Dustin and Sherri Ellington

Dear Friends,

When you pray for others or ask them to pray for you, what kinds of prayers do you offer the most? Are they prayers of thanksgiving? Prayers for healing? Prayers for a problem to get fixed?

Here at Justo Mwale we have a theme for the 2012 academic year, Maturing in Christ. And for the past term, Dustin and his spiritual companionship group of 12 students have focused on what it might look like, alongside supporting each other with prayers for healing and other current problems, to also consistently pray “longer-term” prayers for one another’s growth and maturity in Christ. It is a great support to gather with believers and pray for one another’s current needs. We don’t want to give that up. But we also don’t want to become nearsighted, focusing only on current needs and crises. 

In the books of Ephesians and Colossians, the apostle Paul models prayer for those he knows, that they will continue to mature in Christ. Dustin’s spiritual companionship group focused on some of these this past term. Two of the group’s favorites are found in Ephesians 3:16-19 and Colossians 1:9-12.

These types of prayers are very important for long-term transformation and growth, both in individuals and the church. The theme of the academic term is growth in “Integrity and Character,” and these prayers seem quite apropos. Will you join with us, and with Dustin’s spiritual companionship group, in praying for us, our students, and the African church? Others may come to mind, too, such as your children, grandchildren, friends, and/or your own church. 

Thank you so much for your prayers and many other forms of support,

Yours in Christ,

Dustin and Sherri