Welcome to First Day… a ministry of encouragement and prayer established in 2006 by Betsy Akins. What began as a vision for encouraging the hearts of praying women became a reality on Tuesday, September 5, 2006, when three local churches opened their hearts and doors on the first day of school in Chesterfield County, Virginia.

What began in prayer stays in prayer. First Day simply extends an invitation for women to join in prayer for children. The first day of school prompted the name of this powerful “hour of prayer” - a time when women honor God by praying His Word over their children, schools and/or workplaces. Often viewed as an emotional time when individuals, families and communities adjust to a new school year and schedules, First Day sends a loving message that participants believe in the power of prayer and sense a need for prayer coverage within the place they call home.

Yet, First Day is not limited to a specific calendar date or time, as it represents the “first day” an individual commits to pray for children, their schools and/or workplaces. Suitable for any date, First Day often serves as a useful outreach tool for churches, appropriate for women’s retreats and/or prayer emphases.

Embracing the colors, red, yellow, black and white, First Day reflects the lyrics of the popular children’s song Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World. Along with these precious words, school buses (also red, yellow, black and white) serve as personal prayer prompters during the year, as children are on a journey - not just to a school campus - but a journey called life. “Life is fragile; handle it with prayer.” And so, we do.

Thus, First Day became a Kingdom tool, an ongoing, on-growing ministry of prayer. By encouraging women to leave their personal, private prayer closets and come together for corporate prayer, First Day provides a “taste” of praying in small groups. Participants often find this experience the beginning point for connecting with other praying moms who meet weekly through the ministry of Moms in Touch International.

Surely, God is calling out and equipping women to do spiritual battle on our knees. First Day offers an invitation to taste God’s goodness through His ministry of prayer, to join Him in “lifting up” our children, families and communities.

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.
Matthew 18:20