“Prayer is so powerful and important, never more so than when our son was killed in a knife attack. We have been sustained through God’s amazing comfort, wise counsel, hope and healing in our lives.”
Sycamore Tree is our Restorative Justice Programme delivered through a 6 week training course mainly in the prison setting but sometimes ‘outside’. It is led by a facilitator and helps offenders to understand the impact of their crime. They have an opportunity to hear a victim’s story first hand, often a very emotional experience for all who attend. After listening to a victim share her story, learners said:
“Now I know I have a heart. I didn’t care before but I really do now. I can’t remember the last time I cried but I definitely cried today.”
“It was the best course I ever did, and it hugely impacted my life.” – he is now working in the community in full time employment.
Restorative Justice Prayer Requests
We would like our Sycamore Tree course start up again in the Autumn. Pray for the necessary funding needed to run these programmes within the prisons; currently we are unable to run these courses due to the lack of funding.
Pray for wisdom and strength for the facilitators and volunteers as they deliver the courses and interact with the attendees.
Pray for all the new learners that God would soften their hearts to engage, and this would be a life- changing experience for each one.
Give thanks for Mick and Lynn who have been willing to come and share their story as part of the Sycamore Tree course, even when it is emotionally tough.
Sycamore Tree causes the learners to look personally at the consequences of their actions, and presents them with the challenge of examining their lives and realise the impact their actions has on victims.
Pray for us as we seek to identify those who have been victims of crime and would be willing to share their story in a Sycamore Tree programme.
Pray that they would be strengthened by the Spirit, and that their story would impact the learners that hear it.
Pray for all victims of crime to feel heard and included in the Justice system. ‘Father, give them the strength, courage and power they need to step boldly into the future, comforted and supported by your Holy Spirit’.