(WAH-soo-loo) - Equipping Malian pastors and church leaders through sound biblical teaching is essential for church health and growth among their people groups. Pray as Wassulu workers continue to plan, prepare, and execute such instruction and support for these leaders who can, in turn, invest in the next generation of men! For the greatest impact and mutual support, teaching is often done with pastors from multiple people groups within a geographical area. Many logistics must be worked out, everything from the translation of materials and instruction to ensuring that pastors can travel from their villages to the gathering place. Within the current security concerns in Mali, additional issues must be taken into consideration, as well. Accurate teaching of the Word of God is of primary concern so as to help these pastors and evangelists battle the unbiblical teaching that is prevalent in churches in both developed and developing environments. Pray for discernment from the Lord and total trust in His provision as the Wassulu workers move forward under God's leadership.
Pray for the Balahar people of India who are currently unengaged and unreached. One of the challenges in reaching this people group has been locating where they live. By God's grace, there have been recent connections with people who can potentially help to locate the Balahar. Pray that believers will be faithful to continue searching for them and that the Lord will guide in this pursuit.
(SHE-uh) - The Islamic month of Ramadan has come to a close, and Iraqi Shia busy themselves with regular periods of mourning the deaths of fallen Muslim heroes of old or of biblical prophets. Shia believe that their fervent love and show of respect for these dead ones will garner them more favor before God. Psalm 86:5 (ESV) says: "For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you." Pray that the Spirit of God will turn Iraqi Shia's hearts away from trying to earn His favor by their own good works and convict their hearts of sin, leading to true repentance. Ask for many to call upon the name of the Lord. Pray that in God's goodness, He will pour out His steadfast love and forgive Iraqi Shia of their sin. Pray, also, that believing Iraqi Shia will, in turn, show the steadfast love of Christ to family members, neighbors, co-workers, and friends for His glory.
"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26 ESV). "God, bless churches in East Taiwan, not for their own purpose and fame, but for Your glory. May Your peace rest on them, and may they be peacemakers in their families and in the workplace. Shine on them that they may reflect Your glory to others. Make Your ways known in every neighborhood. Bless them, and may they be a blessing to others."
(mah-LONG) - "We need Bibles" is not something that workers often hear in Malong communities. But God is working, and multiple groups of people are studying the Bible. For a long time, there was only one Bible available, so Malong people would pass it around for everyone to read. A month ago, one of the women spoke up and said, "We all need a copy of the Bible." Praise God that printed copies of the New Testament in the Malong people's language have arrived in the community, and everyone now has their own Bible. Please pray for these ongoing Bible studies. Pray that the power of God's Word will bring salvation to many.
(ker-MAHN-gee) - A woman was surprised to learn that a large number of people from her language group have become Christians. She continues to ask a believing friend details about Christianity. Pray for her to continue to seek the truth, and ask that she will turn and follow Jesus.
(EE-sahn) - From the most skilled Isaan speaker to the beginner, all members of the Isaan Team strive to communicate the message of the gospel as clearly as possible. It's of the utmost importance for them to acquire a high skill level in this language so they can explain God's plan of salvation, teach the Bible, disciple new believers, and train leaders. The Isaan Team covets the prayers of the church around the world to ask God that they will reach language proficiency.
Praise the Lord for the connections that were made at the Global Senders Forum! Pray that the number of Global Missionary Partners sent in and out will exponentially increase as fruit of this time. Pray that the globalization teams will have the joy of walking alongside a record number of Global Missionary Partners being sent.
(DER-bun) - During the Islamic month of Ramadan, two Muslim women in their sewing class heard the story of Jesus' resurrection. Pray that God will open their spiritual eyes and give them the faith to believe the truth and the power of forgiveness through the blood of Jesus. Pray that they will share the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection with other Muslims and that they also will commit their lives to Christ. "As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you" John 20:21 KJV).
Throughout Scripture, skilled craftsmen and craftswomen are mentioned in their participation in the tabernacle, temple, or everyday necessities of the home. The ability to work with one's hands and create something beautiful is a gift from God and a reflection of His creativity. Many men and women among the Arab tribes of northern Africa are skilled craftspeople. They serve their community as welders, carpenters, masons, weavers, bakers, jewelry makers, etc. Pray for those who daily use their God-given skillset. Ask the Lord to give them joy in their work and opportunities to support their families as a result of their labor. Pray Psalm 90:17 (ESV) over these craftsmen and craftswomen: "Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!"
Pray for some Baru families who came to church for the first time on Easter Sunday. Ask that they will be open to learning more about the good news of Jesus.