Philippine Children’s Ministries Network

Together, Praying for Children at Risk

By Gerald Tampico

The first week of June is the Week of Prayer of Children at Risk. It kicked off with a prayer gathering hosted by World Vision last June 1 with 40 children and adults attended. Participants committed to pray for children at risk in their respective work places and congregation in a specific time and day of the week. Ms. Lucy Aquilino of PCEC’s Prayer Shield Network provided the Biblical foundation on praying for children. A staff from SPECS Foundation claimed that children were encouraged by the message about obedience and to pray for the great number of children who are at risk.

During the week, organizations, churches and local networks scheduled prayer events in their respective communities. Member ministries in Metro Manila gathered their children and staff for a time of prayer and encouraged partner churches to do the same during their Sunday worship. The Iloilo Network for Children (INC) organized a prayer-concert at the Iloilo City Amphitheater attended by more than 800 children, young people and adults. In Bacolod City, the Negros Children’s Ministries Network in partnership with the Bacolod City Gender and Development Office and Councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue organized the prayer gathering at the Bacolod City Hall participated by children and workers from eight organizations. Churches like Greenhills Christian Fellowship-East (GCF-East) in Taytay, Rizal, Mandaluyong Bible Christian Church and Ilog Baptist Church in Negros Occidental prayed during their pastoral prayers during the worship services on June 7, 2009. GCF-East featured an article about children at risk in their street children’s ministry e-newsletter and an article about the Bacolod event was highlighted in a Sun Star, a local daily, June 8, 2009 issue.

The weeklong intercession is just a spark of a movement that PCMN and its members in the Prayer Network aspire to set ablaze in every church, organization and communities nationwide. The Prayer Network wants that prayer for all children at risk be intentional and not just an afterthought by many or just a side activity. In the coming months, prayer mobilizations in some key cities in the metropolis are expected as each member of the prayer network takes the lead. Developing children as facilitators and mobilizers for prayer is one of the desires of the group, thus, they are organizing a Prayer for Camp for Children this coming October.

Many of us may not have the opportunity to comfort a hurting child or have the courage to stand at the forefront to advocate on children’s causes. Neither, we have enough to share to support ministries that reach out to children. But regardless of our circumstances, WE CAN ALWAYS PRAY FOR CHILDREN! Prayer is the strongest shield we can give to children against pains and abuses. Prayer is the comforting touch we can share to a child who is longing for love and acceptance. You can always pray. And our prayer is stronger if we join our hearts and voices together. We encourage you, your church or organization to join us in this movement of praying for children. Contact PCMN at 632-7515225 or email at pray4kids@pcmn.org .