Prayer For – Please hold all in Spokane, Washington up in your prayers.

[Larry Whitehead]

Prayer – Gram from the First Presbyterian Church of Redding

Serving Christ & Community since November 17, 1878

147 Years in Redding, California

 

 In a world filled with chaos,

we pray because prayer is the antidote to anxiety

 There simply is no greater work, no greater calling,

 no greater ministry than that of intercessory prayer.

 

 

 

August 6, 2026, (2026-37)

Requested by – Jeanie Holt

For – Please hold all in Spokane, Washington up in your prayers.

Prayer for – This request has been forwarded to us from our Presbytery, from an EPC sister church in Spokane. Please hold all in Spokane up in your prayers.

For those who know Novie and Marla Willis, former members of First Pres, for the present time they are safe. They live on the eastern side of the city in the suburbs, and have not yet been in danger. They have opened up their home to friends who have been evacuated and they also ask for your prayers.    

 

 

 

Dear friends, Many of you have called or texted over the past few days to ask how we are doing. For your sake, and honestly for mine, I thought it would be helpful to gather what we know into one update.   Spokane is currently experiencing what our mayor has called the worst natural disaster in our region’s history. As of now, Monday afternoon, August 3, three major fires are being managed together as the Spokane Complex. More than 700 structures have reportedly been destroyed, more than 8,000 acres have burned, and approximately 64,000 people have been forced to evacuate. That is CRAZY! The fires are burning on the northern edge of Spokane, directly within Mercy Spokane’s area of operations. Our home and many of the neighborhoods we are trying to reach are right in the middle of the affected area.   We had to cancel worship this past Sunday because of the evacuation orders. I would estimate that between 80 and 90 percent of Mercy Spokane’s members and regular attenders had to leave their homes.   One of the challenges of planting a church in Spokane is that the city can be remarkably parochial. Families, friendships, and community networks have often existed here for generations. In the face of disaster, however, that same rootedness has proved to be a blessing. Many of our people were able to relocate with relatives who live nearby. We are thankful for that. So far, we are not aware of any loss of life or property among Mercy Spokane’s members and attenders. At the same time, entire neighborhoods around us have been devastated. Many families have lost their homes and virtually everything they owned.   One of the most difficult aspects of the situation is the uncertainty. Beyond the evacuation orders and the heartbreaking videos circulating online and on the local news, we have very little reliable information about what is happening in particular neighborhoods. Officials have yet to tell us when evacuation orders will be lifted or when people will be able to return home. Although the fire has not reached our particular neighborhood, we have members and friends whose homes are much closer to the fire lines.   On a personal level, I’ve been reminded of my own frailty through all of this. When danger is immediate, and something needs to be done, I tend to become calm and focused. My attention narrows, and I act. That was Saturday night. By Monday morning, the immediate action had been replaced by waiting, ambiguity, and heaviness of heart. I was, and at some level still am, a wreck. I only share that to be honest about the weight of the situation and to ask for your prayers. We desperately need the Lord to show Mercy Spokane how to respond faithfully in the days ahead. Please pray: For the protection of lives, homes, firefighters, law-enforcement officers, utility crews, and everyone serving near the fire lines. For those who have lost homes, possessions, livelihoods, and places filled with generations of memories. For Mercy Spokane’s members and attenders who remain displaced or whose homes are near the affected areas. For wisdom, endurance, and clear communication for city, county, state, and federal leaders. For God to give our church’s leaders clear and practical next steps. For opportunities to bear witness to the gospel through both words and deeds, not only during the immediate crisis but throughout the long process of recovery. For emotional and spiritual strength for me, our leaders, and our entire congregation as we care for one another and our neighbors. We don’t know what the coming days will bring. We do know that Jesus has not abandoned this city, and we want to be present and faithful wherever he places us. Thank you for loving us, praying for us, and standing with Mercy Spokane. In Christ, Tommy Mercy Spokane   *Please follow us on Instagram and YouTube. Look us up or click the icons below.   You can give to Mercy Spokane by following this link: Mercy Church Spokane.

 

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Mathew 18: 19-20

 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

 

1 Corinthians 15: 57

 "Thanks be to God. He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ"

Billy Graham once said, "God Himself is the power that makes prayer work."

"The three most important things you can do are ... pray ... pray ... pray." —Billy Graham

Grace to you and peace, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

Past prayer requests can be viewed at:

http://groups.googlecom/group/fpcr_prayer_list

 The last few prayer requests were:

  

August 4, 2026, (2026-36)

Requested by – Nancy Streeter

For – Her brother Steve Streeter’s family

Prayer for – We had a wonder memorial for my brother Steve on Saturday in Davis. We had a reunion with some of Mom's cousins.  It is available to watch.  You will hear the piano before it starts.  

https://www.ucov.com/Livestream

Enjoy, Nancy Streeter

 

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July 20, 2026, (2026-36)

Requested by – Nancy Voss

For – Bertha Flanders

Prayer for – Please pray for God’s grace and mercy and peace as Bertha is very weak.

Pray for Daphne also at this difficult time.

Thank you, Nancy Voss 

(Bertha is Daphne’s Mother & Jeff Zimbalist Grandmother)

 

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July 16, 2026, (2026-35)

Requested by – Lana Hill

For – Herself

Praise for – Thank you so much for your prayers. The surgery went well and I am recovering nicely. I received the results of the biopsies today and they are benign. Praise the Lord! I felt the Lord’s “peace that goes beyond understanding” through this process. I felt held by the Lord and your prayers and I am so grateful for each of you. ♥ Your ministry of prayer is a priceless blessing with eternal value.

 Lana Hill

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July 16, 2026, (2026-34)

Requested by – Kandi M. Knapp

For – Herself

Praise for – On November 14, 2022, I was involved in an involuntary vehicle manslaughter accident in which the driver I hit died.  Today, Monday, July 13th I received a call from my attorneys stating the matter has been settled without the necessity of further proceedings.  No further appearances will be necessary.  

I wish to thank everyone for their prayers and words of comfort & encouragement throughout the past 19 months.  God has been ever present through it all.  And you have been my guarding angels. I have felt the power of your prayers every step of the way.  Thank you with all my heart.

 

God is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer in whom I trust.  I am praising God from whom all blessings flow.   Kandi

 

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 ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­This ministry is sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church of Redding, Board of Deacons. It is an electronic Prayer Chain. It will be sent by e-Mail to anyone that would like to have a written record of prayer requests, concerns, and praises. This electronic prayer list is designed to enhance the distribution of information to our congregation and friends.

 

If you have a prayer request, concern, or praise please send it by e-mail to fpcrpra...@gmail.com  or Larry Whitehead at ldw...@gmail.com It is not necessary to go through the church office. 

 

 If you are unable to send your request by e-mail, please contact your Deacon and they will assist you.

 

 If you have any suggestions about this e-Mail list, want to change your e-Mail address on this list, or wish to be removed from this e-Mail list, please contact the list manager

at: LDW...@gmail.com