Prayer Partners
This particular story
features Melanie Moore.
By Laurie McClary
As with any ministry, prayer is critical to MMS. There are
numerous people throughout the world that pray for MMS, for both the people and
the organization, every day. Here is an interview with one of those people,
Melanie Moore.
How did you hear
about MMS?
My sister and brother-in-law were called to serve with MMS six
years ago. It has been through them I learned of MMS, its mission and its
impact on the world.
How did you become a
prayer partner?
My sister asked me. Once she asked the decision was easy. I
knew that it was something I not only wanted to do but needed to do.
How has praying for
your sister and your brother-in-law affected your relationship with them?
It has taken our relationship to a deeper level and I feel
more connected to them. Praying for them makes me feel a part of their
ministry. In addition, prayer provides a way that I can be 100% supportive everyday.
I am thrilled when my husband and I can give financially to the ministry, however there are months when we are
not able to do that. But prayer provides a way I can contribute regardless of
our finances.
Do your prayers cause
you to feel more connected to MMS?
Yes, but in a round about way. My connection to MMS starts
with my sister and her family. Out of that relationship come my prayers for
MMS. The prayer letter my sister sends out each month, the newsletters MMS
provides and the stories my brother-in-law tells are examples of different
means that pull me into my prayers for MMS. I find myself rooting for the
planes and I see the value of what they do. But, this all starts first with me
praying personally for my sister and brother-on-law.
Is there anything
else you would like to add?
Yes, I would like to tell you how my prayer life has grown
the past five years that I have been praying for MMS. After receiving the
prayer requests, I would make mental notes and then diligently take my “to do”
list to God. On days I forgot or schedules got busy, I felt guilty and
responsible for not being accountable for the commitment I made to my sister,
brother-in-law and MMS. I felt connected to it all but there wasn’t much joy in
it and if felt more like a weight. Then, about a year ago, I sat in on a
lecture* about prayer. God spoke to my heart and my prayer life has been forever
changed. Now I see my prayers as expanding God’s kingdom where He is in charge.
My prayers are similar to those written in the Psalms praising God for His
faithfulness instead of handing him a list of things I want done. My prayers
are where God’s grace and the people or situation I am praying for meet up.
Through my prayers, He invites me into the journey of both my family and MMS.
This way of praying helps me stay connected but also brings a sense of joy and
deepens my spiritual relationship with my sister and brother-in-law. The weight
has been lifted. Even if I miss a day or two of prayer for MMS, I rest assured
and trust that God has continued the work that He has already ordained.
In closing:
God tells us to pray in the Bible. It is one of the avenues
God uses for a closer walk with Him. Melanie has been a prayer warrior for her
sister, brother-in-law and MMS for 6 years. God has used her and those prayers
to serve His purposes. Thank you, Melanie. And, thank you to the many others
who pray faithfully for MMS and it’s mission.
*The lecture that Melanie is referring took place at “The
Chaplain of the Week” series at Lakeside Chautauqua 2014.
