December Prayer Bulletin

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."

Luke 2:10

Over the last week we have been encouraging our donors to make someone's Christmas more joyful by giving towards their specific need. A timely gift through Acts 435 will bring joy to those in need this Christmas, but there is a bigger hope that we are reminded of during this season, which is the gift of Jesus' birth. Please do pray that as the specific needs of individuals are met that our Advocates from local churches are able to share this good news with those that they are supporting. 

Firstly, we're very thankful for the generosity of our donors! We know that many of our donors find joy in giving during the Christmas season, and we have seen an increase in giving over the last two weeks. This has meant that we have not only seen more needs met, but individuals are waiting less time before their need is fulfilled on our website. Currently the average time for a need to be met is just five days!

Secondly, we're very thankful for a flurry of media opportunities during this season. Last week we featured on BBC Look North, as well as on BBC Yorkshire Radio, and we have also been filming for another well known mainstream television show this week. However, we are most excited about this coming Sunday when we will be featured on Songs of Praise, as they talk about 'Sharing the Joy of Christmas'. During the episode you will hear from Colleen, who bravely shared her story of how Acts 435 has helped her through some difficult times. 

Firstly this month we are very thankful to God for:

Our local Advocates who are continuing to support and meet the needs throughout this festive season, and please pray that they will also find time to rest over Christmas

All the opportunities we have through the media, and particularly pray for Songs of Praise this Sunday. Please pray that they have captured what we do well, and that many people who haven't heard of our work before will be stirred to go onto our website and support individuals' requests. 

Another media opportunity we have on a mainstream television show, which has been filmed this week. They filmed with an Acts 435 recipient in Halifax, and are highlighting our pilot project in partnership with a well known carpet company. The pilot aims to provide carpet to those who are unable to afford it. Please pray that this piece not only encourages people to support our work, but also that those with influence will see it, and it will highlight the lack of carpets and flooring for those on low income or in social housing. 

An answer to prayer in November for one of the individuals who is being supported by one of our local partner churches. The Advocate had written this prayer request for 'L': "Please pray that she can have continual improvement in her agoraphobia, health conditions and help to access more income. Pray that we can remove the barriers to see her come to church or our tots group". However, since then a family member has helped her to repay some of her debts, which will enable her to move forward without our help. The local Advocate said: "what is great is she was originally housebound, but she said she has been practicing praying and seen lots of transformation because of this, she says she wants to come to church". What a fantastic answer to prayer!!

The 459 individuals and families who have been helped in November by Acts 435 Advocates and donors with £70,420 distributed to those who need it most. 

Please join us in praying for:

Our Christmas Appeal that will continue until Christmas Eve. It would be incredible if we were able to meet all the needs posted onto our website by Christmas Eve, and bring joy to as many individuals and families as possible. 

Individuals and families who are struggling with their every day bills, as well as the extra costs of Christmas. Please pray that they would have the courage to seek help from their local food bank, church or charity. 

Our team as we deal with the increased response to our television opportunities, as well as the increase in donations during our Christmas Appeal. Please also pray that as a team we are able to rest over Christmas time with our families. 

As always, thank you for your prayers for these individuals, our Advocates and for Acts 435 as we seek to do more for those in need in the UK.

Merry Christmas!