art


Painting and Prayer

But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
Genesis 50:19-20

Lord bless us with forgiving and peacemaking hearts, so that we can care for others as Joseph did. Teach us to love children in need, even as we pray against their parents’ brokenness. Amen.


Painting and Prayer

Now may the Lord’s strength be displayed, just as you have declared.
Numbers 14:17

God we pray for the children in Romania and elsewhere who, because they do not have papers, cannot attend school or access special services. Please give Mia’s Children the resources to educate them. Give them a deep assurance of their identity in you as they wait for the state to acknowledge them. Amen


Painting and Prayer

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11

God we pray today for the many people involved in planning Mia’s visit while here in the States. We pray that you will open all of the right doors to make her speaking engagements and fundraising work go smoothly and be a blessing.

In particular, we ask that you give Joan Castle, the US head of Mia’s Children, encouragement as she hosts Mia and oversees the month-long trip.

Amen.


Flory

This is Flory.

She is 17 years old and suffers from a severe hearing impairment.

Flory is an Olympiad competitor at chess, math and drawing. She took first place this year in Turkey while representing Romania at the Drawing Olympiad. She won the year before in Italy. Next year she’ll compete in Great Britain.

Flory drew the dog in this picture because she loves animals and considers dogs a blessed and faithful friend.

She needs an acoustic machine and a special battery every two weeks for her hearing aid. The kids love her and most of them communicate with her using sign language. She teaches the younger children chess strategies and secrets.

Her family comes from a poor town a long way from Bucharest, but because of the lack of work, many people have moved into the city to find employment there. In Bucharest, her mother helps prepare meals at Mia’s Children. Meanwhile, Flory’s sister entered is studying psychology in college, focusing on children with special needs.

Flory wants to stay at Mia’s Children all the time, but she’s learning in Craiovei at a high school for children with special needs. She studies architecture and would like to attend university to study architecture in the future.


Painting and Prayer

They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.

Isaiah 49:10

God we pray for the many people affected by scorching heat. If there is any way for us to help them, we ask for you to show us and remind us. Thank you for sunshine, and for the opportunity to love each other by caring for each other’s needs. Amen.


Painting and Prayer

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:19-21

Lord, we confess our own misguided priorities. We are lost without you. Please help us to treasure what you treasure, to love what you love. Amen.