In the past, among some eastern Indonesian people groups, the local Church has grown to above 2% of the population. Now, local believers are planning to travel to these areas and visit the communities to learn if the churches are still thriving or if the communities need believers to refocus gospel-sharing efforts among them. Please pray that the believers will be welcomed into the communities, find people who are open and knowledgeable, will receive accurate information, and can encourage believers in these areas.
pray4APAC@imb.org
A woman secures the right type of visa, packs her bags, says goodbye to family and friends, and leaves for a country in South Asia where she hopes to serve the Lord for years to come. But there is one thing getting in the way: that country's bureaucracy and its government's less-than-welcoming attitude toward foreigners hoping to live there long term. This is the reality facing almost everyone who is seeking to serve the Lord in that country. Would you ask the Lord for "an open door which no one can shut" (Revelation 3:8 NASB)?
Islanders who live in villages on Lake Victoria in Uganda are considered the most destitute of all Ugandans. According to the Guardian, a local newspaper, the 2022 average income for those living on the islands was about $71 a year. Uganda's economy has not rebounded since the COVID-19 epidemic of 2020. This is especially true for those who live more isolated existences in island villages. Uganda's poorest of the poor historically live in island villages. These locations are cut off from basic government resources and amenities such as electricity, running water, sanitation, healthcare, and schools. Please pray for isolated and forgotten people who live in island villages in Uganda. Pray that they will find hope and purpose for their lives through salvation in Jesus.
herronsonya@yahoo.com
http://www.imb.org/sub-saharan-africa/
Praise for Mei who made a confession of faith during a Chinese Bible study in the Mediterranean! Pray that her faith will be quickly strengthened and that workers will be able to provide discipleship and equip her with the Word.
Significant economic instability has led to widespread protests across Iran. The government has responded with violent crackdowns, arrests, and threats. Internet and cell service have been cut off. Power outages, water restrictions, food shortages, sanctions, and devasting inflation make it difficult for Iranians to live with any hope of stability or safety. Pray that the light of Christ will shine in their darkness! May God use the upheaval and desperation that many Iranians feel to open their hearts and minds to the gospel. Pray for God's hand of protection and comfort over Iranian believers. Pray that their faith will grow as God walks with them through the difficulties. May the Holy Spirit replace anxiety or fear with hope and confidence in God's presence and give believers boldness to continue to share the gospel. Pray that they will experience the peace of God that passes all understanding as they guard their hearts and minds in the Word of God. May all Iranians come to know that God is sovereign and good even in seemingly hopeless situations and put their trust in Him!
Gretchen Snow requests prayer for Joanna, a South Asian believer who desires to grow in her relationship with God and faithfully serve Him. Gretchen meets with her weekly to disciple and encourage her in her spiritual journey. Please pray that Joanna will continue to deepen her walk with God, becoming strong in her faith so that she can share the gospel with the Deaf community in South Asia.
(BED-oo-in) - Looking out over the harsh dunes and endless sand, there is a blip of something in the distance. As you get closer, you can see a group of tents. You can also hear children playing with homemade toys, women preparing the next meal, animals nearby grazing, and men sitting around, talking about life. For these Bedouin, life does not vary much from this scene. They may pack up and move to a new location with better grazing or more water, but the day-to-day life is almost always the same. Please pray that the Bedouin of Libya will break free from the monotony of routine in their lives as they seek the One who can take that burden from them. May their nomadic lifestyle bring the gospel to many who have yet to hear.
(BANG-kok) - "Canaan Baptist Church has seen so much fruit in their evangelism and discipleship! The congregation is on fire to share the gospel with their local community, and we have seen dozens come to faith as a result. With that said, the bigger the group becomes, the more difficult it is to coordinate and put events together, as there are a lot more moving pieces now than there were in the past. Please pray for the church to learn to work together as a team and to encourage one another. Pray that, as they experience the frustrations that come with a growing church, they will lean into the Lord and begin depending more on one another rather than just themselves. Pray also that God will raise up someone in the congregation who will act as a leader in taking responsibility of the calendar, coordinating people and events, and making a more efficient system of communication so that the church can move as a body, especially as the congregation looks forward to trying new events to reach new people."
pray4APAC@imb.org
(BANG-ah-lohr) - The Bangalore Baptist Hospital is celebrating its 53rd anniversary this year! The vision of the hospital is healing and wholeness in the spirit of Jesus Christ. Pray for hospital leaders and staff as they celebrate God's faithfulness and renew their commitment to provide physical and spiritual care for many thousands of people in the coming year.
(ah-ZER-ees) - In the center of Azeri villages, middle-aged and older men can often be seen talking or playing backgammon throughout the day. Some larger villages have tea houses, which are also filled with idle men talking and playing games. While this is an important part of the community, it is also a symptom of the difficult economic situation that many Azeri men endure. There are very few jobs available in the villages, and many men are unable to find work in the larger cities. This gives them limited options for providing for their families, which is important in their role as head of the house. Without any productive activity available to them, many are just existing and without any real hope. Each day is spent in idleness, without any real expectation for change in their future. Pray that God will give them a desire to seek Him and the lasting hope that Christ offers. Ask that they will believe the gospel and find a future in Christ as their Savior. Pray that they will put their faith in Him and begin living fulfilling lives through serving Him.
centralasianpeoples@protonmail.com
