Mehdi lives in a small town outside of Window City. Years ago, as a young man, he heard the good news and decided to follow Jesus. As a result, he experienced criticism that affected his relationships, education, and career. Through much persecution and hardship, God has done a great work in Mehdi and those around him. He is sharing faithfully and giving testimony of new believers regularly. As God continues to work and groups of believers are forming, Mehdi is in need of strength and wisdom from above. Pray that he will grow in his devotion to and love for Scripture and act according to it. Pray according to Ephesians 3:16-19 (ESV), asking that Mehdi will be "rooted and grounded in love" and "filled with all the fullness of God."

May is a hot month in the area of southern India and its surrounding islands! The heat index can top 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity is intense. Students get the month of May off from school as part of their summer break. Most people remain indoors during the heat of the day, coming out to play and relax after dusk. Fresh, juicy mangoes are in season and are absolutely delicious. Coconuts are cut down from high tree branches and chopped open, and the coconut water is immediately drunk for fresh rehydration. Pray for a fresh wind of the Holy Spirit to blow through this area! Pray for the hearts of believers to burn with a fire for Jesus just like the burning hot sun shines down on the land. Pray for more people to believe on the name of the Lord!

(OO-tar pra-DESH) - In the coming weeks, some visiting believers will be going to West Uttar Pradesh to serve alongside the believers there. Please pray for these visitors, and ask that their time in that state in India will be impactful. Pray that all the logistics of traveling across the world and entering a new place will go smoothly. Pray for the people they will be around and the communities they will engage, specifically asking that those whom they share the good news with will be receptive and will respond in faith.

(soo-MAH-trah) - It is not common in their culture to remain single beyond mid-late 20s, but Jim and Julie met each other later in life. They are both local believers, and after some time dating, decided it was time to start planning their wedding. Please pray for their wedding this month and for their new lives as newlyweds. Please pray that they will embrace the vision that the Lord gives of marriage being a picture of His love for the Church. Pray they will begin their new life together, striving to glorify God in all that they do. Marriages in their culture are often broken and full of hurt. Please pray that Jim and Julie's marriage will be a light that shines bright to those around them!

(NOO-bee-ans) - This year, many Christians will be celebrating the resurrection of Christ on Sunday, May 5, which is when Orthodox Christians observe Easter. In Nubian towns where both Christians and Muslims live, this joyous cause of celebration will be noticed by neighbors, co-workers, and acquaintances. "The men said to them, 'Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen'" (Luke 24:5-6 ESV). Pray for many "divine opportunities" for believers to share this good news with their Nubian friends. Ask for Nubian hearts to be open to the truth, causing them to question what the majority religion claims. Pray for Nubian men and women to come to know the risen Savior!

(EE-sahn) - A barista at a local coffee shop is interested in what the Bible says about following Christ. One of the Isaan Team members befriended her and has begun meeting regularly to study the Bible. She is very curious, asks lots of questions, and is reading large sections of the Word in between meetings. Please pray that as she learns about God's gift of salvation, she will open her heart to receive it and choose to follow Him.

(KOO-koo-tuh) - Pray for missionary Elizabeth Leininger as she meets once a week to disciple a group of eight women in the El Zulia church plant. They are finishing up a study on "Biblical Truth." Pray that this will transform their lives and that the women will teach their children about biblical truth.

(ma-COW) - This month, a volunteer team of university students will serve alongside local churches to further the kingdom of God. Pray for these students to have teachable hearts. Pray that they will abide in the Word of God daily and that many will come to know Jesus through their ministry. Ask the Lord to call some of these to come back for long-term service.

(foo-LAH-nee) - Tyler was a Quranic teacher before he discovered Jesus in the pages of the Quran. As he studied, he realized that Jesus is the Savior. He found radio programs in his language that helped him to grow in his faith. Now Tyler wants to tell other Fulani about Jesus. He even led one of his former students to Christ. Praise God for this new life in Christ! Thank Him for the way that the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of those who hear and seek. Pray for Tyler and his family, as they have been forced to relocate due to death threats against him because of his faith. Ask God to continue to strengthen Tyler's new faith, and pray that many Fulani will hear and believe because of Tyler's testimony.

(BAH-soo-too) - Basotho Team members Kyle and Kim Totty live in the east highlands of Lesotho. Kyle has an opportunity to teach at the local church's men's Bible study. Please pray for Kyle's preparation and teaching to be Spirit led. Pray for the Basotho men attending to be receptive, to understand, to apply the teaching of the Scripture in their lives, and to share what they learn with their congregations. Pray that more men will rise up to be pastors. "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2 ESV).

(uh-JEE-an) - Olivia believed in Jesus as her Lord about three years ago. Like all Christians, her new life in Christ meant that she was no longer a slave to sin, but now had freedom in Jesus. Through the Spirit inside of her, Olivia put a stop to the unbiblical relationship she had been involved in for the past several years. The Spirit produced much fruit in her life, and over time, she showed great spiritual maturity. Olivia desired to marry a godly man. However, she also found herself frustrated by well-intentioned believers in her life who were always trying to set her up. She did not want to be seen as a project for those wanting to play matchmaker. When she was least expecting it, God introduced Olivia to a wonderful godly man. The two hit it off, and alongside their believing communities, they have prayed for the Lord's favor as they pursue marriage. Please pray for Olivia and her fiancé, as they plan to be married soon. May their marriage honor the Lord, and may He use this believing couple to reach many of their friends and neighbors!