January Prayer Bulletin

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

We have begun this New Year with much thankfulness to God for His provision in 2024, which has blown us away! Jenny Herrera, our Executive Director, has written a blog about the many events and the provision that we experienced as a charity last year. You can read her blog here: www.acts435.org.uk/news/keeping-steady

In December we saw the highest month of giving since Acts 435 began in 2009, as donors generously gave £129,685, all of which will go directly to the needs of individuals. We're so thankful to our donors, but also to God who continues to provide for the needs we see posted onto the website; we saw all the live requests for help on our website cleared by New Year's Day.

We are also aware, however, that as we start this New Year with such cold weather, that the urgent needs of individuals and families posted onto our website will continue to increase again. Please join us in praying for individuals who especially need help with food and heating in this weather. Please pray that they have the courage to seek the help that they need.   

Finally, I wanted to share a story that came to us just before Christmas. C, who was being supported by our local partner church in Brighton, finally managed to secure a permanent home in supported accommodation. He was very thankful to Acts 435 donors for stepping in to help with furniture, and this help was part of his faith journey. He said: 

"Many thanks for all you have done to help me. I feel genuinely amazed at how my life has changed now that I have been baptised and realised God is there for us. We're all working together to build a new life in Christ, where everyone is valued, and we all give in whatever way we can. I love serving at the church in the kitchen, preparing meals for others in need. It's such a marvellous thing that you've cared enough to help me turn my life around. I now have a place I call home, thanks to you all. God bless you."

Firstly this month we are very thankful to God for:

An incredible month of giving in December, which saw nearly £130,000 given towards the needs of individuals.

As we start the New Year we're thankful for our partner churches and charities who will be meeting those in their communities in 2025. Please pray that we can continue to see these needs met quickly.

New and fresh connections with other networks, such as the Estates Evangelism Task Group, which is part of the Church of England. We're also thankful to have a new connection with Kids Matter, who equip churches to facilitate parenting courses.

The 757 individuals and families who have been helped in December by Acts 435 Advocates and Donors, with £129,685 distributed to those who need it most.

Please join us in praying for:

The year ahead for us as a charity, as we look to help as many people as possible. Please specifically pray for us to know how best to get more churches/charities resourced with Acts 435, and also for different ways to connect new donors with our unique way of giving.

An exciting opportunity for us as a charity to share what we do over Lent. Please pray that we can come up with the best way to share together with one of our key external networks.

Our local partner in Halifax who have had to change the way they operate their foodbank due to physical violence towards one of their team members. Please pray for them, as well as all our partners, for safety as they seek to do their valuable work. 

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.

Best wishes,

Katie

Katie Greene
Communications Director
Acts 435