wfn.org | Presbyterian Mariners Calls For Family Prayers on Sept. 20

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8-September-1998 
98292 
 
    Presbyterian Mariners Calls For 
    Family Prayers on Sept. 20 
 
    by Julian Shipp and Nancy Borst 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.- In response to the ongoing changes in, disruptions of and 
stresses on the nation's families, the Presbyterian Mariners has issued a 
call for all people of God to join in a special time of prayer for families 
on Sept. 20. The call was issued during the Mariners' annual conference 
this summer. 
 
    In an effort to strengthen families spiritually, the call was issued by 
newly installed Mariners national skippers Larry and Kathie Knehans of Blue 
Springs, Mo., during the Mariners' 60th Annual Family Conference, July 22, 
at Joplin, Mo. Presbyterian Mariners is a family ministry of the 
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with approximately 8,000 members nationwide in 
local congregations. 
 
    "The object of family ministry, of Mariners in the local church, is to 
encourage and strengthen families," Larry Knehans said. "Today members of 
Christian families, and all families, find they are in need of special 
support as they face the changes, disruptions and stress in our culture." 
 
    Kathie Knehans said there is no set duration for the time of prayer, 
but that families and individuals should pray "as long as you desire to 
pray." Prayers actually will be offered over several hours across the 
country's many time zones, but organizers ask that the time of prayer be 7 
p.m. local time in each location. 
 
    "At 7 p.m, pause in whatever you are doing, stop wherever you are, and 
pray," Larry Knehan said. "Pray by yourself or pray with the people you are 
with." 
 
    The event coincides with the Mariners' conference theme, "Fitness for 
the Soul: Strengthening Families Through Spiritual Formation." Suggested 
prayers include those for families struggling with pain, illness, abuse, 
addiction, homelessness, poverty, financial difficulties, faith issues, 
imprisonment, or brokenness of mind or spirit. Participants are also 
encouraged to pray with thankfulness for all the joy that is found in 
families. 
 
        Mariners energize themselves at family conference 
 
    Energizing speakers and ambitious youth activities highlighted the 1998 
Presbyterian Mariners Family Conference, held at Missouri Southern State 
College in Joplin. 
 
    The Rev. Ben Mathes, founder of  Rivers of the World, served as 
resource leader to the 300 people in attendance. Mathes addressed the 
conference theme through multimedia presentations about his ministry in 
remote river basins around the world, telling captivating stories of his 
personal faith experiences and leading songs with guitar in hand. He also 
challenged Mariners to be "X-rated Christians" by reading the Word daily 
and knowing "what you believe." 
 
    The Rev. Douglas Oldenburg, moderator of the 210th General Assembly 
(1998), also addressed the conference. Oldenburg spoke on topics dear to 
Mariners - children, parenting, marriage and family. The key to success in 
dealing with each of these areas, according to Oldenburg, is listening. 
Helping children in crisis is one of his passions, which was evident as he 
spoke of how he hopes to make a difference in those lives during his year 
as moderator. 
 
    Junior and senior high school students undertook a challenging work 
project - painting the exterior of Downey Presbyterian Church in nearby 
Sarcoxie, Mo. The youth worked portions of two days scraping and painting. 
Their efforts drew praise from church members, some of whom brought 
refreshments and observed the work in progress. These youth also spent a 
day at a ropes course, working through a series of trust-building 
exercises. 
 
    The conference offering collected $2,481 for Presbyterian Children's 
Services, based in Farmington, Mo. 
 
    For more information and a flyer about the prayer event, phone or fax 
Presbyterian Mariners at (303) 425-5033, e-mail carolyng@unidial.com or 
PresbyNet inbox CAROLYN GABBARD. 

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