Please pray for Acolin (pronounced “Ah-cho-leen”), a small community in Karamoja. It is known for its drunkardness, but God is moving powerfully there right now. A month ago, a local church showed the Jesus film and many people wept as they watched. About 30 people made professions of faith! Perhaps even more exciting (if possible) is the hunger that is stirring for God’s Word. A local believer named Sarah often plays her audio New Testament, and many come sit outside her home every day to listen, even missing meals, and ask her to “get a radio” for them also. She has given away about 8 so far. She says she sometimes hears her neighbors singing, praying, and weeping late into the night. Pray in whatever way God moves your heart to in this amazing and exciting work He is doing!
MBB students!
We praise God for one Rangi student and four from other Muslim UPGs who have joined Majahida Bible college for Bible Training. Eli from the Rangi people is zealous to reach his own as soon as he finishes school. Pray that many more will come and join the school as these four have done.
God is building His church
God is at work and continues to draw people to Himself. We are praising God that the groups of believers have continued to meet despite the various challenges they face and that there has been some recent growth. The group Masi is leading in the village where he was poisoned has a new person that has joined in the last couple weeks! This is also the village that had no known believers before this group was started.
Please continue to pray for these groups to continue to grow in their understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for them. Please pray for their protection, especially for those who are leading.
Peace
As unrest continues between and within villages, pray that the Lord of peace would reign in the hearts of men. Pray for pride and greed to be brought to its end and young men of the Lopit mountains to bow their knees to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
Are we the same?
“We fast and give to the poor to be good and be able to go into heaven. Isn’t it the same with everyone? Jews? Christians?”
We were on our way for a day out with this family who are now settled in the countryside of NY. The kids were strapped into car seats in the middle of the van and our husbands were chatting in the front seats. She is such a gracious, kind woman and such a gift to spend time with! I answered her telling her of the cross and grace and asked if she had ever heard the story of the prophet Moses. She said that she hadn’t, and listened carefully with true questions throughout. Toward the end of the conversation, she said, “So, do you believe that there is any other Lord besides Jesus?” I was so thankful for her questions that go to the exact heart of everything: grace and Jesus as Lord. Ask for her surrender and for the whole family.
Diaspora in Florida
Pray for D. to make contact with leaders of a nearby mosque. He’s been trying to meet them for 2 months and keeps getting passed to different people.
Ask God for open hearts in two training classes on reaching M’s that we are teaching at different churches.
Discipleship training
Please pray for the month-long discipleship training the Alagwa church is hosting, with the hope to plant a church in a neighbouring village. 18 delegates have already arrived from various places and people groups.
Pray for these believers who have travelled far and are eager to learn, that they will be able to see God’s truth and his goodness clearly despite Satan’s attempts to distract and delay. Pray for fruit from this training: that many will be mobilised to share the gospel in new places. Also pray for a lasting effect on the sending churches, that they would have a passion for the lost, and a vision to keep sending people out.
Praying for freedom
Prayer for Freedom
Please pray for Wana N. A few nights ago she was struggling with demon oppression and/or possession. Two of us were able to pray with her for freedom and security. Pray Jesus reveals Himself to her in a real way. Pray she will know that He alone has power over evil and is able to set her free.
Diaspora in Wisconsin
We praise the Lord for the success of the soccer tournament earlier in August. Our volunteers will have a picnic on the 16th with the families of those we are reaching with the Good News. Pray that the Lord would soften hearts for his Word and that seeds would be planted.
Lack of News
News of the Mbororo is hard to come by. Pray that the lack of news will not keep us from praying. Pray that they will refuse to be involved in the violence against the local populations in CAR and Congo and somehow God will make it possible for them to hear the Gospel.
Good trees bear good fruit
The elders of one community stated that they now know the stories of the Bible. A missionary wanting to help them understand it is not enough to just know the stories, gently asked why the big tree under which we were meeting was not cut down and used for firewood. The community group said it was a good tree and provided for them shade and fruit. Other trees which are not helpful or bearing fruit are cut for firewood, he was told. It was a natural lead in to share that God sees us as trees. He wants trees that are bearing fruit—the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, etc. Other trees will be cut down and thrown in the fire!
Make Disciples of All Nations
Pray for 20 church leaders who are preparing for missionary works of service through intensive periods of Bible training. Pray for their equipping, enabling, and empowering by the Holy Spirit. Pray they would be catalysts for change within their local churches to permanently and actively participate in the Great Commission.
Listening to the Light
The darkness of night brings fear and uncertainty for many Mwani communities living along the coast of Northern Mozambique. Recent insecurity and mid night attacks cause such grief, loss and fear. But as the sun rises groups of people gather and tune in to Radio Nuru (Light) broadcasting the good news of the Light of the world. Please pray for the many people writing or calling in with questions and seeking explanations to the words they are hearing. Pray that these “radio groups” will find the true light.
Diaspora in Minnesota
I praise God that I had the opportunity to talk at length with my friend “A” about Eid AND Jesus, the One who forgives once and for all! It was a great conversation and I’m asking for prayer that we will continue to share openly with each other about our beliefs and praying that God will open the eyes of her heart to hear the TRUTH.
Mark chapter 1 translated!
Dunyi phoned us on Monday, and he and his team finished translating the gospel of Mark chapter 1 last week! They have begun Mark chapter 2 this week. It is widely observed that at the beginning of a Bible translation project, the translation team face a lot of spiritual attacks. May God protect our translation team and all of us who are involved in the Suri (Kacipo-Balesi) New Testament Translation project.
Losing our young leaders
We are struggling to teach the young adult leaders as many of them leave to South Africa looking for money to pay the bridal price. In these past 2 months we have ‘lost’ 4. A lot of time has been invested in training but the future father- in- laws set the bridal price very high and as there are no means of employment here they go to SA. Pray for the Lord to bring the right youth leaders to be taught. We are losing a future generation which is disturbing.
Diaspora in Portland
Please pray for follow up on the good spiritual conversations with a group of diaspora friends that we took to Washington to visit the farm on Saturday, September 1. Pray that these conversations would not be forgotten and would continue.
Prayers not magic
Today a good friend came to ask a worker for money for him to buy special prayers from an imam for his newborn daughter. The worker told him he thought this was magic, not prayer, and offered instead to come pray in the name of Jesus, who has all authority in heaven and on Earth. This new dad agreed but wasn’t home at the agreed time. The battle rages! Ask for the Lord to make himself known to this family.
Diaspora in Canada
38 campers joined us from 6 African nations plus Palestine and Syria. 5 came from Muslim families. Just awesome to see them all heartily singing, “He came from heaven to earth, to show the way, from the earth to the cross, my debt to pay”!
The parents of two little Muslim girls want to meet up with J. and me as soon as possible in September. Their Dad says is having dreams about Jesus.
Diaspora in SA
Please pray for our first church-based workshop for teaching Portuguese that will take place in Londrina for area churches. We do not have a program in Brazil to teach Portuguese as a second language to refugees, but a Pastor and teacher of one church is helping us to organize this workshop. This is just an introduction to show the opportunities we have here to reach the refugees and immigrants all around us. We are already teaching Portuguese to one Muslim from Senegal (Wolof people) but we are open for more.
Peace in the midst of turmoil
You may have seen the news of militia clashes in the capital. It can seem distant until texts arrive from friends about jobs closing down, grenades hitting the neighbors’ homes, flights cancelled with closed airports and fearful children. “Ruth,” “Faith” and “Rose” and “Elizabeth” have all written quite often. Elizabeth sent pictures of their family business burning and car destroyed. She was thankful that all got out in time, but they are wondering what to do next. The government also just shut down FaceBook…unless you have a VPN. It all seems quite dark. Please pray that the believers would rise up with courage and hope and that those around will be amazed at the peace they display. Pray that those who are despairing will recognize that Jesus cries with them, loves them, sees, and offers peace unlike the world’s.
Diaspora in SA
Pray for the seminar “Awareness and Evangelism of Refugees” that we are doing in different churches. It is meant to educate and make churches aware of the “strangers” among them and to equip them to reach out to them.
Pray also that we could have a donation of 60 Bibles to give to refugees.
one on ones
Some brothers will soon begin one on one discipleship, which is a new concept for them. Please ask for teachable spirits and humility and new depths in their walk.
Diaspora in UK
We are enjoying the International Student Ministries at Wales. The Friday night Globe Cafe offers a place for international university students to fellowship through games, discussions and refreshments. Two weeks ago one of the students asked us, “Do you believe that God controls everything or that people have a choice in what to believe?” What a great question! Please pray for deeper relationships with the international students.
Changing lives one stitch at a time in Madagascar.
There is a project called “Mama VaoVao”, which is encouraging Sakalava women in the village to use their skills- hand stitching, sewing sacks, bags, pillows, and hand towels. They have just celebrated their one year anniversary. Many women gave their testimonies at the celebration. One said, “My life has changed, I am now able to care for my household with the money I get. I was just able to buy a table. And I have come to know Jesus!” A little thing can do a great thing in peoples’ lives! Pray for “Mama VaoVao” project to achieve great things in these Sakalava women’s lives, helping them to know Jesus as their Savior.
Diaspora in Florida
Please pray for the opportunity to develop a relationship with a new local Imam with D. Pray that the Imam will be welcoming and willing to work with him. Pray also that the other relationships with other Imams will be fruitful with conversations concerning the Gospel.
Jesus Film showing
Pray for the showing of the Jesus Film Thursday night with a family/neighborhood group about 10 km away. Pray that they will understand and respond to the message by receiving Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
Diaspora in Canada
Praise report: at the end of our last camp chapel, one 13-year-old lad asked Christ to be his Saviour, and another 15-year-old boy rededicated his life to the Lord.
On our last morning 2/3 of our campers accepted Bibles, donated by the Canadian Bible Society, and most of those asked us to send them follow-up discipleship booklets. So we believe there will be fruit from camp for a long time to come. Pray for the campers to share their decisions with their families and friends.
Longing for believers
Please continue to pray for the village of Mangasta, Tanzania. We long to see a community of Believers there and why not ask God to change this village of 99% Muslims to 100% Christian!
Diaspora in Detroit
Pray that the Kids’ Camp that was focused on ESL for refugee kids this month met felt needs and will strenghten relationships for the future.
Praise for a good picnic where 200 came including 8 new families from the target neighborhood.
“We don’t have to be afraid!”
A local sister shared recently that their group was tipped off that the police would be visiting their Sunday gathering. They prayed together, chose 2 spokespeople and prayed some more, then began worshipping. Sure enough, a little later came a “hodi” at the door and in walked 4 policemen. They were duly welcomed and when they’d sat down, they asked “What are you all doing here?”. The spokeswoman said “We’re reading this Bible, see?” And she showed them what they were reading. “And we’re singing-do you want to hear a song?” And they all sang a song. Then the spokesman said, “And we’re praying. Nothing bad is happening; we’re not drinking, we’re not doing anything immoral. Do you want to pray with us?” They didn’t (yet), but they were satisfied nothing wrong was happening and they said their goodbyes. The sister sharing this story said, “See! We don’t have to be afraid!” Ask for more faith against fear and more bold worship among islanders.
Diaspora in Minnesota
There are two new tutors starting this month with Somali families. These tutors have the unique opportunity to go into homes to teach English. It could be one or more family members being taught. Pray for good relationships and opportunities to plant seeds for the Gospel.
10 years later
Marino, the now retired police chief, has been the welcoming host for a weekly Discipleship Bible Study in his compound; the group is predominately young males between the ages of 6 and 12 years. Recently he asked if he could come for regular Bible study with one of our team members, which he has faithfully been doing. Now he is inquiring about baptism, so a special teaching time has been arranged for him and some of the youth from this compound group. Pray for the Holy Spirit to baptize them also with His presence and power, so that the Spirit can teach them all that they need to know in applying the gospel to their lives in this culture, and remind them of what they have heard. Marino was the outspoken leader who said to the AIM surveying team ten years ago, “Come and teach us the Word of God. That is exactly what our young people need!”
Diaspora in Wisconsin
A homework club is being revamped and renamed to start up this Fall in Wisconsin. Please pray for a good turnout among the Somali youth and wisdom for the volunteers. Pray that the volunteers would be Christ-like and relational in all their dealings with the Somali community and that the Lord would open many Somali hearts.
Obedience and fear
A young new believer just asked to be baptized and wanted a believer of 1 year to be there with her. Jesus came to her in a dream a few weeks ago and told her to tell others of Him. She is afraid. She dreamt last night that she saw unbelievers in fire, and she was in a room alone but was being beaten and had the scars of Jesus. She said it hurt physically. She asked her family for help and no one would. Pray for courage for new believers.
His sheep will listen to His voice
Ask the Good Shepherd to guide His people to His lost sheep. For they will listen to His voice. So there will be one flock, one Shepherd.
Diaspora in SA
Ask God to help us with wisdom and guidance and divine appointments during our 2 week (from 08/24 to 09/10) research trip. We have added information that African immigrants are living in South of Brazil. Pray also for a safe trip, good health, and stamina.
God revealing Himself
Pray that as God continues to reveal Himself to the Lokwa through everyday events, He will be found by those who do not yet seek Him (Isaiah 65:1).
Story Project
This month will be full of testing stories with 3 groups in different areas of the M hills. My friend and story crafter Mama B is eager to help with this step in the process. Pray for her this month as we again spend many hours in the Word together, that she would see clearly the TRUTH and LIFE found only in Jesus. Pray for the groups that come together to hear the Word—that God would prepare the soil of the hearts of people who will listen.
A Christian wife
Cal’s struggle continues as his father persists in making arrangements for him to marry a Muslim girl. Pray that he will have courage to speak up, and to stand firm against all the schemes of the enemy. Pray that God will provide, and that Cal will insist on waiting to marry a Christian wife.
