Monday, 10 June 2013

Girls' Brigade Prayer Wave 2013 - What Now?

After the Prayer Wave 2013, what now? 
“Pray without ceasing” is what we are told in 1 Thessalonians 5 : 17. Just because our GB International World Day of Prayer is over, that is no reason for us to stop praying. There are so many opportunities for us to use the Prayer Wave booklet and to continue to keep our worldwide GB family in our prayers along after the 10th June 2013.
Have you joined the Girls’ Brigade Prayer Wave on Facebook? Remember you can share stories of answered prayer on there at any time.

Please continue to pray for:
  • The Gathering 2013, in Cape Town, South Africa from the 7 – 14 December 2013. 
  • International Conference of Girls’ Brigade (ICGB), Perth, Australia 9-16 July 2014. 
  • For God’s faithfulness, for all that He has already done through GB, and pray that He continues to bless and direct our paths. 
  • Using this prayer resource, continue to pray for specific prayer requests in each Fellowship. 
  • The “ Plan Organisation” works to provide girls with an opportunity to shape their own lives.  Their campaign aims to remove the barriers that prevent girls from getting a quality education. With an education, a girl can transform her world and the world around her.  They want to ensure that girls have choices – about school, careers and who and when they marry etc. 

Other ideas:
  • Have an international night focusing on a country in one of the Fellowships. Dress up, sing songs, learn a dance, hear about the country’s customs and culture. Have a time of prayer focusing on the prayer requests in the resource, and conclude the evening in the sharing of food relevant to that country. 
  • Create prayer stations around the Church on a company night using the ideas in the resource. Maybe you could invite Church members to join in also and spread the word about the GB International family. 
  • Create a prayer calendar where weekly you pray for the work of Plan or for GB work in specific countries or Fellowships. 

SPLASH ONLINE
Justice ACTS Statistics: 

  • There are 27 million victims of modern day slavery. 
  • Two to four million people are victims of trafficking at any given time. 
  • There are 1.2 million children trafficked every year, with most victims being girls between 5-15 years of age (UNICEF) 
  • Trafficking in persons is a global business that makes US$7-10 billion each year. 
  • Human trafficking is the second largest criminal industry in the world. 
  • There are 12.3 million adults and children in forced labour, bonded labour, and forced prostitution around the world. 
  • The prevalence of trafficking victims in the world is 1.8 : 1000 people. In Asia and Pacific region that figure is 3 : 1000. 
Write a prayer or post a comment on Justice ACTS Facebook encouraging them in the work they are doing http://www.facebook.com/pages/Justice-ACTs-International/242371565820062

The power of Prayer:

Justice ACTS Prayer Initiative – a touching story:
Acknowledgement: http://www.justiceacts.org/initiatives/justicedoll

The Story of the Justice Doll…
It all began in 2007, when I watched a video called ‘To You with Love.’ This was a story of three women, bravely exposing their HIV+ status and the effects it had on them as individuals, on their families and communities.

The youngest woman, Nomonde , a twenty-six year-old, griped my heart. She spoke of her life of poverty, shame, hopelessness and wanting to literally die. I was moved with compassion knowing the facts about living well with HIV.   I saw strength, courage, and above all a life God valued. I also, just “happened” to be headed to South Africa to minister in the exact township Nomonde lived in, Masiphumelele. Of course, I knew this was no coincidence; this was my personal mandate from the Lord to find Nomonde.

My journey began as I made contact with Media Village, who helped me locate Nomande living in a dilapidated shack. Although, there was great joy in finding her, my joy soon turned into sorrow. Within two weeks, Nomande was forced out of her shack, unable to pay the rent. She was truly without shelter, food, family, and was very sick, not having the ARV medication necessary for living with HIV. Nomonde was hopelessness and without a friend to turn to.

We began to pray for God to open doors. Quickly, Nomande found temporary housing, which led us to a small 10x10 area where she could put a shack. In two weeks we raised the money to build her a shack. Her daughter, seven, was reunited with her and all the glory was given to the Lord, Jesus Christ. This was the beginning of a friendship that would continue. God had greater plans than we knew or understood.

Nomonde began to sew and earn a little extra money, but not enough to meet her basic needs. Yet, she had a strong will and believed God would provide for her. During this time Justice ACTs was just in its beginnings. During prayer, I received a vision of a beaded doll representing and bringing awareness to Human Trafficking. Although the doll seemed a simple project, it became increasingly hard. Trying to find materials, quality workmanship, and trust worthy workers in South Africa seemed impossible.

Then, the Lord gave me a strategy. The Justice doll would become a job creation program for woman with HIV+ in the township. Nomonde would become the master craftsman for the Justice doll. It was God. It was perfect. She had a love for design and fabrics, was trust worthy, and wanted to provide the basic needs of her family.

Nomonde has been making the Justice doll for one year, and even has brought on two other women to work with her. The Justice Doll is a simple, but powerful tool that reflects the heart of God for Human Trafficking and gives hope to the hopeless living with HIV. Thousands of dolls have been sold across the globe. A simple prayer time and simple project in the hands of God can became more than I could have asked or imagined.

The tag on The Justice Doll reminds us Human Trafficking is modern day slavery. It’s not just statistics but someone’s wife, daughter, sister or mother. Together we can set Justice Free.

Girls' Brigade Prayer Wave 2013 - 7 & 8pm Caribbean-Americas

Mission: Divided by Seas, but United in Christ in the mission of encouraging regional cooperation and advancement of Brigade for the transformation of the lives of Girls and enrichment of the world around us, by being deliberate BEES for Christ in Building, Equipping, Extending and Serving in Christ’s kingdom.

Bible Verses:
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Psalms 61:1 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. 


FOCUS ON BAHAMAS
  • Healing for Sis Ivy Curry (10th Nassau company president) had a stroke 
  • Rev. Dr. Hervis Bain Jr., Senior minister of St. John Baptist Church is not doing well 
  • Strength and encouragement for officers and God will impart wisdom and knowledge needed to lead the girls 
  • Lorraine is campaigning for treasurer for Bahamas Union of Teachers on June 11th 2013 
  • Success for girls in their school work and at the same time be excited to attend GB 
  • Peace and love among all people 
  • Congregation at Remnant Tabernacle of Praise and Helen Roll on death of pastor and husband 

FOCUS ON BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
  • Family members 
  • Success in exams 
  • Continued economic stability in the Virgin Islands 
  • Continued growth in GB internationally 

FOCUS ON CAYMAN ISLANDS
  • Caribbean Americas Fellowship (CAF) camp in July 
  • Girls across CAF to attend camp and seek to spread Christ love throughout the world 
  • GB Cayman to be further strengthened so they can reach out to serve more persons with the commitment and encourage more girls to join. 

FOCUS ON JAMAICA
  • For officers to remain committed and encouraged to our aim of helping Girls to become followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. 
  • For the physical and emotional safety of our boys and girls. 
  • The many girls’ lives past and present who have changed through the work of Girls’ Brigade. 
  • Those companies who are struggling for leadership. 
  • For a headquarters for GB Jamaica 
  • For our country as we go through difficult times. 

FOCUS ON SAINT VINCENT
  • Kindly pray for ten (10) recruits, who will become full members of the 7th St. Vincent Company at Calliaqua on Sunday, 21st April, 2013. 
  • Students who will be writing examinations. 

FOCUS ON SAINT MAARTEN
  • Continued revival of dormant companies especially the work of 1st Saint Martin 
  • Encouragement and strength for the leaders as they continue to serve and reach out to new girls 
  • Girls will be drawn to GB understanding that the program provides a safe environment. 
  • Pray for a great revival in Girls’ Brigade because the fields are white and the labourers are few. 
  • Committed leaders. 

FOCUS ON REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
  • Growth in companies 
  • Addition of committed officers and workers 
  • Strength and wisdom for captain & officers 
  • Success for girls sitting exams 
  • Revival of dormant companies and addition of new companies 
  • Peace in our land 
  • New ideas to be birthed from companies 

FOCUS ON UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
  • Leaders will receive renewed vision and zeal 
  • Aim to be fulfilled in the lives of more of our girls 
  • God will open up doors as we seek to spread GB throughout the USA 
  • Minister and parents will understand and willingly support the program of GB 

FOCUS ON G BEES IN CARIBBEAN AMERICAS
  • Building – stronger inter country bridges in greater exchange and fellowship and renewed connections 
  • Equipping – girls, young leaders, officers and member countries through Camps & Regional Conferences, Youth Empowerment Programs and resources. 
  • Extending – our reach within existing member countries and regionally by outreach to un-chartered paths. 
  • Serving – our member countries in continued community service and adopting families on the edge. 

SPLASH CREATIVELY
Hand around a bag of jelly beans. Ask the girls to hold their sweet and reflect on all the people of the world—different colours, different creeds and different needs. Identify some of the current needs of the world such as famine, earthquake, war etc. Ask the girls to close their eyes and eat their sweets as you commit these people to God.

SPLASH ONLINE
Send my Sister to School. Share this You Tube clip with your girls 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y4OXIdnQOc

Class of 2015 was launched at the UN in September 2008. The class brings together celebrities, world leaders and activists to ensure that Education for All becomes a reality.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jieco-43WNI

Girls' Brigade Prayer Wave 2013 - 6pm Europe Fellowship

Info. Bubbles: 
  • Pray for GB in Kosova and Romania. 
  • GB Europe has 1,175 companies and is encouraging, discipling and showing God’s love to over 54,000 girls and young women on a weekly basis. 

FOCUS ON KOSOVA
  • Praise God for the incredible commitment of ten girls from 1st Gjakova Company who have asked to receive Jesus this year. Please pray that they stay strong and dedicated to Jesus, really follow Him and be good examples to others girls, so others choose to accept Him too. 
  • Pray for us as leaders that we keep seeking God’s will as to how to lead GB here in Kosova. 
  • Also, that God will continue to bring new girls in to GB, so that they can hear about the love of Jesus in this place. 

FOCUS ON PROJECT FIZZ
  • In July and August 2013, over 30 ladies from across the UK will serve on mission teams in Kosova. They will be networked together as gurgling springs in dry places, restoring hope for life. Pray for safe travel, good health and that they would feel transformed by their experiences. 
  • Pray that they will feel the love of their Heavenly Father and know that He is with them in every eventuality as they share their faith, skills and gifts during their trip. 
  • Please pray for Diana and Mike who will lead the teams and thank God for their love of Kosova and of the Lord. Bless them as they spend their summer sharing with the teams and caring for those around them. 
  • And also pray that the widows will feel blessed by the gifts which the FIZZ teams distribute and will realise that God has not forgotten them, even in their sadness. 

SPLASH ONLINE
For more up-to-date info, photos and stories on the FIZZ Project check out the GB Europe Connected Blog and the FIZZ updates Facebook page.

Girl Facts........
I will be expected to shoulder the burden of household labour compared to my brothers. Across the world, girls spend between 33 and 85 per cent more time on unpaid care work than boys (Plan).

Girls' Brigade Prayer Wave 2013 - 5pm Europe Fellowship

Bible Verse: 
Isaiah 58 : 9 MSG
I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places- firm muscles, strong bones. You’ll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry. You’ll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew, rebuild the foundations from out of your past. You’ll be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community liveable again.


Info Bubbles:
  • Pray for GB in England & Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. 
  • GB Europe has an annual fellowship weekend and it is being held in June in Northern Ireland.  Pray for safe travel for the ladies who are travelling from across the U.K. to the venue. Pray that their passion for Him will shine brightly this weekend and that they will know they have been ‘Made to Make a Difference’ by Him. 

FOCUS ON NORTHERN IRELAND
  • Please pray for the leadership of GBNI as they seek God’s guidance in leading the organisation. 
  • Thank God for our many volunteers who work tirelessly on the ground with our girls being Godly role models and enabling them to Seek, Serve and Follow Christ in their everyday lives. 
  • Thank God for the many girls who attend Girls’ Brigade weekly throughout Northern Ireland and how God is using the organisation to speak into thousands of girls’ lives. Pray the Lord would increase our territory and give us opportunities to open new companies and increase our membership so that His Kingdom may be extended. 

FOCUS ON SCOTLAND
  • Thank God for everyone who gives their time to GBS and that God will empower the young leaders in the organisation. 
  • As GBS makes changes to modernise the organisation, pray that we will be firmly routed in Christ and guided by God’s hand. 

FOCUS ON ENGLAND & WALES
  • As GB celebrates 120 years, GBEW groups are being challenged to connect with more children and young people as well as celebrating. Pray for those organising outreach events, bring a friend parties, reunions etc. and for the children, young people and parents who will hear about GB for the first time. 

FOCUS ON IRELAND
  • Pray for all our new leaders who were commissioned during this session. 
  • We have just started the new Government Quality Standards Framework for Youth Work in January, may God guide us as we work through all the paperwork that they require. 
  • Pray for the Girls’ Brigade in Ireland during these difficult times in our country.

SPLASH CREATIVELY
Find a photo of someone in your life whose faith has really inspired you. Perhaps it could be someone you know from Girls’ Brigade. Put the photo somewhere where you will see it often. Every time you look at the photo, stop and thank God for who that person is, what that person means to you, and who God is constantly forming that person to become. Pray that God, who started this great work in them, will keep their passion and energy alive for Him and that their faith will continue to inspire you and be the blessing that it has been so far in your life.

Girls' Brigade Prayer Wave 2013 - 4pm Your Company

Bible Verse: 
1 Peter 5:2-3
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 


FOCUS ON YOUR LEADERS
What better time than in this our 120th year of GB mission is there to focus on our Leaders. Give thanks to God for past and present leaders who have given so much of their time and energy as they work with the girls in your company. Pray that God will continue to bless them as they further His work.  Pray for empowerment, training and nurturing of younger leaders that they will be given opportunities to grow in faith, wisdom and knowledge as they step up to leadership roles within GB.

FOCUS ON YOUR GIRLS
Pray for the girls in your company that they may come to know our Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour and friend. Pray for the families of your girls, especially those who do not attend church.  Pray that they would see how God is working through their child’s involvement in GB.

FOCUS ON YOUR CHURCH
Pray that the link between your GB family and the Church will be strengthened. Pray that leaders in your church feel a greater sense of the potential of GB as a mission field to families in the local community. Pray for encouragement and a strengthened support network from your church to allow your company to grow.

SLASH CREATIVELY
Birthday cakes are usually part of a celebration, and in this our 120th year of GB Mission, there could be hundreds of cakes being cut all around the world as we celebrate our 120th birthday. While praying for your GB Company, the Chaplain, leaders, girls, parents and the Church, spend some time focusing also on the needs of children around the world. Sadly many children die before their fifth birthday and nearly all these children’s lives could have been saved with some simple measures i.e. regular health checks, mosquito nets that can stop malaria, good food to stop malnutrition, vaccination programmes etc.

Prepare a 120th celebration birthday cake. (You may like to do this previous to the prayer day and let the girls’ ice and decorate it).
Put four candles on the cake (or as many as you want) and as you light each candle, pray for something specific e.g.
  • For children born today that they will grow up healthy and cared for and have someone to love them. 
  • Thank God for parents and other adults who care for children? Pray that they would have love, wisdom and resources to be good carers. 
  • Pray that children around the world will have the opportunity to grow as Jesus did – Luke 2 : 52. 
  • Pray for your company and all of its members, your Church, and your community for transformation and lives enriched through Christ Jesus. 
You can add other prayer points.

SPLASH ONLINE
Write a thank you on the Prayer Wave Facebook page for someone who has touched your life and made a difference.
OR Share a few words on the Prayer Wave Facebook page stating how God has transformed you through Girls’ Brigade.

Girl Facts:
  • When girls reach puberty, many will face an increased threat of abuse and violence, including sexual harassment, incest and female genital mutilation. This can result in both physical and mental trauma, loss of self-esteem and leave them vulnerable to HIV and death in pregnancy and childbirth. 
  • 150 million girls under 18 have experienced rape or other forms of sexual violence 
  • 140 million women and girls are living with the consequences of Female Genital Mutilation 
  • Pregnancy and childbirth are the leading causes of death for girls aged 15-19 in the world’s poorest countries

Girls' Brigade Prayer Wave 2013 - 3pm Africa

Bible Verse: 
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Info Bubbles:
  • Pray for Kenya, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Malawi, Uganda and Botswana 
  • Pray for leaders in GB Africa, pray for the International President, the Fellowship Chairperson and leaders of the member countries. 
  • Pray for girls and the extension work in GB Africa. 

FOCUS ON TANZANIA
Tanzania is running a project for 20 girls teaching them sewing and handcraft.
The girls are also being thought English and Bible lessons on Christian life. Pray for the success of this project and also for the facilitators.

FOCUS ON ZIMBABWE AND KENYA.
Pray that God will raise more ladies in doing the work of GB in these countries. Pray for finances in running G.B projects.

SPLASH CREATIVITY
Write a prayer for each member country on sheets of paper. Join the papers using pins to form a close chain. This symbolizes togetherness.

SPLASH ONLINE
Post a prayer online for GB Africa on our Face book well wisher wall.

Girl Facts:
  • In many communities, girls lack access to food and medical care because they are valued less than boys.  This means that globally, girls are more likely to die before their fifth birthday. 
  • One in five girls globally is denied a secondary education. Poverty forces many families to choose which of their children to send to school. Girls miss out on education due to a mistaken belief it’s of less value. Instead, they are sent to work or made to stay at home to look after siblings and work on household chores.

Girls' Brigade Prayer Wave 2013 - 2pm Africa

Bible Verse: 
Isaiah 43: 18 & 19 “Do not remember the former things neither consider the things of old. Behold I am doing a new thing. Now it springs forth, do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” 

Info Bubbles:
  • Pray for GB in Zambia , Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Ghana. 
  • Pray for the leaders in these countries for God’s wisdom in leading their National Girls’ Brigade to new heights. 

FOCUS ON SOUTH AFRICA
The use of a drug called ‘Tik’ is a problem in S.A, it claiming the lives of youth. Also rape and violence against women has become the order of the day. Pray that God will keep our girls free and safe.  South Africa is hosting the 2013 world girl’s camp – Gathering 2013. Pray for the success of the camp.

FOCUS ON NIGERIA
GB Nigeria is blessed with women and girls willing to do God’s work. Pray for strength and will power to do more and reach other parts of the country that GB is yet to be established in.  Pray for finance to raise a National office building and other projects.

FOCUS ON ZAMBIA
GB Zambia runs a project for teenage mothers who seek to go back to school. Pray that this project will be achieved and sustained.

SPLASH CREATIVITY
Write the names of active member countries in a circle, then write the names of non-active countries outside the circle. Using a prayer, write in a straight line connecting an active country to a non- active country,that God will integrate them into the circle.

SPLASH ONLINE
To know more about the position of women worldwide,checkout this international website for Plan.
http://plan-international.org/girls/

Girl Facts:
  • Every year 10 million girls are forced or coerced into marriage. 
  • One in every three girls in the developing world is married by the age of 18.

Girls' Brigade Prayer Wave 2013 - 1pm Asia

Bible Verse: 
Romans 1:14, 15 “I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and unwise. So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.” 

Info Bubbles:
  • Pray for GB in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. 
  • Pray for the National Officers of GBAF that they may continually be gripped by the gospel and live and preach it without wavering. 
  • Pray for girls and the extension work in GB Asia. 
  • Pray for the GBI President’s Committee which will meet together in the Kuala Lumpur in July 2013 – pray that God will bless their meetings with fruitfulness. 

FOCUS ON MALAYSIA
Praise God for the successful events from National Exco to Drill Camps. Praise God for the service of the Officers and the faithfulness of the girls in different parts of the country.
Pray for peace and order situation in Sabah. May God put an end to this turmoil on this region.
Please pray also for the next GBAF meeting in July, to be visited by the International President, Ruth Chikasa.
Pray for the following events: Pray for travelling mercy and a fruitful meeting.
  • International Presidents Committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur from 22 to 26 July 2013. 
  • GBAF meeting will be on 26 to 27 July, 2013 in Kuala Lumpur also. 
  • GB Malaysia 75th Thanksgiving Anniversary will be held in Kuala Lumpur on 27th July, 2013. 
  • 56th GB Malaysia Annual General Meeting will be on 28th July 2013. 

FOCUS ON SINGAPORE.
Praise God for the 85th Anniversary celebration of GB Singapore last 2012. Pray for continued faithfulness of the GB Officers and girls – desiring to make a difference in their community in small or big ways.

FOCUS ON THAILAND
Praise God for the GB work that is continually being used by God to reach the community through the lives of young men and women who are ministered to. Praise God for the success of ‘Love Project” that brought winter caps and blankets to some tribes of Thailand. Please pray for continues guidance and wisdom on how to go about the different works in Thailand.

SPLASH CREATIVITY
List top three countries that you would want to visit in Asia. Then, think of ways on how you can make an eternal impact to that country that you would want to visit. Put it in your bucket list

SPLASH ONLINE
Like the GBAsia Member countries FB pages: 
Singapore: https://www.facebook.com/girlsbrigadesingapore?fref=ts

Girl Facts:
  • Girls’ primary school completion rates are below 50% in most poor countries. 
  • Gender inequality continues to permeate all sectors of society, from health and education to politics, employment and culture.

Girls' Brigade Prayer Wave 2013 - 12 noon Asia

Bible Verse: 
Isaiah 61: 1- 3 “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor... They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendour.”

Info Bubbles:
  • Pray for GB in Hong Kong, Philippines and Thailand. 
  • Pray for GBAF Executive Officers. May God continue to grant them wisdom in the different decisions they make and activities that are to be coordinated in the whole region. 
  • Pray for the display of God’s splendour in whole of Asia through different churches and organizations, especially GB. 

FOCUS ON HONG KONG
Officers and Girls’ involvement is unstable because they are encountering different kinds of difficulties and challenges during their life span, e.g. study and career management, faith struggles and so on.

Please pray for GBHK to stand firm on the mission to serve girls and women by:
  • Seeking God’s wisdom to tackle the rapid change of world. 
  • Seeking God’s strength to witness His grace and love. 
  • Depending on God’s faithfulness as we seek to become His followers who persevere. 

FOCUS ON PHILIIPPINES
BGB Philippines is booming with membership in the different regions of the country. However, the archipelago setting posts a great challenge of unity in truth and love. Different national events are about to shape the future of this country as well.

Please pray for:
  • National Election held on May 13. That there was wisdom and discernment for the Filipino people as they voted for senators and other government officials. 
  • “Sangpulo”... a national fellowship camp to celebrate God’s faithfulness in BGB 10th anniversary. Please pray for all preparations and coordination. 

SPLASH CREATIVITY
Get a map of the world or of your continent. Place a star on the countries where GB is present and active and put a heart on the countries that do not have GB yet, especially those countries where the preaching of the gospel is not welcome. Thank God for the ‘stars’ and ask Him to make your heart beat for the ‘hearts’.

SPLASH ONLINE
To be encouraged on how God is using the gospel to change lives of women, visit https://www.reviveourhearts.com/about-us/changed-lives/

Girl Facts:
For many girls, reaching puberty can be the first step towards a forced marriage. They will be taken out of school, isolated from their friends and forced into marriage and motherhood when they are still children themselves. One in seven girls in the developing world will be married before they are 15, some as young as five years old.

Girls' Brigade Prayer Wave 2013 - 11am Pacific

Bible Verse:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

FOCUS ON PAPUA NEW GUINEA
  • Pray for the recently trained leaders that opportunities arise to start forming GB companies and sharing GB to new girls. 
  • Pray for our National Fonomarae 
  • Pray for our Leaders’ Training this year in December in the New Guinea Islands Region. 
  • Pray for more GB volunteers to arise within our regions. 
  • Pray for the Young Leaders that they will be focused and passionate about GB. 
  • Pray to keep the passion of mentoring young women alive. 
  • Pray that God will show us creative ways to show awareness and raise funds for GB 
  • Pray that GB will remain strong in God’s Word. 
  • Thank God for the doors that are already open and we pray for more doors to be open for GB 

FOCUS ON SOLOMON ISLANDS
  • Pray for the 120 years anniversary programmes that the Solomon Islands will celebrate. 
  • Pray for GB in Namoabu, Malaita Province and the newly formed Company there. 
  • Pray that other Churches in the Islands will start GB in their local congregations. 
  • Pray for all GB Leaders in the Solomon Islands and the work they do. 
  • Pray for those attending the training courses in the different Regions 
  • Pray for the National Commissioner as she travels throughout the Solomon’s providing training and supporting the leaders. 

FOCUS ON TUVALU:
  • Pray for Tuvalu as they deal with the effects of global warming on their islands. 
  • For encouragement of those currently leading GB 
  • For opportunities to further the work of GB in Tuvalu 

SPLASH CREATIVELY: 
Pass around a bubble wand and bubble liquid allowing each girl in turn to blow their bubbles as a symbolic way of sending their prayers to God.

SPLASH ONLINE: 
Share the link for the GB Prayer Wave Facebook page with another GB friend and remind them to join in... http://www.facebook.com/GBPrayerWave

Girl Facts: 
Gender-based violence causes more deaths and disabilities among women worldwide, aged 15-44 than cancer, malaria, traffic accidents and war, and three million women across the UK experience rape, domestic violence, trafficking, forced marriage or other violence each year.

Girls' Brigade Prayer Wave 2013 - 10am Pacific

Bible Verse:
Proverbs 16:3
 
“Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.”

Info Bubbles:
  • Pray for GB in all Pacific Countries. 
  • Pray for the International Vice President and Vice Chairperson of the Fellowship. 
  • Pray for the many leaders who volunteer their time every week, to run GB in their countries, enriching, supporting, nurturing and challenging the lives of the young girls they work with. 
  • Pray for an impartation of God’s Love on the Churches, Leaders and Girls involved in GB 
  • Pray for an increase of members and leadership within these countries so that the Kingdom of God may grow abundantly. 

FOCUS ON AUSTRALIA
  • Pray for the 2014 Fonomare. For the committee and planning that is being undertaken, for the girls and leaders that are preparing to attend. 
  • Pray for the ICGB planning committee both in Australia and Internationally who are working hard to prepare this event for 2014 

FOCUS ON NEW ZEALAND 
  • Pray for the National Annual General Meeting held in late June for openness, understanding, guidance and leadership as GB moves forward for the future. 
  • Pray for the planning and organisation of the 85th Birthday celebrations of GB in NZ to be held 19th & 20th October 2013. 
  • Pray for an increase in the membership for GBNZ. 
  • Pray for IFG - that God will wise up the leaders that he has chosen for IFG Units where the Churches have indicated that they would like to have this ministry in their church. 

FOCUS ON AMERICAN SAMOA
  • Pray for the work of GB in American Samoa and a revival of interest amongst the girls. 
  • Pray that God will show the Church as a whole the need for GB, as there is so many social problems concerning the girls 

FOCUS ON COOK ISLANDS
  • Pray for the growing of girls in our organisation both in numbers and spiritually. 

FOCUS ON VANUATU
  • To be able to travel to the outer islands providing encouragement and training to leaders. 
  • Finances to enable further work to be done. 

FOCUS ON TONGA
  • Pray for the revival of GB in Tonga 
  • For encouragement to those currently leading GB. 
  • For improved communication and networking.

Girls' Brigade Prayer Wave 2013 - 9am GB International

Bible Verse:
John 14:13-14 

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

Info Bubbles: 
  • Thank God for the vision of Ms Margaret Lyttle who established GB in 1893. 
  • Praise God for the opportunities GB has had since then, to minister to girls and young women all around the world. 
  • Pray for the 120 year celebrations happening worldwide. 
  • Pray for all those involved in sharing the GB vision of  “Girls’ lives transformed, God’s world enriched”. 
  • Pray that God will identify further opportunities for our GB Ministry.

FOCUS ON “THE GATHERING 2013” 
  • Please pray for the GBSA team and u30s global planning team who are working hard to create The Gathering 2013, an event to celebrate 120 years of GB’s mission and ministry. 
  • Give thanks for 100 young women from across the world who are going to participate in this amazing event. Pray that they will achieve their fundraising targets and for safe journeys to Cape Town. 
  • Pray that each individual will be transformed from the INSIDE OUT through attending The Gathering. Pray that they will have fun, discover faith, explore their giftings and be empowered to live life to the full. 
  • Check out the following link www.thegbgathering2013.wordpress.com 

FOCUS ON ICGB PERTH 2014 
  • Pray for the Australian ICGB Planning Team who is meeting monthly to plan this event. 
  • Pray that finances will be available so that delegates from ALL GB countries have the opportunity to attend. 
  • Pray that the spiritual journey of each person attending is strengthened. 
  • Pray that workshops will encourage and equip leaders in their GB mission. 

Girl Facts:
  • Girls need to learn so that they are empowered to make their own decisions, find employment if they choose, and eventually bring up their own children to be healthy and educated. 
  • Easy access to clean water is a great bonus for communities, especially for the girls and women whose job it is to collect water. A well or pump in the village or town means that girls spend less time in the back-breaking labour of fetching water.

SPLASH ONLINE 
Write a prayer or message on “The Gathering 2013” Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/#!/GBIGathering2013

Girls' Brigade Week - 8th - 15th June 2013

Girls' Brigade week is upon us!

We've already started out celebrations with a West Auckland Area church parade and sleepover at Westgate Baptist on the Friday evening through to Saturday morning. A fabulous service, an awesome speaker (Raewyn), and fun action songs (Megan). Thanks to the planning by Veronica, piano by Val, and the readings and prayers by the girls. Then we all got into our PJ's and watched 'Another Cinderella Story' with Selina Gomez, and when it had some supper and danced around. Heaps of fun! A great breakfast in the morning, thanks Dorothy.

This week the Pt. Chev company is having a big birthday party on Wednesday and a celebration service on Sunday to show all the things they have learnt and have been preparing for this very special week.

The 10th June is also the Girls' Brigade International Day of Prayer...and if you come back to this blog from 9am and then every hour onwards you'll find guidance on praying for all our Girls' Brigades around the world...and not only that to pray for girls everywhere.



Reflection 1: Girls' Brigade 120 years 

From Asia:
The year is 478 B.C. A young Jewish girl named Haddaseh is crowned as the new queen of King Ahasuerus of Persia. Imagine a young woman, an orphan raised by her uncle, a member of an exiled people, crowned as queen of Persia! Unthinkable, but God works in mysterious ways. Five years later, the Israelite people are threatened with extermination. The death of her whole people and here is Queen Esther. She alone has the power to stop the plans of Haman, but she must risk her own life for the lives of her people. After much prayer and fasting, Queen Esther is able to go before the king uninvited, and the rest is history.
Now, the year is 2013. Young and old, Asian, American, African, European, girls from the Pacific and Caribbean, united by the organization that is the Girls Brigade. In the world of these girls, there are many influences that could undermine their discovery of faith and stand in the way of the work to which God has called this GB. Poverty, hunger, lack of education, discrimination, peer pressure, materialism and the increasing sexualisation of girls: all rage around these women of God. United as they are through Girls' Brigade they are, however, in the position to stand in the gap, to fight as warrior princesses for the faith of others in their nations. With the power of prayer, these modern-day Esther’s are ready to take up the fight and go on behalf of their King. When He hears their prayers, the wonders He will do in and through them will forever be remembered in history.
In all our giving – whether it is time, money, effort, talents and abilities – may we always remember that it is deeply anchored in the character of God. He is the first One who gave wholly, generously, and willingly and because He gave, it is possible for us to give. He creates opportunities upon opportunities for us to do those good works (Ephesians 2:10). He enables us to do them and, sometimes, He even allows us to witness the fruit of those good works. Therefore, ‘for from Him and through Him and to Him are all things… to Him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36)
Virene A. Azarcon (Officer) and Karin Shana Bangsoy (Young Leader)
From Africa:
Matthew 16:24 reads: “Then Jesus said to his disciples,’’those who want to come with me must say no to the things they want, pick up their cross and follow me.”
Are there times when you feel tired. fed-up and feeling you would like to give up?. Following Christ while in our comfort zone is always easy and fun. But for us to show our love for Him, we must be ready to follow Him during good and bad times. We may have to sacrifice a lot and deny ourselves some privileges so as to do that which He desires of us.
GB worldwide is taking time out to pray and walk for girls. Why not deny ourselves of the comfort our houses, leisure time and may be food, to demonstrate our love for God and for GB. This is that time of the year where we connect with our sisters and friends all over the world.
Let the fun begin, let it out, say a prayer, shout aloud and speak for girls. Prayerwave/walkathon
2013,we walk by faith.
Ruth Morris.

From Europe: 

Everyone loves to celebrate! Celebrations evoke memories of happy, joyful times. In 2013, Girls’ Brigade is celebrating its 120th year of ministry, ‘Girls’ lives transformed, God’s world enriched! As we join in celebrating the mighty God we serve, we are raising up our hands in praise, thanksgiving and unity in Christ. We are getting on our knees to pray for our sisters across the world and the issues that girls face in 2013, knowing that our Heavenly Father calls us to love others and reach out by sharing His unending love. And we are shining our lights in the area that God has placed us, walking to raise awareness and celebrate Girls’ Brigade. ‘We walk by faith, not by sight.’ 2 Corinthians 5:7.
Celebrations also evoke thoughts towards the future and what is next. Today many people are filled with worry about these things; they want to know clearly what is in their future. It is true that none of us know what tomorrow holds, but we know the God of love who holds our tomorrow and our future. To focus on 2 Corinthians 5:7 as we walk through our 120th year is a great goal to pursue.  This verse, ‘We walk by faith not by sight’ comes from a passage where Paul is explaining our temporal home and describes these as earth and the body. He’s comparing it to the incredible hope of living in heaven with God one day and how amazing it will be. Paul sympathises with how difficult this can be to expect based on our earthly troubles, and circumstances. But we know that Jesus never promised that to follow Him would be easy, that we would be without problems and troubles.  But what He did promise was strength for the day, comfort for the tears and a life in its fullness.  So we can travel through our unknown knowing love, hope and with a hand out to God – the best light that will shine through the darkness.
So let’s celebrate our 120th year and let our confidence for all that is to come, be in our amazing Heavenly Father.
Jayne Ruddock.

Reflection 2: Prayer Wave 2013 theme. 
2 Corinthians 5 : 7 “For we walk by faith not by sight”
From Asia: 

We live in a world of warring principalities, of black and white, good and evil. Yet rarely are these two so separate, so defined. We see a world of different shades of grey, where candles, lamps, and torches shine in a myriad of different intensities. Some shine and are suddenly put out, extinguished by the ever-present, ever-growing darkness. Some are little more than a feeble spark.  Some are just flashes of brilliance, yet others are the strong, vibrant light that leads others to the right path.

Eyes can deceive. What we see is a confusion of our mind, a result of the war around us. Different views and perspectives are what tear friendships apart, destroy the ties that bind, break down trust and ruin reputations. What we think we know only brings out more of what we do not know.  Eventually, the war turns inside, the raging roar of mind against reality, the struggle to really define for ourselves what the truth is. Rarely do we look inside our hearts, to search for the reservoir of faith that comes from our Heavenly Father. For it is faith that tells us what is true even though our eyes see deceit. It is faith that tells us we can move mountains even though our eyes see insurmountable odds. It is faith that tells us to keep loving, even though our eyes see only hate. It is faith that tells us to keep reaching out, even when our eyes see only loneliness. It is faith that tells us to keep hoping, keep dreaming, even when our eyes tell of a bleak future ahead.  It is faith in God alone that will be our guide, even when our eyes can no longer see.
It is walking by faith that will enable us to overcome every difficulty, every challenge that will come our way – distance, communication, culture, etc. It is faith that will bind us together in love as we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against powers and authorities. It is faith that will enable us to hold on to the truth that Christ has overcome the world and thus we can take heart. It is faith that will keep us walking amidst all uncertainties because we have a God who is certain.

As we join hands, it is also by faith that we bind our hearts for the glory of God to be displayed
amongst the Girls in the world.

From Africa: 

It is always easier to believe and trust what we have seen and handled. We sit comfortably on a chair because we believe it can carry our weight, and since we have tried it over and over we have come to trust it.
2Corinthians 5:7 “it is what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going” (MSG).
God is calling GB worldwide to trust him to activate their faith as He takes the lead. We might not have seen any glimmer of hope, but we need to keep moving on. 
 
Lets walk in faith believing God to bring His light through GB to girls around the world.