Prayer Update: Manchester Attacks

Thank you for praying for us at this time. We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and our thoughts and prayers are with all of those who have been impacted. In many ways, the city is grieving. We’ve seen people crying in the supermarkets and at the school gates. As a church, people are practically and lovingly responding where they see need.

We were generously offered the use of a camper van by a local businessman, directly following the attack in Manchester. We stocked it with supplies and used it as a base to take teams of people to meet whatever (and wherever) needs arose.

We are a church that has committed to loving Manchester, and that’s exactly what we have been trying to do – seeking to respond with love, hope and courage.

How you can pray specifically:

• We have teams on the streets as much as we can, meeting practical and emotional needs. There is a remarkable openness to the gospel.
• Teams have gone to some of the houses most affected. There have been some real challenges in doing this but they have taken small gifts and handwritten letters to each house. Please pray for them.
• Some in the city have felt real anger and this has created racial tensions. The police say hate crime has double in the city since Monday night. Please pray for peace.
• Please pray for people’s emotional reactions. Some are lost, confused and hurting.
• Some of those in Vineyard Kids have school friends who were at the arena on the night of the attack.
• As a result of this week, we have many ongoing opportunities to serve this city. The police have encouraged us to do what we’ve been doing on the streets on an ongoing basis. Please pray for wisdom, finances and resources as we consider what we can do in a sustainable way.
• Day-in day-out members of Manchester Vineyard are engaging in conversations and seeking to practically meet needs.
• Please pray for the victims and their families.
• Please pray for the emergency services. For what they have seen and experienced. They are also putting in a lot of hours. The police alone have had all leave cancelled for at least the next two weeks.
• Please pray for the city’s response. There are incredible stories of hope and generosity starting to emerge.

Thank you for standing with us at this time. You can sign up for regular Manchester Vineyard prayer updates [here].

A number of people have asked how they can financially support all we are doing and seeking to do in the days ahead. You can do so [here].