Lord, bless us coming in and going out ...

The origins of the name "Altoona" are somewhat unclear. Most historians believe that the title likely came from a derivative of the Cherokee word Allatoona which means "highlands of great worth". The valley would soon live up to it's name. In the mid-1800's the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) invested hundreds and thousands of dollars to create a city that would be a "gateway to the West" ... and so it was that Altoona first officially became a city in 1849.

Unfortunately for the PRR, the time between the end of World War II and today have held far less success for the struggling rail industry. But the PRR wasn't the only one affected by this downward trend in industry. The decline of the railroad has caused a job crisis for the whole city of Altoona. For years the railroad provided Altoona's young men and their families with entry level jobs for a decent income, but their ability to provide these much needed occupations has declined leaving many families in a lurch.

So ... what does all this have to do with prayer for Altoona? Quite a bit! We must remember that as we seek to pray for and minister to the people in this city that they have very very real needs! One of those needs (that we might not think of as spiritual) is for gainful employment. I've heard from many people that have visited or moved to this area say that they can sense a spirit of despair, of hopelessness and of apathy among us. I believe one reason could be that people find it difficult to get good paying jobs. It is painfully clear that Altoona is experiencing ever increasing numbers of youth moving out of the area ... possible explanation: No jobs. Let's pray that the Lord would bless our city in this area.

Today:

• Pray that the Lord would provide jobs for the people of Altoona.
• Pray that the existing industries in Altoona would flourish and more jobs would be available for young families.
  Pray that the Lord would bring more business into our area.
• Pray that the people of Altoona would have a good work ethic and not disrespect their employers.
• Pray that employers would treat their workers fairly & pay decent wages.

Here's a passage to consider:

"And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out." Deuteronomy 28:1-6

Do you believe it?

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