Pray for The Ark

The Promise of New Things

2016-08-08T20:18:00.000-04:00

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." -Isaiah 43:18-19

We are all guilty at times of hanging on to old ways and mindsets that drag us down. We become entangled in a cycle of discouragement, sin, or failure. God does not want us to stay there. He has something fresh and new every day that He wants to do in us. His unlimited resources and unique plans are a part of the abundant life He desires to give us.

Praise the Lord!

The Ark was awarded a $5,000 grant by Ronald McDonald House Charities to complete the outdoor basketball court!
A grant application to Hart EMC has been completed and submitted - requesting funds to provide services at little to no cost to those in need.

Join us for prayer in...

Raising awareness and funds for The Ark's ongoing services.
Our Speakers Bureau as they are planning speaking engagements. (If you know of a club, church, or civic group that would like to know more about The Ark, please send an email to lynn@thearkfamily.org.)

Pastor Chris' Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to wave goodbye to the pain of my past. Guide me as I say hello to dreams You have given me and visions of hope in the present and the future. I rejoice in the new things You are doing. I celebrate, no longer mired down in my past, but embracing Your grace. The new paths are waiting. Please guide my steps, our steps, there. In Christ's name Amen.

Provision

2016-07-19T13:43:00.002-04:00

“… Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." -Genesis 22:13-14

Abraham was obedient to the call of a sacrifice that would not be required of him. The Lord who sees the future will always provide. He made the ultimate sacrifice of His son for you. Thank you Lord for providing for our needs. Help us to obey you without hesitation.

Praise the Lord!

The display table for The Ark at the recent IPHC camp meeting at the Swails Center was well received. Mara East and Paul Oxley represented The Ark.
Liz Gilchrest passed her national licensure exam. This achievement is the culmination of 6 years of work -- congratulations Liz!

Join us for prayer in...

Preparation for another grant submission next week.
The Ark's Board of Directors as plans are being made to host a 5K Run/Walk to raise awareness and funds for The Ark in 2016.
More opportunities to share The Ark's ministry with potential clients and supporters.

Pastor Chris' Prayer:
Dear Father, what would You have me sacrifice? Have I truly given my total life to You? Reveal to me my reluctance and remind me to trust Your guidance. Thank You for the sacrifice of Christ, so we can all be Your family. We rejoice in that. Please help us today to live life as a family reflecting Your sacrificial love. In the name of our Lord, Jesus, Amen.

Patience

2016-07-10T18:00:00.000-04:00

"… let us run with patience the race that is set before us." – Hebrews 12:1

A runner must lay aside anything that would impede or slow him down. He must focus on the finish line and run with endurance, perseverance, and patience. Lord, thank You for helping us stay the course and remain focused on You.

Praise the Lord!

God’s people are generous! The Ark received over $10,000 in donations in the month of June!
A walkway from the building to the basketball court has been built.
A project to expand the parking area is underway.

Join us in prayer for...

God's blessing and favor on a grant application submitted last week for the purchase of fencing to be installed around our new outdoor basketball court.
The Ark's Board of Directors has plans to host a 5K Run/Walk/Stroll to raise awareness and funds for The Ark in 2016.
More opportunities to share The Ark's ministry with potential clients and supporters.

Pastor Chris' Prayer:Dear Father, as we run this race, please provide us patience and endurance. Empower us to finish the race while embracing Your grace and our assignments on each part of the adventure. Forgive us for times we have quit in the past. Remind us to pause with You when we need to rest and be refreshed. Guide us to help others who struggle in their journey of perseverance. Help us hold them as You hold us. For Christ and His love to be displayed through the world, Amen.

Predestined

2016-05-31T18:26:00.002-04:00

"And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." -Romans 8:30

To be predestined of God is for an individual to be destined for a particular fate or purpose. Praise be to our God who holds the purposes for His people!

Praise the Lord!

God is on the move! The Ark is seeing a growing interest from parents in our communities to attend parenting classes. Many lives are being changed.
Numerous opportunities to share The Ark's ministry with potential clients and supporters continue to arise.

Join us in prayer for...

The future leaders of The Ark. We trust that God is calling and preparing and directing the paths of the individuals that He has predestined to lead this ministry.
The Ark's Board of Directors as plans are being made to raise awareness and funds for The Ark in 2016.

Pastor Chris' Prayer:
Dear Father, we thank You for Your plans. Your wisdom is correct. Your provision is enough. Your character is holy. Your love is what we need. Please help us display Your love to others – to the weak, the hurting, the wounded, the unsure, the afraid, the sick, the ones who feel alone. Through The Ark and our individual lives, help us display that love You bring to us. You have called us and justified us, now we praise You and glorify the name of Christ, Amen.

Ask & believe

2016-04-20T20:53:00.000-04:00

"But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." -James 1:6

An adult client of Wellsprings recently asked while looking at a brochure for The Ark: "So is this thing real? Or is this just a dream??" The question was asked in a somewhat sarcastic tone, and unbeknownst to her, it was in the presence of the Director of The Ark, Dr. Oxley. Our Director enthusiastically answered with a big smile, "BOTH!!!" Coming from the mouth of The Ark's founder and director...the client seemed somewhat surprised and intrigued. Our Director continued, "This [the building in which they stood] is real...that [pointing to the artist's rendering of the future building of The Ark] is a dream!" Let us ask and believe together this day!

Praise the Lord!

God continues to send people with the talents and gifts needed to move forward in His ministry. He has sent people who share His love of people and families.
Through the commitment of Ark Ambassadors, $2,000 has recently been given towards the capital campaign. Praise God!

Join us in prayer for...

The individuals and families in our communities who are in need of restoration from God. We pray for the ministry of The Ark.
The leadership of The Ark to hear God's voice and direction on this project.

Pastor Chris' Prayer:
Heavenly Father, You are our Leader and our Guide. Please direct all decisions for The Ark -- we seek to do nothing outside of what You know is best. You are also our Provider. Please send the resources from groups and individuals You have assigned to be our supporters. Help us to trust You and to display Your love to others. We rejoice in Your loving kindness today. In Christ's name, Amen.

Springtime Rain

2016-04-05T21:27:00.001-04:00

"Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone." -Zechariah 10:1

The Bible tells us to make supplication unto the Lord. Supplication is defined as the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly. Let us join together in supplication as we ask the Lord to send rain to grow of the ministry of The Ark. It is Him alone who yields the harvest!

Praise the Lord!

God answers prayers! We asked you to pray for an initiative in Franklin County public schools to raise awareness in our community about The Ark's classes. We have more people enrolled in our anger management class currently than we ever have in the past!
We have had new opportunities in 2016 to raise awareness about The Ark through the work of our Leadership Team and Ark Ambassadors.

Join us in prayer for...

The individuals and families in our communities who are in need of restoration from God. We pray for the ministry of The Ark.
The Ark's Director, Board of Directors, and Leadership Team as goals are set and plans are made to move forward with the capital campaign to build an "Ark." We pray for God's direction and guidance during times of prayer, conversations, and meetings.

Pastor Chris' Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for answering our prayers. You supply our needs and we rejoice in Your provision. Please guide those who meet for anger management. Bless them with community and direct them toward healing. Continue to open new doors for the Ark in ministry, relationships, and resources. In Christ's name, Amen.

God's Handiwork

2016-03-14T21:00:00.000-04:00

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." -Ephesians 2:10

We, God's people, have been made by Him. Each of His children have been formed with the purpose to do good. What an honor it is to be a part of God's family. Thank the Lord that He has prepared us in advance to complete each task given to us on earth! Now that's planning!!!

Praise the Lord!

God provided a leader to offer guidance and direction in the planning phase of launching a wide-spread capital campaign. This leader met with The Ark's Board of Directors and Leadership Team on March 5 to provide training on how to proceed. The meeting was orchestrated by God and came out a success!
We have received the support and backing of Franklin County's Superintendent of Schools as The Ark raises awareness for our services currently being offered.

Join us in prayer for...

The families who surround us on a daily basis who are in need of restoration from God. We pray The Ark will be a resting place for the weary.
An upcoming initiative in Franklin County public schools to raise awareness in our community about The Ark's parenting classes and anger management classes. We trust that God will bring those in need of help and encouragement to The Ark as He sees fit.

Pastor Chris' Prayer:
Dear God, Thank you for designing us in your image. Please continue your art work in us individually and as The Ark Family. Guide us to bring hope and healing to others. Provide wisdom for our decisions, provision for the needs, and favor in our community. Help us live in your peace as we seek to bring that peace to many people. In Christ's name, Amen.

Courage

2016-02-15T16:00:00.000-05:00

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." -Joshua 1:9

The undertaking of building an ark, or, in particular, The Ark in Franklin Springs, Ga., is one which requires much strength and courage. Today we thank God for giving us the strength and the courage needed for each step of this great journey of life. Indeed He is with us wherever we go!

Praise the Lord!

God sent to The Ark three new board members this month. These three individuals have hearts for families and hearts to serve people in need in northeast Georgia.
We have received continued financial provision and an increase in interest in this project by community leaders.

Join us in prayer for...

The families who surround us on a daily basis who are in need of God's touch and Your restoration. We pray The Ark will be a resting place for the weary.
Guidance and courage for The Ark's Board of Directors and Leadership Team as the launching of a wide-spread capital campaign begins at an important training session on March 5.

Pastor Chris' Prayer:
Heavenly Father, sometimes I feel discouraged and weak, not strong. I feel afraid, not courageous. Today, remind me that You are with me, that You are my strength. Guide my steps with Your courage. Do not let fear control my decisions. And, continue to guide The Ark as it becomes a place where fear is defeated and faith lives. In Christ's name, Amen.

Hope for You

2016-01-25T16:00:00.000-05:00

"There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off." -Proverbs 23:18

Certainly a little hope from the Lord is all we need to keep moving forward. Hope from God gives us strength to keep plowing and focus to stay the course. JESUS is our HOPE!!

Praise the Lord!

For financial provision - God provided over and beyond all that we asked for during the last month of 2015 with $25,590 given in December 2015 alone!! God is faithful.
For leadership provision - we praise the Lord, with thanksgiving, for sending three new members to join The Ark's Board of Directors. God is good!!

Join us in prayer for...

The children and families who are hurting and lost. Lord, we trust that you are at work - preparing, growing, and building up The Ark to be a place of healing and restoration, in Jesus' name.
The Ark's leadership as information is being gathered to make major decisions regarding The Ark's capital campaign.

Pastor Chris' Prayer:
Lord, we trust that You are at work - preparing, growing, and building up The Ark to be a place of healing and restoration. We rejoice and celebrate the hope You have for us – a hope that will not be cut off. Thank You for providing financial assistance and leadership. Please guide each decision, and keep our motives pleasing in Your sight, in Jesus' name.

New Song

2016-01-11T13:31:00.002-05:00

"Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things..."

-Psalm 98:1a

Join "pray-ers" of The Ark in singing a new song to the Lord during this new year! For He has done marvelous things, and He is doing marvelous things on our behalf.

Praise the Lord!

For our founder and director, Beverly Oxley, and her husband, Paul. The Lord continues daily to give them strength, courage, and vision for this important ministry.
For the marvelous things He is doing for The Ark! The Holy Spirit is moving, providing for this growing ministry in every way...in more ways than we will ever know!!

Join us in prayer...

For the families who will come in contact with The Ark in 2016. We pray for healing and restoration for families in need.
As The Ark's Ambassadors meet this week to prepare to go out into our communities to raise awareness and support for The Ark.

Pastor Chris' Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Please guide the families who will join us at The Ark. Bring healing and restoration in this new year for families in need. Provide wisdom as The Ark's Ambassadors meet. We worship You and celebrate, singing to You a new song as this year begins. In Christ's name, Amen.

God's Great Gift

2015-12-22T12:52:00.001-05:00

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" -2 Corinthians 9:15

God's great gift of baby Jesus, the Savior of the world, is the ultimate expression of love. King Jesus lived and died so that we can live forever! Indescribable is defined as: too unusual, extreme, or indefinite to be adequately described. This is our baby Jesus.

Praise the Lord!

For God's continued provision over The Ark. Donations continue to be given on a regular basis to support the ongoing work of The Ark.
For an incredible year for The Ark and thanksgiving for the Lord's move on this project. We praise God for all that He has done!

Join us in prayer for...

Guidance as we expand The Ark's Board of Directors by two additional members.
God's divine plan to unfold - orchestrating meetings and crossing the paths of people who can be used by Him to make advances for God's Kingdom.

Pastor Chris' Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we celebrate during this season of remembering the gift given. Inspire us to live giving lives -- our time, our care, our finances. We also ask for continued provision and partnership for The Ark. Draw your people to this vision, and let The Ark shine like a light to draw people toward Your Son. In His name, Amen.

Thanksgiving

2015-11-23T12:59:00.000-05:00

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.'" -Philippians 4:6, NIV

Peace which transcends all understanding is the promise which follows this invitation. Be encouraged today - for we serve a God who desires His children to ask and seek with thankful hearts.

Praise the Lord!

The Ark's first public event - the Pastors Dinner - was a success! Pastors from all around northeast Georgia came to learn about The Ark's services.
For an unexpected gift of $1,000 given this week toward the Capital Campaign. Glory to God!

Join us in prayer for...

Guidance and direction for The Ark's Leadership Team and Board of Directors as decisions for this project are made on a daily basis.
God's continued provision over the great need for staff and funding as services continue to expand.

Pastor Chris' Prayer:
Dear Father, You are so good to us. We rejoice as Your blessings fall like beautiful snow into our lives. During this season of Thanksgiving, we join the ancient prayer of David and give You thanks: "The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does." (Psalm 145:8-13, NIV).

God's Protection

2015-10-28T20:29:00.001-04:00

"The Lord then said to Noah, 'Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation.'" -Genesis 7:1 NIV

When the ark was completed, God commanded Noah to take his family on board. His command was that of a loving father with the desire to protect His people.

Praise the Lord!

For His constant provision over The Ark.
For forward progress in launching The Ark to reach families of our communities in northeast Georgia.

Join us in prayer for...

A covering over the upcoming Pastors Dinner on October 29th.
The hearts of all of the pastors and members of the community who will be attending the dinner.
The Ark's Director, staff, and volunteers as preparations and planning take place.

Pastor Chris' Prayer:
Heavenly Father, We request Your peace, wisdom, rest, and hope for our pastors and their families. Help them release the people they love into Your care. Direct us as we seek Your guidance and provision for The Ark. In Christ's name, Amen.

God's Faithfulness

2015-10-12T16:33:00.002-04:00

"Noah did everything just as God commanded him." -Genesis 6:22 NIV

Noah listened and did everything that God commanded him to do. God was faithful to fulfill His promise to save mankind because Noah did everything God's way, not his own way.

Praise the Lord!

For committed staff and volunteers of The Ark. God has brought together a team of people with unique gifts and servant hearts
God is faithful to provide for us every step of the way!

Join us in prayer for...

The Lord's guidance and direction in the planning and execution of a dinner for pastors of our local churches being held on October 29th. It will be a night of encouragement and information sharing, called "Shoring Up Families in our Community." Please pray for God's guidance and direction in planning this important event.

Pastor Chris' Prayer:
Dear Lord, You are our shepherd. Thank you for providing all we need. Because of Your goodness, we lack nothing. Help us to lie down and rest beside still, calm, peaceful waters even in our busy lives and hurried schedules. Refresh our souls, we pray. Through our refreshed souls, bring restoration to many lives. In Christ's name. Amen.

God's Provision

2015-10-05T15:26:00.001-04:00

"You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures...to keep them alive with you." -Genesis 6:19 NIV

God chose to preserve His creation through the ark. The ark became a place of provision and safety - a place to weather the greatest storm of all.

Praise the Lord!

The Ark was awarded its THIRD grant this week! God's favor is upon this project. This grant will fund the purchasing of a projector and screen to be used during The Ark's educational classes and support groups. Glory to God!!
For God's continued provision over The Ark...He is on the move!

Join us in prayer for...

Opportunities to intervene and share the hope of Jesus Christ with the hopeless.
Wisdom for The Ark's leadership team and service providers in how to most effectively reach the hurting families of northeast Georgia.
A gathering on October 29th with local pastors with the hope of unifying the Christian community to partner with The Ark to serve families in need.

Pastor Chris' Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for Your grace. You are our Provider and our Guide. You direct our steps. Today we rejoice in Your goodness. We request mercy, forgiveness, and peace. Bring us together and help us serve the hurting people with Your hope. And help us serve as one body -- united, not divided; together, not distant; eyes open to the needs of others, not with limited vision. In Christ's name, Amen.

God's Favor

2015-09-15T15:16:00.000-04:00

"Noah...walked faithfully with God." -Genesis 6:9b NIV

God used Noah to save mankind, his beloved creation who had lost their way. God's favor rests in those who walk faithfully with God.

Praise the Lord!

The Ark was awarded its second grant this week! These funds will provide scholarships to individuals and families to attend classes and groups free of charge - giving opportunity to anyone in need of The Ark's services.

Join us in prayer for...

Clarity among The Ark's leadership team as decisions about The Ark's future services to families are being made.
An upcoming event for local pastors with the hope of unifying the Christian community as we serve God's hurting people.

Pastor Chris' Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help us walk faithfully with you. During seasons of joy and seasons of stress, in moments of peace and moments of uncertainty, through journeys of health and journeys of pain, walk with us. Carry us when we are weak. Hold us when we can go no farther. Let your favor rest in us during this adventure of grace. Amen.

God's Pain

2015-09-05T13:57:00.002-04:00

“The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become … his heart was filled with pain. … God said to Noah, ‘So make yourself an ark … Go into the ark, you and your whole family.’ (Gen 6:5, 6,7:1 NIV) By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.” (Heb 11:7 NIV)

Praises:

• A teen client who came into therapy as an avowed atheist several months ago has recently become a believer in Jesus Christ. Her hardened heart has been softened by Jesus’ love and the transformation is an amazing, joyful thing to observe. Praise God!

• Progress on Paving the Way preconstruction project: 5 individuals have pledged to give $1,000 a year for 3 years.

Prayers:

• Several classes and support groups are in progress or will begin soon. Pray that people in need will be drawn to attend.

• 95 more individuals, churches, or groups are needed to pledge to Paving the Way ($1,000 a year for 3 years) for the roads, installation of utilities, architect fees, sidewalks, parking, etc.

Pastor Chris’s* Prayer: “Father, we thank you for guiding our decisions. Please continue making connections with the Paving the Way preconstruction project. Provide our present and future needs. Help us rejoice and celebrate as you direct us. In Christ's name, Amen.

* Chris Maxwell is campus pastor at Emmanuel College and serves on The Ark Advisory Council