As an eager 11-year-old in Scotland back in 1984, I felt a nudge from God to pray for Ethiopia’s famine and the rescue of its people in Israel. Having just started my faith journey at the age of seven, I was captivated by Blue Peter’s appeal, which showed trucks trapped in Ethiopia’s mud and shared the story of Operation Moses airlifting Ethiopian Jews.
The prayers I offered, deeply grounded in God’s Word, weren’t just the musings of a young boy; they became part of a mighty global cry that helped change the course of history.
As a child, I was always quite attuned to the happenings around me. I find myself eager to explore how my faith as a child played a role in these two remarkable events, all while being guided by scripture, the Word of God.
The Ethiopian Famine: God Hears the Cry
I remember the Ethiopian famine from 1983 to 1985. It was a heartbreaking disaster, with over a million lives lost and many more suffering from drought and conflict. Blue Peter, my all-time favourite show, I was glued to it twice a week. At this time, it ran a significant appeal in late 1984, showcasing provision trucks stuck in Tigray’s mud or hindered by fighting, unable to deliver food to desperate children. I still remember the starving children, and I wonder if those who survived are pondering what they are doing now.
I prayed earnestly, holding onto the promise of Psalm 34:17 (NKJV): “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.” God heard those heartfelt prayers, as Blue Peter and Band Aid rallied support, and the trucks moved, providing food and hope to countless lives through global compassion.
Operation Moses: God Gathers His People
At the same time, Israel initiated Operation Moses (November 1984 – January 1985), a secret airlift to save 8,000 Ethiopian Jews from the refugee camps in Sudan. These individuals, fleeing famine and persecution, walked for weeks, braving dangers and losing many lives along the way.
Israel’s rescue effort echoed Isaiah 43:5-6 (NKJV): “I will bring your descendants from the east… from far, and My daughters from the ends of the earth,” bringing them home to safety.
Israel is doing the very same today after Hamas massacred and took hostage the innocent people on October 7th, 2023. The fight continues as Israel hunts to take home their hostages.
A Child’s Prayers Change History
My small prayers joined a chorus of believers, and Matthew 19:14 (NKJV) reminds us: “Let the little children come to Me… for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Those heartfelt cries for the hungry in Ethiopia and for the airlift in Israel truly moved God’s heart.
Let me share something with you: Never underestimate the heartfelt prayers of a young child. Their sincerity truly resonates with the ear of God! Instead of dismissing their faith, let’s celebrate and encourage it. Those little voices carry so much power!
The famine relief sparked by Blue Peter saved millions, while Operation Moses brought 8,000 Jews to Israel, fulfilling God’s plan. James 5:16 (NKJV) promises, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
Echoes Today: Keep Praying
Now, in 2025, Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, focusing on Iran’s nuclear sites, reminds us that God is still at work. The prayers I offered in 1984 for Ethiopia and Israel continue to inspire my faith today at bornagainchristians.org.
If my young cries touched history, imagine what our prayers can do in these times. Let’s place our trust in God’s promises and continue to pray for His people.
A Scottish Call to Prayer
Psalm 122:6 (NKJV) encourages us, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you.’” Let’s lift up our prayers like that enthusiastic 11-year-old me did, believing that God truly moves mountains.
We’d be delighted for you to join our fellowship at bornagainchristians.org so that we can pray together.
Please share your inspiring prayer stories with us; let’s witness God change history once more as He is at this moment.
Prayer Points:
- Lord, hear our cries for the hungry. Similar to Ethiopia’s famine, there is a crisis in Sudan today.
- Bring Israel’s people home in Operation Golden Hand, as they did in Operation Moses.
- Give us childlike faith to pray for your plans, pray for the salvation of our children, where governments want to brainwash and mutilate them.
- Guard Jerusalem, as Ye never slumber (Psalm 121:4, NKJV).