Ron Cooper Is With The Lord

Kathy Cooper

Women of Vision Finance Administrator

Ron Cooper Is With The Lord

From Cindy Breilh, Director of Women of Vision, January 29, 2011

"Ron Cooper went to be with the Lord on Friday evening. Kathy was able to release him to Jesus and was with him until the end. Thank you all for the prayers. With hardly time to grieve, Kathy asks that we continue to pray as she is already fighting to keep Ron’s young daughter who they literally rescued from the streets. She asks that we “bombard” heaven on Rissas behalf!

Kathy will be taking off all of next week and we will try our best to take care of any urgent tasks. Monday she will be at court petitioning for the welfare of her step daughter – I’ve let her know we will all pray. She said to “spread the word!” and pray that the court will find favor with the petition – one that even our Child Protection department affirms.

I will post the date and location of Ron’s service when we know something and will send a remembrance on the behalf of Women of Vision. Thank you for the kind words – Kathy will be blessed."

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you in the Name of Jesus with saddened hearts. We are grateful that Ron no longer suffers and that he is perfect in every way rejoicing with You in Heaven. We know that Kathy shares our belief and yet, she grieves the loss of her husband. We know that she needs comfort that only You can give to her. We lift her before your throne and ask that You would be her comfort and strength.  To lose the love of your life, your best friend on earth brings sorrow in the core of her being so we ask for your compassion, mercy and grace to fall upon her and cloak her with strength as she faces life alone.  Guide her as she steps into this new way of living.  Surround her with love and kindness from friends and family and give her favor as she presses on in the day-in-day-out of life. Embrace her with your peace.

Thank you for this young daughter, Rissas.  Lord what dire circumstances have befallen this child prior to her father's death. The devastation that she is feeling is beyond words as she is rescued from the streets by her father and then he is taken from her. Lord You have a plan for this young one for good and not for calamity and we ask that Your perfect plan unfold for her.  Heal her twice broken heart and make her new in You, Jesus.  We ask that the enemy of her soul be bound away from her and that You would send angels to protect her from any more overwhelming circumstances. Lord let the judge rule in favor of Kathy having full custody of Rissas. We praise You that there will be no complications or delays and that it will be done expeditioulsy and in a  timely manner without undue costs. Bless this young daughter with your favor. If she does not know You as her Savior, we pray for her salvation.  If she does know You, we pray that the loss of her earthly father will draw her closer to her Heavenly Father in whom she will find her hope.

Lord, where would we be without your unfailing, never ending, unconditional love? Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you that nothing is impossible or too great for You. Thank you that You care for us and hear our prayers. We humbly speak these petitions on behalf of our sister and friend Kathy and her "daughter" who are at this moment  in need of your touch. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.

Miracle Needed

Kathy Cooper

Women of Vision Finance Administrator

Miracle Needed for Kathy and Ron Cooper  

From Cindy Breilh, Director of Women of Vision, January 28, 2011

"Early Thursday morning, Ron Cooper, husband of our fearless WOV Finance Administrator, collapsed at home. Kathy and medics worked diligently giving him CPR. He is presently hospitalized, on a ventilator, cooled (to minimize brain and organ damage), and critically ill.The family is surrounding Ron. We are in touch with Kathy and she has asked for a miracle for Ron. She knows our God is a God of the miraculous.

In Kathy’s words, 'It is not looking good, but I am fighting and praying for a big miracle as long as his heart keeps beating.' Kathy will not leave Ron’s side – she is amazing. Lots for her to deal with right now.

Thank you ALL for your prayers."

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come to You in the Name of Jesus asking for a miracle on behalf of Ron Cooper.  Believing that You are the Way Maker, we ask that you would restore his health and recreate anything damaged when he collapsed.  Lord, You know Ron and only You know the plan that You have for his life.  We place Him in Your Hands and surrender Him to Your will.  We ask, Lord that You would strengthen his body.  We ask that everyone who comes near him to render medical assistance would be kind and compassionate and that Your wisdom would reign in all of their decision making.  We ask that nothing is administered to him that would cause him harm.  We ask that your warring angels and ministering angels would surround him in his hospital bed and bring him peace and comfort.  Let him feel your presence.  Speak to his heart. 

We bring Cathy before Your throne humbly asking that you would comfort her, Lord.  Relieve the stress that penetrates her soul and bring peace and comfort to her.  Let her not be shaken by what she hears and sees, but let her remain strong in You.  Rule and reign in her tired mind so that she remains confident in You to make decisions.  Relieve her of the burden of life's responsibilities and concerns so that she can focus on You and Ron during this difficult time.  Remind her to care for her body's needs and give her undisturbed times of sleep and rest.  Be her all-in-all as she looks to you for all that she needs, Lord.

We ask that You would comfort the family during this time.  Let there be unity and harmony among the members as they work through understanding what has happened and what they need to do as life continues on each day and presses in on them.  Let all of their needs be met as they minister to Ron and Kathy.  Bless each one with Your peace.

Lord, we don't understand why this has happened and we are reminded anew at times like this that You are our only hope.  Let us each remember to lift up Ron and Kathy and the family often during this critical time.  Bring them to our remembrance.  Let something trigger our thoughts to focus on them and pray to You for the miracle of a restored life for Ron, for more days here to serve You.  We will give You all of the glory and the honor and the praise as we hear about the miracle unfolding.  We love you Jesus and we are desperate for You in this crisis.  Thank you for hearing our prayers.  In Your Name we pray. Amen. 


















Millennium Development Goals Prayer

 

 

 

Prayer Using the Millennium Development Goals

 Women of Vision Heart of the Matter Study Module 1, Hope In a World of Hurt Lesson 4

• In the spirit of the Millennium Development Goals, let us pray that God’s justice and peace will prevail in the world. Let us pray for the poor, hungry, and neglected all over the world, that their cries for daily bread may inspire works of compassion and mercy among those to whom much has been given. Lord, in your mercy, give us the will to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.
• Let us pray for schools and centers of learning throughout the world, for those who lack access to basic education, and for the light of knowledge to blossom and shine in the lives of all God’s people. Lord, in your mercy, give us the will to achieve universal primary education.
• Let us pray for an end to the divisions and inequalities that scar God’s creation, particularly the barriers to freedom faced by God’s children throughout the world because of gender; that all who have been formed in God’s image might have equality in pursuit of the blessings of creation. Lord, in your mercy, give us the will to promote gender equality and empower women.
• Let us pray for the health of women, children, and families around the world, especially for an end to maternal and child mortality, that in building healthy families, all God’s people may be empowered to strengthen their communities and repair the breaches which divide nations and peoples. Lord, in your mercy, give us the will to improve maternal health.
• Let us pray for an end to pandemic disease throughout the world, particularly the scourges of HIV and AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis; that plagues of death may no longer fuel poverty, destabilize nations, and inhibit reconciliation and restoration throughout the world. Lord, in your mercy, give us the will to combat HIV and AIDS, malaria, and other diseases.
• Let us pray for an end to the waste and desecration of God’s creation, for access to the fruits of creation to be shared equally among all people, and for communities and nations to find sustenance in the fruits of the earth and the water God has given us. Lord, in your mercy, give us the will to ensure environmental sustainability.
• Let us pray for all nations and people who already enjoy the abundance of creation and the blessings of prosperity, that their hearts may be lifted up to the needs of the poor and afflicted, and that partnerships between rich and poor for the reconciliation of the world may flourish and grow. Lord, in your mercy, give us the will to develop a global partnership for development.

World Vision Hope Prayer Chain

World Vision Hope Prayer Chain

News — January 2011
On Jan. 12, 2010, a catastrophic earthquake struck Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. An estimated 230,000 people lost their lives. In a country where survival already was a daily ordeal, the affected children and families faced extraordinary challenges.

Today, as we approach the one-year anniversary of this disaster, more than a million people are still displaced. Debris is still being cleared in many areas — a laborious process. The country's infrastructure will take years to rebuild. The lack of available land remains an obstacle in providing shelter. Building standards must also take into account the likelihood of future natural disasters, such as hurricanes.

Those are just a few of the major issues in the recovery effort. The lack of clean, safe drinking water and sanitation has contributed to a deadly outbreak of cholera. The country's educational system is desperately inadequate. And the nation remains in peril, with the constant threat of other disasters like tropical storms. These jeopardize recovery efforts and the well-being of survivors.

As we begin a new year, pray diligently for children, the most vulnerable survivors of the earthquake, and for those who are working to help give them a better life.

Suggested prayer points
Pray for peace. Quake survivors have left the cities for the villages and the countryside. It's put an enormous strain on rural households, 90 percent of which were living on less than $2 a day before the earthquake. Pray for peace that passes understanding in the homes of these families, who are struggling to take care of their own daily needs as they try to help their loved ones who lost their homes in the quake. Ask God to give them an extra measure of His grace during this difficult time.

Pray for discernment. The disaster response in Haiti is unprecedented in scale and complexity. There are huge challenges and hurdles, including the lack of available land for shelters and the complicated logistics of getting materials and equipment to the hardest-hit areas. Ask God to give those in positions of authority a divine wisdom as they make crucial decisions in the relief effort.

Pray for healing. A serious outbreak of cholera has led to the deaths of thousands of Haitians. Ask God, the Great Physician, to touch the bodies of those who are fighting the ravages of the disease. Thank Him for the dedication of the medical professionals who have saved countless lives.

Pray for refreshing. Scripture tells us that we should never tire of doing good. But as the recovery process reaches the one-year mark, those in Haiti who are doing good are tired, both in body and spirit. Pray that they would find rest and recover their strength to continue in the good work that God has given them to do. Ask God to put people in their paths who will encourage them with words and deeds.

Pray for vision. Proverbs 29:18 tells us that where there is no vision, the people perish. In the wake of the earthquake, the task of rebuilding and transforming Haiti requires vision from those in the Haitian government, non-governmental organizations, the faith community, and the world at large. Ask God to protect their hearts and minds and to guide their steps as they make decisions about the future of millions of people who are precious to Him.

Praying with thanksgiving. The gifts of World Vision supporters have made a difference in the lives of thousands of hurting Haitians in the past 12 months. Meals have been provided to more than 120,000 schoolchildren. More than 1,700 children separated from their families have been registered and cared for. Twenty-two Child-Friendly Spaces have given more than 5,600 children each week a safe place to play, learn, and heal from the effects of the disaster. Thank God for the resources He has given, through which suffering quake survivors have received comfort and assistance.

Focus your prayers on the transformation possible through people dedicated to God's call. Watch a video, "God Provides."

January First Saturday Prayer

State of Washington Anti-trafficking Engagement Day

January 13, 2011

Because of the importance of this day, we are again praying for the State of Washington Anti-Trafficking Engagement Day this month.  In preparation for that day, there is a training in Olympia on Sunday, January 9, 2011.  On the 13th a luncheon  at the United Church directly across the street from the Capitol from noon-1:00 p.m. will be presented by the South Puget Sound Chapter with Bradley Myles of Polaris Project in Washington D.C. as the speaker to grassroots leaders of organizations committed to anti-human trafficking.

Information:  Presidential Proclamation--National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
On December 22, 2010, President Obama proclaimed January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month and stated in part, "We cannot strengthen global efforts to end modern slavery without first accepting the responsibility to prevent, identify, and aggressively combat this crime at home. No country can claim immunity from the scourge of human rights abuses, or from the responsibility to confront them. As evidence of our dedication to a universal struggle against this heinous practice, the Department of State's "Trafficking in Persons Report 2010" included America in its rankings for the first time, measuring our efforts by the same standards to which we hold other nations. Looking ahead, we must continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute human trafficking cases within our own borders.

Although the United States has made great strides in preventing the occurrence of modern slavery, prosecuting traffickers and dismantling their criminal networks, and protecting victims and survivors, our work is not done. We stand with those throughout the world who are working every day to end modern slavery, bring traffickers to justice, and empower survivors to reclaim their rightful freedom. This month, I urge all Americans to educate themselves about all forms of modern slavery and the signs and consequences of human trafficking. Together, we can combat this crime within our borders and join with our partners around the world to end this injustice.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 2011 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, culminating in the annual celebration of National Freedom Day on February 1. I call upon the people of the United States to recognize the vital role we can play in ending modern slavery and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities."

Information: Washington Anti-Trafficking Engagement Day Legislative Proposals and Request
I. (Top Priority) A Victim-Centered Approach to Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Police Investigation
We seek to provide an exemption to the current two-party consent privacy act for CSEC police investigation in WA State so as to further protect and prevent re-victimization of CSEC victims.

Reason for this exemption request:
When a police officer finds an alleged CSEC victim, the priority is to protect the victim. The second priority is to obtain incriminating evidence of the trafficker (her pimp), but there is only a window of about 30 minutes to accomplish this goal. The best incriminating evidence against the trafficker is to record the phone conversation or the text message between the victim and the trafficker after an alleged act of prostitution. Currently this recording is prohibited by the state’s privacy law under RCW 9.73.

Due to current limitations from the State, then, the police officer has to re-victimize the child by sending her back to the trafficker to obtain incriminating evidence, or risks letting the trafficker go to prey on another victim. Therefore, we propose an exemption similar to what the current law permits for drug trafficking under RCW 9.73.230 for CSEC investigation under RCW 9.68A.100-103.)

Benefits of this exemption
• Immediate protection to the victim.
• Provide incriminating evidence against the trafficker (sex trafficking does not have objective evidence to support a conviction like finding cocaine for drug trafficking charges, so recording a CSEC victim’s conversation with a trafficker provides evidence acceptable in a court of law.
• Provide justice to the victim.
• Prevent further victimization of other children.
• Enable implementation of a standardized victim-centered approach to CSEC investigation.
• Relief to victims because the recording minimizes the need for prosecutors to question victims multiple times even before trials.
• Increase in conviction of traffickers because recording provides hard evidence against traffickers.

Questions or potential objections to this exemption request:
• Does the exemption violate the Constitution?
No. Only 12 out of the 50 states have similar two-party consent recording requirements, and our State is one of them. In fact, federal law enforcement in our State can record such this type of evidence upon approval while a local police is completely prohibited to do so under our current law. (CA, CT, FL, IL, MD, MA, MI, MT, NV, NH, PA) http://www.rcfp.org/taping/states.html

• Is the exemption unprecedented?
No. Our Privacy Act under RCW 9.73 provides exemptions under four circumstances.
o For national security. RCW 9.73.050.
o Common carrier (telephone services) and emergency personnel exemptions. RCW 9.73.090-095.
o Drug trafficking investigation for the sole purpose of law enforcement’s safety, but it cannot be used as evidence in court. RCW 9.73.200-210.
o Drug trafficking investigation with the authorization of the jurisdiction’s chief law enforcement officer or the designee. Judicial review of the authorization is required, and the recording can be used in judicial proceedings. RCW 9.73.230.

• Will the exemption deprive us further of our liberty?
No. The exemption requires stringent review of an independent magistrate that is similar to the warrant issuing process. Besides, the benefits for trafficking victims far outweigh this concern.

• What if the victim claims to be underage or the police make a mistake that the victim is underage, but is actually over 18 when the police apply the exemption to do the recording?
o The Legislature will have to decide the standard to apply if a mistake occurs, but the standard should be similar to the reasonable belief standard used in RCW 9.68A.100-103. Police’s good faith mistake is usually not a bar to using the recording as evidence.

II. Utilizing the HT hotline poster further in WA State?
Pass a resolution that all govt agencies, especially school and public facilities are encouraged to post the Human Trafficking Hotline poster at places of employment and/or public notice boards. (The poster is a joint effort of various government entities and non-governmental organizations.)

III. Host a Work Committee with business representatives in the Labor and Commerce Committee to explore the beginning of a business coalition against trafficking here in our State.
Reason - Establishing common understanding of the benefits of a slave-free Washington State and to be a launch pad of further cooperation and agreements of a win-win strategy. For example, “fair trade” labeling is already used by Starbucks and some other companies. The meeting will discuss how implementing anti-trafficking measures in employment policies and to promote a ‘slave-free’ environment will be rewarded by consumers because of the growing awareness.

Potential groups to invite: restaurant association, massage business groups, hotel industry, farming, tavern business, Microsoft, Alaska airline, Nordstrom, etc.

IV. Add Human Trafficking into the definition of the Criminal Profiteering Act (RCW 9A.82.010)
When the human trafficking criminal statute was passed, the Legislature intended to grant human trafficking victims a private right of action to claim damage from traffickers even when the conviction is pending. (Bill Report of SB 1175 in 2003) This intent, however, was omitted in the session law of SB 1175 and is still not in the current RCW. The Legislature needs to add this back and permit retroactivity for human trafficking victims as it permits victims claim damage from traffickers. It should also be referenced in the Human Trafficking statute in RCW 9A.40.100.

Information: 16 Organizations Represented
•Western Washington Coalition Against Human Trafficking
•The Genesis Project
•UW Against Slavery
•University Presbyterian Church Human Trafficking Task Force
•Seattle Against Slavery
•Soroptomist Northwest
•Shared Hope International
•New Horizons Ministries
•Ballarmine Preparatory School
•Women of Vision South Puget Sound Chapter
•International Justice Mission
•Zonta of South Sound
•Zonta of Olympia
•Seattle Prayer Against Slavery Movement
•Not For Sale Campaign
•Washington Anti-Trafficking Engagement

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you in the Name of Jesus with grateful hearts for what You are doing in America on behalf of the victims of human trafficking and ask that the proclamation of the President would move on the hearts of our local legislators in the State of Washington to respond to our Anti-Human Trafficking Engagement Day proposals and requests.  Lord, please prompt these legislators and convict them to move quickly and surely on behalf of human trafficking victims.

We lift the January 9, 2011 training day before You and ask that all materials would be readied, that a suitable venue would be available and that you would send many workers to this advocacy training day.  We ask that the word would go out and inspire and motivate people to respond by attending the Engagement Day in Olympia on the 13th and thereafter to advocate for human trafficking victims in our State.  Give Deana Berg and Rose Gunderson wisdom as they prepare the materials for this training and bless them for their efforts.

We ask that the Engagement Day would bring about amazing results that show Your Hand has been extended to give favor to our pleas on behalf of the trafficked victims.  We ask for the funding, for the man power and for the power of Your Holy Spirit to be released to bring freedom to victims of human trafficking in Washington.  Thank you for unity among the many organizations participating in this movement.  We ask that you would give luncheon speaker Bradley Myles of Polaris Project in Washington D.C. the perfect information to draw the legislators into accepting our future bill.  Give him the words to inspire passion for HT victims as he speaks during the open sessions.  Bless him and Attorney General, Rob McKenna as they plan, travel and present on this significant day.

Our hearts are broken by the heinous practice of human trafficking and we praise You that You give us a way to act and a means to advocate to bring about change in our State against this evil through this movement.  Use us Lord to be a "unified voice that speaks up for victims and speaks out against perpetrators" .  We will give you all the glory and all the praise for what You will do.  In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.