History of MPs

Mothers for Prodigals is a God-given ministry that flows from my healed heart. Through painful experiences with my own daughter, I fully understood the father’s heart in Luke 15:11-32. The father of the prodigal (or lost son) waited expectantly for his son’s return to the family. Scripture says when the son came to his senses, he arose and returned to his father. Even though physical distance separated them, the father, filled with compassion, ran to meet his son with open arms. A loving embrace and kiss followed; I dare say a bear hug occurred. Oh how that Dad must have been watching, waiting, praying, and believing that his son would come home.

Anxiously awaiting the return of our daughter to her senses, the love of our family eased my pain. My network of friends continually reminded me to trust Jesus as they prayed with me, providing comfort from God’s Word. Even though anxiety tried to weaken me, my God strengthened me.

Because of the loving support given to me by family and friends, God impressed upon my heart the need to minister to mothers dealing with the pain of their children’s reckless choices. I envisioned myself wearing a black band around my arm enhanced by the letters MP. A flurry of meanings entered my mind: military police, guarding people, enforcing laws, watchmen on the walls, and intercessors. I soon realized that MP represented mothers and prodigals. Thus began a journey to blanket hurting women with the compassionate comfort of Jesus Christ.

As we mothers pray for our children, may we also lift up the hurting fathers. No matter whose heart is aching, distress affects the whole family. Fortunately there are some who haven’t experienced the pain of division from their children and we give thanks to God. Regardless of circumstances, we mothers desire the redemption of all our children. We long for them to turn to Jesus, so that He may guide their steps along the way. We eagerly wait for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to fulfill His promises for us all.

Deborah Crawford

My passion is writing, and after having experienced life with a prodigal daughter, I wish to encourage parents (especially mothers) with the promising words of our Heavenly Father.