How to be grateful in the midst of tragedy

Victorious in Thanksgiving Part 1

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

With the postponement of the Moms in Prayer 40th Anniversary Event, many of us were heavy hearted. Months of prayer and planning had gone into this event including the desire to bless the surrounding communities.

The disappointment of being unable to come together with women throughout the world who love God and prayer, sunk in. But our deepest concern was for the people affected by the hurricane in North Carolina. We cried out to God on their behalf, including the staff at Ridgecrest where the event was to be held. Relief came when we heard from the staff that they were grateful for our prayers and currently hosting 500 emergency workers to help with recovery efforts.

Relief came when we heard from the staff that they were grateful for our prayers and currently hosting 500 emergency workers to help with recovery efforts.

In Asheville, however, the devastation had hit hard. Sara Calloway, resident and 40th Event Transportation Chairperson, shared, “We had two landslides with many trees and mud blocking our driveway. It started above our house and went down to the main road. Houses and barns were washed away.” Several people who lived near her died as a result. “Horrible. We were shut in by the landslide, but we’ve been dug out and we’re safe with no power or running water yet. However, we’ve been working with Samaritan’s Purse at our community center, sharing God’s love and Jesus with others yesterday and today. That has been beautiful.” Sara saw so much tragedy and yet, with a thankful heart, went to a nearby shelter to pray with families.

MOMS IN PRAYER GLOBAL LEADERSHIP

Moms in Prayer global leadership’s first response was to gather and pray. They immediately planned a zoom call with leaders from Africa, Central America, Europe, North America, and South America with an outpouring of intercession for the postponed event and the people suffering. Adding to this, numerous prayers came pouring in from Moms in Prayer members throughout the world.

Following the hurricane, a TikTok video was posted with hundreds of people who came together in Rutherford County, North Carolina to give their lives to Christ.

God, who is sovereign, was bringing good things from such a tragic storm, prompting us to give Him wholehearted thanks.

Stories were being shared of how God was working behind the scenes through women who had planned to attend the 40th anniversary event.

Several women from California who had already flown east were welcomed by Mona Hoadley. “As disappointed as we were to not be at Ridgecrest, my MIP sisters from California came to my home in Tennessee! We prayed with our local group. What a powerful time of prayer and memories made. God is victorious!”

MONA HOADLEY & GROUP MEMBERS FROM CALIFORNIA & TENNESSEE

When women were rerouted to other areas of the U.S., MIP moms who lived in these areas met them to offer sleeping accommodations, a familiar face, and to pray together. For some, it opened the opportunity for Moms in Prayer training.

Twelve Mongolian women from Chicago who were planning on attending the 40th celebration, were invited to Wisconsin where a mini retreat was held by Barb Hawn, International Leadership Developer, and Bagi, Regional Coordinator for Mongolia. Women gathered to be trained in the four steps of prayer. Barb went on to South Carolina and Washington D.C. to meet with more Mongolian women about the Moms in Prayer ministry.

MINI RETREAT FOR MONGOLIAN WOMEN

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 118:1

PRAY WITH ME

Lord God Almighty, the Victorious One, we continue to pray for all those affected by the hurricanes in North Carolina and Florida. Please comfort those who have lost loved ones and those who have witnessed the devastation. Bring help where it is still needed and restoration to these areas. We cry out for people in these states and around the world who don’t know You, to turn to You and seek You, especially when they are in turmoil. They need You as their Savior.

Lord, thank you for the good things You are doing through the Moms in Prayer International ministry and for the rescheduled 40th Anniversary Event. May Your good Spirit lead the headquarters team and Ridgecrest Conference Center on level ground (From Psalm 143:10). Father, may we all remember to give you thanks in all circumstances and trust that You are Victorious in our lives and have made us more than conquerors through You who loved us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Look for Victorious in Thanksgiving Part 2 Coming Later this Month.

Do you have a testimony of what God has done through united prayer? Share below!

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40th Anniversary Victorious Event May 9-10, 2025
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