Karimojong of Uganda: In Kotido, a Bible storytelling programme is helping people engage with Scripture even when they cannot read or do not have their own Bible. Over 12 weeks, people from seven small village congregations gathered to learn a Bible story each week. With the help of a faithful local church leader, they repeated and practiced each story until everyone could remember it, then explored together what it meant for their lives today. The gatherings were filled with laughter as people discovered familiar Bible stories in new ways. The programme also aims to understand how Scripture is remembered, shared, and lived out in communities. Pray that these stories will take deep root in people’s hearts, transform lives, and be passed on to others. Pray for more opportunities for people without access to written Bibles to hear and understand God’s Word, and for many to come to know Jesus through it.
The Lord Who Sees
Laarim of South Sudan: In the Laarim area of South Sudan… “none of the community water catchments have any water left and nearly all the boreholes are not functioning…. so many of the Laarim here have to walk at least 25 minutes to the dry riverbed to collect water from areas where they have dug down to reach water. The women then have to carry the water on their heads back to their homes. Still we are thankful that we have had some slightly cooler days recently. Please pray for rain. This drought has affected much of the region and food security is expected to be a serious and growing concern this year.” More than 80% of the Laarim still hold to traditional religious practices. There are few among them equipped to share the truth of Jesus, and they don’t yet have a full translation of the scriptures in their language. Like Hagar, may these women come to know the Lord who sees them in the wilderness.
The best kind of Neighbor!
Amazigh of North Africa: In a rural area, a young local woman has begun gathering neighboring women to listen to and discuss Scripture. She even purchased extra phone credit so they could download all 15 Bible-story videos in their language and watch them together. Pray that these women will understand and believe the truth they are hearing. Pray that God will raise up more women who will gather their neighbors, share the Word, and become witnesses to others in their communities.
Whole Families
O of Kenya: Praise the Lord for the discipleship groups that have formed among new believers (NB) in O land. Pray that the young local leader will continue to have fruitful meetings with the NB groups – fostering growth, love for and from Jesus, and deep understanding in God’s Word and faith. Pray that the Lord will shield these gatherings and their leader from opposition, distractions, and spiritual attacks. Finally, pray that the leader’s spouse will experience a personal, wholehearted encounter with Jesus, so that their entire household walks united in the faith.
Radio’s reach
UPGs of the Sahel: Praise the Lord for enough funds to keep the radio station running. Our local manager has received unsolicited videos from people in Darfur giving thanks for the messages of hope and light. Another local believer will run the station for most of October. Pray for the Holy Spirit to change hearts through the messages especially in war torn areas that have little gospel witness. Pray too that the manger’s family can move closer, so he can be with them more.
Wholehearted followers
O of Kenya: Praise the Lord that our team has regular, open doors to share the Good News and disciple new believers. Many seem to be listening as truth is shared, but there is a deep need for a spiritual breakthrough. Pray that those who hear will not just be interested but become wholehearted followers of Jesus! Please pray for the new believers who struggle to know how to plant seeds of truth across their communities. Ask for wisdom and boldness to testify about the forgiveness and love of Jesus. Pray specifically for several seekers and new believers who are navigating pressure and persecution, that they would stand firm and find their security in Christ. May all the outreach efforts lead to a movement of multiplying disciples throughout the region.
Beacons of Light
Swahili Bantu of East Africa Coast: Ten years ago, before our team settled there, a survey found almost 80 villages in Kilwa District with no Christian witness. This summer, a follow-up survey indicated that 82 churches have been planted since that report! These churches are now beacons of light and truth in 40 of the previously unreached villages. All glory to God! Praise the Lord for the evangelists who are living in these remote villages to be a light to a small congregation. Praise Him for the church leaders who identify, train, and encourage the evangelists to send to new places. Our team’s role has primarily served to mentor pastors, and to support and encourage the church leaders. Many people working together fulfill God’s purposes. Praise the Lord for His grace to persevere over the past decade. Pray that these 82 congregations will hold fast to the faith and become multiplying communities of witness into the remaining areas unreached by the gospel.
Learning to Forgive
Islanders: In an island community where holding grudges and repaying grievances are deeply ingrained, a local woman has been studying Ephesians with one of our team members. As they have worked through the Word together, she has been increasingly challenged by the Holy Spirit to forgive and love someone who has hurt her—even though that person has not apologized or changed. She has begun sharing ways that God is challenging her to respond differently, both toward believers and those who do not yet follow Jesus. Pray that the Word will continue transforming her heart and that her example will point others to Jesus. Pray for more believers across the islands to live differently because of the Gospel, especially within difficult family relationships.
Translation efforts for the sake of the Good News
Makhuwa Nahara of Mozambique: The Nahara are 500,000 people living just off the beach along 500 km (311 mi) of coastline. So, dialect differences are accentuated by distance; “to judge” in our area means “to dish” further south, “mountain of God” in the northern dialect means “mountain rock” in ours, and so the list goes on. Every story and parable translated needs to be double checked by listening groups, not just for bridge words and phrases, but also for comprehension of the meaning and main themes of scripture. Groups are led by reviewers who are not just checkers but also bearers of the Gospel. Some arrived for training today and others tomorrow. Please pray for them and the translators as they learn the scriptures to take to their communities.
A Hunger to Hear
Arabs of North Africa: Praise God for spiritual hunger among young people! A young woman unexpectedly reached out to a believer and asked to hear stories. She began receiving stories about Jesus every day. Her responses reveal a growing understanding and thoughtful engagement with what she is hearing. She is asking good questions and showing genuine spiritual interest. Pray that God will continue drawing her to Himself. Pray that His Word will take deep root in her heart and that she will encounter Jesus in a life-changing way.
Hearing God’s Word
Amazigh of North Africa: Praise God for the gift of Scripture in people’s heart language! Many men in rural communities cannot read. Recently, some received Bibles in their mother tongue. When a teenage boy returned home from school, he found the Bible and began reading it aloud to his father and his friends. They were so excited to hear the Word of God being read in their own language. Pray that God’s Word will take deep root in these communities. Pray especially for those who cannot read, that they will have ongoing opportunities to hear Scripture and learn about Jesus.
Unexpected Harvest
Bara Madagascar: Workers faithfully go, proclaim the Word, and wait for God to bring the fruit. Recently, a team returned to a remote village where they had shown the Jesus Film the previous year. The earlier visit opened doors for the team to return and continue sharing the Gospel. Over several days, team members showed the Jesus Film and shared the good news of Jesus with the community. To their great joy, more than 100 people responded by choosing to follow Christ! Many demonstrated their repentance by turning away from former spiritual practices burning items associated with witchcraft. Please pray for these new believers. Pray that they will be discipled, strengthened in their new faith, and connected with other believers. Pray that the Gospel will take deep root and that these new followers of Jesus will become faithful witnesses among their families and communities. Pray against the schemes of the enemy to scorch or choke this fruit.
The Gospel Is Multiplying
Arabs of North Africa: Praise God for the way the gospel is spreading from person to person in North Africa! A man encountered a small gathering of believers and heard the good news about Jesus. He believed, then went home and shared what he had heard with his family. Several family members also believed. When one relative was suffering from a persistent skin condition, the believers prayed for him. The next day, he returned healed—and he too put his faith in Jesus! Praise God for His power and mercy. Pray that this growing family of believers will continue to share the gospel with those around them.
Comfort and restoration
Nuba Mtn Muslim UPGs: Please pray for peace in the Nuba Mountains. Pray for comfort for those affected by attacks, abductions, and displacement, healing for children, strength for trauma healers in ongoing training, and full restoration for those recently released and kept safe. Pray for an end to the conflict, wisdom for leaders, and healing between communities. Pray especially for children and families carrying deep wounds. Ask God to bring full restoration. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen those walking alongside them. May God’s peace take root in homes and communities throughout the Nuba Mountains.
Women Following Jesus
Arabs of North Africa: Praise God for women coming to faith and taking the step of baptism! Several women have recently been baptized, publicly identifying themselves with Jesus and beginning a new chapter of following Him. In places where following Christ can come with significant social and family pressure, these steps of faith are especially signficant. Pray for these new sisters in Christ. Ask God to strengthen their faith, surround them with other believers, and use their lives and testimonies to draw their families toward Jesus.
Leaders’ wives
Amazigh of North Africa: Several families have believed, but several of the leaders’ wives have not yet surrendered to Jesus. Please ask for humility… that these women would enter the kingdom of heaven with the faith and wonder of children, and would follow Jesus, heart, mind and soul.
A Sweet Multiplication
Arabs of North Africa: A man who sells sweets came to faith in Jesus and began sharing the good news with his family. His wife, brother, and uncle have now also believed. What began with one person hearing and responding to the gospel is already spreading through a family. Praise God for this multiplication! Pray that these new believers will grow together in faith and become bold witnesses to others around them.
New Believers Along the Coast
Swahili Bantu of East Africa Coast: Praise God for the many young people who heard the Gospel during a recent outreach in coastal Tanzania! More than forty people responded to the invitation to follow Jesus. During a week-long sports camp, believers had opportunities to build relationships with children and young people and share the good news. What began as a gathering of about 100 youth grew to more than 200 by the final day. Praise God for the doors He opened and for the seeds of the Gospel that were planted. Please pray especially for the local church as it comes alongside these new believers. Pray for church leaders to have wisdom, strength, and perseverance as they shepherd those who are beginning to follow Jesus. Pray that these new brothers and sisters will be firmly established in their faith and grow into mature disciples. Pray also for the young people in these coastal communities—that the seeds planted through these relationships and outreaches would take deep root and bear lasting fruit. May the local church become strong and increasingly equipped to carry the work forward.
God Meets Us in Difficult Circumstances
Arabs of North Africa: A man was seriously ill after a scorpion bite. Believers went to the hospital to pray for him and share the good news of Jesus. He recovered quickly and put his faith in Christ. Praise God for His kindness and for believers who are willing to show compassion and share the gospel wherever they find an opportunity. Pray for this new believer as he grows in his relationship with Jesus, and may God use him and others for His Glory.
Comfort for Grief
Somali of East Africa and Diaspora: Please pray for a Somali family in our community who recently experienced the sudden loss of a husband and father. His wife is pregnant and expecting their baby this month. She is now facing the birth of her child while grieving her husband and caring for their two young children, ages 3 and 2. Her husband was the sole provider for the family, so his death brings the practical challenge of finding work that will adequately support them. Pray that God would draw near to her and provide what she needs. Pray that the team will meet practical needs and demonstrate the love of Jesus. May they have opportunities to share the Good News in ways that are sensitive to her grief and circumstances. Ask the Lord for a safe delivery of her baby this month. Pray that this family would experience the compassion of Christ through His people—may their hearts turn to Jesus and the comfort found only in Him.
Physical Provision
Nuba Mtn Muslims: Pray for the many families in the Nuba Mountains are struggling to meet basic needs. Pray for God’s provision for those facing hunger and displacement. Ask Him to bless agricultural efforts with good harvests and to give families opportunities to become more self-sufficient. Pray also for the few workers serving these communities—that they would have wisdom, protection, and open doors to bring practical help where it is needed most. May these efforts not only meet physical needs but also open opportunities for people to experience the love of Christ and hear the truth of the Good News.
Unashamed to Pray
Arabs of North Africa: Praise God for growing boldness among believers in North Africa! Recently, a group of believers gathered publicly to pray. Some prayed boldly and without shame, raising their voices as they called out to God. People passing by could not help but notice. What a beautiful picture of believers growing in confidence and becoming increasingly unashamed of their faith. Pray that God will continue to give His people courage to live openly for Christ—and that those who see and hear them will become curious about Jesus.
Reading Clubs
Mwani of Mozambique: Please pray for our outreach among children. Both Bible studies and reading clubs are reaching children and creating a growing need for teaching materials. Pray for God to provide the finances and supplies needed—including paper, pencils, and printing materials. Pray also for creativity and wisdom as teachers develop Bible-based illustrations and activities that communicate the Gospel clearly and meaningfully within the local culture. May these opportunities help children grow in both literacy and their understanding of Jesus, and may the seeds of God’s Word take deep root in their lives. Pray that the children and their families would come to believe the Good News.
Everyday Moments
Chadian Arabs: Please pray for those seeking to share the hope of Christ among Chadian Arab communities in Chad. Praise God for a diverse team of missionaries and local believers who are working together with a shared desire to see the Gospel proclaimed, believers discipled, and the local church equipped to reach its own communities. Pray for unity among the team as they serve together and learn from one another. Ask God to help them learn local languages well so they can communicate the Gospel clearly and disciple new believers faithfully. Pray, too, for the everyday relationships that open doors for ministry. May ordinary conversations, friendships, hospitality, and shared life build trust and create opportunities to speak about Jesus. Most of all, pray that God would strengthen and mobilize local believers to become faithful witnesses within their own communities, so that the hope of Christ would continue to spread from one person to another. May God receive glory as His people work together in unity and the Gospel takes root among Chadian Arab communities.
Pray for the Church
Nuba Mtn Muslims: Ask God to give the few church leaders courage, wisdom, and strength as they shepherd their communities through difficult circumstances. Pray for unity among believers, protection for gatherings, and disciples who embrace the Great Commission. May the church and the few workers be strengthened and may many more people discover the hope of Christ.
Summer Camp
African Diaspora: This summer, workers serving among Arab diaspora communities partnered with other ministries to help with several youth camps. Many young people heard clear teaching from the Bible and had opportunities to ask questions and consider the truth of the Gospel. Pray that the Holy Spirit will continue working in the hearts and minds of those who heard. Ask God to help the seeds planted during the camps take root and grow. Many of these young people are returning to families and communities where following Jesus may be unfamiliar or difficult. Pray that God will work through these young people in their homes, drawing parents, siblings, and extended family members toward Himself. Please also pray for young believers who are navigating complicated family circumstances. Some are seeking to grow in their faith while facing barriers to church involvement and Christian community. Pray for wise and trustworthy believers to walk alongside them. May the Lord strengthen a new generation of believers from Arab diaspora communities and use their lives to bring the hope of Christ into their families and communities.
Vulnerable Communities
Lopit of South Sudan: Please pray for the Lopit people as they face a difficult season of drought and uncertainty. The ongoing drought in East Africa is affecting communities among the Lopit. Families are getting by, but gardens and crops have been significantly impacted. While some harvest will come, it may not be enough to sustain families through the coming year. Pray for rain and for God’s provision. Pray that crops will continue to grow, that families will steward carefully what food they have, and that neighbors will respond to one another with compassion and generosity during this difficult season. Please also pray for those serving among the Lopit. Ask God for wisdom, discernment, and sensitivity to His Spirit as they seek to be a light and a source of encouragement in their communities during this challenging time. South Sudan is also approaching a significant political season, and tensions are already increasing. Pray for peace and stability throughout the country. Ask God to restrain violence, protect vulnerable communities, and give wisdom to those in positions of leadership. Above all, pray that God would use this difficult season to draw people to Himself and that the Lopit would experience His provision, peace, and hope.
One Way to God
Antakarana of Madagascar: In some villages, the men are moving away from wanting to follow the ancestral practices and their form of folk Islam. They are coming to see the practices as harmful. Some of this is due to hearing the audio Bibles that have been distributed. Hearing the Word is opening good conversations about the difference in Christianity and Islam. Conversations that lead to a choice. If they believe what the Bible says, then they need to see that there is only one way to have a relationship with God. Pray for the hearts of these young men and for them to encounter Jesus in their searching.
Boldness in the Marketplace
Arabs of North Africa: Praise God for bold believers who are taking every opportunity to share Jesus! One Friday, a group of men were waiting for a believer to arrive for prayer. Instead, they learned that he was delayed because he had encountered a group of 11 men in the marketplace and was sharing the gospel with them. The following day, they heard that many of those men had responded to the message and believed. Pray for these new believers as they begin their journey of faith. Ask God to give them courage to share what they have discovered with others. May the growing number putting their faith in Christ be knit together as a Body.
True Peace
Ik of Uganda: The Ik (called “Teuso” by their neighbors) are a small farming and hunting community squeezed between the large, powerful Karamojong and Turkana pastoralist tribes in Uganda. The Ik have struggled to survive in harsh ecological conditions of droughts and floods. They continue to fight against isolation and marginalization to overcome their difficult circumstances. Originally, they migrated to the area over 200 years ago from Ethiopia and settled in the highlands of Timu. The Ik are subsistence farmers who grow tobacco, maize, sorghum and more as well as keep bees and hunt. The Ik keep to themselves and are traditionally peace-loving people. Pray that they would know true peace and grace from Christ Jesus. Lift up the translation efforts to be effective and clear so that they may understand and know God’s word to them in their own tongue.
Fishermen fishing for Men
Amazigh of North Africa: Praise Jesus for the courageous fishermen preaching the gospel on the large commercial boats… just yesterday one testified that over half the crew (30) believed. Pray that: just as [they] received Christ Jesus as Lord, [they may] continue to live [their] lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as [they] were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Col 2:6,7)
Hope of Jesus for Suffering and Uncertainty
Islanders: Please pray for the Islander people, especially those who are facing suffering, loss, and uncertainty. Earlier this year, a devastating bus accident caused by a landslide claimed several lives. One survivor traveled abroad for specialized medical treatment and has now returned home, where she continues to receive therapy. During a conversation at the hospital, a team member was able to ask whether the experience had caused her to think differently about life, death, and faith. This opened an opportunity to share about the sure and certain hope we have in Jesus and the promise of life to come. Please pray that this conversation will continue and that she will become increasingly open to hearing about Jesus. There are also families facing heartbreaking medical challenges. A very young mother is caring for her infant, who has a severe disability. Please pray for this mother as she comes to terms with what her child’s future may hold, and ask God to meet her with compassion, strength, and hope. Pray that, in the midst of suffering and uncertainty, Islander families will encounter the love of Christ. Pray for opportunities for believers to speak about the hope found in Jesus and for hearts to be open to the gospel.
Hope in hardship
Nuba Mtn Muslims UPGs: Please pray for the people of the Nuba Mountains in Sudan. Conflict continues to displace families and make access to food, education, and healthcare difficult. Yet even in the midst of hardship, God is at work. Local churches and ministry partners are bringing practical help and sharing the hope of Christ. Pray that God would provide for families in need and strengthen His Church to be a source of hope and compassion in these difficult days.
Speaking of Jesus
Arabs of North Africa: A small group of women went to the water a few days ago to baptize a new sister. In 3 days, another group are planning to go to a mill to speak to the Amazigh there. There are some who are more careful with who they speak to about Jesus, and some who just want to talk with everyone. Pray for unity and wisdom and boldness and they learn to work shoulder to shoulder.
Building relationships through Soccer
Somali of East Africa and Diaspora: Every Monday, some of the team plays football with Somali friends. It started as a way to relax, but it’s now a meaningful way to build friendships and earn trust. As trust grows, we have more conversations about faith. A. is one friend who has been willing to hear the Good News fully. We pray together and talk honestly about faith and life. He doesn’t yet believe, but we know that the Lord is at work! Join us in asking for saving faith in A. as well as for more curious friends like him.
Pray for hearts to be open to hearing about the Jesus of the Bible! Pray for friends who bravely bring their faith-questions, that God would draw them to Himself and reveal truth. Pray for wisdom in every conversation. May we know how to move toward people with grace and truth. On Mondays pray that Soccer will open doors for deeper relationships and Gospel conversations. Pray that God will use these connections to build bridges between our team and the Somali community and that many will come to know the hope found in Jesus.
Love That Overcomes Rejection
Makhuwa Nahara of Mozambique: After seeing B. distribute Heart of Man booklets, his uncle—a respected village imam—stopped speaking to him. Yet B. continued to respond with Christ’s love. When the opportunity arose, he helped rebuild his uncle’s mosque. Though B. does not attend mosque meetings, the imam now quietly joins B.’s discipleship groups and listens from the edges.
PRAY that God will use B.’s faithful love to draw the imam’s heart toward Jesus. Ask the Lord to soften his heart, deepen his curiosity, and open a clear path for him to encounter the Savior. Pray also for others watching this relationship—that they, too, would see that Christ’s love is patient, courageous, and stronger than fear or rejection.
New Testament Milestone
Islanders: Praise the Lord there is much to celebrate! On Sunday, August 30, a book dedication is being planned to honor the printing of a volume containing nine books of the Bible in one of the Island Heart-languages. Please pray for the final preparations this week and for wisdom for everyone involved in planning the dedication. Ask that this dedication would be a joyful celebration of God’s faithfulness and the work of many people who have made this translation possible. We know that God’s Word has the power to transform lives, bring people to faith in Christ and strengthen His Church. We give thanks to God for the privilege of seeing His Word made available in another language. Pray that these Scriptures would go far beyond the dedication service and find their way into homes, churches, and hearts. Most importantly, we pray that the Word would be well received and treasured by Islanders! (Hebrews 4:12 AMP “For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.”)
PRAY FOR THOSE GRIEVING
Lopit of South Sudan: A recent attack has left many women dead and others wounded. Pray for God to comfort grieving families and bring healing to those who have been injured. Pray that, even in the midst of deep sorrow, lost souls will encounter believers who can share the hope and comfort found in Jesus. May the church stand confident in the Prince of Peace.
Seeking through the Gospel of Matthew
Arabs of North Africa: Over the past two weeks, three seekers have gathered twice to read through the Gospel of Matthew. They are showing genuine interest and seeking to understand who Jesus is and what His life and teaching mean. During their most recent study, after reading Matthew 3–4, it was getting late and they needed to stop. One of the men expressed his disappointment: “But it’s just getting interesting!” What an encouraging response! Please praise God for this growing hunger to discover more about Jesus. Pray that their curiosity would lead to genuine faith as they continue reading the Gospel. Ask the Holy Spirit to open their hearts to understand the truth about Jesus. Pray for protection from spiritual opposition, so that nothing would prevent these men from continuing to seek and explore the claims of Christ. Give thanks for every opportunity to open God’s Word with people who are seeking. Pray that these men would continue reading, asking questions, and ultimately discover that Jesus is more than someone to understand—He is the Savior to follow.
Kingdom advance
O of Kenya: A major challenge is unfolding around our small airstrip, as the government is pursuing plans to develop the area into a large airport. There are serious concerns about the potential impact on the land, our community, and our partner church. Please pray especially for the O People. We want more opportunities for them to hear and respond to the gospel, and we long to see God use even this difficult situation to open doors for His Kingdom to advance among them.
Pray that God would overrule human plans and use this situation for His purposes—protecting access to the O People and creating new opportunities for the gospel to spread. Pray for peace as tensions rise, and for God-given wisdom, courage, and integrity for church and community leaders as they respond to the situation.
