Girl wearing mask praying

5 Prayerful New Year’s Resolutions

Perhaps many of you have already set your New Year’s resolutions in stone. If not, might we recommend you consider ways to grow closer to Jesus in 2021? It’s not hard to do. Here are some ideas to help you develop new behaviors to maximize the power of prayer.

  1. Arrange some quiet time.

    (VERSE)
    He says, Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.

    -Psalm 46:10 NIV

    2020 was a noisy year. Start the new year with a new attitude by setting aside a special time each day for quiet reflection. It doesn’t have to last long, but it’s important to set aside that special time for the Lord. Whatever time you choose — in the morning or before bed — it’s your time, for you and God.

  2. Say a prayer for the giver.

    (VERSE)
    Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give,
    Not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerfully giver.

    -2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV

    Every time you use a gift, give thanks for that gift. This continual act of thanks will be a constant reminder of the kindness that was extended to you. In turn, your prayer will be an extension of that kindness, creating a cycle of goodwill that is never broken.

  3. Commit random acts of prayer.

    (VERSE)
    Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;
    for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

    -I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

    Pick someone to pray for throughout your day. It could be a friend at work, someone in a passing car, or a shopper in the grocery line. If someone makes you angry, pray for them. You will feel better — and God will bless you both.

  4. Pray for strength.

    (VERSE)
    Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.
    The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.

    -Matthew 26:41 NIV

    It is easy to fall into temptation, especially during the holidays. We should be focused on the Lord, but instead we get careless and immerse ourselves in all the excess and over-indulgence. During the holidays, be ever vigilant about watching what’s going on, even as you pray. God will watch over you.

  5. Pray during downtime.

    (VERSE)
    If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
    ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

    -John 15:7 NIV

    What do you do while standing in line or waiting in traffic? How do you handle the downtime when you are at the doctor or waiting to see a client? You could easily turn these inconsequential moments into moments of incredible consequence. Say a prayer. You’ll be amazed at how this downtime can become the best time of the day.

Would you like us to pray for you?

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Any gift you give before the end of the year will be MATCHED dollar for dollar, up to $75,000, to transform lives not only now, but into the future!

Help Children With Disabilities

The UN estimates that between 93 and 150 million children worldwide live with a disability. In developing countries, these children are often unable to attend school, play outside or access specialized resources. Negative stigma or superstition among their parents, neighbors and community leaders often reinforce these barriers.

This year, we’re providing $60,000 worth of medical equipment to Kupenda for the Children in Kenya. This is a very remote location, and your gift will help cover the shipping costs to this very worthy medical outreach.

This gift will benefit: Kenya

Heal the Sick

In developed countries, basic medical supplies such as gauze, wraps, bandages, and syringes are commonplace. Unfortunately, that is often not the case in the developing world. Christian doctors and volunteers in developing countries frequently run low on these supplies, and they also lack the funds to keep large inventories on hand.

This year, we’re providing $84 million worth of medicines and medical supplies. Your gift will help cover the shipping costs to medical outreaches in some of the most remote areas of the globe

This gift will benefit: Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Kenya

Build a Family a Home

A gift of a safe, secure home is tangible affirmation of God’s love for a desperate family — it brings hope, health, stability and opportunity. Most poor families must settle for much less. Mired in poverty, they are forced to live in unsafe shacks fashioned from mud and thatch.

You can provide the life-changing gift of a safe, storm-resistant new home with Cross partners Ambuya Development Center in Malawi and Hope of Life in Guatemala. A new home will ease the family’s burdens, protect them from the wind and rain, and help them achieve their dreams.

This gift will benefit: Guatemala, Malawi

Education

The gift of an education is an investment that reaps long-term dividends for a child’s future. By opening doors for the children of the poor to enroll in Christian schools and get the same educational opportunities as their more economically well-off peers, you are giving not just a hand-out but a “hand-up.”

Your gift will fund Christian education to nurture vulnerable children mentally and spiritually — for thriving futures that will transform hopeless places.

This gift will benefit: Haiti, Ecuador, Uganda

Rescue Women and Children in Crisis

Through emergency child rescue services, vocational training, anti-trafficking programs and Bible literacy classes, Cross International is helping vulnerable women and children reclaim their lives. Inspired by Jesus’ love, we work shoulder to shoulder with our in-country partners, empowering them to create change that lasts so that those who need help will eventually be able to stand confidently on their own. Be a part of this good news and make a life-saving gift part of your holidays.

Your gift will help protect victims of gender-based violence and also help save marginalized women and children from harm.

This gift will benefit: Haiti, Guatemala, Nicaragua

Provide Clean, Safe Water

Our ministry partner, the Kachere Development Center, has an ambitious plan to install 20 wells, providing 5,160 adults and 8,414 children with clean water. Our goal is to finance the drilling and installation of one well – part of an entire community water system, which includes training to maintain the well, and sanitation and hygiene training for improved health.

One borehole can provide 2,800 gallons of safe, life-sustaining water every day. Help us bring clean, safe water to one of these villages today — in a way that will last for generations.

This gift will benefit: Zambia

Give Tools for Sustainable Farming

One of nine people worldwide survive on less than $1.90 a day. Without training and supplies to grow moneymaking crops and breed profitable livestock, poor farmers stay locked in the cycle of poverty.

By supporting this fund, you’ll help families break free of poverty — transforming lives for generations. When families get the training and tools they need, it means bountiful harvests and small animals that produce income for a sustainable business model.

This gift will benefit: Guatemala, Nicaragua

Feed Hungry Children

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 811 million in the world suffer from under-nourishment. By providing the gift of food, you will save the lives of thousands of hungry children and their families in developing countries.

Your gift will provide meals for ministry partners such as Divine Shelter Schools in Haiti and Hope of Life in Guatemala. A generous donation during this season of giving will change lives forever.

This gift will benefit: Haiti, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Malawi

Most Urgent Needs

Inspired by the love of Jesus, we work shoulder to shoulder with local leaders overseas, equipping families with the resources they need to thrive – basics like food, clean water and healthcare, as well as longer-term community transformation projects that will ensure lasting change.

By giving to our Thriving Kids Initiative, you’re not only meeting children’s Most Urgent Needs, you’re also helping lift their families – even entire communities – out of poverty.

This gift will benefit: Africa, The Caribbean, Central America, South America

Feed Hungry Children

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 811 million in the world suffer from under-nourishment. By providing the gift of food, you will save the lives of thousands of hungry children and their families in developing countries like Haiti, Malawi, Guatemala and Nicaragua.

Your gift will support the provision of meals and other basic services that are essential for survival. A generous donation during this season of giving will change lives forever.

This gift will benefit: Haiti, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Malawi

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