Standing for Peace
by Elli Atchison, World Vision
It was recently announced that 17 year old and 2014 Nobel Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai, will give $50,000 to help rebuild schools in Gaza. This generous donation is the entire award she received from the World’s Children’s Prize.
Malala is a remarkable young woman who is courageous enough to stand up for what she believes in. She proved this when she began speaking out against the Taliban’s efforts to take away the educational opportunities for girls in Pakistan. After giving speeches and posting blogs on all children’s rights to an education, Malala was targeted by the Taliban. One fateful afternoon on the way home from school, she was shot in the head.
The Taliban’s attempt to silence Malala failed miserably. Not only did she survive the attack, but her story of courage has since served as an inspiration to the world. We applaud Malala as she again steps forward to speak out for others in her generous donation.
On the situation in Gaza she said, ”The needs are overwhelming — more than half of Gaza’s population is under 18 years of age. They want and deserve quality education, hope, and real opportunities to build a future.” She went on to emphasize her important belief, “Because without education there will never be peace. Let us stand together for peace and education, because together we are more powerful.”
Malala is giving much more than money to the children of Gaza. Her gift will help to rebuild 83 of the 250 schools that were damaged in the most recent eruption of conflict with Israel. But, maybe more importantly, her words give these children hope. She reminds them that their dreams for a better future are important. And, she reminds the world that the children of Gaza are precious… worthy of so much more than the rubble that surrounds them today.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for using unlikely messengers to bring bright hope to a sad and dark world. Thank You for the ways Malala’s courage and generosity are giving hope to the people of Gaza. We bless You for her reminder to us that no one is too young to take a stand for justice and no problem is too big when it is brought to You in prayer. May we remember the children of Gaza, who are eager to return to school and work hard for a better future. We pray the world will share in rebuilding the pieces of their broken lives and communities. When we are faced with injustice may we, like Malala, also speak out with courage. When those around us are in despair may we give them hope through selfless acts of kindness. Use us to be a bright spot in a dark world, shining bright for Your glory.
Amen
Find out ways that you can engage in this article: Malala Donated Her Prize Money to Rebuild Schools in Gaza – Here are 4 Ways You Can Follow in Her Footsteps
http://www.bustle.com/articles/46601-malala-donated-her-prize-money-to-rebuild-schools-in-gaza-here-are-4-ways-you
Beautifully written. I will pray as well.
AMEN MY SISTER:
I STAND WITH YOU ARMS LINKED IN PRAYERS FOR MALALA AND HER FAMILY.
WHEN HAVE WE EVER SEEN ONE SO YOUNG RECEIVE A NOBEL PRIZE LAUREATE.
SHE IS COURAGEOUS AND WISE BEYOND HER YEARS.
HER DONATION MADE DREAMS OF EDUCATION A REALITY FOR SO MANY. WHAT A BLESSING SHE IS.
I AM SO GRATEFUL TO YOU FOR BRINGING THIS TO OUR ATTENTION.
IT IS A PLEASURE TO PRAY WITH YOU AND DONATE TO SUCH A LIFE CHANGING CAUSE WHERE SO MANY YOUNG GIRLS ARE DENIED AN EDUCATION.
WE HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT WE FIGHT AGAINST THE PRINCIPALITIES OF SATAN’S WORLD. WE NEED TO PRAY AND PUT ON THE ARMOR THAT GOD SO WISELY WROTE ABOUT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS CHAPTER SIX,VERSES ELEVEN TO SIXTEEN.(EPH 6:11-16)
THEY SAY IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD.
YOU MY SISTER HAVE SO RIGHTEOUSLY POINTED OUT THE OPPOSITE.
PRAISE GOD FOR HER WILLINGNESS TO FULFILL HER DREAM BY DONATING WHAT IS A FORTUNE IN HER COUNTRY.
FATHER GOD
I THANK YOU FOR THIS YOUNG LADY MALALA WHO HAS RAISED HER VOICE LOUD ENOUGH TO BE HEARD AROUND THE WORLD.
SHE HAS ALSO SHOWN US THAT WE MUST EITHER CONTRIBUTE TO HER CAUSE AND PRAY OR GIVE OUR HANDS TO OUR ENEMY LIKE THE TAILBAN’S.
LORD I PRAY THAT MALALA’S BRAVERY WILL RESOUND IN EVERY HOUSE HOLD AND VILLAGE OR TRIBE AROUND THE WORLD.
SO MUSH INNOCENT BLOOD AND TEARS HAVE FALLEN ON THE GROUND ALREADY.
I PRAY NOT ONLY THAT YOU FATHER,WOULD EXPELL THIS DEMONIC INFLUENCE FROM PAKISTAN BUT FROM EVERYWHERE OUR FOOT CAN TOUCH THE GROUND.
YOU HAVE SHOWN US YOUR LOVE THROUGH MALALA,
YOU HAVE TAUGHT US IN YOUR WORD,IN THE BOOK OF PROVERBS. TO SEEK WISDOM AND TO HOLD TO THE PATH OF JUSTICE.
YET,WE HAVE STILL IGNORED YOUR WARNINGS.
I PRAY LORD THAT MALALA’S MONEY WILL GROW AND CONTINUE GROWING UNTIL THE GIRLS AND WOMEN IN PAKISTAN (AND COUNTRIES LIKE HERS);SEE THE FRUITS OF THEIR LABOR;RESULT IN THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND EDUCATION TO ALL WHOM SEEK IT.
I PRAISE YOU LORD FOR PRAYER CHAINS THAT ARE RIGHTEOUS AND THOUGHT PROVOKING.
WE AWAIT YOUR TRUMPET CALL WHEN ALL EVIL WILL SHUTTER AND HIDE HOPELESSLY AMIST THE CAVES. ONLY TO BE EXPOSED TO THEIR NAKED TRUTH.
PLEASE BLESS MALALA AND MEN AND WOMEN LIKE HER THAT WILLINGLY PUT THEIR LIFES IN HARMS WAY FOR JUSTICE AND FREEDOM.
EVIL PENINTRATES THROUGH THE SKIN TO THE VERY MARROW OF THE BONES. WHERE IT FREELY AND FIERCELY INFECTS EVERYTHING SURROUNDING IT.
THANK YOU FOR MALALA’S COURAGE AND RESOURCES SHE SELFLESSLY GIVES SO THAT OTHERS WILL BENEFIT FROM IT.
THANK YOU FOR ELLI RAISING HER VOICE IN DEFENSE OF MALALA AND PRAYERFULLY SEEKING JUSTICE WHERE THERE IS NONE.
MAY ALL THE GLORY AND HONOR REFLECT BACK TO YOU O LORD.
MOVING FORWARD ON MY KNEES IN THE PRESCENSE OF THE ALMIGHTY GOD. THE DAUGHTER OF THE KING_
JEREMIAH 33:3