SUNDAY, APRIL 9
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” —Philippians 3:10
Prayer Focus: Haiti—Since the assassination of Haiti’s president on July 7, 2021, the nation has experienced incredible socioeconomic and political instability, resulting in a state of anarchy controlled by various rival gangs. High degrees of violence and widespread economic fallout has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis, leaving millions in desperate need of relief. Then, in August 2021, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in southern Haiti damaged homes, churches, and communities (after never fully recovering from the catastrophic 2010 quake). The 2021 quake completely destroyed at least two Church of God buildings. Church of God Disaster Relief continues to walk alongside the two congregations reconstructing their buildings and celebrates their near completion. Additionally, relief funds enabling partnership with the St. Ard hospital to reduce malnutrition and increase access to much-needed medical care amid these trying times.
Prayer Starter: Heavenly Father, all power and victory is yours! To you be all the glory and honor every day, and especially today as we celebrate your triumph over death, hell, and the grave. With that same power unleashed to raise Christ from the dead, would you push back the forces of evil that have been ravaging Haiti for far too long? With resurrection power, would you thwart the advances of the enemy who only seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, and instead advance your kingdom in Haiti? Would you, our Living God, protect your people, illuminate the darkness, and welcome a new era of peace there? Please, God who cannot be stopped by death, quell the bad and disseminate only the good for the people of Haiti. Relieve the physical and spiritual pain, supply the necessary goods and services required for complete restoration, and may everyone see your hand clearly at work hereafter and always. In the name of the risen Jesus our Lord, our Prince of Peace, and the ultimate Restorer of all that disaster unjustly claims, Amen!
*To financially come alongside the local church in response to these disasters, and others, donations can be made to Church of God Ministries Disaster Relief. 100 percent of your donation goes to assist Church of God communities affected by, and responding to, disasters globally. For a complete list and more thorough explanation of ongoing disaster response coordinated through Church of God Ministries, visit https://www.jesusisthesubject.org/current-disaster-responses .
All Scripture excerpted from the New International Version unless otherwise indicated.