June 2024 - Praying & Celebrating
For more than 25 years, I and many others have gathered on June 2—in small groups, virtually, or in essence—to pray for prodigals. And again this year.
Our troubled son met Jesus on June 2, 1997, at the House of Hope Home for Troubled Teens. It was a genuine decision, and he grew in his faith for the next year at HOH. He graduated and came home with intentions to walk with God. But it didn’t take long for him to reconnect with old friends and begin on an up and down journey I called a 15-year wilderness journey. The next year, his second spiritual birthday, I asked others to pray with us for Josh. We saw God work, but change didn’t seem to last long.
Then God suggested we pray for other prodigals as well, and the June 2 annual Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day began. Years of praying brought change for Josh and thousands of others. See the pictures of the man he has become.
Our theme this year was Fear Not. Here’s the first of four devotionals to prepare us for the spiritual battle.
And check out these Songs to help to calm your fears: https://bit.ly/FearNotPlaylist
Our enemy the devil always gives us a battle—often through technology—and again this year. We were locked out of our website where the list of those to be prayed for was located. But God provided a way, and the list of names, which has grown to almost 11,000 now, was available. And around the world, people were praying.
Here are a couple of responses we have already received:
A mom whose son's name has been on our list for 7 years, emailed me. She wanted me to know that her son, whom she hadn't heard from or seen for 7 years, called her last week asking to get together! She and his dad met him for dinner and they also got to meet his wife. They were in shock and couldn't believe it finally happened.
She thanked us for praying for him year after year. She credits the power of prayer for bringing about this reconciliation. She asked me to encourage others to never give up. I added this testimony to a FB post I just scheduled for a little later today.
I am so grateful that TODAY was the day you decided to make WW Prodigal Prayer Day. I am sure I am not the only one watching other families celebrate the accomplishments of their loved ones on social media.
I am truly happy for them. Yet of course my heart yearns for graduations and celebrations with my lost ones. I have 2 prodigals- running far from the Lord, making destructive life decisions. My heart is so broken. I know God is at work and I do trust Him to bring good.
Yet, it still hurts. I am thankful for a safe place with people who understand. I am grateful that today I know all over the world we are lifting up our precious lost ones. I will never stop praying and believing for restoration.
Thank you friends for praying this day.
God is doing a work in us too.
Graduation for My First Grandson
Bozeman MT is lovely in June—a morning snow welcomed me with a winter scene. The next day it was gone, with lots of sun, occasional showers, and temps in the 60’s! Perfect.
I love being with my kids and their kids. It gives me great joy. The first big event was a tennis banquet. My graduate, Carter, has been on the varsity team this year—it’s been a great experience. He wasn’t a star, but a great contributor and team member. Many awards were given out, ending with the Raptors Tennis Award. Carter was so surprised when his name was called.
More than 320 students, the first group to complete four years at this new school, marched. Grandparents, parents, siblings, cousins and his girlfriend cheered loudly when Carter’s name was called. Dinner out and ice cream followed.
The next day everyone helped decorate for Carter’s graduation party—good friends and good food. Here are a few photos to give you a picture of it all.
Missing Steve on our Anniversary
June 8 will be 49 years since we got married. What a beautiful life together. Here’s one of my favorite articles about our marriage:
I know Steve would have loved to be here for Carter’s graduation. I gave Carter several gifts, but I’m sure this was the best one:
May God set you free from all your fears,
Judy Douglass