Scripture Reading:

Matthew 18:21-22 – “Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?  Up to seven times:” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Reflection:

I grew up with 2 brothers and a sister and we caused a lot of trouble in our early years with our rambunctious behavior.  When we would do something wrong, our parents would correct us, and we would have to apologize to whomever we offended or harmed with our actions and words.  Our parents were so patient and empathetic with us because they too had experienced times in their lives with their siblings that caused friction or a need to say, “I am sorry.”  The wonderful thing about my memories of these sibling rivalries and times of chaos we created was that our parents always made it clear that we were loved and forgiven.  It was as if our infractions had never happened.

The Bible contains many stories of repentance and forgiveness, but perhaps the story of forgiveness that is most clear to me is the parable of the prodigal son.  The young man in the story demanded his inheritance, left home for a life of sinfulness, lost everything, and then came back home in shame.  He didn’t deserve forgiveness, but his father welcomed him back with open arms.

We all make mistakes, but there is a power in forgiveness.  When we forgive, we are freed from bitterness and anger; When we are forgiven, we are freed from guilt and shame.  Forgiveness brings us into a closer relationship with God, the Father.  When we come to God in repentance and ask for another chance, God always forgives us.

My prayer for you this week is that you forgive, wholeheartedly, those that have hurt you and let that gift from God change you forever.

Prayer Requests:  (Please send any new prayer requests to my e-mail address rsnyder@voaches.org.

• Pray for the family of Suesie Sonpon, who transitioned suddenly last week.  Suesie served in our Prince Georges Behavioral Health (PGBH) Program at the Frost home.  May God manifest all His love on Suesie’s family as they grieve her loss.
• Continue to pray for those that are dealing with illness or health challenges.  Pray for those that we know who are anxious about a diagnosis or prognosis.  
• Continue to pray for our DC Hope Center and MD Hope Center Teams as we continue to struggle in complying with the terms and conditions of the grants.
• Continue to pray for the victims’ families of the American Airlines flight that collided with a military helicopter in Washington D.C.  Pray also for the families of the pilots and military personnel families on the Blackhawk helicopter that went down in the Potomac River as well.  This tragic aviation incident is so unfortunate. Pray for the first responders and search and rescue teams.  Pray for the American Airlines teams that are navigating through this challenge.  May the spirit of God be in all their lives during this very difficult time for the families and community.
• Continue to pray for Catherine Cooper and her family.  She has been out on medical leave, recovering from a stroke.  Catherine’s mother suddenly died and the family is really hurting.  Pray for God’s tender mercy and grace in their lives as they mourn their loss.  Pray for the greatest good to be manifested in Catherine’s life as she recovers from her health challenges.
• Continue to pray for Pamela Dukes.  Pray for the Lord to guide her spirit and the collaboration with partners to expand homeless and behavioral health services and pray for her strength to persevere through some of her personal challenges and that God’s greatest good is manifested in her relationships and those collaborations.
• Continue to pray for Danielle Edwards.   Pray for her and her family as it has been a tough year with multiple losses in her family and another expected soon.  Pray for God’s grace and mercy and loving touch during these difficult times.
• Continue to pray for Quindrana Gee .  Her mother-in-law passed away last month.  Please keep her family in prayer and also continue to pray God will provide for the family as they recover from the fire.
• Continue to pray for our President and his administration and pray for the Congress as they guide our nation to peace, prosperity, equity, inclusion and to maintain our freedom.
• Continue to pray for Lionel Gloster and his family in the loss of his cousin, Steven Bates.  We pray in the name of Jesus asking for God’s strength and peace in their lives as they mourn the loss of their loved one.
• Continue to pray for Nicole Lamb and her family as they grieve the loss of her Uncle Hank.  Especially pray for her Aunt Kim and the family in Pittsburgh as they navigate the loss and changes ahead.  Pray for God to hold the family in his loving arms during this difficult time.
• Continue to pray for God’s mercy and grace in course correcting our DC CCBHI-PDI program as we have significant changes to make to be successful.  Pray for God’s will to be done.
• Pray for a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving for the freedom in this country, for the gifts of family and friends and for our loving God.
• Pray for hope in your lives during the year that all will be well, and that God is present in your lives.
• Continue to pray for Lamont Meredith who had emergency eye surgery and is recovering.  Pray for his quick healing and for God’s presence in his recovery. 
• Continue to pray for the family of Mr. Joseph Grice, a veteran, who was living at the Maple Court Apartments in Durham, NC.   Mr. Grice transitioned in December after health challenges in the recent months.  Pray for the Maple Court Program Team and the veteran community who supported Mr. Grice during his time with VOACC.  Pray for God’s magnificent healing touch on all who know Mr. Grice.
• Continue to pray for President-Elect Trump’s Cabinet Selections and Government Leadership choices.  Pray that they may read Ephesians 2:8-9 and focus on trusting God in their decision making for our country.
• Continue to pray for President-Elect Trump, Vice President-Elect Vance and the newly elected public officials representing us in our states, cities, counties and communities.  Pray for God’s presence in their hearts, for a peaceful transition and that God’s will is done.
• Continue to pray for the victims of Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina.  Pray for their continued recovery efforts.
• Continue to pray for the victims of Hurricane Milton in Florida.  Pray for safety and that the recovery efforts will be swift and that the State of Florida and our Florida Affiliate will have power again and on their way to stabilization.
• Continue to pray for the Search Committee for VOACC as they look for our next CEO and Lead Minister of our affiliate.  Pray for their discernment and for those candidates that will be applying for the role in the next couple of months.
• Continue to pray for the SSVP Program Office in Fayetteville, North Carolina.  Pray for peace and letting go of grudges and anger.
• Continue to pray for Dr. Tanya Royster and her family.  Dr. Royster’s father and brother tragically transitioned in a boating accident in August.  May God’s loving arms wrap around her family and may His presence be felt during their time of mourning.
• Continue to pray for John Robert Schuler, our cousin, who is recovering from surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in his brain and is now undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatments.  Pray for him, the medical team and for Linda and their daughters Madison and Morgan.  Pray for God’s healing touch in his life and for mercy.
• Continue to pray for an end to the violence in our country and to protect our elected leaders and the Nation.
• Continue to pray for those struggling with affording housing in our great country.
• Continue to pray for Volunteers of America National and the affiliates during this next fiscal year.  Pray for success and that God enables our affiliates to expand and improve our services simultaneously.
• Continue to pray for our organizational leaders to follow our calling and mission over the next several months and that our work is impactful in our region.
• Continue to pray for our leadership to stay the course for the rest of the fiscal year.  We are thankful for all that they are doing and their courage.
• Continue to pray for the victims of the collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, MD.  Pray for the City of Baltimore as they overcome this tragic event and the rebuilding of lives and infrastructure to support the community and Port of Baltimore.
• Continue to pray for our affiliate to have favor and expand services and housing in Winston-Salem North Carolina after our productive meetings this week with the Community Development Office and Office of Planning.
• Praise God for His words of affirmation and love.
• Praise God for His love and mercy in our lives.
• Pray for all of us to be thankful during this time of the year for our health, family, employer, friends, and our freedom.
• Pray for an end to gun violence in our Nation and communities.
• Pray for those that are experiencing health concerns whether COVID or the flu.  May God’s intervention help those that are sick to recover and feel better.
• Pray for the election process and that the leaders of our country, cities, counties, and towns discern God’s presence in their paths as they lead.
• Pray for all those experiencing changes in their life whether it is their place of employment or family challenges.   Pray for faith and understanding and forgiveness.
• Continue to pray for peace and an end to war in Israel and Gaza.  Pray for God’s intervention into that part of the world and may love and forgiveness overcome the hatred, anger and violence.
• Pray for continued mercies on our clients, consumers, residents, and program participants.   Pray for God’s love to be manifested in their lives while in our care.  We pray for independence and self-reliance once again.
• Praise God for never giving up on each of us in life and forgiving us for all our sins and giving us the choice to make him our lamp and our light.
• Pray for our minister candidates (eleven of them) who begin their study this month and spiritual development projects.
• Pray for a successful no cost extension of our contract with the federal government for providing behavioral health services.
• Praise God for his grace in having the federal government award us with a new contract in the State of Maryland for our behavioral health services.
• Pray for all those struggling with health challenges.  Pray for God’s greatest good be manifested in their lives and peace for their family members and friends.
• Pray for contentment and our faith journey be stronger than ever before.
• Praise God for our mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers in our lives.  We love them and honor them.
• Continue to praise God and be thankful for all our circumstances in today’s world.  Pray for peace, an end to violence and most of all the fruit of the spirit be revealed in each of us.
• Pray for a hedge of protection for our school children, the teachers and safety teams who are in our Nation’s school system.  Our prayer is for God’s anointment of the schools and our children each and everyday that will protect them from harm.
• Continue to pray for our Carolinas Region who are experiencing some challenges.  Pray for the leadership and their discernment to know your will in the decisions ahead.  Our prayers are for you to reveal the next steps for the Carolinas Region.
• Continue to pray for our law enforcement professionals who continue to be scrutinized for their actions.  Pray that peace is among the law enforcement agencies and allow them to follow the Holy Spirit as they rebuild the confidence in their services in our cities, states, towns and country.
• Praise God for never leaving us alone.
• Pray for Volunteers of America as a whole.  Pray for the ability to serve more people with more resources to serve.
• Pray for our Nation’s leaders; our State Leaders; our local leaders; our first responders and our teachers as they start 2023.
• Pray for the individuals and families in our care who are struggling with their challenges and praise God for organizations like Volunteers of America who help find solutions and supports to bring hope and a future to others.
• Praise God for His love and mercy in our lives.  Be thankful for your spouse, partner, children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, friends and all the important relationships you have.
• Pray for an end to the violence in our world and that we replace the anger and hatred in the world with the light and love of Jesus.
• Continue to pray for the City of Baltimore as it continues to struggle to keep people safe, out of poverty and crime free.  Pray for the leaders of the City to make a difference and to allow God to guide their ways.
• Continue to pray for all the children experiencing bullying or challenges in this troubled world. Pray for their strength and to overcome the darkness in their hearts and minds.  Pray for perseverance rather than giving up.
• Pray for the end to war, violence, poverty, homelessness, and acts of evil.  Praise God for His unconditional love.
• Continue to pray for God’s might presence to be in our Residential Reentry Center and allow our leaders to trust in the Lord with all their hearts and minds.  Pray for change and favor on the many issues that need to be resolved.
• Pray for those that are struggling in their homes, places of work, with their health or with their spiritual connection to our maker.
• Praise God for each morning we wake to his works and word of unfailing love.
• Praise God for our freedom and choices in our Nation.
• Thank God for our nation’s heroes who have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms and safety.  Pray for their memories and for the families who have lost loved ones protecting our country.
• Pray for those in our hearts and minds this week.  Uplift all people needing our prayers.
• Pray for God’s will to be done in the life of Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas.
• Continue to pray for an abrupt end to the war against the Ukraine.  Pray for God’s intervention into this tragic world event and to bring peace to our world.
• Continue to pray for the act of peace by Russian leaders and God’s intervention in Ukraine to eliminate war and heal the Ukrainian people.  Pray for action, not just words, for the people of God to defend peace.
• Continue to pray for peace between the Ukraine and Russia.  Pray for love and a shift from anger to forgiveness and compromise.
• Continue to pray for all those struggling with COVID this week.  Pray for their quick recovery and for the medical teams supporting those that have been stricken by the disease.
• Continue to pray for the health care professionals.  Pray for their strength and perseverance during these very difficult times with the pandemic.
• Continue to pray for those that are shut in their homes due to the pandemic.  Pray for their peace and joy.
• Thank God for the promise of helping us overcome the world.  Pray for those fallen family members and those struggling with life’s circumstances.
• Pray for our direct support workers and persons that we serve this week.  Pray for a hedge of protection and health.
• Thank God for His grace and mercy in our lives and for loving us unconditionally.
• Pray for all the men, women and children in our care every day.  Pray for their health, safety, and healing.
• Pray for all of our friends, family and loved ones who are struggling with health concerns this week.  Pray for a positive diagnosis and healing for each and every individual and family.  May God’s presences be around each and every one who is challenged by sickness, injury and difficult circumstances.
• Praise God for allowing us to have freedoms and enjoy peace.  Thanks be to God for loving us unconditionally.
• Pray for all those struggling with their path in life.  Pray for God’s presence in their lives.
• Praise God for those children who have been confirmed or baptized and their parents and their commitment to enter into a relationship with our God.
• Pray for all those that have a disability that God may offer more dreams and hope to their lives.
• Pray for our stewardship ministry to thrive in our affiliate.
• Praise God for His strength and enabling us to find strength in Him.
• Continue to pray for our church without walls and those seeking to identify their spiritual gifts and contribute to our stewardship ministry.  Pray for discernment and revealing each of our spiritual gifts.
• Continue to pray for our Country and our Nation’s leaders.  Pray for peace and forgiveness and may God’s greatest good  be all around our Nation in the days, weeks and months ahead.
• Continue to pray for peace and a growing relationship with our Lord during the New Year.
• Pray for peace and end to the divide in our country with this change of leadership.
• Pray for our divided Nation.  Pray for our leaders and for God’s grace and mercy.  Pray for peace and love throughout our communities.
• Thank God for meeting us and being with us in the “middle”.
• Continue to pray for our children who have adjusted to remote or virtual learning and will be struggling in the fall by having to continue this distance learning for the near future.
• Praise God for his promise of keeping us whole in Him.  
• Continue to pray for our country.  Pray for the eradication of social injustice, systemic racism and a time of peace, love, equality and unity for all God’s beloved people.  Pray for the families who have lost loved ones to violence – everyday.  Pray for healing. 
• Praying for our Nation, State, Counties and communities to be safe and have God’s healing touch in our lives.
• Praying for our employees, clients, volunteers and donors and may God’s love manifest in our affiliate all week.
• Praying for comfort, peace and joy for today.
• Pray for love and kindness in the world this year.
• Pray for those in our hearts and minds that are struggling with their lives.  Pray for God’s presence to manifest in their circle and daily being.  Pray for their strength to overcome their disease, injury or incredible pain.
• Pray for the blessing of additional resources to Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas
• Pray for the homeless who are unable to have a voice for themselves.  Pray for shelter, food and hope in the week ahead.
• Prayers for those in our hearts and minds that are struggling with finances, lost a job, are sick or injured, or are stuck in their own exile due to addictions, anger or other difficulties on this earth.
• Praise God for new beginnings every day and especially as we enter a new year full of hope and dependence in Him.
• Praise God for the Incarnation.  For joining us on this earth and giving us peace.  Thanks be to God for His son Jesus Christ – the savior of the world.
• Praise and thank God for all the you have – your health, family, friends, food, a home, and for your employment.
• Praise God for our children and protect them from the effects of war, strife and poverty.  
• Continue to pray for Volunteers of America.  Pray for freedom through God’s grace and mercy in the lives of the people we serve and our employees.
• Pray for all those that have lost loved ones in the past year and for their peace and freedom from grief and loss.
• Pray for those that are struggling with health issues, personal stresses or concerns, and those that are hurting in our world.  May the prayer of God’s love and light be present among those struggling this week.
• Thank God for Jesus’s life and the resurrection and renewal that came with His sacrifice.
• Thank God for our veterans who have protected our country.  Praise God for their strength, gift of protection and service to our Nation.
• Praise God for our Volunteers of America Church without Walls and our ministers.  Pray for their boldness in sharing God’s light and love with others.
• Praise God for shaping each of us as a unique person and part of the Body of Christ.
• For our ministry in Volunteers of America to grow. 

Final Thought:

God offers us a life of second changes.  You just need to forgive and accept forgiveness.

Blessings,

Reverend Russell Snyder | President and CEO