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.
Scripture Translation
Islanders: Please continue to pray for an important week in Scripture translation ministry, that began this week! A consultant check will take place over the next two weeks as teams work on Scripture translation into three local dialects. This is an important part of the process as the translation teams receive input and work toward making God’s Word clear and understandable for their communities. Travel disruptions have caused flight delays, so please pray that everyone traveling for the consultant check has arrived safely—or will be able to reach the team quickly. Ask that all those participating throughout the two-week consultant check will stay healthy. Pray for wisdom and clarity for the translators and consultants as they carefully work through the Scriptures together. Pray for significant progress in all three language projects, that the completed translations would communicate God’s Word faithfully and clearly and that His Word would spread on these islands and accomplish all that He purposes. Thessalonians 3:1 “Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you.”
PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES
Toposo of South Sudan: Rising tensions and recent violence are creating fear and uncertainty in several communities. Pray that God will protect civilians and prevent further loss of life. Pray also that God will use the church in South Sudan as instruments of peace, so that communities who have little opportunity to hear the Good News will see the love and character of Christ through His followers.
No fear in Love
Makhuwa Nahara of Mozambique: Tomorrow, we will share on the radio the truth from 1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love.” We were especially inspired by a local believer’s experiences and by the words of another local translator who said: “In Islam, I was taught that in fear I would know God. Yet meeting Jesus is teaching me that I truly know Him by loving.”
Please Pray this message will go deeply into the hearts of the Nahara people listening. Pray that those who have been taught to approach God through fear will encounter the perfect love of Christ—and that the Holy Spirit will reveal to them that true knowledge of God is found in His love.
Clean Water and the Love of Christ
Bara of Madagascar: Genesis Project is helping construct a well at a Christian school where 200 children are receiving education and participating in the church’s children’s ministry. When completed, the well will provide the school and children with access to clean water. This is more than a construction project. It is an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ in a tangible way. The Gospel calls us to proclaim Christ, but it also calls us to love and serve people in practical ways. In the village of Z, different churches and organizations are working together to do both. We give thanks to God for Genesis Project and for their willingness to come alongside our ministry in Madagascar.
Please pray: For the successful completion of the well and reliable access to clean water for the children and community. Ask that the teachers, church leaders, and ministry workers would have wisdom and strength to shepherd the hearts of the children in their care. Pray for the children to encounter the love of Christ not only through practical provision but through the Good News being shared with them. Pray for the families in Z, that this ministry would open doors for deeper relationships and Gospel witness. Ask for continued opportunities for churches and organizations to work together in ways that meet practical needs while pointing people to Christ. Pray that the well in this village would provide clean water—and that through this ministry, many would come to know the One who gives living water.
Following Jesus Challenges Our Deepest Loyalties
Alagwa of Tanzania: Please pray for Mama H, a long-time friend and disciple among the Alagwa. Recently, a conversation about her faith became difficult when she was challenged about two areas of her life: the charms she continues to wear and the decision to send her daughters to an Islamic school. Mama H became upset and felt that the questions were going too far. She indicated that if her children’s choices were going to be challenged, she was not interested in continuing to study together. For those serving among the Alagwa, moments like this are both painful and discouraging—especially when they involve people who have been close friends and long-standing disciples. But they also reveal an important reality of discipleship: the Gospel does not simply ask us to learn about Jesus. It calls us to surrender every part of our lives to Him. For Mama H, the areas being challenged are deeply connected to family, community, and identity. These can be some of the most difficult things to surrender.
Please pray for Mama H, that this difficult conversation would ultimately draw her closer to Christ rather than push her away. For courage to follow Jesus, even when doing so creates tension with family, community, or cultural expectations. Ask for wisdom for those discipling her, that they would speak truth with both courage and love, while continuing to demonstrate patience and friendship. For Mama H’s daughters, that they would encounter Jesus for themselves. For many Alagwa believers, that their faith would grow beyond knowledge of Jesus into wholehearted allegiance to Him. Pray also for the many others who are studying Scripture and learning about Jesus. Pray that when the Gospel confronts deeply held loyalties and practices, they would choose Christ—even when the cost is high. May the Lord break every stronghold that keeps people from surrendering fully to Him, and may Jesus receive His inheritance among the Alagwa.
Reaching Remote Villages with the Good News
Bara of Madagascar: Good News is reaching places that are difficult to access in Madagascar, and it is happening through the combined efforts of many people and organizations. Our team’s Jesus Film ministry is one example. Jesus Film Project provides the film. GNPI provides projectors. Local churches help provide fuel. MVI provides motorcycles that enable ministry teams to travel into remote villages. Each partner has a different role, but the purpose is the same: to make Jesus known among people who may have little or no opportunity to hear the Gospel. What we could not accomplish alone becomes possible when God’s people partner together.
Please pray: for open doors as teams travel to remote villages and communities, for hearts to be prepared to hear and respond to the Gospel as the Jesus Film is shown. Pray for the local churches involved in this ministry, that they would be strengthened and equipped to follow up with those who respond. Ask for provision and protection for the teams, motorcycles, equipment, fuel, and other resources needed to reach difficult places. Pray for lasting fruit—that people who hear the Gospel would become disciples and that new churches would be established among communities with little or no Gospel witness. Ask that the Good News would continue to cross every barrier and reach those who have yet to hear.
To Know and to Surrender
Alagwa of Tanzania: Please pray for Mama S, a long-time friend among the Alagwa. Mama S has struggled for many years with physical and spiritual difficulties connected to her family’s history. Her father was a well-known and influential witch-doctor. Recently, Mama S came to the Pastor and I asking for prayer. She willingly offered a strong prayer of repentance herself, welcoming Jesus and renouncing all inherited spiritual powers connected with her family history. Yet later, she admitted that her desire was actually to be physically healed. She didn’t intend to follow Jesus or surrender her life to Him. This is a difficult reminder that knowing about Jesus is not the same as surrendering to Jesus. Following Christ can challenge the deepest loyalties, fears, relationships, and beliefs that have shaped a person’s life.
Please pray: For Mama S to genuinely encounter Jesus and recognize Him not simply as the One who can heal her, but as Lord and Savior. For true repentance and surrender, that she would willingly turn away from the spiritual practices and beliefs that have held influence in her life. For freedom from spiritual bondage, and that every influence opposed to Christ would lose its hold as Mama S comes to faith in Him. For wisdom and perseverance for those discipling her, that they would know when to speak, when to listen, and how to walk patiently alongside her. For other Alagwa who are wrestling with similar decisions, that they would understand the cost of following Jesus and yet discover that He is worth everything. Pray that Jesus would not simply become part of Mama S’s life, but that He would become Lord of her life.
Mapattwelo means “beginnings”
Makhuwa Nahara of Mozambique: Along the coast of northern Mozambique, radio is opening a way for the Gospel to reach Muslim fishing communities. The Nahara people are a Muslim fishing community living along the coast where the ministry team serves. Because of the distances between communities and the challenges of reaching people in remote coastal areas, radio provides an important opportunity to share the message of Christ. Through N. Community Radio, the ministry team has been given one hour each week to broadcast a Gospel program called Mapattwelo, meaning “Beginnings.” Every Thursday evening, the team prepares a new program for that hour. Through these broadcasts, they have an opportunity to communicate biblical truth and introduce listeners to the message of Jesus. Please pray that God would prepare hearts of the Nahara people to hear and respond to the Gospel. Ask that the Mapattwelo team, as they prepare a new program each week. Pray for wisdom to communicate God’s Word clearly and in ways that connect with the Nahara community. Pray that through this weekly broadcast, the Good News would reach hearts and homes along the coast—and that God would raise up followers of Jesus among the Nahara.
New Worship Music
Somali of East Africa: God is opening new doors for the Gospel among S friends, both through online conversations and through growing opportunities for believers to gather locally. Online, there have been more conversations with S friends, new ideas for worship songs, and opportunities for digital evangelism. One of the new songs created through this ministry was recently sung at the S Conference in Minnesota. What began as an opportunity to create worship music together is becoming an opportunity for S believers to find their voices and express their faith through song. Please pray that God would raise up more S believers who will sing, write lyrics, and help create new worship music that honors Christ and speaks from their own cultural context. Please also pray for the weekly online Bible study. Pray that those participating would not simply gain knowledge about Jesus, but would truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God and place their trust in Him. Locally, the team is beginning to consider how to establish regular gatherings for S believers. Pray for wisdom as they seek to build a community that is warm, safe, sustainable, and rooted in Christ.
Please pray: For S friends participating in the online Bible study, that God would open their hearts to the truth about Jesus. For new S believers, that they would grow in confidence and discover their own gifts for worship and ministry. For the development of new worship music, that God would use these songs to strengthen believers and communicate the Gospel within S communities. For wisdom in establishing local gatherings, that God would guide every decision and provide the right people and resources For healthy partnerships with local churches, that these relationships would strengthen the growing community of S believers. For a multiplying community of S followers of Jesus, both online and locally, who will encourage one another and make Christ known among their own people. Pray that what God is beginning through conversations, Bible study, worship, and fellowship would grow into a strong and reproducing community of S believers.
Challenges for Women
Rangi of Tanzania: Pray for the women of the Rangi tribe. They carry the responsibility for raising children, doing all the housework, carrying water from the community well to the house, and often taking care of the family garden while being treated like property by the men. Many live in polygamous marriages and compete with other wives for the husband’s favor. Pray for the women to meet Jesus, who fully sees them, fully knows them, and fully loves them. Pray they would find freedom in His love.
Building Relationships Through Football
Bara of Madagascar: Sometimes a soccer ball can open a door for the Gospel. Through Soccer with Jesus, ministry teams are using a sport children already love as a way to build relationships, connect with families, and create opportunities to share about Christ. This ministry is also a picture of partnership. Trailhead has helped provide soccer balls, jerseys, and snacks, making it possible for teams to use soccer as a bridge into communities. The resources may seem simple, but God can use simple things to open significant doors. A game creates a relationship. A relationship creates trust. Trust creates opportunities for conversation. And conversation can open the way for the Gospel. We are asking for meaningful relationships to develop between ministry teams, children, families, and communities. We want opportunities to share the Gospel clearly as relationships grow. Pray for the children who participate, that they would experience genuine care and hear the truth about Jesus. We want whole families to believe and follow.
Growth!
Arabs of North Africa: praise the Lord for evidence of growth in grace! Recently, a young Arab woman embraced and forgave another woman who had hurt her. Jesus changed her heart from saying, “Don’t tell her of Jesus; she’s not the kind who believes” to “ this is my new sister, let’s plan her baptism together.” She also was so excited to go up with two other believers to a nearby town and talk to a new group of women about Jesus… Pray for her continued growth and for the others like her who are growing in learning how to speak with others of Jesus.
Perseverence
Nuba Mtn Muslim UPGs: Pray for God’s protection, health, and encouragement for pastors, ministry leaders, staff, and local partners serving in the ongoing difficult circumstances of this tribal conflict. Ask the Lord to provide every resource they need, strengthen their unity, and use every aspect of their ministry to draw peoples of this region to Jesus and glorify His name.
Daily Stories
Amazigh of North Africa: One woman texted a sister after 3 months of silence and after exchanging texts said: “I love to hear the stories like these (of Jesus). Can you send me more?” Daily she now receives them and responds! … explaining how she sees God, describing what she saw of Jesus, equating Jesus with God. She also describes how hearing the Scripture stories changes how she lives. Pray for the scores of people receiving the stories daily to each listen carefully like this young woman and see God and be changed.
Trauma Healing
Nuba Mtn Muslim UPGs: Pray for those carrying the deep wounds of violence, displacement, and loss. Ask the Lord to bring comfort and healing, especially to children and those recently released from captivity. Pray for those being trained in trauma healing ministry, that God would use them to bring hope, restoration, and the healing found in Christ. Pray for protection over those with this training, that they would process their own losses and struggles in His strength.
Doors wide open
UPGs of the Sahel: The F people have more than 41 million people spread across West Africa, from Lake Chad to the Atlantic coast, of whom 98.9% still have no access to the gospel. Pray that the Lord of the harvest would raise up the workers needed to reach this people in a meaningful way — both foreign missionaries willing to go directly to West Africa, and F Christians able to reach their own people, with whom they share language, customs, and history. The F people live predominantly in Islamic countries, but many of these nations maintain a degree of religious tolerance, allowing the presence of churches and missions. We ask that these doors remain open and continue to widen, and that no political or cultural barrier would hinder the advance of the gospel among them.
the God who sees
Arabs of North Africa: V has committed to read the story of Joseph and discuss it with me next time we meet. Ask God to guide our conversation, provide the right words at the right time. May He use this story from Scripture to reveal His character as the God who sees, hears, and cares for those who seek Him. Pray that V would keep asking questions and come to understand and believe the Good News. Pray that others in her community would also encounter Jesus.
New Life!
Somali of East Africa and Diaspora: Praise God for a young man who has recently placed his faith in Jesus after months of studying the Bible. Though he had many questions and wrestled deeply with the claims of Christ, God opened his heart to recognize Jesus as Savior. Rejoice with heaven over this new believer, and pray that he will grow strong in his faith, remain steadfast through every challenge, and become a faithful witness to his family and community.
Farming and Truth
Nuba Mtn Muslim UPGs: Many in the Nuba Mountains rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. Our team has been involved in farming in these communities to promote sustainable practices as well as to proclaim good news through the lessons of agriculture. Please pray for the Agriculture ADAPT Project, seeking blessings for good harvests, self-reliance for families, peace in farming areas, and for the trainees to return equipped and as a blessing to their communities. Tragically, our local project manager was killed in recent conflict. Please pray for his family and that this tragedy will not hinder the purposes of the project to bring life.
deep questions
Arabs of North Africa: Pray for a young woman who is seeking answers about God, suffering, and the meaning of life. Through an ongoing friendship with our team, she has been reading Scripture, asking deep questions, and exploring who Jesus is. Pray that God would continue to reveal Himself to her, that His Word would speak clearly to her heart, and that she would come to know the hope and salvation found in Christ.
That they may know
Antandroy of Madagascar: Pray for continued opportunities to reach those who are still waiting to hear. Ask God to strengthen the team as they serve in villages through sports and teaching. Pray that showings of the Jesus film would be well attended. Pray that the Lord would prepare hearts to receive His Word, raise up new believers who will follow Jesus faithfully, and establish a lasting witness among the Antandroy and other peoples of Madagascar.
Peacemaking efforts
Nuba Mtn Muslim UPGs: Pray for an end to violence in Heiban and throughout the Nuba Mountains. Ask God to give wisdom to community and church leaders, bring healing where relationships have been broken, and establish His peace in homes, villages, and across the region.
Learners and Teachers
Chadian Arabs: Clear communication is so important! Pray for our team to learn the local languages and culture in order to communicate the gospel clearly. Ask God to give them perseverance, humility, and wisdom as they seek to both learn and teach! Pray that language barriers would be overcome. Pray God would raise up local followers of Jesus who can share His truth within their own families and communities.
Curiosity
Somali of East Africa and Diaspora: Pray for a young mom as she prepares to welcome her second child. The team was able to provide many things that she will need. Pray that she would become curious about the love and care she’s received in Jesus Name. Ask for this family to become a testimony of His grace within their community.
Remember their sufferings
Arabs of North Africa: Pray for those suffering that they will remember the suffering of brothers and sisters throughout the world and resist the devil and stand firm in their faith. God of all grace, we know that you will restore, confirm, establish and strengthen them.
Excuses
Islanders: One local tea-seller, has become reluctant to meet for studying the Word. She makes excuses and doesn’t seem to accept alternative suggestions. Pray for her to hunger for the Word again. Pray for all the ongoing relationships between local friends and those serving among them. Ask the Lord to open doors for continued conversations, provide opportunities to answer questions about faith, and prepare hearts to seek and follow Jesus.
Teacher Training
Nuba Mtn Muslim UPGS: Pray for our team’s Teacher Training Program that’s still functioning. They are continuing with mobile education efforts despite the ongoing conflict. Ask God to strengthen and protect teachers, give children opportunities to learn, and use education to bring hope, dignity, and lasting transformation for the next generation.
Protection and Freedom
Sandawe of Tanzania: Pray for communities facing many challenges, limited access to resources, education, and healthcare. Ask God to bring His peace and protection, meet practical needs, and open doors for the love of Christ to be demonstrated through His people. Pray that many Sandawe would find freedom from fear, discover the hope of Jesus, and become part of vibrant communities of faith.
Basketball for Jesus
Bara of Madagascar: Pray for the Bara of southern Madagascar as our team builds relationships and share the hope of Christ in communities where many have had little opportunity to hear the gospel. Recently, while spending time with children through community activities and basketball, we had opportunities to share the message of Jesus and build meaningful connections with families. Pray that these relationships would open doors for deeper conversations and that many would come to know Christ.
Rising Leaders
Amazigh of North Africa: Pray for humility and awe as God continues to bring great fruitfulness. May each rising leader say with John the Baptist: Jesus must increase; I must decrease. May all know that the incredible hunger for the gospel and the childlike, steady faith are the work of the Holy Spirit, beyond any human.
