The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, "Hosanna to the son of David," they were indignant.
"Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him.
  "Yes," replied Jesus, 'have you never read,
   'From the lips of children and infants
   you have ordained praise'?"
(Matthew 21:14-16)


KidLife is a huge outreach event that will take place at Dawson June 1st-5th. Children ages 4 (by Sept. 1, 2009) through Grade 6 (completed) will participate.  Approximately 40% of the children will be visitors to Dawson, so this is a wonderful mission opportunity.

Dawson's Summer Day Camps take place throughout the summer, reaching many children with the love of God.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for the cross and the hope of resurrection in Jesus Christ..
2. Thank God for loving us as His children.
3. Intercede for KidLife Week and Summer Day Camps:
   -for many children to be reached with God's love
   -for the children to carry what they learn back to their families and friends 
   -for leaders to be strengthened and blessed 

Oh the depths of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! 
  How unsearchable his judgments,
  and his paths beyond tracing out!
Who has known the mind of the Lord?
  Or who has been his counselor?
Who has ever given to God,
  that God should repay him?
For from him and to him and through him are all things,
  To him be glory and honor forever! Amen.
(Romans 11:33-36)

Dawson's Medical Apartment Ministry assists with cleaning and maintaining apartments for families of hospitalized patients. Volunteers clean, do chores, and visit with residents. The group meets the third Thursday of each month at 9:15 a.m. The group is currently collecting canned goods to re-stock the pantries of the apartments. Please place donations in the box near the Receptionist's Desk in the North Building.

Sisters in Action volunteer on the fourth Tuesday of each month to serve at the Medical Apartments and with M-POWER Ministries: www.mpowerministries.org.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His limitless wisdom and power.
2. Thank God for the medical community and for organizations like M-POWER that serve our city.
3. Intercede for the Medical Apartment Ministry and Sisters in Action:
    -for wisdom in ministering to physical and spiritual needs 
    -for the families of medical patients to be strengthened and encouraged
    -for special opportunities and provision for individuals receiving help at M-POWER Ministries 

"Praise the LORD, O my soul;
  all my inmost being praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
  and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins
  and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
  and crowns you with love and compassion,
(Psalm 103:1-4)
 
Dawson's TV Ministry records the Sunday morning service each Sunday for it to be televised the next Sunday. You can tune in to watch Dawson services on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. on CBS 42. This ministry is especially meaningful for those physically unable to attend church.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His healing power.
2. Thank God for His gracious compassion and forgiveness.
3.  Intercede for Dawson's TV Ministry: 
    -that many would come to know Christ and grow in His love through this ministry
    -that those physically unable to attend church will be encouraged and strengthened
    -for the volunteers to grow in number and be blessed by their humble service

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding." (Ephesians 1:3-8) 

"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus . . . And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God." 
(Philippians 1:4-6, 9-11)

Dawson's Intercessory Prayer Team prays weekly for individuals who have submitted prayer requests and for a variety of prayer concerns.

"Sing to the LORD a new song,
   for he has done marvelous things;
   his right hand and his holy arm
   have worked salvation for him."
(Psalm 98:1)

The Connection Worship Service is a new ministry for persons suffering dementia. It also ministers to caregivers by enabling them to attend the 11:00 a.m. worship service.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for this new day to serve Him.
2. Thank God for His perfect plan of salvation.
3. Intercede for the Connection Worship Service and the lives it will touch:
   -for volunteers with a heart and passion for this ministry
   -for participants and caregivers to be encouraged and impacted
   -for a deeper knowledge of God's love for all involved
  

"Praise the LORD, O my soul.
  O LORD my God, you are very great;
  you are clothed with splendor and majesty.
He wraps himself in light as with a garment;
  he stretches out the heavens like a tent . . .
May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
  may the LORD rejoice in his works"
(Psalm 104:1-2, 31)

Dawson's "Hemmed in Prayer" Ministry meets once a month to sew clothes for missions teams to take and give away.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His beauty and majesty.
2. Thank God for the way He provides.
3. Intercede for Hemmed in Prayer:
   -for the volunteers to be encouraged as they sew and for God to bless the work of their hands
   -for each person receiving clothing to be touched with the love of Christ
 

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him or knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live."
(John 14:16-19)

Dawson's Ukraine mission team will use sports camps to minister to approximately 100 orphans, ages 6-18.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His truth!
2. Thank God for never leaving us and for sending the Holy Spirit to live in us.
3. Intercede for the orphans of Ukraine and the Dawson mission team
    -for openness among the youth to receive the love of their Father in heaven 
    -for physical, emotional, and spiritual wholeness and healing for the orphans
    -for the team to be strong in their witness and effective in their ministry

"Shout with joy to God, all the earth!
  Sing the glory of his name;
    make his praise glorious!
  Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!
    So great is your power
    that your enemies cringe before you."
(Psalm 66:1-3)

This summer, the Middle School Choir will minister through music in Nashville, TN, and the Chapel Choir will minister in St. Louis and Kansas City.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His sovereign power.
2. Thank God for His loving discipline.
3. Intercede for Dawson's student choir tours:
  -for people to be moved to worship God 
  -for the students to grow in their relationship with God and be bold in their witness
  -for safe travels and opportunities to share Christ along the way

"From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
  the name of the LORD is to be praised.
The LORD is exalted over all the nations,
  his glory above the heavens.
Who is like the LORD our God,
  the One who sits enthroned on high,
who stoops down to look
  on the heavens and the earth?"
(Psalm 113:3-6)

In partnership with Global Outreach, Dawson's mission team will conduct a pastor training school for local pastors, host a medical clinic, and do construction work.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His eternal power and presence.
2. Thank God for the opportunity to share the gospel with our neighbors nearby and in other nations.
3. Intercede for the people of Ecuador and for Dawson's mission team:
   -for wisdom and guidance for the pastors
   -for effective medical ministry and evangelism
   -for safety in travel

"Praise the Lord with the harp;
  make music to him on the ten-string lyre.
Sing to him a new song;
  play skillfully and shout for joy.
For the word of the Lord is right and true;
  he is faithful in all he does.
The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
  the earth is full of his unfailing love."
(Psalm 33:2-5)

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His generosity and faithfulness.
2. Thank God for the talents He has given you to share with others.
3. Intercede for the Dawson Music Academy and the Dawson Orchestra:
  -for DMA students to continue to grow and use their talents for God's glory
  -for DMA teachers and Orchestra members to be encouraged and strengthened as they serve
  -for people to draw near to God as these groups minister through music

   "A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
   Thomas said to him, 'My Lord and my God!'
  Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'"
(John 20:26-29)
  
The Dawson Egg Hunt is a time of fellowship and outreach as families from all over the area enjoy egg hunts, pony rides, train rides, inflatables, games, and more.  This year, the Egg Hunt is Saturday, April 4, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.  Invite your friends and neighbors!

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for the hope we have in Christ.
2. Thank Jesus for the peace he gives us.
3. Intercede for the Dawson Egg Hunt:
    -for volunteers to be empowered and equipped as they minister to the children and families
    -for hope in the risen Lord to be shared and received
    -for those in need of a church home to return to worship

"I will come and proclaim your mighty acts,
  O Sovereign Lord;
I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.
Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,
  and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds." 
(Psalm 71:16-17)

Centrifuge is a life-changing summer camp experience for students in grades 6-8. This year, the students will travel to Jefferson City, TN, July 6-11. 

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for a mighty act He has done in your life.
2. Thank God for something He is teaching you.
3. Intercede for the students and leaders going to Centrifuge:
    -for God to raise up a generation of Christian leaders
    -for the youth to draw near to God and live for Him with passion
    -for students and leaders to grow in God's Word

"Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
   my chosen one in whom I delight;
   I will put my Spirit on him
   and he will bring justice to the nations."
(Isaiah 42:1)

Dawson's Honduras mission team will minister to rescued street boys at Forgotten Children's Ministries and participate in a community food ministry. To learn more about this important mission, watch the 10:00 news on CBS 42 on Wednesday, April 1. A story will air featuring Dawson member Stephen Hauck and his two recent trips to Honduras to work with Forgotten Children's Ministries. Please pray for many viewers to be reached by Stephen's Christian witness.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His justice and mercy.
2. Thank Jesus for coming to serve and lay down His life for us.
3. Intercede for the people of Honduras and for Dawson's mission team:
   -for protection, provision, and healing for children living on the streets
   -for hearts to be opened to the love of Christ
   -for safety, boldness, and and humility for the team
   -for the people of Birmingham to be moved by Stephen's testimony on the 10:00 news

"I will sing of the LORD's great love forever;
  with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.
I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
  that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself."
(Psalm 89:1-2)

The Dawsonaires rehearse each Thursday morning and sing once a month in nursing homes. The choir is making a ministry trip to Mobile April 19-23.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness through all generations.
2. Thank God for standing with us always. Thank Him for people who have stood by you over the years.
3. Intercede for the Dawsonaires and for those in nursing homes:
    -to gain an ever deeper knowledge of God's love
    -to experience the peace of Christ and enjoy fellowship in His presence
    -to be blessed and be a blessing through the ministry trip to Mobile

"Therfore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:1)

Dawson's Brazil mission team will serve in one of the barrios of the capital city, Brasilia. The team will help build a church facility for a local congregation and will assist missionary Joyce Hancock with her vocational job training ministry.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His great mercy.
2. Thank God for making us new in Jesus Christ.
3. Intercede for the people of Brazil and for the Dawson mission team:
    -for provision and salvation for the Brazilian people
    -for the work of church to be furthered and its building plans to go as scheduled
    -for safety, humility, and strength for Dawson's mission team

"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." (Ephesians 2:19-21)

This June, Dawson Builders will help construct a mission church facility with First Baptist Church of Monroe, Ohio.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise Jesus for being our chief cornerstone!
2. Thank God for welcoming us into His household.
3. Intercede for the Dawson Builders and First Baptist Church of Monroe, Ohio:
    -for Monroe's congregation and ministries to grow and be strengthened
    -for provision and protection throughout the building process
    -for unity, growth, and blessings for all the builders

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17)

World Changers provides the opportunity for students and adults to serve communities across the U.S. by conducting Backyard Bible Clubs and doing construction work for those in need. This year, Dawson's team will serve in Rock Hill, South Carolina (June 20-27).

Prayer Focuses for the Day: 
1. Praise God for His constant presence and provision.
2. Thank God for the volunteers that serve our community.
3. Intercede for World Changers:
    -for the needs of the people in Rock Hill, SC
    -for lives to be transformed by the gospel
    -for the students and adults to grow closer to Christ

Within your temple, O God,
  we meditate on your unfailing love.
Like your name, O God,
  your praise reaches to the ends of the earth;
  your right hand is filled with righteousness. 
(Psalm 48:9-10)

Dawson's Sunday School Ministry provides Christian education for preschool, children, students, and adults. 

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His righteousness and unfailing love.
2. Thank God for making His Word available to us.
3. Intercede for the Sunday School Ministry:
    -for teachers and students to be attentive to God's Word and empowered by the Spirit
    -for Christ-centered friendships and uplifting fellowship
    -for spiritual growth and boldness in sharing Christ and living out the faith

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and in purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."  
(Philippians 2:1-3)

Connect 3-on-3 is a basketball tournament sponsored by Dawson's Recreation Ministry. It will be held Saturday, May 16, in the Palisades parking lot. There are plenty of opportunities to serve at this event! Volunteers are needed to greet the community, keep score, serve food, help with the Family Fun Zone, and more. For more information, visit www.connect3on3.com/birmingham or contact Eric Hill at eric.hill@dawsonchurch.org.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise Jesus for His humility and servant's heart - that He would come to dwell with us!
2. Thank God for being united with Him and for having fellowship with the Spirit
3. Intercede for Dawson's Recreation Ministry and the Connect 3-on-3 basketball tournament:
    -for the Recreation Ministry to be strengthened and equipped to reach out to the community
    -for individuals who are disconnected from Christ and the church to be reached and encouraged
    -for friendships to be established and doors opened to share the gospel

    

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:15-17)

Together for Life is a 13-week marriage preparation course for nearly weds and newlyweds. The class is offered on Sundays at 9:40 a.m. beginning in August and February of each year.

The Dynamic Marriage Seminar is a small group for married and engaged couples that helps couples grow in a fulfilling partnership. 

Prayer Focuses for the Day;
1. Praise God for the mystery of the Trinity and for His desire to be in relationship with us.
2. Thank God for His plan for marriage and for couples in your life who demonstrate His love.
3. Intercede for Together for Life and the Dynamic Marriage Seminar:
    -for couples to grow in love and faithfulness to God and one another
   

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:14-20)

Downtown Men's Lunch is held on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Summit Club. Dr. Fenton is leading a Bible study entitled "Proverbs: From the Daily Grind to the Grand Design." All men are invited.

The Dawson Men's Retreat is coming up May 1-3. This year's theme is "Red Letter Men - Living the Life Christ Commanded." The cost for the weekend at Children's Harbor is $65 and includes meals and lodging. Activities include teaching time with author Tom Davis, small group meetings, free time, water sports, and more. 

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His provision protection, and Fatherly love.
2. Thank God for your father.
3. Intercede for the men attending Downtown Men's Lunch and the Dawson Men's Retreat
    -that they would grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ 
    -that they would be strengthened through the Holy Spirit to be Godly leaders
    -for wisdom and guidance in making decisions relating to family, work, and finances

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
  his love endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say this--
  those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
those he gathered from the lands, 
  from east and west, from north and south.
(Psalm 107:1-3)

This summer, a Dawson mission team will conduct a youth camp for children representing a mixture of Anglo, Burundi, Hispanic, and Vietnamese cultures. An information meeting for those interested in serving will be held at Dawson this Sunday, March 22, at 5:00 p.m. in Room 257 North.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for people of different cultures.
2. Thank God for redeeming us and making us His children.
3. Intercede for the children of Phoenix and for Dawson's mission team:
   -for hearts to opened to God's love
   -for families to be united and strengthened 
   -for provision, guidance, and growth for all

The heavens declare the glory of God;
  the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour fourth speech
  night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language
  where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the world
  their words to the ends of the earth. . .
(Psalm 19:1-4a) 

Dawson's Conversational English Ministry offers free classes for Internationals to develop their English skills. This powerful ministry reaches people from a number of countries right here in Birmingham.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His universal glory and truth--the same in every language
2. Thank God for the gift of language and speech.
3. Intercede for the Conversational English Ministry
    -for the hope of Christ to dwell in each student's heart 
    -for empowerment to master the English language
    -for spiritual guidance and discernment for teachers as they seek to share Christ

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
(Luke 1:40-45)

Moms & More is a monthly Bible study for young mothers led by Alta Faye Fenton. Groups meet at 9:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. 

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for the gift of His Son, born of the virgin Mary. 
2. Thank God for your mother.
3. Intercede for Moms & More:
    -for spiritual growth and uplifting fellowship
    -for wisdom and guidance in parenting
    -for energy and strength for each new day

"Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:22)

This Spring Break (March 14-18), 150 students and leaders are drawing near to God at a retreat in Panama City, FL. The theme for the week is "Journey: The Journey Is the Destination." Students in grades 8-12 will learn about God's will for their lives.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for the ability to call on Him and draw near to Him.
2. Thank God for the young people in your life.
3. Intercede for the students and leaders at Breakaway: 
    -for spiritual discernment and discipline
    -for boldness and strength to pursue faith, love, and purity

"As a Father has compassion on his children,
  so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed;
  he remembers that we are dust.
As for man, his days are like grass,
  he flourishes like a flower of the field;
the wind blows over it and it is gone,
  and its place remembers it no more.
But from everlasting to everlasting
  the Lord's love is with those who fear him,
  and his righteousness with their children's children"
(Psalm 103:13-17)

This summer, a Dawson mission team will minister to children and families on a Navajo reservation in Fort Wingate, New Mexico.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His everlasting love.
2. Thank God for remembering His promises.
3. Intercede for the people of Fort Wingate and for Dawson's New Mexico mission team.
    -for provision, guidance, and strength
    -for hearts to be opened to God's love
    -for lives to be transformed through Christ

"O God, you are my God,
  earnestly I seek you;
  my soul thirsts for you,
  my body longs for you,
  in a dry and weary land
  where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary
  and beheld your power and glory.
Because your love is better than life,
  my lips will glorify you."
(Psalm 63:1-3) 

The Linn Park Ministry serves meals, shares devotions, and spends time visiting with the homeless in Linn Park on the second Friday of each month at 6:00 p.m. 

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God that everything belongs to Him.
2. Thank Him for the support of a loving community.
3. Intercede for the Linn Park Ministry:
     -for the physical and spiritual needs of the homeless
     -for the body of Christ to unite in service and compassion

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
  your works are wonderful to me,
  I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
  when I was made in the secret place.
  when I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
  All the days ordained for me
  were written in your book
  before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, oh God!
  How vast is the sum of them!"
Psalm 119:14-17

The Hearts and Hands Ministry provides children with special needs (age 3 through 6th grade) assistance in age-appropriate Sunday School and worship classes.  Each child is assigned a team of buddies that rotates on a monthly schedule. The Hearts and Hands Ministry is lay-led and staffed by volunteers who have a heart for ministry.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for the wonderful way He has made you.
2. Thank God for the wonderful people in your life.
3. Intercede for Hearts and Hands:
    -for participants and families to experience God's love
    -for volunteers to gain insight and grow in understanding through this ministry opportunity 
    -for God to continue to raise up servants with a passion for this cause

You guide me with your counsel,
  and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
  and earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
  but God is the strength of my heart
  and my portion forever.
(Psalm 73:24-26)

The Samaritan Counseling Center's mission is to offer quality Christian Pastoral Counseling, which will provide clients with the opportunity to move toward emotional, relational, and spiritual healing, wholeness, and personal growth; and to provide educational and related services to congregations as a witness to the love of God, revealed in Jesus Christ.  A branch office is hosted at Dawson, where Licensed Professional Counselors Bart Grooms and Caroline Nichols provide services for individuals, couples, families, children and teenagers.

1. Praise God for His wisdom and understanding. 
2. Thank God for the people in your life who have provided good counsel.
3. Intercede for the Samaritan Counseling Center and those seeking counsel.
     -for wisdom, understanding, guidance, and grace for Samaritan counselors
     -for emotional, relational, and spiritual healing and growth for clients

"O LORD, our Lord,
  how majestic is your name in all the earth!
  You have set your glory
  above the heavens.
From the lips of children and infants
  you have ordained praise . . ."
(Psalm 8:1-2a)

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise the Lord for His majesty and beauty.
2. Thank God for the gift of children.
3.  Intercede for Cradle Care and the Preschool Ministry.
     -for protection and health for infants and preschoolers and eyes to see God  
     -for wisdom and guidance for new and expectant parents
     -for spiritual strength and blessings for volunteers 

"Do you not know?
   Have you not heard?
   The LORD is the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
   He will not grow tired or weary,
   and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary
   and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;  

but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
   They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow wear,
   they will walk and not be faint.
(Isaiah 40:28-31)


Dawson's annual Perseverance 5K is this Saturday, March 14, at 8:00 a.m. Participants will join together for a 5K run/walk and one-mile Family Fun Run.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His creating power and infinite strength.
2. Thank God for the strength and hope He provides.
3. Intercede for those volunteering and participating in Dawson's Perseverance 5K.
    -for physical and spiritual perseverance and strength
    -for the body of Christ to recognize and reach out to newcomers and non-church members
    -for God to be glorified by all participating

"Sing to the Lord all the earth;
  proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
  his marvelous deeds among all people.
For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
  he is to be feared above all gods."
(I Chronicles 16:23-29)

Forty-three members of Dawson's Sanctuary Choir are currently serving on a ministry trip to China. 

1. Praise God for his marvelous deeds
2. Thank God for the gift of music
3. Intercede for the people of China and the Sanctuary Choir:
    -for hearts to be opened to Christ
    -for the body of believers in China to grow and be strengthened
    -for safety in travel for the choir

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
  will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress.
  my God, in whom I trust.'
Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
  and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers,
  and under his wings you will find refuge;
  his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."
(Psalm 91:1-4)
 
Dawson's Military Ministry meets monthly to write encouraging notes and pray for the troops. Dawson members are invited to turn in the names of family and friends currently serving to be touched by the Military Ministry. 

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for being our refuge, fortress, and shield.
2. Thank God for all who have served and are serving our country.
3. Intercede for the troops, their families, and for the Military Ministry 
      -for physical and spiritual protection
      -for comfort, strength, and peace in trying circumstances
      -for guidance in ministering to the needs of the troops

"Every day they continued to meet in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:46-47)

Journey Life Groups are small groups that meet for the purpose of helping people live out their faith together. Groups gather to share meals, engage in Bible study and discussion, take the Lord's Supper, and serve the community.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1.  Praise God for His great purposes and for allowing us to serve Him. 2.  Thank Him for Christian fellowship. 3.  Intercede for the leaders and members of Journey Life Groups. 
       -for spiritual growth and deeper relationships with Christ
       -that God would add to their numbers
       -for the unchurched to be reached through their ministry

  "Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. 
  He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
  'The Spirit of the Lord is on me, 
    because he has anointed me 
    to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
   and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
   to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.'"
(Luke 4:14-19)

On May 2, a Dawson mission team will serve with the Spirit of Luke ministry in Coy, Alabama, (Wilcox County) to provide a medical clinic, food, clothing, and children's activities for the community. 

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise Jesus for the power in His name.
2. Thank Him for the freedom, recovery, and good news He has brought.
3. Intercede for the Spirit of Luke ministry and the people of Wilcox County.
     -for medical and financial provision
     -for opportunities to share the good news 
     -for spiritual freedom in Jesus the Christ

"All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord,
and all the families of the nations will bow down before him,
for dominion belongs to the Lord
and he rules over the nations."
(Psalm 22:27-28)

This coming April, a Dawson mission team will travel to Indonesia in Southeast Asia to provide English language education and share the love of Christ. With an estimated population of around 237 million people, Indonesia is the world's fourth most populous country and the most populous Muslim-majority nation.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His power and wonder.
2. Thank God that he rules and reigns over all nations.
3. Intercede for the people of Indonesia and for Dawson's Indonesia mission team.
    -for a spiritual hunger among the people to receive Christ
    -for humility and boldness for team members as they serve and witness
    -for safety in travel
    -for rich fellowship through Christ for all 
   
     
    

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." --2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Ministry Profile:
The Stephen Ministry provides support for persons in crisis and undergoing major transitions.

Prayer focuses for the day: 
1. Praise God our Father for His kindness, compassion, and comfort.
2. Thank God for the comfort He has brought you in difficult times.
3. Intercede for the Stephen Ministry and for those in crisis
    -for wisdom and guidance in sharing God's love
    -for empowerment to comfort others
    -for abundant peace, joy, and hope 

“Praise be to you, O LORD; 
  teach me your decrees.

With my lips I recount 
  all the laws that come from your mouth.

I rejoice in following your statutes 
  as one rejoices in great riches.

I meditate on your precepts 
  and consider your ways.

I delight in your decrees; 
  I will not neglect your word.”
(Psalm 119:12-16)

Scripture Seekers is a Bible memory program for students in 4th-6th grades. The preteens have been hard at work memorizing Scripture, while Sunday School students in 1st-3rd grades have been memorizing the books of the Bible. 

Prayer focuses for the day:
1. Praise God for His wisdom and knowledge.
2. Thank God for what He has revealed in Scripture.
3. Intercede for young students memorizing God's word.
    -Spiritual growth and understanding 
    -Recall of Scripture 
    -Love for God and and obedience to His commands 

"I will exalt you, my God the King; 
  I will praise your name for ever and ever. 
Every day I will praise you 
  and extol your name for ever and ever." 
(Psalm 145:1-2) 

Take a moment to:
1. Praise God’s name!... 
2. Thank God for specific ways He has blessed our church family.
3. Intercede for Dawson’s 40 Days of Prayer. 
    -that God would be glorified each day and His will be done 
    -that the Dawson Family of Faith would be spiritually united and strengthened
    -that the ministries and mission teams would go forth equipped to further God’s kingdom