Author Archives: Tom Lofton

About Tom Lofton

Tom is founder of 12.12, the Global Day of Prayer for the Poor and Suffering observed every 12th of December.

12.12 Pray for God’s Workers to Serve the Poor | Morocco

By Tom Lofton | 09.05.2011

Heavenly Father,

Today we ask You to raise up and mobilize Your people to serve the needy of Morocco who live outside of its major cities without easily accessible water and proper sanitation. We pray that You will call Your people to serve the orphaned and disadvantaged children of this nation who are in need of Your compassion and care.

In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

Click here to learn more about how you can pray for Morocco

Tom is founder of 12.12, the Global Day of Prayer for the Poor and Suffering observed every 12th of December.

Comments Off

Joplin, MO devastated by tornado; prayers needed

By Tom Lofton | 05.23.2011

Rescue workers today searched for victims of fierce storms that ripped through several Midwestern states this weekend, killing at least 89 people in Joplin, Mo., where a devastating tornado touched down and left trapped survivors still crying out for help this morning.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency Sunday evening and activated the Missouri National Guard in response to the destruction.

In the city of about 50,000 people 160 miles south of Kansas City, the tornado was reported to be a mile wide, with winds of nearly 200 mph that ravaged the area.

Authorities estimate 25 to 30 percent of Joplin has been damaged by the tornado, with highly populated areas having been hit by the storm.

Please pray for the survivors and their families in Joplin and surrounding areas. Pray for Convoy of Hope’s Disaster Response team and other similar organizations as they reach out to those in need. Pray for the water, food, shelter, medical care, and volunteers necessary to assist those who have survived this catastrophe.

Tom is founder of 12.12, the Global Day of Prayer for the Poor and Suffering observed every 12th of December.

Pray! 8.9 magnitude quake triggers tsunami in Japan

By Tom Lofton | 03.11.2011

USAToday reports that a powerful tsunami spawned by the largest earthquake in Japan’s recorded history slammed the eastern coast Friday, sweeping away boats, cars, homes and people as widespread fires burned out of control. Tsunami warnings blanketed the entire Pacific, as far away as South America, Canada, Alaska and the entire U.S. West Coast.

Authorities said at least 32 people were killed. The magnitude 8.9 offshore quake was followed by at least 19 aftershocks, most of them of more than magnitude 6.0. Dozens of cities and villages along a 1,300-mile stretch of coastline were shaken by violent tremors that reached as far away as Tokyo, hundreds of miles from the epicenter.

Warnings issued by the Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center cover an area stretching the entire western coast of the United States and Canada from the Mexican border to Chignik Bay in Alaska.

Pray that God will mobilize followers of Jesus Christ to interceded and respond with God’s compassion to those in need at this time.  Pray for wisdom, strength, and stamina for disaster response teams such as Convoy of Hope and others. Pray for resources to equip organizations that will assist with relief work.  Pray for the victims and their families who have been impacted by this overwhelming experience.

 

Tom is founder of 12.12, the Global Day of Prayer for the Poor and Suffering observed every 12th of December.

Pray for the Poor of Egypt

By Tom Lofton | 02.08.2011

It is vitally important that the poor in Egypt be remembered in prayer at this time due to the political upheaval in the capitol city of Cairo. The safety of those who are oppressed is one of God’s priorities for people living in poverty. The Hebrew word used for “oppressed” in Psalm 12:5 literally describes those who “suffer violence”.  I encourage you to take a moment right now to pray for the safety of the poor and oppressed in Egypt.

“Heavenly Father, You hear the cries of the oppressed whose lives are in constant danger. According to your Holy Word, we pray that You will arise and set the poor in a place of safety where Your peace, rest, and joy abide. In Jesus’ name. Amen”

Tom is founder of 12.12, the Global Day of Prayer for the Poor and Suffering observed every 12th of December.

Martin Luther King Day honored with prayer for the poor

By Tom Lofton | 01.18.2011

Convoy of Hope’s Global Prayer Initiative (GPI) joined the National Day of Prayer Task Force as they issued a clarion call to prayer in order to honor Dr. Martin King, Jr.’s spiritual legacy and work as a prominent leader in the civil rights movement.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was an American clergyman and a Baptist preacher who is widely recognized as an iconic figure in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world. His Christian faith inspired the use of nonviolent methods to end racial segregation and discrimination, for which he later earned the Nobel Peace Prize. On many occasions, King demonstrated his belief in the power of prayer and its vital role in bringing unity and freedom to all.

John Bornschein, Executive Director of the National Day of Prayer Task Force (NDPTF), stated, “a call to prayer is such a fitting way to honor Reverend King’s legacy as a teacher of the Gospel and a champion for truth. Just as he himself proclaimed, we must ‘stand up for righteousness; stand up for truth; and God will be at our side forever’.”

Harold Sallee, Director of Convoy’s GPI said, “It was an honor to lead people to pray for the poor and suffering as a part of the tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King.”

Martin Luther King, Jr. prayed, “O God, our gracious Heavenly Father, help us to see the insights that come from this new nation. Help us to follow Thee and all Thy creative works in this world. And that somehow we will discover that we are made to live together as brothers. And that it will come in this generation: the day when all men will recognize the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.”

Tom is founder of 12.12, the Global Day of Prayer for the Poor and Suffering observed every 12th of December.

Haiti – still needs our prayers

By Tom Lofton | 01.12.2011

In the months following the earthquake, COH has distributed nearly 9 million meals, over 4 thousand family water filtration units, 80 thousand doses of cholera medicine, more than 38,000 hygiene kits, along with various quantities of tents, blankets, medical supplies and bottled water.

Nevertheless there is much to be done to assist the impoverished towards a healthy status physically, emotionally, and spiritually. By one report, almost one million people are still displaced with hundreds of thousands living in temporary camps threatened daily by crime and disease.

Pray that God would continue to bless Convoy of Hope and other faith-based organizations that are committed long-term to demonstrating the tangible and eternal love of Jesus Christ to the poor and suffering of Haiti.

Tom is founder of 12.12, the Global Day of Prayer for the Poor and Suffering observed every 12th of December.

Intercession for Poor on 12.12 – Powerful!

By Tom Lofton | 12.13.2010

On December 12, 2010, the first annual 12.12 was hosted and led by Dr. Thomas Trask, chairman of Convoy of Hope’s Global Prayer Initiative, Mike Bickel, founder of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri, and Tom Lofton, founder of 12.12. Over 300 intercessors prayed for the poor at IHOP’s Prayer Center for 12 straight hours while more than 10,000 people from around the world joined by internet live stream video.

Dr. Trask commented, “Words cannot express my gratitude to Mike Bickle and the International House of Prayer for their willingness to host the first ‘Global Day of Prayer for The Poor and Suffering, 12.12′.” It was a powerful day!”  Trask continued, “I also want to thank all of those who joined with us in praying for the poor and the suffering. Most of all, we give God thanks for hearing and answering prayer!”

Tom is founder of 12.12, the Global Day of Prayer for the Poor and Suffering observed every 12th of December.

Point Twelve | Countdown to 12.12 Day of Prayer for the Poor

By Tom Lofton | 12.12.2010

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing”

TODAY’S PRAYER
“Heavenly Father, Your Word teaches us to work with our own hands, to live a quiet life, and live properly so that we may lack nothing. We pray that you create opportunities for those in poverty to develop skills and find solid vocation that pays a fair wage. We ask that they will give You glory as they receive the gift of employment. In Jesus’ name.”

Tom is founder of 12.12, the Global Day of Prayer for the Poor and Suffering observed every 12th of December.

Point Eleven | Countdown to 12.12 Day of Prayer for the Poor

By Tom Lofton | 12.11.2010

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”

TODAY’S PRAYER
“Thank you God for the gift of learning. We ask that You provide education for the poor to learn Your Holy Word and about Your amazing universe. Bless them with the primary skills to read, write, and do arithmatic. Grant them the privilege to be educated and improve their overall status in life. In Jesus’ name.”

Tom is founder of 12.12, the Global Day of Prayer for the Poor and Suffering observed every 12th of December.

Point Ten | Countdown to 12.12 Day of Prayer for the Poor

By Tom Lofton | 12.10.2010

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.”

TODAY’S PRAYER
“Heavenly Father, You see the millions of people living in poverty without anyone to minister to them as they battle illness and disease. O Lord provide needed healthcare that will bring physical healing and well-being to those who suffer without hope. In Jesus’ name.”

Tom is founder of 12.12, the Global Day of Prayer for the Poor and Suffering observed every 12th of December.