Retiring prayer coordinator reflects

During her nine years as administrative assistant, one of Deb Den Herder’s greatest joys was working with the many volunteers who came in to stuff envelopes. She also served as prayer coordinator for seven years. (Photo by Dan Breen)

SIOUX FALLS, SD—As I begin my retirement on October 1, I have very mixed feelings. Being the prayer coordinator has given me the chance to read about the life of the ministries and their directors, to share their thanksgivings and requests.

I had a front row seat to see how God has answered prayers. I became involved in world issues I wouldn’t have known about otherwise – wars in Ukraine and Myanmar, conflicts in Haiti, government corruption and the poor economy in almost all of our ministry areas. Some ministries graduated out of the Luke Society, but we have had several new ministries become part of this family.

There have been joyful prayer requests when babies are born, when children marry, when grandbabies join the family. During the COVID-19 pandemic we rejoiced when directors and their families were healed from the virus.

I have also shared sorrow. Two of our directors died – Dr. Ousmane Soh and Dr. Hyacinthe Tudiabioko. And one of our board of directors and dear friend, Marty Ozinga, also went home to Jesus.

I have enjoyed working with my fellow staff members and enjoyed sharing life with them. I love working with the Luke Society and with the people that are part of it. We are a family and we pray for each other. I have felt the power of those prayers when our family went through difficult times.

I thank all of our prayer warriors for blessing this ministry by lifting your prayers to our heavenly Father and ask that you continue to storm the gates of heaven with your prayers. Blessings to all of you!

The full October GAP newsletter can be viewed below by toggling between the two images.