Pray for Dories and his wife Alphossin. This young Malagasy couple moved to our area to preach the Gospel! Dories really wants to work together with me, which is a huge encouragement. Pray for God’s blessing on their ministry. Pray for the Christians who already live here. Many of them don’t have much knowledge about the Bible but they are willing to be taught. Pray for hearts eager to share what they learn with their Tanala neighbors.
Kindergarten open!
Pray for the kindergarten starting in one of our villages today. After much work, frustration, prayer and teamwork, there are 22 students starting kindergarten today. Pray for good communication between the 3 teachers. Pray that the students will begin, even today, to understand God’s love for them. Pray this school will be a city on a hill in a dark land.
Needing healing and freedom
There is an eagerness and hunger among the men, but we continue to see little movement or interest among the women. The women often describe their hearts as being black. From the results of their Islamic religion, their culture and the current war, these women have suffered deeply and experienced heavy pain in their lives. Ask for healing and freedom for these women.
Finding salvation!
One evening while on a walk, we met the father of one of our students along the path. In conversation with him, he shared with us that he was a Muslim, but liked his wife’s Christian religion. However, his relatives would mock him if he chose to follow His wife’s religion. We began to share the Gospel with him, explaining we were followers of Christ, and as we shared, the father took off his kufi cap, confessed his sins, prayed and gave his life to Christ!
Gospel reaching far beyond
We praise God for all that He is doing among the Laarim! Pray for the 20 Discovery Bible Studies that are meeting in different Laarim villages throughout Kimatong. Pray for Angelo and Loboy who will continue to lead some of these weekly meetings, as well as for the chiefs who have stepped up to lead the gatherings meeting in their compounds. Pray these churches will be truly indigenous, led by the Laarim, and reaching far beyond where we could ever go as missionaries.
Prayer for Healing
Praise God! As we were in the New Year’s service one man from the Zaramo tribe came to ask me if we could pray for him. After we finished praying for him he gave his life to Jesus. Please pray for his healing and growth.
Traditions Over Baptism
We rejoice that nine women, two youth, and one Samburu man followed Jesus in baptism in November/December 2018. But we are saddened that four Samburu women who would like to be baptized, could not because their husbands, or other influential men, did not approve. Why? Some people have said, that if you are baptized you can no longer participate in some of the traditions and celebrations of the Samburu. In this area, the people observe many traditions of the Samburu people. To be a good Samburu you are to keep all of the traditions. Their identity is wrapped up in being Samburu. But, what if a Jesus follower feels that some parts of the traditions are not good?
We have never given a list of ‘do’s and don’ts’ to follow if you are baptized. Rather, we have explained baptism as a testimony that one has decided to follow Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. We trust the Holy Spirit will teach the believers what is good and pleasing to God, and what is not. Pray for those who have been baptized, that they will truly follow Jesus as Lord, even if they face opposition because of it. Pray that God would break the chains of tradition that hinder people, particularly men, from acknowledging Jesus as Lord. Pray that these four women believers may soon be baptized.
More Than We Expected
We have been blessed with many Rendille students this term. We prayed for students, and God brought them! Now, we are praying for the resources needed to educate these students so that they can THRIVE. The school year has already started, and we are praying the resources come in quickly! Please pray for our staff as we navigate how to best educate in tight situations. Pray that the staff would be wise in their decision making and unified, for the glory of Christ.
Christ’s power to heal
Many people are seeking prayers for their healing, and several people are getting healed. Let’s pray that Christ’s power to heal would be recognized by the people, so they keep coming to look for healing, instead of going to witchdoctors,shamans, etc. May this power of Jesus open these people to hearing the Gospel, pray that openness will continue, and lead them to salvation in Jesus.
Also pray for our clinics to get qualified nurses with a heart for outreach who will stay and have a fruitful ministry.
Diaspora in Minnesota
• A Somali Christian couple who came here as young believers need our prayerful support as they face a sense of loneliness and rejection here at times. The woman shared that this past year some of the walls of mistrust from the rest of the Somali community is reducing in regards to them and just Christians in general; so we praise God for this. Lets lift them up to our Lord for continued growth in their relationship with Christ and for peace and wisdom as they go about their daily life.
Blessing children
Squealing with delight, dozens of bright eager faces flood the small class room space. With focused effort, little fingers work to form letters and numbers, while open minds learn many skills needed for entering primary school. A dedicated, cross-cultural team of workers have come together to offer preschool learning to Makwe children in the North of Mozambique. Their goal is to bless this Makwe community by building educational foundations, all the while demonstrating the love of Christ by being His hands and feet.
Prayer in the Name of Jesus
A Christian man taught a Somali student who was very sick to pray to Jesus; he wrote down some prayers for him and asked the student to pray in the name of Jesus.The student said he did it. The student always asks us to pray for him and he feels our prayers are ‘working’! Pray God will speak to him through these prayers and heal him-mind, body, and soul.
Marriage
We had the opportunity yesterday to attend the wedding of a young lady in our village. She just completed primary school and is probably around 17 or 18. Pray for this girl, whom we have known for some years. Pray that as we continue to sow into her life she may come to know Christ as her saviour and have a godly home. Many girls here still marry very young and see little other options for their future. Pray that the Lopit communitites may come to see girls as God our Father sees them.
Going out
Pray for our brother Abd – one of the handful of Neem MBB’s, who this week is accompanying an expatriate worker to some Neem villages on the outskirts of the major city center where he lives. Abd is going out with SD cards that contain portions of the gospel in Arabic to share and distribute. Pray for boldness and wisdom as Abd goes and interacts with people. Pray for sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading to know who he should share with.
Cult leading sheep astray
There is a cult on the islands, which has cropped up this week in a small group of seekers led by an islander friend. He is distraught that his friends/sheep are being led astray by another islander (part of this cult) who is paying people to come to meetings of the group involved with the cult. Pray for God’s mercy on these seekers, that they would know the Truth and not be deceived.
Caught up in works
Pray for Armand who leads the Catholic church in his village. He, like many others in his village, are interested in following Jesus, but have been caught up in the works-based and syncretistic teachings of the Catholic church. Pray that they would truly understand the gospel and worship Jesus in spirit and in truth.
Big Turnout
On Christmas Eve we showed the Jesus film and 50 people attended. We had 250+ at our Christmas party where a feast of rice and goat meet were shared after the singing a newly created indigenous Zigua song, and the sharing of the gospel in sermon form. After it was done one of our friends approached Andrew who had done the preaching and indicated that he had been given a lot to think on and that he wanted prayer. So let’s pray for Baba L. Also pray for his wife who we believe is making tentative progress towards believing in Jesus. She privately declares that Jesus is God’s Son but doesn’t feel courageous enough to follow him publicly… alone. Wouldn’t it be great if they could do it together?
For the First Time
For the first time, this year’s Christmas celebrations among the Swahili Arab people were met with some clear opposition. While it was naturally discouraging to deal with, our hearts couldn’t help but be encouraged as we reflected on the truth that when Jesus’ name is being celebrated, people will come against it. The reason we were celebrating was clear. Would you pray Jesus’ words over those who stood with us, that anyone who receives us, would receive Him. And for those who came against the celebration, pray for the Father’s mercy to soften their hearts and lead them to repentance.
Sharing Bible stories
A while back people prayed that a trip to take Neem Bible stories into some local villages would take place after being postponed several times. It did take place but unfortunately, the SD cards were forgotten! Some useful contacts were made and the word of God shared. A return trip including other villages is planned for 7th – 9th January. Please pray again that the stories will be accepted, listened to and reflected upon and that many will understand their need for Christ
Missionary Trainees
It is a Happy New Year! We are busily preparing to receive our first Tanzanian missionary trainee intern families sent by their churches on January 7th! We are thrilled, and a bit overwhelmed, that this is finally happening! Please pray for their witness for Christ and adjustment to living in our Muslim community for a year, as they learn on the job how to provide for themselves, use farming for a role to serve the community, and reach their Swahili neighbors with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
A Suffering Servant
A pastor is unwell. His church is suffering. Pray for the Good Shepherd to gently lead this pastor to green pastures and allow him to rest and heal, while providing a new pastor for the church. Pray that He will have mercy on the congregation that is suffering, too. Pray for an indigenous, reproducing, Christ-centered church among the Rendille.
Desperate need for peace
Please pray that peace will reign between the Arabs and the Neem in Northern Chad in a gold mining area. 30 were killed in clashes in the last few days of December and this last week, ‘dozens’ have been killed in fresh fighting. We’ve been told soldiers have been sent to sort it out. It is certain that many people here have relatives and friends that have been killed. There is intermarriage between these two tribes who have been fighting each other intermittently for decades. Pray that there will be a lasting peace and for those touched by the deaths of loved ones to consider their eternal destiny and turn to the one Saviour.
Health in a broken community
Among the Zaramo many families are very poor, and this causes many young girls to become prostitutes. Some contract diseases and many become pregnant. Please pray that the Lord will save these families and give them honest ways to make a living. A local doctor working in the hospital calculates about 90% of adults in the area are HIV positive. Please pray for the Lord to work mightily among the Zaramo to bring salvation to those who are infected and to change the culture where infection is spread so freely.
Catalyst team growing and going
The Catalyst team met again two weeks ago. They made plans to start training others from within the groups to go out to nine other villages with the goal of sharing the Gospel and starting new discipleship groups. Three other M men will be joining the next Catalyst team meeting in January, who have shown leadership potential and who attended the discipleship trainings we facilitated. We hope to be able to provide ongoing encouragement, accountability, and training/coaching for them. Please pray for Augustine as he leads these meetings for the next few months.
Old Women Teaching Young
Among the Zaramo, older women cling to old evil customs and superstitions, and they purposely teach the young girls these perversions. Pray that God will save these old women and that they will teach their grandchildren the ways of Christ instead.
Victory and Unity
Pray for peace and reconciliation at our church in Eburru. In recent church elections, our Dorobo church leader lost his position as secretary of the church, as new members from a more dominant ethnic group who have started to attend the church elected only members from their group. This has led to tensions and even a big disagreement in the church last Sunday. Pray for our Dorobo pastor for this church, Josephat, as he goes up to meet with the factions on Sunday January 6th. Pray for humility from both sides and for peace and reconciliation. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the principalities and powers. It seems Satan is doing everything he can to find weak spots and attack and destroy this little church.
A New Church Plant
Our town church is considering planting a sister church here in our village. This village has historically chased out any church planters. We have been the only Christians that have been able to endure here long term and make any inroads with the gospel. Pray the Lord would give wisdom & discernment on how to best establish & disciple the body of Christ here in our village long term. Would house churches be best or a traditional church? Or should we continue Sunday worship at our home church, with midweek local home fellowships here? These are things our church is discussing & praying over. Please pray with us for the wisdom & discernment to know how to obey the Lord’s will to establish His Church here on the coast any way He pleases for His glory & the salvation among the Swahili!
Hunger for the Good News
Thank God for the hunger for the Good News. People love the Bible stories. Pray they fully understand and experience that knowing Jesus means a release of bonds. We are going to visit new villages. Pray for open hearts to receive the message.
You prayed…God is answering
On Mar 9, 2018 you prayed for this request: “Praise God for the Alagwa woman baptised a few months back. Despite having come from a hugely demonic background, she is continuing to follow Jesus and rely on him. Please pray for her as she continues to be discipled. Please pray for protection and – Ephesians 3, 17-8- a deepening understanding of how much God loves her.” And God is answering: “Praise God that this woman is continuing to grow in Jesus and seek to surrender her life to him. Praise God that she has recently been asking for prayer that she would become a light in her village to draw others to Jesus.”
Asking questions
A young man came asking questions about Christ and is eagerly listening to truth. Ask for courage and clarity and love for the two brothers (one S. Asian, one Lib’) who will connect with him.
You prayed…He answered
On May 7, 2018 you prayed for this request: “Please pray that the Alagwa will overcome any fears they have and put their faith and confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Pray that those who have done so will be a powerful influence and example to others who are considering whether to take the step of faith.” And God answered this way: “We have seen individuals being bold in their sharing of faith. One of the disciples who attended the discipleship training traveled to share Jesus with several other villages. May Jesus be praised!”
Pray for unity
We heard some discouraging news that the 4 denominational churches have stopped meeting together for prayer. Pray for the unity of the local churches to be strengthened again and for these church leaders to be instruments to unite the Body of Christ instead of dividing it.
You prayed…He answered
On May 10, 2018, you prayed for this request: “Please pray for the Zigua to come to faith in Christ through the testimony and friendship of the Christians who live among them. Pray that they will leave behind any trust they have placed in Islam or witchcraft, and that the Zigua will know Him and walk in the power of His resurrection.” Here is how God answered: “Two of our team members’ friends are affirming the goodness and correctness of the Bible. One of them has said she wants to follow Jesus but is scared to do it openly and alone. She asked us to pray that her family would become Jesus followers too.” Praise the Lord.
Baptized on Christmas Day!
We praise God for our church’s Christmas celebration! It was held at our compound and many people participated, including men and youth. After the meal, three Samburu women followed Jesus in baptism! Pray that others will be encouraged to take such a stand, despite disapproval of some in the community.
You prayed…He answered
On Mar 25, 2018 you prayed for this request: “Pray for the church in one Digo village as we plan to move on Easter Sunday. Pray for unity and for strength for M and his wife as they will without doubt receive much pressure for hosting the church in their home from now on.” And God answered: “As planned the church moved on Easter Sunday; after the move M and his family began to suffer a lot of spiritual warfare, and the church members were afraid to come to the service. After discussion among the leaders, the church was moved again and members have been returning. The next step is to erect a permanent church building.” Praise the Lord.
Diaspora in Portland
Pray for God to open the eyes of a Saudi man and his 28 year-old daughter. A few days ago, Portland team members spent several hours with them, much of the time talking about Islam and the Gospel. Time is short as they may move away early next year. Pray that in their next location, other believers would continue planting & sowing Truth in their lives.
You prayed…He answered
On Apr 21, 2018 you prayed for this request: “Please pray that the Sandawe will come to faith in Christ. A number of faithful believers are purposefully sharing the gospel in areas where He is not yet known. Pray that the Lord will work mightily to bring Sandawe people to Himself.” And God answered: “A group of pastors and evangelists conducted a 10 day seminar in an area where people are setting up homes after having been forced to leave a wildlife reserve area. These people are not Sandawe but many from the church in Wairo, some of whom are Sandawe, participated in the outreach. They had an opportunity to learn from the leaders how to share their faith as they visited with these refugees.” Praise the Lord.
Pray the Doors Will Open
Please pray for 2 Christian resident doctors who desire to do their cross-cultural internships among the Somalis but as of right now the doors seem to be closed. Pray the Lord will open the door and that these doctors would share their faith boldly and find many open hearts.
You prayed…God is answering
On Aug 13, 2018 you prayed for the following request: “An Alagwa friend called to say she would be unable to visit our village, because she was sick. When we discussed rescheduling she told me, ‘tomorrow I have church.’ Praise Jesus! This friend is fighting a hard battle right now against the evil of this world. Please pray for her to have continued encounters with Christ.” How God is answering: “August to December has seen a huge change in our friend who is now attending church weekly. Despite the battle, she is choosing to seek Jesus and is encountering him regularly. Praise Jesus he is faithful and is present with us even amidst the storms.”
Outreach
Visiting a Neem town recently, the SD cards of stories were well received. A church there made up of believers and church attenders from Southern Chad has planned to ‘do evangelism’ in a village of Neem people and Chadian Arabs from 27th December for 3 days. The church is very southern in its way of doing church and many of the 60 people who attend on Sundays do not speak Arabic. Please pray that this enterprise will be effective in reaching the people and will inspire the people who go to trust more in God and to make contacts with people in their own Neem town rather than staying in their small Christian enclave. The religious leaders of the receiving village were already objecting to their going a week ago but the administrative authorities gave permission. Pray that this effort will not antagonise but rather win souls.
