Weekly Prayer Requests.

Dear Friend and Family,

This week, instead of bringing you the usual lists of prayer requests, we here at Micah have chosen to dedicate this post to reminding you of the many ways in which we have been blessed this year. This week, we ask to you to join in praising for:

* Safety
Crime rates in Honduras have continued to climb over this past year. However, we here at Micah have been kept safe even as the drug gangs have grown in size and the violence in the streets worsens (for an insightful article on the growth of violent crime in Honduras, see: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1948258,00.html). Additionally, the global economic downturn has put increased strain on many who are simply fighting to survive. Sadly, some of these people will begin to feel that the only way to make money is through crime, further driving up the crime rate. We are very thankful for the Lord's protection this past year. However, we have still been touched by the growing levels of crime. Just this past Sunday, Wilmer was assaulted by three men with pistols while out riding his bicycle within two blocks of Micah. Because he refused to give them his bike, they threatened his life and the lives of the rest of our young men. We ask to you to pray for continued safety and protection for all of us connected with Micah.

* The return of our older guys from college.
This week, almost all of our graduates and college students are returning home to spend Christmas with us! We are always excited to see the continued growth in these young men and grateful for the words of wisdom that they share with our younger guys. Additionally, we praise the Lord for how far He has brought these young men. They are living testimonies to the power of our God transforming the hearts of street kids. We look forward to seeing how He will continue to work in the coming years.

*  For all those who chose to support Micah and it's missionaries this year. 
We know that this year has been difficult financially for many. However, despite the economic downturn, you have continued to faithfully support the Micah Project. Thanks to you, we have been able to raise our boys, run our educational program, expand our street outreach, and begin a new ministry to our boys' single moms! Also, many thanks to all of you who have supported us with your prayers and words of encouragement!!

* For the ways in which our guys have grown.

 This past year has seen many trials and struggles in the lives of our guys - but it also seen a lot of forward movement in their lives! Wilmer was baptized this year and has continually surprised us with his growth. Oscar served as a missionary for three months in Morocco. Hector Licona, Wilmer, and Cristofer formed a new singing group in order to carry Micah's music ministry. Even those who struggled have grown and are living testimonies to our God's ability to change lives. Let us pray that He continues to work this coming year.

*For the blessing of Emmanuel

God-with-us. This phrase is the text of many Christmas sermons. Christmas celebrates God breaking into time as Emmanuel and leading us toward salvation.  At Micah, we have seen God working continually in the lives of our young men.  We are grateful for everything that the Lord has done for us, how He has been with us, and for the blessings that He has showered down on us. Praise be to our awesome, present and loving God!!  To read our Christmas reflection, click this link:  Micah Project Christmas letter.

  Basking in the Love of the Lord,

  David Hawthorne