With Thanksgiving for Rhoda
Many of you have been journeying with us in prayer for Rhoda, our dear sister in Christ and friend of Inspire. Her husband, David, is a methodist minister in Ireland and they both served many years as missionaries in Zambia. Rhoda’s battle with cancer did not cause her to lose faith but rather inspired her to share her life with others. Time and again her prayer updates admitted her struggles but always pointed to Jesus. She knew where her strength came from and trusted her life entirely to her Heavenly Father. We are so blessed for having known her in this world and give thanks for the healing that she now has in the fullness of the presence of Jesus.
On Saturday 19 September we heard of Rhoda’s peaceful death. Her husband David messaged to say:
“Hi Everyone, this is the sad news of Rhoda’s peaceful death today before lunch in our house in Fermanagh. She prayed and asked us all to pray for her healing. A short time ago I told her that when she gets to heaven she will not be asking for healing and I know that now she no longer needs it. We are so sad and heartbroken but relieved that her pain is over. Her handling of her illness was such an inspiration to us all and a living example of what the verse: “My grace is sufficient for you” means. She received enough strength each day from God to face what that day brought.
You may never know how much strength she received from your love, prayers and support as she traveled on this difficult journey. Thank you so much for all your messages to her. She loved receiving all your replies when she sent her update. Thank you all so much.
We will make funeral arrangements in due course which sadly will be for family only because of Covid19 regulations.
May God bless you as you blessed Rhoda with your love and prayers. Love David, Sam and Chris”
Here are some of the reflections and prayers we have received:
- This has been a difficult time for all Rhoda’s many friends within Irish Methodism and across the world especially in Zambia where David and Rhoda served God with such distinction over many years. We feel devastation at the news of her passing yet rejoice in her complete healing as she dwells in the presence of Jesus for ever. May the God of all comfort hold David, Samuel, and Christopher so close in the midst of their loss. No words
- Prayers for Rhoda’s family and thanks for her life. There are no words to express feelings and needs at this time. Such a jumble of emotions – thankfulness and deep grief. May the God of all comfort surround and fill you all, as Rhoda enjoys her healing and rewards in heaven walking in the VERY presence of Jesus!! May you have hope and strength for each day.
- Rhoda is a faithful and inspirational example of a true disciple, loving Jesus with all her heart and making His presence known to everyone she meets. We will miss her greatly.
- Praying for the family. May God truly receive all the glory from her life which radiated Him!!!!!
- Rhoda was an inspiration indeed.
- May God shower David and children with His infinite grace and comforting presence in the days to come—and May the community who surrounds them respond to the nudge of the Spirit to be the hands & feet of Christ.
Prayer Points
Please Pray For …
- Those who navigating difficult restrictions during this COVID season, that they will not be discouraged and will find inspiration from the Holy Spirit for continuing in fellowship.
- The inspire for kids team working on Advent resources to help families utilise Inspire practices.
- A number of Missioners who are raising support to work part or full-time with Inspire. Could you be part of the answer to prayer?
- Inspire Missioner, Andy, starting a new ministry of Group Healing sessions in Wilmore, KY
- Victor, in Michigan, using Inspire resources and launching a new men’s ministry and starting a 6 week overview for folks who want to know more about Fellowship Bands.
- Brenda, that tests will come back to confirm that God has sorted out the problem she had with memory loss.
- Those who are in special need of God’s healing touch and comfort at this time, that the Spirit will bring wholeness and in the process reveal more of Jesus in people’s lives.
- The Inspire School of Discipleship drawing hungry people in to find out more about how to abide deeply with God and live as everyday missionaries
- Multiplication of fellowship bands by Missioners in Europe.
- Increasing prayer for more financial resources to enable us to fund the reaping and sowing that the Lord is multiplying in our midst.
Fast and Pray
Friday 25 September is our monthly day of fasting and prayer. Many people in the Movement practice the discipline of fasting every Friday. However you are able to fast, we hope that you will join us in prayer for the mission of God through the Inspire Movement. If ever you feel the Lord saying anything to you, especially for Inspire, then please let us know: prayer@inspiremovement.org
You should pray as the Lord leads you, but we encourage you to take some time to specifically pray for Inspire, the Movement and our Missioners.
In particular in the coming month we are praying about Sowing and Reaping. The Lord has been reminding us that He is doing both – at the same time – and inviting us to join in.
- The new Inspire School of Discipleship drawing hungry people in to find out more about how to abide deeply with God and live as everyday missionaries
- Missioners being convicted to give more of their time to multiplying the Movement.
- A number of Missioners trying to raise financial support so they can work part or full-time with Inspire.
- Multiplication of fellowship bands by Missioners in Europe.
- Increasing prayer for more financial resources to enable us to fund the reaping and sowing that the Lord is multiplying in our midst.
Mark your calendars for the last Friday of the month to fast and pray with us: 30 Oct 27 Nov
If you would like to receive more prayer points, prophetic insights and reflections for the Way of Life subscribe to the monthly INSPIRE PRAYER BOWL
