Ministry Spotlight: The Prayer Bear Ministry, Inc.

http://www.prayerbears.org

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The first copyrighted Prayer Bear was given in November of 1993, and with this inspirational bear was founded a ministry that has impacted thousands! Prayer Bears now minister hope all over the United States and across the ocean. The non-profit organization was officially incorporated in 2002 as The Prayer Bear Ministry, Inc. At the time of the incorporation, the ministry had given over 7,000 handmade Prayer Bears. It all started by first giving a wonderful store-bought bear to Dr. Johnstone, of Sherman, Texas, following the loss of his son in a terrible car accident. It was from a wonderful and beautiful hand-written note the doctor wrote in response to this bear, that really started the ministry.

The wisdom of this doctor during his time of grief was able to reflect God's will, mercy, and grace; it was amazing, even to this day. Dr. Johnstone was later presented a Prayer Bear as a reflection of how God can make something wonderful out of something so tragic. Prayer Bears are off to hurting individuals in Austin, Las Vegas, Arizona, California, Maine, Colorado, all over the United States. The ministry has even crossed the ocean, appearing in Hawaii and New Zealand and currently headed to Afghanistan.

The Prayer Bears also regularly go to Sherman and surrounding area hospitals, nursing homes, and the cancer center to comfort people who find themselves in need of reminders of God’s love. The Prayer Bear is made as a reminder of God’s unconditional and steadfast love. To remind us that He is always there no matter what. That people will come and go in our lives, and even let us down, but the Bear will always remain the same. Just as God is never changing. The Bear is a constant reminder of His covenant that He has with us; that is never broken, or going away. He is never going to let us down or judge us, but accepts us as His own, unconditional, without waiver. The Bear is a gentle reminder of God’s grace, love, peace, forgiveness, and joy that He loves us so very much with great passion beyond our understanding.

Special Prayer Bears are being made to go to our soldiers fighting in the war against terror in Afghanistan. These unique bears sport special fabric that shows their patriotic spirit. You can support our soldiers by sponsoring a bear to be specially delivered to a member of the armed forces. For $5 you can order a bear sent and attach a card with personal message to the soldier. Money is strictly to cover costs for making the bears and for shipping, not for profit. The Prayer Bear Ministry is on the web at www.prayerbears.org Visit to learn more about the ministry. While there, post a prayer request, sign the guestbook, send a virtual bear and learn more about how you can be a part.

Copyright 2002 by Michelle Blackmon