Reports from Guelph and Seattle
Greetings from Greater Seattle!
Here’s what’s been happening since I last wrote. . .
In Canada: It was exciting to see firsthand how the Guelph Prays groups are working together and how God is opening more doors with partner ministries.
The scattered intercessory prayer cells, all targeting the transformation of the city, continue to multiply under both the Guelph Prays umbrella and church or para-church auspices. Let me highlight two answers to prayer:
- Since its 2019 inception, Guelph Prays has interceded for long-term responses to the homeless crisis. A newly formed volunteer-run non-profit organization – “My Own Place Guelph” plans to partner with “Indwell” (another homelessness-oriented Christian ministry some distance away). Please pray that “My Own Place Guelph” will be given legal status soon. Pray too that God would raise up more churches and individuals to provide long-term and holistic solutions for the unhoused people in Guelph.
- Guelph Prays groups have also consistently interceded for spiritual awakening at the University of Guelph. Earlier this year, several campus ministries put on an ALPHA course, which explores the foundations of the Christian faith. Most attendees were post-doctoral visiting scholars from closed countries. So thrilled with the response were the facilitators, including Jacob of Guelph Prays, that they initiated weekly dinner gatherings entitled “Faith, Food, and Friends”; these are going well. Please join me in praying that these scholars will understand and want to follow Jesus.
Unfortunately, there was also a downside to my Guelph trip: our team had to confront some unexpected—and exhausting—difficulties. Only when I returned to Seattle did I realize how drained I had become; ACTION graciously granted me a brief sabbatical for rest, reflection, and refueling. I’ll also be seeking the Lord for next steps in ministry. I covet your prayers.
In Greater Seattle: Over my years in ministry, I have seen a direct correlation between regular, intentional group prayer and community transformation. So, when Cheryl, a new church friend, asked where I could serve, I shared my burden to see more group prayer in the church. Cheryl surprised me by saying she had been sensing the same thing. When last fall we presented our vision to the pastors, they dedicated a room in the building for weekly individual and corporate prayer. The Lord has given us a small nucleus of individuals burdened to pray—for the diverse ministries in the church, the surrounding neighborhood and the city of Seattle. Please pray for discernment for next steps.
On Easter I served as a translator at a church-sponsored egg-hunt outreach to the immediate neighborhood, where there are many Spanish-speaking immigrant families. It was encouraging to see many unchurched families; some stayed for the Easter service. And yes, much prayer had preceded this outreach.
In Spain: After 3½ years since leaving Spain, friends and church leaders there have said that a visit from me would encourage them. After much prayer, I am probing to see if the Lord would open the doors to travel there in late Fall. Pray that I would know if this is indeed God’s timing, and if so that all the details would fall in place.
Thank you for your continuing prayer and financial support. A recent birthday has prompted both gratitude and serious commitment to prepare, in this step-back season, for what the Lord has for me next.
Mary Woodward
GIVING: BY CHECK:
ACTION US
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Mountlake Terrace WA 98024
Designated for Mary Woodward as monthly, one-time, or 2026 Ministry Trips.
ONLINE: Go to www.actioninternational.org/missionary/Mary-Woodward then designate by pressing “add instructions to the finance office” on the check-out page.