Good morning…
After our therapeutic community group yesterday, I spent quality time with Larenzia Lawrence, the daughter of LaTonya Gates, who is the founder and director of PAWkids, a non-profit supporting the neediest families in downtown Atlanta. Larenzia and I are pictured above.
Last Wednesday tragedy struck the family of Larenzia’s childhood best friend as a fire ripped through her home, killing her mother, her seven year old daughter, and two of her aunts. Details of the deadly house fire in South Fulton County streamed through the local news.
“Sue, I am devastated for her,” Larenzia said tearfully. “Onrica was one of my best friends. Growing up, when I wasn’t at home, I was always at her house.”
With their big, caring hearts, Larenzia and LaTonya are hosting a prayer gathering for their old friend who escaped the fire with her infant and six year old while losing her daughter and mom, aunts and everything she owned. At 4:00 pm today, a group of us will be at PAWkids making beaded Halloween bracelets with the kids in the after school program (let me know if you would like to join us). Then at 5:00 pm all of us in the community are invited to come for a prayer time and balloon launch in honor of seven year old Hailey Harris lost in last week’s fire.
If you can’t join us in person, please join us in Spirit at 5:00 pm, as we pray for God’s gracious provision for Larenzia’s dear friend Onrica and her grieving friends and family.
Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes! (1 Peter 4:7-11, MSG).
…Sue…
P.S. After our 5:00 pm prayer time tonight, please consider joining us at Northside Church for our Fall Festival
P.S.S. Here is a follow up message from my friend after yesterday’s post, Fighting Breast Cancer Together.
“Today’s Hands On Healing service was so powerful. There were over 70 in attendance and we all felt the prayers of those of you who were praying simultaneously from literally all over the world. I cannot thank you enough for your love and concern for me and Marleigh. I truly felt God’s healing power today and I honestly believe the pet scan on Thursday will be clear. I love you all so much and am overwhelmed with gratitude 💗”
God’s bright presence is overwhelmingly evident as we diligently pray together, giving credit to the One mighty in everything.
