Thanksgiving and Christmas are not generally celebrated in South Asia since Thanksgiving is a North American holiday and Christmas is a Christian holiday. However, North Americans living abroad still celebrate. Traditionally, Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks to the Lord for His provision and blessings. Christmas is also a time to remember God's goodness and the gift of salvation made possible through the birth of Jesus. This past holiday season provided a natural bridge to sharing the gospel, and many expatriate believers went about faithfully sowing the seeds of the gospel throughout the holiday season. Pray that the good news that was shared with their neighbors, friends, and community fell on open hearts and ears. Pray that those who heard the message of Christ will be drawn to Him, putting their faith and trust in Christ alone.
(suh-POHR-oh) - "A new year has begun for Japanese in Sapporo. The snow began sticking to the ground as many spent New Year's Day eating special foods with family and visiting the Hokkaido Shrine, looking for blessings in the new year and help with health, work and studies. The 'Coming of Age Day' celebration takes place on January 12 this year, and those turning 18 years old in 2026 will be recognized by the government as 'adults.' Young women rent kimonos and have their hair and makeup done at a beauty salon, while young men buy new suits to mark the occasion. Churches in Sapporo will recognize those in their congregations who become 'adults' in this calendar year, saying prayers and asking blessings on their future in the name of Jesus. Friends and families attending may hear for the first time what God's Word says about adult responsibilities. Pray for these future leaders in our churches to be mentored and guided well by those in leadership now. Pray that family members coming to celebrate will see and hear the difference in how Christians view this celebration. Pray for good role models that live for Christ in word and deed!"
pray4APAC@imb.org
Historically, the Fezara people made their way from the Arabian Peninsula, through Egypt, and then on to Sudan, where they have now lived for centuries. They live a nomadic lifestyle, moving with their animals in the northern part of Kordofan province, which lies west of Sudan's capital, Khartoum. The war in Sudan is raging in their homeland. How desperately this Muslim population of 464,000 needs physical and spiritual peace! Pray for the Fezara people to hear the good news of God's peace. Pray for them to understand God's love for them and the salvation that they can have in Christ and accept it. Pray for them to "go out in joy and be led forth in peace" (Isaiah 55:12 ESV).
www.imb.org/adoptauupg
The cities of the Arabian Gulf can afford elegant and opulent New Year's parties. Wealthy people from all over the globe mingle together in their designer clothes and jewels. They eat food prepared by world-renowned chefs who created gourmet delights for them to partake of. Their events will be written up in social columns on the internet. Pray for the rich and famous in Arabian Gulf cities in 2026. Materialism is very important to them, and few have heard what God's Word offers. Pray that they will be curious to read it. Ask that they will talk to believers in Jesus and discuss its truth with them. Pray that whole families will come to faith in Him.
In January, a believer in a Melting City will lead a discipleship training for young people in his church. Please pray that the Lord will protect this gathering and allow the entire training to be completed safely. Ask that each participant will grow in faith and obedience to God's Word, and that they will be equipped and emboldened to go to the lost around them and share the gospel with courage and love.
pray4APAC@imb.org
(EE-sahn) - The Isaan Team successfully conducted six Christmas celebrations where the love of Christ and the true meaning of Christmas was shared with adults, kids, and college students. Please pray for the follow-up visits and contacts that will be made with those interested in learning more about Christ.
the.ebeyers@gmail.com
Thank you for praying in November as Team Andes Peru searched for housing in an area where they hope to build relationships. They write: "Most of our team has now made the planned move to the city of Cusco, and we thank God for this! Please pray for peace and discernment for us as we settle in, seek Peruvian partners, and walk through the doors that the Father opens for us. Join us in asking God, even now, to be preparing hearts to hear and respond to His Word!"
(KAYP town) - "As 2026 begins, thousands of university students will prepare to start a new life in Cape Town as they discover their new adult identity," writes the Cape Town Metro Evangelism Team. "For countless students, this new life comes at the cost of traveling thousands of miles across Africa, leaving behind their families and friends, and encountering challenges they have never seen before. During their short time at a university, students are the most malleable and open to change because they are ready and willing to try new things. Because of this, please pray for university students in Cape Town. We can reach the nations by sharing the gospel with these students who take it back to their families and countries. Please pray for unbelievers to hear and accept the gospel. Ask the Father to use believers in the school to share the gospel faithfully with their friends and other students. Go before God, interceding for the students who become Christians, asking that they will feel empowered to take the gospel back to their countries and families. 'I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ' (Philemon 1:6 CSB)."
http://www.imb.org/sub-saharan-africa/
(ahn-GEE-kah) - Deoghar means "House of the Gods" in the Hindi language. That town is filled with Hindu idols, temples, and all sorts of demonic oppression and influence. However, the one true God is the one who possesses "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV). Pray that the Holy Spirit will embolden Christians in the surrounding areas to share the gospel with the millions of religious pilgrims who will travel to the "House of the Gods" in the coming year. Ask that through faith in the architect of faith, Jesus Christ, the men, women, and children who hear the good news may one day walk into the eternal home that He is preparing for all who call on His name.
angikapeoples@proton.me
(ab-i-JAHN) - Pray for workers as they reflect upon all that the Lord has done in 2025 through their presence in Abidjan. Ask the Lord to give them wisdom in knowing how best to continue their efforts in entry, evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, healthy church formation, and partnership with local believers. Pray that every aspect of their lives in the city will be saturated with the gospel.
http://www.imb.org/sub-saharan-africa/
