May 2014
Dear friend,
From Curitiba, Brazil, I greet you warmly in Jesus’ matchless name! This city is filled with memories for me: I was born here. I got married here in a small chapel on the hill. And our three children were born here also. I remember the overwhelming sense of awe and responsibility I felt when holding those little bundles of joy in my arms! I also remember the physical pain, the sleepless nights, and the hard work. Indeed, children are gifts from God – but motherhood is not for the faint of heart, is it?
Someone said, “Mothers must give two things to their children, roots and wings: roots to ground their character formation in God’s Word and ways; and wings to let them fly away to build their families and become productive members of society.” Ultimately, mothers must give them wings to fly back to God, to whom they belong in the first place.
I remember how overwhelmed I felt to know that my babies came without any instructions! To give them what they need for life and godliness has been my greatest challenge. It requires much godly wisdom and strength. My dear mother-in-law used to say, “Raising children is working on your knees.” This work requires praying day and night for them and standing strong between them and the enemy; tirelessly knocking at heaven’s doors – because that’s where mothers receive wisdom.
I know mothers who were rejected by their own parents’ at birth. Others were hurt badly by their own mothers. Without any investment of true love and wisdom into their lives, they became embittered. Many have never known what it means to have the loving support and respect of a husband. How will they know how to love and respect their children? My heart aches for them.
I also think of Christian mothers struggling to raise kids in God’s ways. Sometimes it seems that we are losing the battle for the hearts and minds of our children. As Christians, we cannot afford NOT to pray for those raising the next generation. They need special wisdom and much strength to counterbalance the onslaught of godless values spread by the media. As people of hope, we stand in the gap for mothers and believe that Jesus will give hope to the hopeless and strength to the weak. Will you “work on your knees” for them this month?
God bless you!
Marli Spieker
Global Ministry Director/Founder
Project Hannah
TWR