Weekly Prayer Requests

Dear Family and Friends,

Merry post-Christmas and a happy New Year to all of you! This past year has had amazing heights, such as Wilmer's baptism and the arrival of the Wiggs family, as well as some sad lows, such as Arle's departure and the coup with it's resulting political upheaval. Still, the Lord has been faithful, and we have been blessed to have been His instruments over the course of this past year. As we anticipate the next year of ministry, we ask to you to pray for:

 * The strength and grace to continue as the Lord's ambassadors here in Honduras.
 As I have previously mentioned several times on the blog, reflecting Christ at all times and in all circumstances can be tiring. In fact, without the Lord's grace, it would be impossible! Please pray that He continues to grant us the ability to show all those around us His glory!

* Grace and Compassion for the coming year.
Those who work in emotionally draining situations often talk about "compassion burnout" - the stage in which the worker simply does not care anymore about the suffering around them as it's simply too overwhelming for their emotionally exhausted state. However, the Lord has continually refreshed us and kept us able to minister for year after year. Please pray with us that He continues to supernaturally grant us the compassion, tenderness, and ability to extend grace.

* Continued Safety.
 Our neighborhood can be rough, as evidenced by the fact that Wilmer was attacked a little more than a week ago. Please pray that the Lord continues to guard us and that He grants us the ability to talk and witness to those who feel the need to commit these crimes in order to survive.

* Brian Wiggs' technical school.
Please pray for our newest outreach this coming year as Brian continues strategic planning for the technical school and looking for a location. We also ask you pray for the Wiggs family as they continue to adjust to Honduras and learn Spanish.


* Strategic planning for Micah.
We are currently still in the midst of planning for the next five years of Micah ministry. Please pray that the Lord grants us wisdom and that we are able to set good goals. Also, praise the Lord: this is an exciting time for us as we think about ways in which we can expand our ministry!

* For the guys to take their individual spiritual walks seriously this year.
This past Sunday, Michael challenged each of the guys to consider where they were going to at the end of next year. He asked them if they were going to be growing, would have fallen over the course of the year, or would they be trying to stay the same? He also reminded them that life is short, that it is unpredictable, and that we all should make the most of our time here on earth in serving the Lord. Please pray that the guys take Michael's challenge to heart, do not rely their identities as "Micah guys" to cover their spiritual growth, and instead earnestly seek the Lord's work in their lives.

* And, as always, praise and thanksgiving!!
- Another successful year of ministry!! I (David Hawthorne) have read several social studies journals on outreach to street youth. The normal "high" success rate for an outreach to street youth is around 50%. Micah, in comparison, has had over 80% of its participants graduate from its program and leave the streets far behind!! Praise God for mightily blessing our ministry!!
- Safety. Despite rising crime rates and even a coup, we have been kept safe this past year. Thank God for His protection!
- For all of you who support us! You all donate to us, write to us, visit us, invest your time in our young men, pray for us, and generally just let us know that we are loved. Thank you all so much!!
- For new staff members. We have been blessed by the additions of Jenna Miller, the Wiggs family and David Hawthorne.
- For all those outside of Micah who came alongside of us in ministry this year. We are especially grateful for Barry Horst, Brian and Victoria Silverio, and Eduardo Barahona for all that they have done for our guys this year.
- For being in the service in our God. He has saved us, He equips us, and He keeps us fighting for the growth of our guys. Praise Him for loving us so dearly!!

We are excited to see how the Lord blesses us in the coming year and we hope that you will keep walking this path with us.
In a quick year-end note:
- We are offering a 2010 12-month Micah calendar for $20. Please write to us at micah.project1@gmail.com if you wish to order one.  God bless and have a Happy New Year!!

  Rejoicing in the Lord,
  David Hawthorne