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.
You prayed…He answered
On Oct 21, 2018 you prayed for this request: “Please be in prayer for the first showing of the Jesus film by the Kilwa Churches in 3 local villages in the Kilwa district. This is the first time this permission has been given by the District government. And God answered: “Jesus film outreach in Ruhatwe and Kikole went amazing. Both villages have no witness of the Gospel. Both villages very strongly Islamic. Both villages openly received us and over a dozen prayed to receive Christ. Both AICT and myself were blown away by the unexpected response. Both village leaders invited us to start ministry. Pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth workers. The harvest is there. PTL”
Growth!
A and I recently met with M and S and were able to get a detailed update from them. It was so encouraging to hear that the different discipleship groups are growing and the one that M started in the village that had no known believers has more than quadrupled since June, going from 7 to now 32, all from a Muslim background. This is the same village where he was poisoned and he continues to go weekly to disciple this group despite the many challenges. Pray for these new believers to grow in their understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for them. Pray they are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be bold witnesses of the new life they have found in Christ.
Christmas celebration
Pray for the Christmas celebration among the Zigua today. We want the Holy Spirit to move among us at the celebration. We want Him to have His way. Pray for the Spirit of God to fall on our gathering and move hearts close to Him. Pray for Him to make the Gospel clear and undeniable truth to our friends and neighbors.
You prayed…He answered
PTL God has provided June, a new Mission- minded Clinical Officer who plans to join our team the first of the year, and after orientation will become our AIC T. Dispensary Nurse!!! Woohoo! She specifically said she wants to work in a Mission setting! And she feels that God has led her to us!
Christmas feast
The big Village Christmas Feast is scheduled for Christmas Day – Pray that the message of WHY Jesus came would come across clearly and people’s hearts would be penetrated to respond to the Truth of their need to receive God’s Best Ever Gift of Jesus as Lord and Saviour! PTL for great ‘Ako parties’ with 25-30 kids who we have fun and share the Christmas story with.
His Presence Among Us
Praise God for open eagerness for holding a first ever church service Christmas morning! We will meet outdoors under a tree and a tarp. Pray for good weather and that people will understand the amazing truth of Emmanuel, “God With Us”. Praise God for willing hearts among the leadership for wanting a church in their village, even not of their own religion. Pray for villagers to seek the Way, the Truth and the Life. Pray those that come to belong would come to believe. Ask God for provision of a permanent location and structure from where to worship.
You prayed…He answered
On Oct 24, 2017 you prayed for this request: “Thank God for his blessing, because we are already roofing a classroom, and now join me to pray for finishing the floor, windows, doors and plaster. This is a place for Muslim high school students to come after school for tutoring and to learn about Jesus Christ.” And God answered: “I want to thank God for the building of a classroom, we are now finishing and planning to open it officially on the graduation day.”
I have talked with the chief of Busi and he accepted to be the guest of honor.
