John & Mary Henry - serving with YWAM - April 2021
What's Education For?
May 2021
Hello Friend,
Mary here. Education is the arena God called us to. So I looked it up. It says education is “the process of receiving or giving instruction, especially at a school or university,” or “an enlightening experience.”
Reaching the nations with university students has been our calling for over 30 years. Our heart’s desire is to proclaim Jesus is Lord of the nations while helping young adults to discover their calling and purpose.
With Covid restrictions beginning to lift we have hope that we can get student teams back out onto the field where they can grow in their love for Jesus and get “educated” to know the hope of their calling and purpose.
To reignite that movement and mobilization, we have restarted our practice of prayer walking college campuses. John has already begun to pray on college campuses in NJ, PA, and DE. This #praythecampus campaign will continue throughout the month of May. And our team of YWAM university missionaries will pray on campuses around the world.
This prayer campaign is like the story of David and Goliath. The forces of darkness seeking to control the education system are like “giants,” intimidating and overwhelming, but with God’s help, prayer can take down giants and move mountains.
David declared, "…I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied… …All those gathered here will know that the lord saves, for the battle is the Lord’s.” 1Sam 17
John and I will trust that our prayers will be like those five smooth stones David found in the riverbed to use as weapons. Our prayer is that eventually educational institutions would be reformed to reintroduce the Bible, including instructions about God’s character and nature, so that a new generation would come to the knowledge of the Truth.
I, Mary, have been processing hundreds of transcripts for YWAM/DTS students who are continuing their education. I prepare and send out about 50 a month. Many times the enemy tries to get me to think my job is not important, but along with processing their paperwork and advising about credit transfers, I coach students in their next important steps as they follow Jesus’ calling. (Having had two kids go through this process helps; and where I lack, the Lord provides His wisdom.)
Please pray for India and our colleagues there. The covid situation is very bad there. We personally have had a good friend and one of our YWAM Converge staff members pass away last week. There was no getting him to a hospital, no available beds or oxygen. His wife was also very sick but she has survived. They have three school age kids. Pray for that family in their mourning and transition.
Other news! Becca graduates from Rowan University with an English degree on May 8th! WooHoo! We are thrilled for her. It’s exciting to watch her begin her next steps in adult life. Please pray for her too, as she begins her transition. (She will tell you she’s nervous!)
Love,
Mary
Continuing to share the Good News!
1. Giving away my new book, Making A Difference: How to Extend Your Influence and Transform Your World. I am not selling the book; I am only giving it away. I receive none of the proceeds from sales. I have given away the first 20 copies and donations to buy the next 20 have already been received. Ask me to send you one. If you insist on buying it, you may order the book at Amazon. (Kindle $5 and paperback $20USD).
2. YWAM’s 30 Days of Vision and Purpose Challenge, an online super conference. It’s an honor to be included as one of over 40 YWAM visionary leaders who will be speaking everyday in April. I’ll be speaking on Saturday, April 24, about Calling and Students. Mary & I are trusting God to touch many people to respond to his call.
3. You can listen to the five session course I taught last month on Missional Church Emerging. (On Youtube.)
Prayer Requests
Mary & I pray together nearly every morning. Join us.
For Becca as she graduates from Rowan University on May 8th.
For God's relentless pursuit of Justin, Nathan, and Becca as they make life-shaping choices about their futures.
For John as he leads the #PraytheCampus campaign in May.
Pray our new and long term ministry partners. We so appreciate you!