“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap.” Luke 6:38 (NLT)

This week, join us in giving thanks with us for God’s provision for us, and for the faithfulness of SGM Lifewords supporters, whose generosity enables all that we do.

• It’s our desire that the principle of generous giving should govern all that we do. Time and again we have seen that, as we have been open-handed in our giving, God has been faithful in returning our gifts to us. Give thanks with us for God’s faithful provision for SGM Lifewords over many years. Pray with us as we continue to trust him to provide for the future.

• Give thanks for the generosity expressed by SGM Lifewords supporters through their participation in the pay it forward scheme, and through the donations and legacy gifts we receive. Give thanks for the grant-making trusts and other donors who enable our work to continue. Pray that as each of these individuals and organisations partner with us, they will know God’s blessing, and be inspired by the part they play in connecting people all over the world with the Bible and with one another.

• With the end of the school year fast approaching, plans are being put in place to pilot the Bible-based Choose Life curriculum in DR Congo in early 2010. Student and Teacher resources are ready, but we still need to secure funding for the training and teacher support that the programme requires. We’re currently approaching grant-making trusts to ask for their help. Please pray for a positive response, and for resources to be made available to follow through with plans. We continue to seek God’s way forward for work in DRC, believing that we have a unique opportunity to bring the Bible’s life words to children and young people there.

If you would like to support the Choose Life pilot in DRC financially, please visit the donate page or ring us on 020 770 2155 and find out more about what’s needed.

When post-election violence took hold in Kenya, the story was all over our television news and newspapers. More than eighteen months later, fresh stories and new crises are in the spotlight. But for those affected, away from the glare of the world’s media, the rebuilding of homes, relationships and communities continues. This month, join us in prayer for the people of Kenya and for those who are helping them to achieve reconciliation.

• The aftermath of the election in Kenya saw friends, families and communities torn apart by violence, mistrust and racial tension. Give thanks that stability has returned to the country, and pray for all those working to bring reconciliation between opposing factions. Pray for those affected by the recent drought; for those whose livelihoods are threatened. Ask that peace will continue to prevail as communities come under renewed pressure.

• The intimidation and violence which threatened many people in Kenya in the aftermath of the elections left deep scars. Many still feel unable to return to their homes for fear of reprisals. Pray for all those who are seeking to provide counselling and support for those affected. SGM Lifewords Inspire resources Forgiveness Matters and Picking up the Pieces are among those being used as counselling tools. Pray that through these resources, counsellors and pastors will be able to play a part in bringing the Bible’s life words to the heart of change in Kenya.

• Kenyan teachers and students were instrumental in the development of Bible-based curriculum Choose Life. Now more than ever, church leaders and educators in Kenya are recognising the unique impact of this programme, and its potential to impact not only the lives of individuals, but the life of the nation. Pray that the lessons learned through Choose Life will continue to bear fruit in the lives of Kenyan teenagers, helping them to make good choices, and to demonstrate love, compassion and acceptance to those around them, regardless of tribe, tongue or political affiliation.