By Richard and Lenora Priestley 

We always knew prayer was important, at least in our heads, but to see it actually working was another matter!

Prayer is the backbone of all that WEC seeks to accomplish for God

Since we joined the WEC UK Network in 2004, we have realised that prayer is the backbone of all that WEC seeks to accomplish for God. There were 11 prayer groups in the North-West at that time. We made it a priority to visit them all as soon as we could. What did we find?

They were nearly all discouraged by increasing age, infirmity and declining numbers. Instead, we were hugely encouraged by their commitment, their up-to-date knowledge and their fervent prayer. One lady had only missed one or two meetings in 36 years!

These people are wonderful: making notes, missing nothing, praying both in the group and at home. Some are terrific also at writing to missionaries. Some may not be particularly mobile, or well-educated, or youthful, or especially healthy, but they all pack a real punch when it comes to praying for WEC. Well, they all ended up being encouraged again!

Groups increasing in numbers and size 

One group, thinking it was about to die, chose instead to set a target of 10 members by June 2005. They now have 9 regulars! We now have a further five groups that have started over the past two years. We are hoping that our new workers will gather around them more praying people from their churches who could form the nucleus of new groups. Watch this space!

Praying really is something everybody can do, whatever their circumstances. It is much easier in a group of like-minded people. It is also wonderfully effective. WEC’s work of ‘reaching the unreached’ cannot progress without it. So why not step out and help us?

Richard and Lenora Priestley represent WEC in the north-west of England

(From the March-April 2008 Worldwide magazine)

Learn about local prayer groups or other ways to receive prayer information