Unbound Prayer Partners

December 5, 2016

Worth the wait Throughout the Advent/Christmas season, our weekly ePrayers include a special series of reflections on the upcoming Sunday readings. This reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent is from Unbound Writer/Editor Jordan Kimbrell. As a child, there was always excitement in seeing the wrapped presents appear under the Christmas tree, knowing that there would be a couple of surprises waiting for me on Christmas morning. Unlike my older brother, who would do everything he could to find out what his gifts were, I relished the anticipation. Waiting to find out what my gifts would be made unwrapping the doll, book or even (yes I'll admit to it) 'NSYNC tickets that much more special. After all, they do say that good things come to those who wait. The second reading for this Sunday is all about waiting. Or, more accurately, the patience required of those who wait. The reading tells us to "Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains." (James 5:7) But waiting the few weeks between the tree going up and Christmas morning is nothing compared to the patience of some of those waiting to be sponsored through Unbound. While most children, youth and elders eligible for sponsorship are sponsored less than a year after their first photo is taken, there are some, typically elders, individuals with special needs and older students, who wait longer. Emerson, 24, is from Guatemala and has been waiting five years for a new sponsor. He was born with learning disabilities that make speaking difficult and prevent him from working or learning to read and write. Despite these challenges, he helps out with household chores and enjoys caring for his pigs. After his previous sponsor had to end the sponsorship, Emerson continued to receive support through Unbound, but he hasn't had the encouragement that can come from a one-to-one relationship with a sponsor. He and his family have demonstrated patience, waiting for the chance to open a letter from a sponsor across the world who believes in Emerson's potential. As the second reading says, "You too must be patient. … Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord." This is a lesson that Emerson seems to have taken to heart.

Lord, grant us the ability to be patient and the wisdom to know when waiting will bring greater good. Thank you for the example of patience Emerson and others who are waiting for sponsors have provided. May their patience be rewarded and may they soon receive a sponsor's letter full of encouragement and love. We ask this in your name. Amen.

Blessings,
Unbound Prayer Team
P.S. We welcome you to submit your prayer requests to us. These prayers are offered in the chapel at Unbound's headquarters in Kansas City and are not shared publicly. Submit a prayer request.