December Prayer Bulletin

"Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness." Luke 2:78-79

It really is cold this week, with snow expected, and as a charity we're being constantly reminded that there are many who are unable to heat their homes, or who are choosing to skip meals to be able to afford utilities. This Christmas lots of individuals are having to make difficult decisions about where to use their finances, but there are also many who don't even have those choices. Here are just two heartbreaking stories that we have heard in the last few days: 

This older lady suffers from arthritis and has old fractures to her spine. She had a mini stroke earlier this year which exacerbated her decreased mobility. Her washing machine is broken and she cannot afford to replace it. She is on Universal Credits and Personal Independence Payment but is only just able to pay the bills, especially heating. She cannot wring clothes out by hand or wash lots of laundry. 

R, a very young, single mum to two girls, was really trying hard to make her money last until she receives her Universal Credit, but; sadly, she has had her benefits sanctioned and has been told she will not be getting any money until the end of December. We are supporting her with food banks. Christmas has been cancelled for her girls and she is in desperate need of food and to top up her gas and electricity.

Please do join us in praying for those who are struggling to make ends meet, and for those who are left with no choices this Christmas. Please do also pray for families who may be unable to afford presents for their children this Christmas, just like R above. 

Firstly this month we are very thankful to God for:

The generosity of our donors in November, which was our highest month of giving in the 12 years of Acts 435. We were blown away to receive over £100,000, all of which has been given directly to the specific needs of individuals in the UK. 

The generosity of our donors meeting needs quickly, which has meant that the amount of live requests on our website is lower; and beneficiaries are receiving their much needed items more quickly. 

Our donors, old and new, who continue to support our work and those we seek to help this winter.

Our Advocates who are spreading the word about our work through their churches and communities this Christmas time. Please pray that new donors will seek to find out more about supporting our work. 

Our new website developer who has taken on the ongoing development of our website. He is quickly making the many changes we need to move forward.

The 809 individuals and families who have been helped in November by Acts 435 Advocates and donors with £100,155 distributed to those who need it most.

Please join us in praying for:

Our local partners who are witnessing the increasing need in their communities. Please pray for peace as they help those who are struggling, and for their mental and physical health this winter. 

Our Christmas campaign which is asking supporters to give #justfivepounds towards the needs on our website. Please pray that together as a community of donors they can help to meet all the outstanding requests for help by Christmas. 

Our staff team, and that they have a good break over the festive season.

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. We pray that you have a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year.

Best wishes, 
Katie, Communications Director