Worldwide Mom’s Day of Prayer (MDOP), a nondenominational gathering of women across the US and around the world one day in January for the past 17 years, has connected with a special group of women in 2014: mothers who lost their children on 12/14. Two of those mothers have formed a school safety awareness group named Safe and Sound Schools that is joining MDOP in the mission of bringing mothers together to pray for their children in churches, schools, community centers, and social media sites on Saturday, January 18.

Kathy Coleman, MDOP founder, explains the significance of this new relationship.

“This year on January 18, 2014, I believe our hearts need to focus on the families that are still together to stay together, on single moms, dads and grandparents raising children/grandchildren, and on the safety of the children/grandchildren as they attend their schools. These are the three areas of great concern in my heart as I hear from moms and grandmothers across our land.

“Mom’s Day of Prayer is putting our prayers into ‘action’ by partnering with Safe and Sound Schools,” she continued. “This is a nonprofit co-founded by Alissa Parker and Michele Gay, both moms whose daughters, Emilie and Joey, were tragically taken from them at Sandy Hook Elementary in December of 2012. At each MDOP we pray for our schools and now we can help share safeandsoundschools.org with the world.”

An Open Letter From Two Mothers 

Alissa Parker and Michele Gay co-wrote an open letter to Mom’s Day of Prayer:

“We didn’t know each other before Friday, December 14th, 2012 but our little girls were friends and loved each other dearly. They were in the same first grade class at Sandy Hook School. Emilie and Joey.

“We were looking forward to meeting for the first time on Saturday, December 15th at Joey’s 7th birthday party. Instead, we met on the phone that day. Our little girls had already left this life but they had left together and they had left us each other.

“We cried and talked for hours that Saturday. We comforted each other with our faith and the profound knowledge that our little girls were in heaven. Safe and loved. They had been saved from evil and would remain in God’s love and protection eternally. We would be with them again one day, forever.

“In the days and months that followed, we began our journey out of unimaginable tragedy and loss together, with our families, friends, neighbors, church communities, and the prayers and love of people the world over. Through these prayers and our own, we have grown in faith and love, strength and resolve.

“We are two women of different faith communities called to walk together in faith and service to God. We are daughters, mothers, wives, and sisters. And we are made stronger together in Him.

“He has called upon us to create a community of change. We are answering.

“We founded Safe and Sound, an organization that empowers communities to work together to make their schools safer. Our website safeandsoundschools.org is a hub of information, resources, and tools for all school safety stakeholders.

“We visit and speak to school communities across the country about how they can improve safety and security. We invite you to join our community. Visit our site and learn how you can support our mission, spread our message, and make your community’s schools safer.

“Our mission is inspired by our beautiful daughters and made possible by the generosity, time, and talents of many. Together, and with our Lord, all things truly are made possible.

“We are honored to join you on January 18th for the Mom’s Day of Prayer 2014! Thank you for your support and prayers upon us and Safe and Sound.”

Yours in Faith,

Michele Gay and Alissa Parker

Founders of Safe and Sound: A Sandy Hook Initiative

safeandsoundschools.org

As of Friday, January 17, MDOP events had been announced in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, as well as in Jamaica, Barbados, South Africa, Liberia and Malawi.

The Connecticut Mom’s Day of Prayer event will be held at Word Alive Bible Church, 536 West Avenue in Norwalk, from 10 am to noon. Coordinator Janice Kassimis can be reached at jfk40@optonline.net for more information.

Ms Coleman and her rapidly growing ranks of MDOP organizers believe God is raising up generation after generation of precious praying moms. They are experiencing firsthand how God is answering the heartfelt prayers of moms as they gather together in one accord, across denominational lines, humbling themselves as they pray for their own precious children and the children of their communities, states, and the world.