Deborah Crawford

God desires that we bear one another’s burdens. We are to be the hands and feet of Jesus. As I have been strengthened by God’s words through friends and family, I offer you comforting words from our Heavenly Father.

History of MP’s

Mothers for Prodigals is a God-given ministry that flows from my healed heart. Through painful experiences with my own daughter, I understand the father’s heart in the parable of The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). It’s a compassionate heart, yearning for a child to come home. It’s the heart of our Heavenly Father.

The father of the prodigal (or lost son) waited expectantly for his son’s return to the family. He possibly waited a very long time. Waiting can be excruciating and the separation from a child agonizing, yet the nearness of our tenderhearted Father God’s presence consoles us. 

In this parable told by Jesus, the son finally comes to his senses and returns to his father. From a long way off, the forgiving father sees his son and runs to embrace him. What a heartwarming hug! The father had been watching and waiting, praying and believing for his son’s return. All the while, God had sustained him. Praise God for His faithfulness.

God encouraged me through the love and support of family and friends as I waited for my daughter to return to her senses. My network of friends continuously reminded me to trust Jesus. Many times they prayed with me, quoting the comforting words of Scripture. Even through anxiety overwhelmed me at times, God through these beautiful acts of love from my friends and family strengthened me.

Having received such strong support, I desired to encourage others. God impressed upon my heart the need to minister to mothers dealing with the pain of their children’s reckless choices. God gave me a vision.

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 the letters MP stood for mothers and prodigals. My journey to uplift hurting women with the compassionate comfort of Jesus Christ had begun.

Both mothers and fathers need encouragement as distress affects the entire family. While waiting for God’s perfect timing, let’s pray together for each other and our children. God’s plan is redemption for all through Jesus Christ. We eagerly await the fulfillment of His promises.

MEETUPS

Currently we are not meeting as a group regularly, but we continue to pray and encourage one another with God’s Word through texts, phone calls, and small meetups. God’s presence definitely surrounds us when we meet with each other.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25