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The Prayer that Makes a Difference: The Biography of Oma Van Gelderen

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Be inspired by this faithful woman who devoted her whole life to loving and serving God – deepen your faith and find strength in prayer.
As Christians, we were taught to pray to God and seek a personal relationship with Him. You may still remember “The Lord’s Prayer” or have said grace before meals, and you may continue to lift up a prayer in times of need.

Prayer is a powerful means of connection to God, but unfortunately, many of us fail to take advantage of it.

Others, however, completely hear and understand God's call and feel compelled to respond to Him. These are the prayer warriors, Christians with a special bond to the Lord who pray not only for themselves or their loved ones, but for all of us.

Through these individuals, our prayers are heard.

Oma Jacobs Van Gelderen, known as simply "Oma" to those close to her and "Mother Van" to those who were in awe of her prayer ministry, was one of those prayer warriors.

Called to a life of prayer from a young age, Oma wholeheartedly gave her life in service to God. And her long life was filled with events that show just how much God loves us all.

Every time she prayed for help, He did not abandon her. Every time she asked for intervention, He answered.

Oma’s life was a shining example of the miracles that are possible when you live a life of fervent prayer. To encourage and uplift others, and to remind us of God’s steadfast love, her family has agreed to share her remarkable stories and the lives she has touched.

Let her story move you to seek a deeper relationship with God and follow Oma’s lead in living a life of prayer and service.

Inside this inspiring account, you'll discover:
Proof that God rescues and guards those He sends out to extend His ministry — Oma and her family were repeatedly in danger, yet each time, the Holy Spirit saved them!
How God’s love miraculously delivered a young girl and her friend to safety after they prayed for survival
Oma's bold commitment to God in the midst of the "Great Miami Hurricane" and His intervention on her behalf
God's timely interventions in the life of His loyal servant — those who put their trust in Him will never suffer harm
The power of prayer – how Mother Van prayed for and influenced persons with spiritual needs from all walks of life
How times of crisis, sorrow, and grief can be a path to a deeper communion with God — read about how Oma's depression led her to return to His embrace
How to access God's promise through the three connected truths concerning prayer — God’s promise is not only for a select few, but for ALL Christians

61 pages, ebook

First published December 15, 2010

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About the author

Janet Clark Shay

7 books3 followers

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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
3 reviews
May 17, 2015
Wow

All I can say is that I learned so much and plan on putting it into practise. I am glad this author took the time to find out how this special woman of God lived and could pass on to those who want to learn.
Profile Image for Barbara.
409 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2015
Great prayer inspiration

Quick read that packs a powerful punch. Wonderful example of intercessory prayer and a beautiful relationship M's. Oma had with her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Profile Image for Melissa Knight.
Author 9 books12 followers
July 25, 2023
What a Legacy!

Most parents think about the legacy we want to leave to our children, and to the next generation. How do we want to be remembered? What do we hope our kids will learn from us? In this quick read, the life and legacy of one simple yet remarkable woman is revealed, and the impact her prayers had on her family members and many others. Her devotion to prayer is a reminder to all Christians of the access we have to our powerful God.

I’m appreciative of the author’s work in recognizing Oma Van Gelderen’s life and am challenged by her words in the opening introduction: “Our families need intercessors. Our country needs intercessors. Our world needs intercessors.” Amen to that!
Profile Image for S L Host.
15 reviews
June 30, 2020
Learning how to pray it through

Oh that we each could leave a legacy like Oma! Have you wondered how to pray to get results? Ever wondered if God is listening? What is God's will? How can I pray according to his will? Oma knew the answers and her children share them. This is one book that can be read repeatedly and reveal new truths each time. I can't declare as she did, "I've got it!" Someday I hope.
Profile Image for Cindy Weeks.
98 reviews3 followers
July 22, 2023
Great Biography

This is a very quaint biography heralding one woman's life long faith journey. The story takes Oma from childhood through maturity. It provides relevant Bible verses at the beginning of each chapter. The book provides personal reflections on the Bible verses. The book tells many stories from Oma's life. It's an enjoyable read.
1 review
December 11, 2015
Wonderful example on prayer!

Wonderful book on prayer.I pray that reading this book it would make me understand how to pray in God's will.
252 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2016
This is about the mother of Wayne Van Gelderen (grandmother of John Van Gelderen).
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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