray that the public sees what is going on, and urges the Nigerian government and all those in power to free the girls.

1 http://www.newsweek.com/were-never-coming-back-kidnapped-chibok-girls-say-boko-haram-video-781506

2 http://dailypost.ng/2018/04/12/archbishop-canterbury-reveals-told-buhari-london/

3 http://www.matthewmcgee.org/ottimlin.html and http://www.hebroots.com/lul7_8.html

 

 

4 YEARS LATER (UPDATED): Articles highlight the frustrations of freed Chibok girls; President Buhari shares why the girls are not yet free

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Read the article  concerning the freed Chibok girls, From News24, here.

Read the article about Muhammadu Buhari, here.

Please pray with me:

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the young women who are currently still in captivity. Lord Jesus, You see exactly what is going on; we pray, in Your Name, that You would cause there to be a breakthrough in negotiations and behind-the-scenes, so that these girls can get home, quickly.
Thank You for freeing these beautiful, precious 57 girls. Please bless them; bring them to You, and show them what You would have them do when it comes to school, life, and plans.

In Jesus’ Name we pray,

Amen.

The Chibok Schoolgirl Kidnapping: 4 Years Later

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Almost four years ago, I was grieved like never before for the plight of 276 schoolgirls from Northern Nigeria.

In an online devotional, I came across women who were praying mightily and fervently for the release of these girls—and I have been praying ever since.

Over the past four years, much has changed. Nigeria has gotten a new president; the Nigerian government has fought Boko Haram with noticeable success. But, for 112 of the kidnapped Chibok girls, and their friends and families, little to nothing has changed.

Many could have children, based upon video footage1; some have gotten married2. But, throughout all the changes, one disturbing, grieving thing has stayed the same:

As of today, 112 Chibok schoolgirls are still in captivity.

My devotional time with Christ brought me to read Isaiah 62-63, again. One of the very passages of scripture this blog hangs upon, it was more than a coincidence that this passage was right next to the passage of scripture I was going to read, today. As I read it, the reason for why I was even led to create this blog once again became clear to me.

“I’ve posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem.
Day and night they keep at it, praying, calling out,
reminding God to remember.
They are to give him no peace until he does what he said,
until he makes Jerusalem famous as the City of Praise.”
(Isaiah 62:6-7, The Message Version)

My heart was encouraged by this verse, as I continued to search the passage, remembering what Christ clearly promised me. I came to verses 10-12 of Isaiah 62.

“Walk out of the gates. Get going!
Get the road ready for the people.
Build the highway. Get at it!
Clear the debris,
hoist high a flag, a signal to all peoples!
Yes! God has broadcast to all the world:
‘Tell daughter Zion, ‘Look! Your Savior comes,
Ready to do what he said he’d do,
prepared to complete what he promised.”’
Zion will be called new names: Holy People, God-Redeemed,
Sought-Out, City-Not-Forsaken.”
(Isaiah 62:10-12, The Message Version)

To be honest, my heart is downtrodden, and a bit cynical, as I have watched day after day go by with little to no change in circumstances. But it is during these times that I understand my need for gratitude. Jesus has brought forth goodness, changed circumstances, and freed many, many people; He just hasn’t done it according to my will or time schedule. It is during these times that I am convicted of my own complaining.

These past four years have been incredibly difficult, but they have been highlighted with many victories. 164 Chibok girls have been freed, and are well on the road to healing, after all they have gone through. Some have even gone back to school—something that is nothing short of miraculous. Parents have stayed alive, and have watched their daughters come and hug them. Numerous people have surrendered this situation to Jesus’ control, and watched Him work in amazing ways.3

But yet, there is so much to still be done. So much to pray for. So much to hope for.

One of #BringBackOurGirls’ hashtags for this four year anniversary is “#HopeEndures.” Oh, how it does. True Hope endures only when our Hope is not in circumstances changing alone, but rather Hope in Christ– knowing that He is in control, and using all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

Jesus is active, and moving in this situation, far more than we could ever possibly see. Though, in context, Isaiah 62-63 is about Israel, it can be applied to the situation concerning the Chibok girls. Isaiah speaks of a “day of vengeance” for the LORD in faith, as if it had already happened (though he was prophesying about an event that was going to happen in the future).

“…It was for me [the LORD] the day of vengeance;
the year for me to redeem had come.
I looked, but there was no one to help,
I was appalled that no one gave support;
so my own arm achieved salvation for me,
and my own wrath sustained me.
I trampled the nations in my anger;
in my wrath I made them drunk
and poured their blood on the ground.”
(Isaiah 63:4-7, NIV)

It is Isaiah 62-63 that shows us a God who is not passively benign, but rather, is passionate, involved in our affairs, and bent toward making the evil injustices of situations such as these right, again. Though no one else seems to care for those who have been trodden on by the world, Jesus Loves them dearly, with perfect Love—and tramples the evil, disgusting people who have callously trampled them.

It is with Hope and Faith in this God that we look forward to each of these young women making it home—in Christ’s way and timing. Of course this day is a solemn, sad one, as we look at the many young women who are still not free. But, in this sadness, we can choose to look towards Jesus. Looking backward, we can see all Jesus has done; and looking forward, we can wait in expectant Hope to see all that He will do.four years

“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His Love endures forever” (Psalm 136:1). May the Truth of this statement spur us all onto trusting Jesus, keep us aware of the Chibok girls’ situation in Northern Nigeria, and keep us praying for their release—and the release of all those taken by Boko Haram. God is good; His Love will endure all things.

This post is dedicated to the women and children found and freed from prostitution as a part of the “Backpage” FBI investigation. May these women and children find ultimate freedom from their way of life, whether they were coerced into it or not, by coming to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

1 http://www.newsweek.com/were-never-coming-back-kidnapped-chibok-girls-say-boko-haram-video-781506

2 https://www.cnn.com/2016/08/16/africa/chibok-girl-amina-ali-nkeki-boko-haram-husband/

3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPa9nb4NAhE

 Do you know Jesus?

So many look at the goodness people do as an indication of where they will spend eternity, but this is just not the case. Salvation is not based on what we do– it is based upon what Christ did (Ephesians 2:8-9). No matter who you are, or what you have done, Christ wants you to know that if you believe in Him for the forgiveness of your sin, you will be saved (Romans 3:23; 10:10)!

Learn more about this God, who gives salvation and forgiveness so freely, and why you need Him, here.

Please pray for (you can find the prayer sheet here)…

  • The Chibok school girls. Please continue to pray for their desire to be free, and for their release. You can find a list of their names and pictures, here.
  • The loved ones of the Chibok school girls. Please pray that Christ would give them strength, courage, and patience as they await their daughters’ homecoming.
  • Renewed interest in the Chibok girls. Pray that this world, especially today and in the days to come, would give these women and their plight the attention, prayer, and help they deserve.
  • The safe homecoming of Leah Sharibu. Sharibu is the only Dapchi girl not freed, only because she refused to renounce Christ. Please pray she is able to come home, soon.
  • Northern Nigeria as a whole.

 

Thank you for your prayers!! May the Chibok girls be home this time next year.

Chibok Girls’ Kidnapping: 4 Year Anniversary

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final bring

“My name is Esther Joseph. My daughter has not yet come back. I am in sadness. I need your help. Help me to keep praying.”
(Esther Joseph, mother of one of the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls)

Unfortunately, it is the eve of the Fourth Anniversary of the Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping, and 112 girls are still in captivity. For the freed Chibok girls and those still held captive alike, tomorrow will no doubt be incredibly hard for everyone involved.

To honor these precious young women, I wanted to bring to readers’ attention a few creations I have found on the web, created to honor and bring awareness to the Chibok girls, while also asking for continued prayer for their release. (None of these links were agreed upon being featured here; I have decided completely of my own volition to feature them, and am not being paid in any way to do so).

  • Open Doors South Africa, a nonprofit created to support Christians who are currently undergoing persecution with prayer and advocacy, created this video for the fourth anniversary of the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping. In it, they record the people of Chibok, as well as interviewing a couple of the mothers of the Chibok girls. Watch the touching video on YouTube, here.
  • The New York times created an entire special on the Chibok schoolgirls who have been freed, called “Kidnapped as Schoolgirls by Boko Haram: Here they Are Now.” In it, many of the different, freed Chibok girls speak about their time out of Boko Haram captivity, and their lives now (they attend a university). Through and through, the special focuses on each girl: not as numbers, but as people, names and faces of those people Christ holds dear– all with some stunning photography. You can find the special here.
  • Lastly, the one schoolgirl from Dapchi, Nigeria who has not returned– all because she refused to renounce her faith in Jesus– has sent a message with one of the girls who were freed. According to Persecution.org, she told her mother not to worry, and promised that she will see her mother again– if not here, than in Heaven. Read her full message, here.

Again, none of these links were described for money; I simply felt they all honor and bring attention to the Chibok girls, as well as helping people to focus on them.

To learn more about Bring Back Our Girls and what the #BringBackOurGirls movement is doing for the 4-year anniversary, you can go to bringbackourgirls.ng, or go to the Bring Back Our Girls’ Facebook Page.

As always, thank you for reading– and let me know of any comments or concerns you have.

-Annalee, ISAIAH 62 PRAYER MINISTRY

 

April 2018: Where are we in the war to free the Chibok Girls (and those like them)?

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With April 14th, 2018, coming up soon, I have created a facts sheet of where the Chibok girls’ situation lies, as well as to encourage prayer for them this week. To share this information by print and/or digitally, view, share, and download this flyer.

On April 14th, 2014, 276 women, ages 16-18, were kidnapped by Boko Haram, a muslim terrorist group. Four years later, here are the facts:

  • 164 of the young Chibok women have escaped or been freed.

57 of the Chibok girls were able to run away from Boko Haram members shortly after being kidnapped; afterward, one Chibok girl by the name of Amina Ali was found on May 17th, 2016. The Nigerian government and the International Red Cross freed 21 of the Chibok girls on October 13th, 2016, in exchange for four Boko Haram members (source). 82 more Chibok girls were freed on May 6th, 2017, in a negotiation by Mustapha Zanna, an ex-lawyer to the creator of Boko Haram, Mohammed Yusuf (source). On January 3rd, 2018, Salomi Pogu, along with another kidnapped young woman (outside of the Chibok girls) Jamila Adams, was found by the Nigerian military, having escaped from Boko Haram with Jamila Adams.

  • 112-114 of the Chibok girls are still in captivity.

Counting up every instance of where the Chibok girls have publicly been freed, there is approximately 112-114 Chibok girls still left. Many women who claimed to be a part of the Chibok girls were seen in a video released in January of 2018, claiming that, concerning coming back home in freedom, “by the grace of Allah we are not coming back.” After much prayer and thought, ISAIAH 62 PRAYER MINISTRY was continued, seeking to be faithful to Christ in this particular situation. While these young women may be telling the honest truth, there is also a big chance that they were coerced into believing these things. Whatever the truth is, Christ can still do a miracle here, freeing these girls.

  • The State of Chibok, Nigeria

In 2016, BBC reported the state of those in Chibok, Nigeria—many of whom are waiting for their daughters, kidnapped by Boko Haram, to come home. One father, given the name Daniel to protect his and his daughter’s identities, said he called her mobile phone after she had been kidnapped; the person on the other end of the line was a member of Boko Haram, who said that the phone number belonged to his wife (source).

Even in the face of such tragedy, many of these people still keep up hope. “’I gave birth to that baby,’ one mother said of her kidnapped daughter to BBC. ‘Even if she comes to me with a gun in her hand, let her kill me, but I will still welcome her.’”

Now, it has been said in some reports that Boko Haram still has an enclave in Northern Nigeria, contrary to the claims of the Nigerian government, who has said that Boko Haram has been defeated in the Northern region of Nigeria (source). Still today, no one can know the truth, for sure.

  • What has happened to the freed Chibok girls?

Many of these freed Chibok girls have bravely gone to the United States in pursuit of higher education, while the majority of others have been undergoing psycho and social therapy, having been able to go and see their families only on a few occasions.

One Chibok schoolgirl, faced with the possibility of going back to Chibok, tried killing herself (source). Fortunately, she did not pass away from her attempt, and was only injured badly.

These girls, so easily identified by numbers alone, are real young women; each with their own abilities, skills, interests, and dreams.

Not only this; but there are still hundreds of people out there, waiting for their loved ones—the Chibok girls—to come back home. Each day, they wait; they hope; and they pray.

 

As long as these girls are not with their families, we will pray for them, too. Please join us, this April 14th, for a day of prayer for, and awareness about, the Chibok girls.

Because they are not just OUR girls… they are His.

To share this information by print and/or digitally, view, share, and download this flyer.

As of late, I have read this article, where Amina Ali Nkeki stated that she is “not afraid of Boko Haram,” because “they are not her God.” This young woman is so fearless! This post is in tribute to her. Please pray that Amina Ali Nkeki, the first Chibok girl who was freed, would trust in Jesus– and would be further down the path of healing mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually than ever.

Do you know Jesus?

3000 years ago, God became a Man. And because He knew that we would never be able to save ourselves, He gave Himself so that we could be saved– not based on anything we did, but solely based on accepting what He did.

Learn more about this Man, and how you can be saved by Him, here.

Please pray for (get the prayer sheet for this, here)…

  • The Chibok girls, and Leah Sharibu. Leah is the only girl from the Dapchi school kidnapping who is still not home– all because she refused to renounce Jesus. Please pray that she would be able to be free, soon.
  • The families and loved ones of the Chibok girls, and Leah Sharibu.
  • For increased awareness of the plight of the Chibok girls and Leah Sharibu, this week. As we approach April 14th, please pray that Jesus would put the Chibok girls in the world’s spotlight; pray that the Nigerian government would not give up trying to save these women.
  • Amina Ali Nkeki. Please pray that she would trust Jesus, and would be more healed than ever.

Thank you for your prayers. ❤

“Hope, Again & Again”: A Poem

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On Good Friday– March 30th, 2018– it was reported by Vanguard that four suicide bombers in the villages of Malumti, and Muna Zawiya, Nigeria, bombed a checkpoint. The blast killed three civilians and injured anywhere from 13-18 innocent people. Four Boko Haram members were also killed by Nigerian soldiers in these villages, according to Vanguard.

Indeed, the fact that Christ has Risen is something that is infuriating those who are apart of Boko Haram– and the enemy that is truly guiding them (satan).

It’s hard to see and hear of these attacks. It is heartwrenching.
Yet, when the attack of the enemy comes, we know who wins.

It is with this in mind that I wrote this poem, speaking to those who have been personally affected by these tragedies, as well as those who see it happen in the news, day after day. I pray it is encouraging, and blesses your relationship with Christ.

“Hope, Again & Again”

It’s hard to continue
to look upon tragedy
again and again.

It happened on Good Friday.
This day,
A day filled with sorrow and sadness,
turning out for our gladness,

That day was not “good” only because of what would happen.

No, it was good
not because of mere nails and wood
But because of what was actually taking place.

Face to face,
A man was dying.
A man very loved—
yet never loved as much as He Loved us

Dying, even for the sins of those
Who committed their crime
on Good Friday.

As I Iook upon the tragedies that have happened on this day
through the eyes of my Savior,
I realize that there is more to this
than it seems.

Friend, it’s hard to see this
again and again.
But the promise of what was done,
and what is up ahead
Is enough to let Hope flutter
inside a cage made of dry bones.

Because, even on the worst day of class,
My God is present. He
Sees the hurt, the carnage,
the news reports filled with body counts.
But there is no amount of relief
Like His
When we can look back at the Cross and say,
“Here it is:
Jesus Won. And Jesus Wins.”

god is present real.JPG

So, friend, when you are dying
to see the end of heartache,
the end of crying
Look to the One who sustains with His breath
Who promises an end to sin,
A stop to death,

His arms of comfort, on the way–
His nail-scarred hands to save the day.

Child,
Look this tragedy in the face.
It is okay to cry.
It is okay to wonder “why.”
But take hold of His Hand, my
grieving,
falling-apart-at-the-seams neighbor.
Lord Jesus,
May the Church do all it can to lift these people up,
to love them like You, the Creator.

Smile, sister: Jesus is Love–
And He has done enough.
May that Truth flutter in your ribcage,
free you from the despair, ready to consume.

You can live with Him forever, and He can be your Savior:
But only if you choose. 🔷

 

© Annalee Hoover, 2018

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
(Hebrews 10:23, NIV)

This is in tribute to the three civilians killed this past Good Friday. May Jesus come close to and comfort their loved ones.

Do you know Jesus?

Jesus Christ was a person. A person like you, a person like me: being tempted in every way possible, “yet He did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

We don’t have a high priest who doesn’t understand our common, day-to-day fragility. God is not some lofty deity, nor is He some impersonal force, such as “the Universe.” Hebrews tells us that Jesus is “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3, NIV). Jesus was fully man, completely able to relate with us, yet is God. Read more about this amazing God, and what He came to do for you and I, here.

Please pray for (find a prayer sheet for this, here)…

– That the Chibok girls, as well as Leah Sharibu from the Dapchi kidnapping, would be freed. You can find some of the Chibok girls’ names, here.
– Those 18 people who were injured in these four separate bombings.
– The families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, this past weekend.
– That the local, and global Church would come together in unity and would lovingly support and aid those who need it most right now in Northern Nigeria.
– That the members of Boko Haram who did this would be brought to full Justice.
– That Christ would come soon; it is only then that real, lasting Peace and Rightness will be known.

Thank you for your prayers!