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A weekly prayer journey with IJM |
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The holiday season reminds us that life’s greatest joys often come in the smallest ways—laughter, rest, creativity, joy. This December, we invite you to join us in a special rhythm of prayer and thanksgiving for these little things that freedom makes possible. Thank you for praying with us as we celebrate what God is doing through justice. |
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Pray for Joy |
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“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” |
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– Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 |
After spending two decades in forced labor, Appa Rao wants nothing more than to eat meals with his daughter and play with his grandson. Because these are small details that signify a new life of freedom.
Almost 20 years ago, he snuck out of the house to earn some extra money to buy a gift for his daughter. But he took a wrong turn and found himself in an unfamiliar place, where he was lured to a man’s farm and trapped there to work indefinitely. He never had a chance to tell his daughter what happened to him. When he didn’t come home, they assumed he was dead.
But then a miracle happened. Appa Rao was rescued, and his story made the news. Back home, his daughter saw the video and recognized him immediately. She travelled three days to reunite with him.
In freedom, Appa Rao cherishes the small moments with his family that slavery stole from him for twenty years. He savors his fish curry, quiet mornings with chai, and playing catch with his grandson. Though his rescue has changed his life in big ways, it’s in the little things that freedom speaks the loudest.
This week, we invite you to pray for joy. |
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Prayer Points: |
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Thank God for the joy we experience through good gifts like tea, dinners with family, and quiet mornings. Pray that Appa Rao and his family will experience healing through these gifts.
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Pray for those that are still waiting to be reunited with their loved ones, that their families would one day be restored.
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Give thanks for those on the IJM team and local partners who work tirelessly to ensure survivors like Appa Rao aren’t just rescued, but are put on a path towards restoration so they can experience healing.
Don’t miss the incredible story of how an unlikely reunion helped Appa Rao reclaim joy in the little things. | |
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The updates we share on survivors or their cases can become sensitive over time. To respect and protect them, please refrain from posting these prayer requests online. |
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