“I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink”. Mt. 25:35
Before the church service started, members of some families approached the missionaries with the following request: “It’s been a long drought season and all water we had in the village is gone, there is not even water to drink; the priority is the small children and pregnant ladies. We have purchased water several times and the money is also all gone. We are thirsty.”
Pray that God may send us rain in abundance. May this community see the love and care of God through His provision. Pray that this time of struggle draws the Christians closer to Him, and may the non-believers start to seek our mighty God, realizing that He is our living water.
Transformed to Serve the Gospel
A family has come to Christ through the witness of missionaries in their area. They have invited unsaved family members and friends to attend a Christian outreach concert on Saturday night, where they hope those people will hear the gospel. Pray for encouragement as they share Christ with the people they love.
Live a life pleasing to the Lord
Please pray for the believers who are living among the Swahili people to keep their conduct honorable as we are called to in 1 Peter 2:12 so that they would see our good deeds and glorify God. Pray that the local believers would be given a new hope and passion to see their neighbors come to know the Truth, and the courage to reach out with a grace-filled boldness.
A Witchdoctor’s Dilemma
Pray for one family in which many members are secretly seeking Jesus. Pray especially for one who has been a practising witchdoctor. Whilst she is eager to hear God’s word and understand it, please pray that she would be open about being a witchdoctor, repent and allow Jesus to cleanse and fully heal her.
Sharing Christ with Children
Please pray for an open door for a missionary to share Christ with Sandawe children. Pray for loving connections, opportunities to share Bible stories, and language facility. Ask God to bring many of these children into His kingdom.
The Word Becomes the Main Event
The D family listened eagerly to the overview account of the Bible and the first day of creation. It was obvious that the snacks and conversation in the first half hour were simply preliminary to this “main event.” They made a few comments, asked a couple of questions, observed a point or two that was similar to the Koran. At the end they were eager for prayer for the needs of various members of the family. This week they are expecting lesson 2 on Thursday, and it’s obvious they plan for the Bible study to be an ongoing event. Praise God for the opportunity to meet with the whole family in their home. Praise God for their openness and interest. Please pray for the Spirit to enlighten their eyes and take away any fears, so the light of the gospel can shine in their hearts and the whole family will be saved.
Pray for relationships in Ampasindava
Please pray for relationships in the village of Ampasindava on Nosy Mitsio. An older lady with no known relatives has recently moved to this village, after claiming the royal ancestors directed her here through a dream. Many people on Nosy Mitsio think she’s been exiled from the mainland and that she’s a witch who curses people, yet most are afraid to interfere with what may be the work of the ancestors bringing her here. Relationships in the village of Ampasindava are already being strained, as this lady has been blamed for some recent sicknesses and spiritual oppressions, and people in the village are divided on whether or not she should be blamed for it (which is causing them to break relationships with each other). Please pray that the team leaders living in this village would be led by the Holy Spirit to respond to every person with God’s truths during this time of conflict. Pray especially that this village would know the peace of Jesus, that both their fear and their trust in the ancestors would be destroyed, and that all would be reconciled to God and each other through Jesus our Lord.
Won the Green Card Lottery!
Pray for this Muslim family who leaves December 9th to move to America. They will be living with a Christian family as they look for a job and a home. They have a young son and a baby on the way. They won the “green card lottery” to be able to go, and despite the chaos in their home country all the paperwork went through for passports and visas. They look on it as a miracle and keep saying, “The Lord wants this.” Believing in the Lord’s mighty purposes, I agree with them! Pray that the Lord with continue to draw them and that they will see his mighty acts of grace and truth. They have heard the gospel here and have the written Word of God. Asking for their salvation!!
Love Is Opening Doors for the Gospel
Pray for a South Asian family who are becoming more and more open to the gospel. Visits with their neighbours, missionaries, are frequent and loving. God is opening new opportunities to pray with and for them in their trials. He is healing family members who have serious illnesses. They are listening to the stories of the Bible. Now the whole extended group have requested to hear the Bible stories together at their house. Please pray for the Lord to work mightily through His word and bring the whole family to faith in Christ.
New life!
Praise God for 4 new believers among the Fulani! Pray for them to be bold and tell others what the Lord has done for them. And praise the Lord for the dedication of the scriptures in the Fulani language. May many read it and believe.
Not By Works or Legalism
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 1:18
Pray against work-based salvation and legalism: Pray that the M will understand that hope for forgiveness and acceptance with God is available only through Jesus’ work on the cross.
Planting trees
Please pray for “Katy,” a new friend of less than 3 weeks. She is in an abusive situation at home, and yesterday I shared Matthew 11:28 with her and prayed for her in Jesus’ Name. She said that she had been having dreams about me and had gone to ask one in her family who knows about dream interpretations. In her dreams I’m constantly planting trees. Her sister said that maybe the trees were to build a house in Paradise; I suggested that they were women and people I care for and want to have freedom…tending to them. And she “prayed” that I would live long and be able to help the many who come. She puts huge significance in dreams (most do). Pray that she will have a dream of Jesus! That she would trust in the Lord and be like a tree planted by water, and does not fear when heat comes. (Jeremiah 17: 7-8)
Translating the Bible…Orally!
Praise God for the Alagwa from different villages and churches, and community leaders from surrounding areas who have agreed to be part of the Oral Bible Translation project. Please pray that all of those involved would work together well. Please pray especially for those who don’t know Jesus. May God’s word touch them deeply as they translate it.
Not Witchcraft
Please pray for Mama Soja and her family as they continue to grieve the death of husband and father. He died very suddenly and unexpectedly. He was widely known in the community both in the church in out. There has been a lot of talk of witchcraft. Mama Soja is holding fast to her faith. I have no doubt that her steadfastness in Christ is a faithful witness in the community. Let’s pray that her faithfulness will be a shining light and that the LORD will use this difficult situation to draw others to Himself.
Vision for new school
Pray for the Africa Inland Church of Tanzania which hopes to start a primary school and a high school for local students in the town of Tanga. Usually a high school or secondary school is for students who are boarding there, so this is a new experiment. They hope that local young people can stay with their families as they reach adulthood, and will become strong productive members of the local church, involved in evangelism to their own friends and neighbours.
Who can stand against us!
Please keep praying for those who continue in opposition to the spread of the good news here. Pray for the two religious teachers who have redubbed the Jesus film (widely available in the local language) to bring it in line with Islamic teaching. Pray that God would bring them to the point where they recognise that they have done the very thing they accuse believers of – changing the word of God.
Pray for those in positions of power who are being asked to tighten religious freedom; pray that they would be willing to stand for freedom in the face of opposition. Pray that all that is happening would not only bring greater freedom here but also stir up curiosity and hunger to know who Jesus is.
Pray that all believers on the island would abide ever deeper in the truth that if God is with us who can be against us!
Troubling news
A brother in the East has been arrested for sharing his faith online. The authorities found him by tracing his IP computer. Pray for courage and grace for him and all the believers. Pray none would shrink back, and that they would be discerning in communications.
Rains/Reigns
Praise God that a few good rains all around the area have relieved the O peoples’ urgent concerns for their herds of cattle, goats and sheep. Now the animals can remain out where the small amount of feed is, and drink water there, rather than making the LONG every other day treks to where the traditional wells are in the dry riverbed. Pray that it will be an abundant rainy season. The O people still need the reign of Jesus as Saviour and Lord in their lives and hearts – Pray that many will realise this urgent need and receive God’s gracious provision! Pray that God will raise up (3-6) O ‘people of peace’ who will facilitate the spread of making disciples, Jesus’ style.
update on missing girl and mother
Thank you for praying for our daughter’s friend and her mother who suddenly disappeared. They’re back! Our daughters tearfully embraced for a long time. There are a lot of rumors flying around about where they went and the mother is being very secretive and defensive. But she seems to trust me. Pray for them to come into the Light and experience the miracle of restored relationships.
Drought in Digo Land
The Digo are in the middle of a very dry season; pray for the rains that will help the crops grow, and that the Digo will come to know the One who can give them living water.
Pray for Mamani’Jordany
Please pray for Mamani’Jordany. She has been one of the most enthusiastic members of the discovery Bible study in Marimbehely (on Nosy Mitsio), and has helped lead the meetings several times. While the TIMO team was away from the island, she became possessed by an ancestral spirit, had a long illness, and has been performing ceremonies to try to appease the spirit. Please pray that she would receive freedom and liberation through trusting in Jesus!
Name Changer
Pray for Christian women who have converted to Islam in order to be married to a Muslim. One woman, I will call her Angel, attended a vibrant Christian church for 15 years, sang in the choir, and then she married a Muslim. As part of her conversion to Islam, Angel has taken on a new Muslim name and is being taught how to worship in the mosque. After five years, she still feels like an outsider. As we read Scriptures together, her face lit up with joy, and she recalled a choir song that she had once sung. She sang it aloud and has not forgotten any of it. Pray that she will be able to return to worship and fellowship with others knowing Jesus as her Lord.
Mayhem!
Please continue to pray for the Ndau in the rural areas. Normal way of living has changed drastically for them over the past few months. Over the past few years it was a battle to “survive” because the rains did not come on time thus giving them poor harvests. This year many are not going to prepare their fields being fearful of the soldiers and police that are roaming around. At the roadblocks much of their “stuff” gets confiscated or they have to pay to pass. The soldiers have also been known to demand “relish” such as goats, chickens and even cattle from the folks. Life is not easy for them. Please continue to pray for them as well as the peace talk mediations that have once again been postponed to the 7th November 2016.
Could a thief be converted?
The people of Betroka are being terrorized by thieves, known as ‘Malasos’. These malasos used to steal only cows, but now they are breaking into houses and stealing everything. They harm people if they don’t find money. People are scared and bitter towards these men. Please pray for the conversion of these thieves. Nothing is impossible to the Lord. Remember the thief on the cross. God loves them. Pray also for the security in Betroka.
Deliverance From Sickness and Evil Spirits
Praise God for people in the community who are seeking prayer both for sickness and deliverance from evil spirits. Pray for those who have shown a desire to follow Jesus as a result of his healing touch on their lives. Pray for courage and conviction for them to follow Jesus only. Please also pray for those who do not want to follow Jesus, that the Holy Spirit would open their hearts.
Nothing To Hide
Please pray for a man named A who came by this week asking for a Bible. He wants to read it to compare it to the Koran… We gave him a copy of the NT in Zigua. He asked if we could get him the OT too. When I asked him if he wanted to put it in a bag he said he had nothing to hide. We encouraged him to come back with questions when he’s read some. Pray that his seeking heart will find the truth and he’d be set free! Pray that we’ll be able to connect with him again soon.
Water of Life
A well has recently been dug in Magambua, to supply the Christian medical clinic and the community. Praise the Lord that plentiful water was found. Please pray for wisdom in its administration. Pray that each person who benefits from the new source of water will be given an inner thirst to know Jesus, who gives the water of life.
Theological discussions while building a house
A M man working on the construction of a missionary’s house with a dozen other workers got caught up in a theological discussion during a break. “Can you cleanse yourself of your own sins?” “Sure,” he boasted. “I can do that.” Another worker who was a Christian answered, “No, you can’t.” Please pray that in the next few weeks as they complete the house, the Lord will lift the veil of blindness that lies over his heart. It is the Spirit of God who convicts of sin, and righteousness, and judgment. Please pray the Spirit will do His work and that this man will recognise cleansing of sin comes only through the blood of Jesus.
Exciting meetings
Please pray for an Arab woman who is meeting a believer for the first time this Wednesday. She has heard the gospel through the internet and wants to meet someone to talk with them of Jesus. In a neighboring country, a man is also asking for a call from a believer and wants to be baptized! Pray for clarity in communication and for continuing follow-up face to face!
Believers tortured
Pray for two brothers in the faith who were imprisoned and tortured and video recorded recanting their faith. They had not told their families of their faith. Pray for each one who hears and sees this evil, coerced confession. Ask that God would tenderly draw these wounded ones…and that what the enemy intended for evil, He would use to further declare His glory! Pray the darkness of the enemy would be exposed and that the grace of Jesus would be irresistible.
Beginning Language and Starting Relationships
The TIMO team arrived on the Ik ridge 2 weeks ago. The Ik welcomed them and hosted them for their home-stays. Some Ik took the men on a 22 mile hunt, and others taught the women to carry anything and everything on their heads. The team is now settling into their homes, beginning one-on-one language learning, and preparing to start TIMO coursework. Pray for the Ik language helpers to be patient and open to forming deep and meaningful relationships with the team. Pray for the team to learn the language well so to be able to share the good news.
6 churches!
There are 6 Sakalava churches around Mahajanga! Pray for pastor Guillaume and pastor Juno. Ask God to give the believers vision for sharing their faith and starting new churches.
Comfort from God
On October 21, 2016, the Tsumkwe TIMO team had a farewell party. This was an important event to thank the community, especially the few San believers, the families that hosted the team members, the community leaders, and to say a public goodbye. There was a lot of encouragement from the community. They appreciated the relationships they had with team members. The team left Tsumkwe on Monday, October 24. Pray for the community leaders (traditional authority, particularly the chief of the San) who are upset for not knowing the details as to why the team had to leave. Pray also that the Holy Spirit will comfort and heal the San’s hurt. Pray that the Lord will open a door for more workers to come into Tsumkwe and help support local believers.
Blessings on Bible stories
Praise the Lord that the Datooga evangelist and his wife are enthusiastically helping to translate and craft Bible stories. Pray for the Lord to supply a whole team of people who will want to help with the project because they are so interested in the Scripture. Pray that as the Lord builds a team to craft and record stories, He will prompt them to tell the stories at home and to friends. Pray that even before the stories are recorded, they will already have been widely told. Pray for people to receive them with interest and spiritual insight.
Asking people of the Book
Recently a Sheikh in a diaspora city asked if we could discuss the teachings of Jesus! He came over for lunch and we talked for hours. He asked me to help him read and understand the Bible, since the Quran commands them to ‘ask the People of the Book’. We’ll be meeting again this week. Please ask the Lord, ‘to open his eyes, so that he may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that he may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Jesus.’ Acts 26:18
Urgent request
My daughter’s close friend and her mother just disappeared. Her father and other adult children have had no contact and have no idea where they might have gone. There are many sorrows in this home: knives have been pulled (and the daughter came to our house), forgiveness refused, and when my daughter was sharing about Jesus, the older sister told her to stop talking about these things and pulled the little girl inside. Pray that Jesus would mightily intervene, that the mother would have an experience like Saul/Paul and recognize the truth and worth of Christ. May Jesus guard this precious girl and awaken her heart to faith.
Suffer, The Little Children
Please be praying for the children of local believers who are teased and bullied for not attending Madrassah (Quaranic school). Ask that they would have perseverance and joy, and that they would be an example of Jesus’ love to their classmates.
Needing encouragement
A young South Asian woman and her whole immediate Muslim family became believers in Christ two years ago. She would like to attend discipleship school, but needs funds and a visa to go to Australia for the course. Her family has been ostracised by their relatives and are suffering difficulties in business and relationships. Please pray that in a variety of ways the Lord will encourage these new believers to rely on Him and seek Him for deliverance, and that they will receive some signs of encouragement that He sees and knows their needs.
Eternity In Their Hearts
“He has put eternity into man’s heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11), so the Nyamwezi have eternity in their hearts, but they strive to enter Paradise by living rightly by their works. Pray that they would know the “depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33), understanding that in Christ, they are fully saved by grace.
Beginnings
Please pray for the Ik people to have open hearts and minds as a new TIMO team has arrived this month. Pray that they would begin good relationships with a solid foundation. Pray for the language barrier as the Ik people try to understand why this group of foreigners has come to live among them.
