Prayer Tour
*written on Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Today, we went to the Child Development Centers (pre-schools) that Step Ahead (our ministry) has in order to pray.
To pray for His presences, protection, love, healing, strength, over these schools, their teachers, directors, and definitely children.
It was on the schedul, but this morning after our devotional we learned that there have been two instances of sexual/physical abuse upon two of the children in two of the schools.
I'm pretty sure my heart stopped beating as this news entered my psyche. At first, I wanted to rip apart whomever could do such a thing, then I realized that even the person responsible is just as much a victim. A victim of the oppression and stranglehold the enemy has upon this place. My heart ached more.
*A few of the kids we've gotten to teach and play with!
Anyways, we rolled up to the first school where Dex and Emily had spent time and the kids were playing on the playground. I jupmed out the truck ready to fight the enemy. God said, "Go play! Chase the children, make them laugh." Do what!??!
"Daddy, I am here to pray, not play," I replied.
He interjected, "My son, you can multi-task–play AND pray. Besides the enemy cannot withstand the laughter of my children."
What?!?! Did I hear that right?? Crazy thought.
Needless to say, I ran after children for awhile AS I prayed! It was the most joyous experience.
Their laughter was somehow what I needed to hear and gave me a much deeper passion to fight for them and a love for them I've never experienced!
GOD is Faithful!
He then reminded me of Scripture I read in the morning:
"So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm."
~Joel 2:13
My Study Bible's commentary says this:
rend your heart: God is not satisfied with outward acts of repentance. Tearing one's garments was a customary way of expressing grief or remorse. However, like all outward acts, the tearing of a garment could be done without true sorrow or repentance. God required more than external words or actions; He wanted a change of heart and sorrow over sin.
Wow! Crazy!
Rend your heart!
Anyways, this was just something He led me to today. It was tough, even to when I got to see my kids at the next school. As a whole as well, we were all drained physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually by the day's end after allowing Him to pour out through us and facing the level of spiritual warfare that we did.
I ask humbly and deeply for your prayers for these pre-schools, their directors, teachers, and children. Also, if it is needed–rend your heart to the filth in and around your life! Thank you!
Stay tuned for my next blog about Captain Planet!!!! 
