(WAH-soo-loo) - In February, you were asked to pray as Wassulu workers prepared to host a conference composed of Malian pastors, evangelists, and church leaders, and then also teach a smaller group of lay leaders. Give thanks to God that the attendees numbered 60 at the main conference! As mentioned in the initial prayer request, the teaching during the conference was focused overall on the "Dependability of the Word of God." Biblical instruction was given about the Word from the Word itself. The Wassulu workers give thanks to the Lord for your faithfulness in praying as the teachers arrived safely, as did the participants from different areas of the country, in spite of the current instability in the nation. Indeed, God's mercies were great, as all came together smoothly and productively. Pray that the teaching these men received will resonate deeply in their hearts and minds. Pray that they will not fall prey to the dangerous, unbiblical doctrines being spread by some, such as the prosperity gospel, and that they will have a hunger to grow in their knowledge of the Word so they can be more grounded Christian leaders.
http://www.imb.org/sub-saharan-africa/Workers write: "Our national partner, Susie, is a Muslim background believer (MBB). Her father is a devoted Muslim who went to Mecca for Ramadan, fulfilling one of the five pillars of Islam. Since his departure for Mecca, he has increased his efforts to get Susie to return to Islam. At the same time, other members of her family have threatened to poison her for converting to Christianity. Pray that God will give her father dreams and visions of Jesus that will convince him that Jesus is the only way. Pray for her safety against very real threats against her life. Pray that Susie will remain strong in her faith and the constant threats and harassment will drive her into deeper relationship with the Lord."
University students in the Middle East, both young men and women, are the movers and shakers of the future. They study hard in their courses, hoping to get good jobs when they graduate. Some are very religious Muslims. Others are devout Orthodox or Catholic Christians. Others are atheists, agnostics, or truthfully have no interest in anything religious. This is the time when they are making plans, forming life philosophies, and deciding what paths to follow. Pray that these bright, eager young people will meet believers in Jesus who will share clearly with them biblical principles, stories from the Scriptures, and what it means to be a true follower of the Savior. Ask that they will be intrigued by what they hear, be drawn to Christ, and want to know more. Pray that they will discuss these truths with their peers and families. Pray that groups will decide to follow Jesus and meet together.
Please pray for a sister returning to a Melting City after studying in Korea. A few months ago, she shared the gospel with her cousin, who accepted Jesus. Now, they are looking for a church to attend together and plan to start studying God's Word. Pray that God will guide them to a good church, strengthen their faith, and use them to share the gospel with others. May their journey deepen their love for Christ and bring more souls to Him.
(MAHL-teez) - Student ministry in Malta has had challenges in the past, but this year there are new people focusing on reaching university students. There are also many other opportunities for students who are here studying English short term, for the trade schools, and other campuses. Pray that these new leaders will work well together as they move towards the vision of seeing Maltese and all the other nations engaging with God's Word and saying yes to His call in their lives.
(MAH-ti-lee) - Two believers were walking along a dusty road in Bihar, India, searching for people with whom they might share about Jesus. They'd been sent on this quest by a local pastor and his wife who are hoping to start a church in their home, which was located nearby. It wasn't long before the believers came across a group of people and began talking to them. A young teenage girl shyly approached the group from across the road. Soon, there were tears in her eyes. Gajara came to know Jesus when someone came to her house and gave her a Bible. Through reading the Bible, she put her faith in Jesus and even shared her faith with some of the children in her neighborhood. But she had been without fellowship with other believers. Praise God that He orchestrated this situation, allowing Gajara to live near the home of this local pastor! Please pray that Gajara will be discipled and will grow in her faith despite family opposition. Pray that she will seek to follow the Lord in baptism, and ask that God will use her in a mighty way.
(KAH-zahks) - Because of the influence of Russia and the former Soviet Union, most people in Kazakhstan speak Russian. For many Kazakhs, especially in the north, Russian is their first language. Many of them face criticism from their own people for this and are pressured to learn the Kazakh language. Pray for these Russian speakers, asking that they will understand the truth of the gospel and feel accepted. Pray for believers to grow and to use the materials that are available to do so. Ask that they will share the good news with those around them.
Gretchen Snow asks for prayer as she returns to Southeast Asia after several months of visiting her home country. Her desire is to be a servant to the members of the Deaf team and to Deaf Southeast Asians. She wants to be ready to serve with wisdom and compassion and to fully depend on God as she continues to answer the call.
God has been at work in the life of a college student, who chose to follow Christ a few years ago. Months after she chose to follow Christ, her husband believed too. More recently, she hosted a Christmas party and a Chinese New Year party, where another college student heard the gospel and believed! Now, she is helping to teach young children on Sunday mornings. Praise God for this sister in Christ as well as those who are coming alongside her, offering guidance and encouragement. Pray that she will be protected and continue to trust in God.
(KAYP town) - In South Africa, where more than 50% of the population is 18 years old and younger, children often do not attend school. Missionary David and Haley Miles, who serve in Cape Town, noticed this and noticed that children were not learning well when they did attend school. Please pray for the Westlake after-school literacy program that the Mileses began. Many children are involved in this ministry in the slum of Westlake. This after-school program seeks to help children who are in first, second, or third grade. In earlier years, they used a basic school curriculum. This year, they have changed the curriculum and are using one that is Bible based. It comes with a learning and adapting curve. Ask the Father to ensure the safety of the teachers and the children. Pray for the teachers to teach faithfully and for the children to receive the gospel!
http://www.imb.org/sub-saharan-africa/(BEE-ja) - In a desert setting along the sea, Ahmed does small jobs around his house and is employed as a caretaker of a larger complex. However, he spends most of his time alone. A few years ago, he was given a Bible, and the Lord worked on his heart as he read. He read with voracity and, with the help of a believer, came to believe that it really was Jesus who died on the cross. However, Ahmed has yet to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Ahmed has recently been watching television. From what's been presented there, he's come to the conclusion that if the world would just take care of the earth that we're entrusted with, then we, as a global community, would all get along. Please pray for Ahmed and others like him who haven't yet truly trusted in Jesus as their Savior. 1 Kings 18:21 (ESV) says: "How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." Please pray 1 Kings 18:37 (ESV) for Ahmed: "Lord, help him to 'know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you have turned [his heart] back [to you].'"