From:-
TORCH TRUST, Torch House, Torch Way, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9HL, U.K.
Telephone: +44(0)1858 438260, Fax: +44(0)1858 438275, email: info@torchtrust.org
The Torch Trust for the Blind, registered charity number 1095904.
"Why is there so little anxiety to get time to pray? Why is there so much speaking, yet so little prayer? Why is there so much running to and fro, yet so little prayer? Why so much bustle and business, yet so little prayer?"
Horatio Bonar
Be very careful, then, how you live ... making the most of every opportunity ... understand what the Lord's will is ... Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs ... always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank God for His provision for Torch over the past 52 years.
Thank God for all He has blessed us with, fine buildings, good equipment, and more.
For God's guidance – that we may do His will and do it His way.
That God will provide all that is needed to support all that He is leading us into.
For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: "The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land." [v. 14]
Matthew Henry's Commentary says of this passage: "It is promised to those who trust in God, that they shall not be ashamed in evil times; in days of famine they shall be satisfied."
"Fan the Flame". That's the theme we believe the Lord gave us for this year. It's tempting to ask where are the resources to make the promised gift happen. We believe this is a time, when like the widow of Zarepheth, we need to trust that in our days of need, the flour and oil will not run out, that the Lord will indeed satisfy us with good things.
Let's trust our God for:
New books for the library;
Better resources for those new to the sight loss journey;
The regular donations through standing order and direct debit that bring a measure of stability to Torch's finances.
Elisha said, "Go round and ask all your neighbours for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few" ... They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. [v. 3, 5]
Lord, help us to be visionary with our resources. We look to You to replenish what we commit to Your work.
For the provision of restricted funds – the money that is given for specific purposes - that enables Torch to undertake project over and above our regular activities.
The Braille Bibles for Africa fund is enabling the distribution of volumes from the production unit in Malawi, against a backdrop of severe local inflation.
Provision of food for the blind people, particularly in southern Malawi during the hunger months from now until April, which has not been helped by recent flooding (last year there was no harvest).
Replacement of equipment and some maintenance work has been put off due to concern about funds - pray for resources to meet these needs which cannot be met from routine income.
Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the maker of heaven and earth ... the Lord, who remains faithful for ever.
Think of your life as a journey ... and the Lord particular need? Reflect on this ... thank Him ... that He knows you by name and continues to lead to "good pasture".
Give thanks for the Regional Coordinators. Pray for those regions where we have none.
Pray for the towns/cities where we hope to see new TFGs: Leamington, Wolverhampton, Derby, Cardiff, Carmarthen, Salisbury, Barking, Haywards Heath and Dover.
Continue to pray for the development of TorchTalk telephone friendship Groups.
Thanks for God's provision already through grants.
Pray for God's wisdom in seeking grants to sustain and develop our work.
For the of implementing the 5-Year Strategic Plan which requires extra resources, that it is not thwarted through lack of funds.
... grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work [v. 16]
"... so every individual has a responsibility to discover what he is made for. After he has discovered his calling he should set out to do it with all the strength and power in his being. He should do it as if God Almighty called him to do it."
Martin Luther King
That God will bless those who contribute financially with an awareness that under
God's direction they have been the means of bringing blessing to others.
For the development of our technical services so that we can better serve more people.
Thank God for His provision of technology and the skill and creativity to use it.
For the recruitment of those staff who God has prepared for work with Torch.
That God will provide for the living needs of Torch staff.
That the legacies that are so vital to Torch's finances may continue to come at just the right time.
We are to give thanks and praise Him in all circumstances.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord:
Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice.
Tender to me the promise of His word;
In God my Saviour shall my heart rejoice.
Tell out, my soul, the glories of His word:
Firm is His promise, and His mercy sure.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord
To children's children and for evermore.
Thank God for all the amazing testimonies and lives changed through the ministry of Torch Holidays
That God will continue to use Torch Holidays to be a "safe" and special place for God to speak into the lives of people with sight loss.
Thank God for His provision of great staff and volunteers.
For Torch Holidays and Centre bookings.
For God's provision of finances to upgrade our facilities with more ensuite rooms.
That awareness of Torch's catalogue of accessible Christian Resources will grow.
Torch Trust: vision for people with sight loss
February 2012