Needs for daily living, dependable employment, and consistent education are critical in Sudan. Catastrophic food shortages are escalating. Those who were attempting to feed the needy have been forbidden to continue. Employees who had sufficient jobs have not been paid in months. Schools and universities are closed. Students have no opportunity to proceed with their studies. "But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay!" (Psalm 70:5 ESV). Pray for those in the population who are in great need. Pray for the people to look to the Lord and see His deliverance and help. Pray for peace in Sudan.

"This month, our prayer focus is for the women of Southern Taiwan. Socio-economic and political changes have reshaped the roles of women in many ways here. For the past eight years, Taiwan has had a female president, and many women are in places of great influence. However, the traditional role of being the main caretaker in a multi-generational home is still the norm. Taiwanese women work hard. They are the caretakers in the home. They are the ones shaping the beliefs of young children, informing the morals of teenagers, and giving direction to the next generation. Pray that our churches will find creative ways to reach women from all walks of life and share in their joys and burdens, letting them know that they are loved and valued. Our prayer is that as women open their hearts to God's truth, their changed lives will speak loudly to their husbands, and they will instruct their children in the ways of the Lord. May these women be the bridge to their parents' and grandparents' generation so that entire families will know, love, and honor God."

(nigh-ROH-bee) - This month, a Kenyan team will be traveling to Uganda for a coach and referee training. This door was opened as a result of a "vision trip" last year. Please pray for boldness, a solid foundation, and favor from those who will be trained.

Julie and Abner are a married couple with children. Julie is a long-time believer, but Abner continues in a different faith. Abner has been hospitalized for a couple of months with tuberculosis and will be held there until he is no longer contagious. Life is very difficult for Julie right now. They are struggling financially, and she is exhausted. One of her biggest struggles has always been anxiety. Pray that Julie will be able to bring everything to the Father "by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving" and then rest in the "peace of God" (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV). Also pray that Abner will come to Christ, realizing that "there is salvation in no one else" (Acts 4:12 ESV).

Starting this month, we are planning an English corner with Chinese students at a local church in one of the Melting Cities. These students have not yet accepted the gospel. Since they have expressed a need for English study, we were prompted to start this activity for them. Please pray that through this English corner, we will build good relationships with new students and have great opportunities to share the gospel. Many students coming from China to study abroad tend to be passive or critical about believing in God. We hope that as they attend these activities and naturally become familiar with the church, they will develop a curiosity about who Jesus is. Please pray for wisdom for the teachers who are leading the English corner. Pray that they will have the passion to look upon the young souls of China with God's heart and have the courage to share the gospel effectively at the right time.

(koo-MAH-oo) - Anant is a Indian brother with a heart for the Lord who is bold in sharing the good news of Jesus with people he meets. However, he recently lost his job and has a family to provide for, so he is currently looking for work. Please lift up Anant, asking that God will provide for his physical needs and that his spirit will be strengthened and encouraged to continue to share with others.

Noel, a young believer, decided to tell all to her young friends. They had become close and had shared many overnight visits. One night, they sat around asking her questions, and she bravely answered about her hope. They asked if this was the reason that she was not afraid of the present war, and she told them that it was. They made plans to get together during Passover so she could take them through what Passover means to believers. Pray that in these days in early May following that event, Noel's friends will still want to know more. Pray that it won't come back to hurt Noel and her friendships and that it will be communicated to the parents without fallout. This is on the hearts of many young believers during this season, and all over the country, questions are being asked of believers young and old alike about the hope that they have.

(foo-koo-OH-kah) - Pray that lost people in Japan will have hearts that are open to hear and understand the gospel of peace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord to bring local Christians and missionaries to connect with the Japanese in Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, and Hiroshima. Pray that, this month, He will lead them to encounter more persons of peace (Luke 10) who are waiting and ready to hear the good news that can transform their life forever.

The Connections Team writes: "We will have volunteer teams from the Illinois/Missouri border and South Carolina coming to work in Chiriqui, Panama, in May. Pray for these volunteers, asking that they will desire to serve the Lord and be His hands and feet during this week. This will be the first-ever mission trip for the group from Illinois/Missouri, so please lift them up as they leave their country and come in faith to serve and grow in the Lord. Pray that this experience will not only change them, but also all those with whom they come in contact."

Pray for the Bible translation work going on in a Southeast Asian country. Deaf Southeast Asian partners have found a studio in which to continue this work. Victor Hawthorne, the ministry team leader, needs to transfer funds and help facilitate the contract signing from afar, all while traveling. Pray for the studio rental process to go well.

(dar es sah-LAHM) - "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV). "In Tanzania and in many other countries, May 1 is celebrated as Workers' Day. It is a day to honor laborers. Paul encourages all of us to be 'steadfast, unmovable, always abounding' in the work that we do. Thank the Lord for those who are laboring with us in this harvest field! Please join our Dar Urban Team in praying for those workers who faithfully share the gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. Ask that all who are laboring to see the kingdom of God advanced will stand firm. In this time of economic hardship, selfish ambitions, and discouragement, some laborers have lost their footing. Please pray that they will be encouraged. Especially lift up those working along the coast, those laboring in the street ministry by serving cake to vulnerable women, and those doing college ministries. Ask that we all will remain steadfast and unmovable. Join us in praising the Lord because we know that our labor is not in vain!"

Please pray for a group of college students from the U.S. as they come alongside a church plant's young adult group in Copenhagen. Pray that this team's presence and witness will result in many gospel conversations with Danes and invitations to follow Christ. Ask God to build up the young believers in the church plant, so they will actively make disciples of others in this very secular city.