September 2017 Prayers
Proverbs 18:15:  The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.

We thank all speakers at the CCIH conference for sharing their knowledge and experience and for inspiring discussion. Our prayer points this month lift up work presented at the conference and focus on the CCIH Strategic Plan Core Focus Areas, followed by links to related presentations.

All Powerpoint presentations (where available) can be found on CCIH's Slideshare channel
Week 1: September 1-8
Health Systems Strengthening and FBOs
Prayers of thanks for the work of members of the Christian Health Association of Ghana , serving the health needs of a large portion of the people of Ghana and CHAG's innovative efforts to partner with the Ministry of Health to strengthen the national health system. Presentation by Peter Yeboah of CHAG

Praise for Catholic sisters living a life of service and caring for those in need. Pray for the work of Catholic Medical Mission Board, especially CMMB efforts to ensure its programs address all components of a health system. Presentation by Paul Mikov
Week 2: September 9-16
The Church and Community-Based Primary Care
86% of people in Malawi identify as Christians, providing a tremendous opportunity for churches to reach people living with HIV through church-based support groups. Prayers of thanks for the work of World Relief to partner with local churches in Malawi and provide support groups. Presentation by Amberle Brown

Agency and ownership inspire commitment. Prayers of thanks for the work of the Anglican Diocese of Niassa in Mozambique to empower volunteers to be agents of change and teach healthy behaviors and how to prevent HIV infection in their own community. Presentation by Rebecca Vander Meulen
Week 3: September 17-24
Integration of Faith and Healthcare
Praise for nurses and for the work of Eastern Mennonite University to integrate biblical principles, including the concept of a sacred covenant between nurse and patient, into its nursing education program. Presentation by Dr. Hershberger and Dr. Tyson

"Feeding the body keeps a child alive; feeding the spirit allows him to thrive." -Dr. Richard Stellway . Pray for the work of Crisis Care Training International to treat children who experience trauma holistically. Presentation by Amy Wilson
Week 4: September 25-30
Health of Women and Children
An estimated 1,150 women are raped each day in the Democratic Republic of Congo and many believe violence in the home must be accepted by women. Samaritan's Purse is working with local churches to change attitudes that encourage gender-based violence. Pray for changes in culture and attitudes perpetuating this violence. See early program results and presentation by Emma Smith Cain
 
Stigmatization and lack of supplies for menstrual hygiene cause women and girls to miss school and work. It's Our Mission, Period! teaches that God loves women and created them with purpose. Their She's Worth It program provides sustainable solutions for menstrual hygiene to help girls and women reach their full potential. Pray for girls facing the challenges of puberty. Presentation by Donna Terpstra
Help us pray for your work. Send your concerns and praise points to  Kathy Erb so we can share them with the CCIH network.
Christian Connections for International Health