By Zach Dodd, Director of WEGO
O God, our help in ages past
Our hope for years to come
Our shelter from the stormy blast
And our eternal home
Under the shadow of your throne
Your saints have dwelt secure
Sufficient is your arm alone
And our defense is sure
I can’t remember the last New Year’s Day when this hymn text didn’t come to mind. I never hum the tune, however, because it’s fairly weird and still stuck in the 1700’s. It’s the everlasting truth in these words that stay with me.
Isaac Watts, the great pastor and hymn-writer, penned ‘O God, Our Help in Ages Past’ in 1708 as he reflected upon Psalm 90. In an always changing world, we daily need this reminder. Our help and hope are never found in resolutions or on the other side of a ball drop. Our future security is not in our plans or anything we can muster up. God alone is these things. It’s what He does and who He is in every season and generation.
As we pray for these deep needs around the world, acknowledge our everlasting Christ who stands above it all, unchanged. Find comfort in who God has always been and will always be.
“Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.”
Psalm 90:1
Join Us in Praying for Our Home Build!
Please join us this week in praying for the office/clinic of the new children’s home. A two-for-one, this room will not only be a workspace for our staff but also a place of rest and healing for children who are ill.
How You Can Pray
Pray this room becomes a place of deep nurture for our kids. Pray they come to know the God of all comfort here.
Gachuurt “Light” Church – Gachuurt, Mongolia
About Gachuurt “Light” Church:
Tsetsegee has been the pastor of Gachuurt “Light” Church since 2010. They serve their community by holding services for children, young adults and adults, as well as reaching out and sharing the gospel to those outside of the church.
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray that God would provide property for the church to own.
2) Pray that God would increase their faith.
3) Pray that God would make the hearts around them fertile to receive the gospel.
Calvary Baptist Church – Nicaragua
From Pastor Luis Manuel Castro Arias:
“My name is Luis and I am 46 years old. My wife is Jessenia, she is 40. Serving the Lord together is our passion. We have no children, but the Lord knows why. We are thankful for everything, the good and bad. Calvary Baptist Church is in the El Quebracho community, a little way from the beach. I’ve been the pastor here for 16 years now—it isn’t easy, but I serve a living God who is in control of everything. Before COVID, we gathered 5 times a week, but now we only gather twice. I have 30 active members. Thank you for thinking about us and praying with us as we pray for all of you. We may not know each other but one day we’ll all be together, rejoicing with the Lord. How wonderful that will be, Amen!”
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray that God would help all the countries who are suffering from the hurricanes and COVID.
2) Pray that God would give strength to people who are suffering with no home or food.
3) Pray for the children who are orphaned, that God would give them families who love them.
Javzandolgor – Firestarter/Herder, Mongolia
About Javzandolgor (pictured nursing a new calf!):
Javzandolgor is the firestarter/herder at New Hope Children’s Home. She can often be found at the first glimpse of dawn, stoking the furnaces in the chilly weather, leading by choosing to serve. She lives with the youngest son of three children, and enjoys sewing in her free time. She is currently having to nurse a calf that was rejected by its mother, so be sure to pray she can balance the added workload without too much trouble.
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray that God would guide her children and bless them.
2) Pray that God would keep her healthy.
3) Pray that God would improve her health and her speaking skills.
4) Pray that God would help her in her daily work as she serves the children and staff of New Hope.
Elias Natanael – Social Sciences Teacher, Nicaragua
From Elias:
“I am 24 years old and I live in Masate Masaya, in a community called Jalapa. My younger brother and I live there with our parents. Together we support them with our income. I have four brothers and one sister total. I attend Resurrection Voice Catholic Church, where I lead the choir. I have been working for New Hope School for 7 months, and it has been an awesome experience . One thing I like about this institution is the Biblical focus in teaching the students and relating with one another. I love the food here as well. The rest of the teachers they are so sweet and kind: I’m grateful to work with them.”
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray that God would keep me healthy during this pandemic.
2) Pray for God to bless the nations by calling more people to believe in His name
3) Pray that 2021 will be a good year of healing and rebuilding.
Aruika – New Hope Children’s Home, Mongolia
About Aruika:
Aruika is a sunny, hard working 17 year old with a welcoming personality. She came to New Hope Children’s Home with her younger brother and sister in 2016. She’s now a senior in high school who frequently takes the lead in the home by helping the younger children. At school she enjoys language, social science and sports. Once she graduates she’s going to study to be an airline hostess. She is currently studying for a big exam, so please pray that she would do well!
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray that God would guide her future and provide her tuition for college.
2) Pray that she would remain healthy.
3) Pray that God would bless her father and her family.
4) Pray that God would help her pass her exam.
Kristany Osmara – New Hope Bible Club, Nicaragua
From Kristany:
“I’m five years old, and I’m in pre-school. I live in the Roman Esteban community with my dad Keysi, my mom Maria, and my sister Stacy. She’s in the second grade, and she also goes to Bible Club with me. I’ve been going to Bible Club for a year, and it’s so fun! I love my teacher and my friends. I also enjoy the food we get at the feeding program.”
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray for good health for my parents.
2) Pray my sister will finish well in school.
3) Pray for my school, that God would bless it and all the teachers who help us.