... The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16b

"Parents, it's 11 p.m. Do you know where your children are?"

That was the public service announcement that came at the end of a news program at the community where I was speaking. Apparently, enough children had been accosted and gotten into trouble that the community had set a curfew for young teens. This was the town's way of advising parents the world can be a dangerous place, and they ought to keep track of their young ones.

Keeping track of her daughter, Annie, is what Gertrude Kamanga was doing in her African country of Malawi.

Kamanga knew that many of her community's youngsters had gotten involved with drugs, alcohol and sexual abuse. Some had even disappeared -- never to be heard from again. Fearing for her daughter's life and safety, Kamanga went out and searched in the normal places Annie liked to visit.

At one location, Annie's friends told her, "Check the Lutheran Hour Ministries office."

Although their family was Muslim and the possibility of Annie visiting a Christian site such as our office seemed implausible, Kamanga went to the office. There she was told, "Yes, Annie has been here ... has spent most of the afternoon here ... and she left only a few minutes ago." Then the Lutheran Hour staff told the relieved mother, "Your daughter and her friends often come here to learn about the crucified and risen Redeemer."

That could have been the end of the story, but Kamanga asked some questions.

As a good parent, she wanted to know what her daughter was learning. The staff shared that Annie played games, watched movies, participated in a Bible club, and was involved with a Bible Correspondence Course. When she was shown the class, Kamanga wanted to know how much the course cost.

Because of the support of Lutheran Hour people, she was told the class was free.

That also could be the end of the story. It could be, but it isn't. By the Holy Spirit's power, Kamanga was brought to faith in the risen Redeemer. She has been referred to a local congregation and asks that you remember her Muslim husband in your prayers.

This really takes us to the point of this devotion. Will you not pray for Gertrude, Annie and their yet-to-be-converted husband and father? Will you not pray for the millions of Gertrudes and Annies?

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, the Holy Spirit has given me faith in the Redeemer. Now I ask that His work upon those who are still lost may prove to be effective. Touch hearts and make them receptive to the salvation which is theirs through the crucified and risen Redeemer. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Ezekiel 20-21    2 Timothy 4

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