Mama Sofia came to visit me tonight bearing a pumpkin gift from her garden & the reminder that she still wants me to come pray for her family even though her daughter has been completely healed from malaria for months now. She wants more prayer & to hear more of God’s story! Praise God! Pray for time to meet & for the Salvation of her whole family!
Freedom for victims
Tsimihety are known for being good at business and travelling from place to place to do so. Unfortunately some of the women get involved with prostitution to make ends meet . Pray that an appropriate ministry would be set up for the freedom of victims of this job.
One Man’s Sin Affects Others
Please pray against discouragement among the new believers when older believers shrink back. Ask for repentance, and pray that believers would stand firm and that their love would not grow cold.
James’ arrival
We are happy to welcome a S brother who has been trained in ministry. He seems to have the patience and wisdom this place requires. Pray for the Lord to open a door for fruitful ministry.
Praise report
More Laarim are being added nearly daily to the Lamb’s Book of Life. Loboyi and Angelo (young believers discipled by Jacob previously) have been key players in this. Among these have been a couple of other young men, another woman (influence of new believer Mary Marko), one of the compound guards (drunkard and problematic in the past, now supportive and eager to grow and no drunkenness since his commitment over a week ago), an old chief dying in his village hut, and others! The lady who prayed to receive Jesus on her deathbed just before we evacuated, went to her Heavenly home just a few days later. Unfortunately the lady who was dying on a neighboring compound here when we returned did not have that opportunity; I failed to share the good news with her on my daily visits thinking I had more time.
Grace to believe
Recently Maman asked for a mega voice recorder so he could listen to God’s word. We were glad that he wanted to hear about our God. We gave him one and since then he has been listening to it. Several times I have visited, and found him listening to it. During Easter I invited him to watch a video on the Old Testament prophecy of Jesus and New Testament life of Jesus. Pray he will believe what he is hearing.
Sharing the stumbling block
For two weeks we talked about the divinity of Jesus, which is a huge stumbling block for Muslims. So it was pretty amazing to go through different passages of the Bible with him looking at how through His words and actions Jesus showed himself to be God. At one point Papa B said, ‘when you say these things, you dishonour God and you dishonour Jesus. Jesus was a great prophet, He healed people, He raised people from the dead – from the dead! And He suffered, He really suffered! How can you say God suffered, that God was defeated, how can you say God died? You dishonour God with these words.’ It’s not often that I get to talk to people who have really understood what we believe and are grappling with the ramifications, but each time I do I marvel at how amazing it will be for them when God reveals that yes He did suffer, yes He did die and He did it for them. Like most here the fact of the incarnation is incomprehensible to Papa B; that God would come down to live in an unclean human body, that He would go through the physical indiginity of being born, and then to go on to die a shameful and painful death. And yet because of this how much more glorious will it be when God opens his eyes? How could it do anything other than draw out the most extravagant devotion and worship?
Antakarana of Diego
Almost the whole community looks like they are fervent M believers during Ramadan time, with their customs and practices: at the offices, at stores, at schools, taxi drivers, sellers on the street, etc…. Pray for a special touch from the Holy Spirit to open their eyes as more people will go to mosques this period. The government gave notice that Koranic schools will be shut down, because they are making students study the Koran too many hours a day. There are complaints from some parents and students about it. Pray for peaceful dialogue.
Finding Forgiveness
This week begins the 30days of fasting –a celebratory Fast. Our friends will have extra prayers and long, hot days with no food or drink; and then a feast each evening filled with delicacies and treats reserved just for this time. When asked what they will pray for this Ramadan, most answer “forgiveness.” Many hope that in keeping this fast, they will find forgiveness. Join us in asking for our friends to find what they seek, but in an unexpected Way!
New School Term
The new school term is about to begin. Please be praying that all the children are allowed to attend and that they truly have a desire to learn. Pray for patience and wisdom for the teachers, that they can show the children the love of Christ.
Cattle thieves give their lives to the Lord
There are quite a few cattle thieves who have given their life to Jesus. They are being trained to take the gospel to their people. Please pray for protection and that trust will be built.
Prayers For Good Renters
Pray for a S. Asian woman whose income has been drastically reduced and who will soon need to rent out her large house and move to a smaller one. Pray that she will see that God answers her Christian friends’ prayers for good renters, and that soon she will be ready for a Bible study.
Ramadan
Pray for believers who are under A LOT of extra pressure this month of Ramadan. This month all men pray five times a day at the mosque – your absence is noted and questions are asked. Some religious teachers teach that if one person in the village doesn’t fast the whole village’s fast is ruined, other families will state that family members who didn’t pray won’t get fed. They also naturally feel a greater sense of isolation and lack of community than normal. I don’t think any of us really has any idea how hard this month must be for believers.
Soil Packed Hard by Disobedient Feet
Pray for new believers facing Ramadan in all-Muslim families. Ask that they will not walk the same path as millions of other feet, hardening the soil by repeated steps trying to earn paradise and refusing the grace of the cross. Ask that instead, through truth, despite suffering, they would plow furrows and break up the ground.
Pray for Sakalava Fishermen
Sakalava fishermen in Nosybe are facing a big challenge with providing for their families for a couple of months now. This has never happened to them before. Please pray for the few believers who are convicted to reach out to their own people, yet passing through the same challenge. Pray that they will stand firm in their faith. Many fishermen question them, “Where is your God in this situation?” Pray for strength and boldness of witness as well as how to answer wisely. Pray that they will not feel intimidated or hopeless.
Love your neighbor
Pray that the people who attended the “Love Your Neighbor” seminar in Tana, will be motivated to begin building relationships with the Indian population so that they can share the good news with them. This is difficult as there is very little interaction between the Malagasy and the Indians. About the only meeting place is in the shops the Indians own. Pray that churches and believers in Madagascar will use this opportunity to reach out to their Gujarati neighbors.
Men of Peace – to Lead.
Ako’s life was saved this week by the power of Jesus after prayer and medical care were given in His name! PTL for God’s gracious miracle of physical saving which was witnessed by all the women of the area. Two days later the women eagerly listened and welcomed the truth of hearing the Gospel from the perspective of Jesus the Savior, Healer and Deliverer. Pray that the men of Ako’s extended family will become ‘men of peace’ and will be willing to study God’s Word and seek to obey it, leading the women and children to do the same – that the whole extended family group may have understanding and repent, believe and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior (turn and be healed). Pray against FEAR and all the schemes of the enemy to snatch these seeds away or choke them out!
Church Leaders
Three area church leaders are currently receiving further training around Uganda. Please pray that they receive sound biblical doctrine in their training. Pray also for the churches to continue to grow, that those in charge while some of the leaders are away will lead the churches well.
Fellowship of Christ’s suffering
Please ask that brothers and sisters would be willing to partner together in suffering. May they rejoice in others’ boldness rather than distancing themselves in fear.
In seeking physical health may they find spiritual health!
Praise God that T (a local translator), his son and wife made it to Kenya and are being well looked after. We’re also so thankful that his son doesn’t have hydrocephalus; in fact, he is severely malnourished. It was thought that his weakness and lack of appetite were because of a sickness, but turns out they were the sickness. They have a follow-up appointment in a month and lots of time to help little H eat. Ask that this time is like a breath of fresh air to their souls. Ask for fruitful interactions with local Kenyan believers and that as a family they would discover true and full health in Jesus.
A Favourite Strategy
A favourite strategy of Satan is to divide Christians who are trying to share Christ in an unreached tribe. Pray that the Christians who are working among the Digo will be “united in spirit, intent on one purpose,” and that their unity will powerfully speak to the truth of the gospel.
That She Will Stop Talking
Pray for a S Asian woman who will see missionary friends for lunch just before the month of Ramadan fasting begins. Pray that she will stop talking about Islam and instead begin to ask questions about the Bible and following Christ.
But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 2 Cor. 3:16
Please join in the prayers for precious souls who have asked if they could give their lives to Jesus- may they experience Christ’s promise to reveal Himself to them. We rejoice as we see people turning to the Lord. Pray for wisdom for workers to be led in training these ones in discipleship.
Victory Over Evil Spirits
The Zaramo people practice a mix of Islam and animism. Pray that Jesus will show that He has power over evil spirits, and that only those who put their trust in Him will never be afraid. Pray that Christians will boldly proclaim the victory of Jesus Christ over all evil spirits.
Following Jesus and the test of faith.
Please join us in pray for Zaona and his family. He is a Bara, close friend, and also a brother in Christ. Since he gave his life to Jesus, things haven’t gone well. His wife is trying to get pregnant but she can’t – children are very important in their culture. Some of their family have said that is happening because they are following Jesus.
After one week working very hard in the rice fields, Zaona harvested 3- 50 kg bags of rice, but one night Zaona had his rice stolen by malasos. Again his family said it is because he is not following the way of the ancestors anymore. Other things have happened as well.
However, Zaona has kept firm in the faith. Please, pray that God grants Zaona and his family grace to face the challenges of following Christ without giving up, also to witness in their village about Jesus, in love, be the good perfume of Christ among his own people.
For the love of Jesus
Pray that each one would love Jesus above all else- above families, jobs, acceptance, safety. Ask for courage to speak truthfully especially as pressures increase during Ramadan.
Bible Stories in M
Pray for the project to translate Bible stories into the M language. Next week the translation consultant will visit to check the initial stories that have been translated. Pray for God’s blessings and that the M will love and believe God’s Story.
Opportunities to Become Literate
Many Datooga do not read or write. This limits their ability to learn the Scriptures. Pray that the Lord will bring opportunities for believers to become literate, and that recordings of the stories of God’s Word will spread widely through the tribe.
Eager for Bible Stories…and Ramadan
A South Asian family is increasingly eager to spend time reading the Bible and praying with missionaries. Yet they also talk excitedly about their upcoming Ramadan fast. Please pray that during the month of fasting, they will spend the long hungry hours thinking of all they have learned about the Word of God.
Conviction and Hunger
O-land still needs a lot more rain in order to get through the upcoming dry season and to the next rainy season in Nov/Dec. People often ask themselves, “What have we done to cause God to refuse us good rains?” Pray that the Holy Spirit would convict O people of their sin of refusing to receive God’s Gift of Salvation and forgiveness of sins through Jesus the Messiah! Pray that they would understand, and TURN and be healed/saved! Pray that God will satisfy their physical hunger and thirst in a way that will give them hunger and thirst for truth and for righteousness!
Satan walks around my house
An islander recently asked a worker “do you ever hear Satan walking around your house?” This man has just moved to a new house in the village and has been awakened at night by loud stomping sounds & then what sounds like something very large eating something. He has asked his neighbors about it and they’ve told him that it is Satan, and that they must say special prayers to make sure he stays outside. The worker was able to share with him how Jesus has defeated the kingdom of darkness. Pray that fear would drive this man to the Father and that we would see the kingdom of light advance in his life!
Deep Mud on The Roads
Plentiful rains have finally come to the M farmlands. In fact, the mud is so deep on the roads they are nearly impassable. Pray that during this time those who have received the Word of God will continue to read and listen to it, discussing it as families, and coming to faith in Christ.
Prayers for new believers
Pray for the Holy Spirit to infill the small group of new believers in Laarim and that He will teach, guide, and empower these young believers with faith, courage and boldness!
To Train More Men
Several Samburu church leaders are on a committee to establish a Bible school for pastors and evangelists. Right now, each pastor has to serve several congregations. Pray for the Bible school to be established and flourish.
Camp for kids
A summer camp is being organized for kids this summer. Please pray for many Somali kids to come. Pray their parents will allow them to come. Pray for many to find Christ and bring Him home to their families.
He Has Overcome The World
Pray that the Zaramo will find that even though in the world they have tribulation, Jesus brings good cheer and has overcome the world. Pray that they will follow Him as their Prince of Peace.
Singing His Songs
The Ndengereko believers created Scripture songs from the earliest days of their faith. Pray they will continue to learn Scripture, compose songs, and that those songs will spread far and wide and bring others to faith in Christ.
They Helped Her Rebuild
Pray for the Digo Christians to help and serve others during a crisis time of many rains and flooding. One widow’s grass roof collapsed. The Christians gathered their resources and helped her rebuild. Pray that the love of Christ will be a powerful testimony of the truth of the gospel.
A Moving Spirit
Praise the Lord for reports of several Mbororo stories. In one location, after the showing of the Jesus Film in their language, Fulfulde, two boys made commitments to receive Jesus. These are kids who have seen and heard the truth of Jesus through multiple truth encounters from resident missionaries. Praise God also for reports of Mbororo who, after listening to Scripture on MP3 players (in their language), came back saying they want more of “Jesus.” Finally, in one Mbororo camp, so open are they, that their chief actually invited a Christian church worker to come in and share stories with the 200-some Mbororo children of his camp. God’s Spirit is moving among the Mbororo!
Living In Very Rugged Conditions
Pray for the Datooga evangelists and pastors who live in very rugged conditions while trying to share Christ with the unsaved and teach believers how to walk with Christ. Pray that the Lord will provide for their families and that He will sustain and encourage them by bringing many people to faith in Christ.
