Since January 2019, Bara people have been facing a difficult period of drought. There has been very little rain, which makes life even more difficult than it already is. No crops. No rice. And the last of the manioc was consumed last month. Because of COVID-19, the price of food has risen, and made life even more complicated for Bara people. Famine has spread all over southern Madagascar, and this includes Bara land.
Please pray for rain and also for a change in people’s mentality. We have been teaching Farming God’s Way since 2014. May God use this to help this people come to Himself and to change their way of life.
Hurt
There was a hurtful conversation between believers who live near each other- one is Berber, the other Arab. May each one see themselves first of all as lovers and followers of Jesus, in one family by the blood of Christ. May Jesus bring peace and reconciliation by the cross.
Acceptable to God
It is not outward washing that makes our prayers acceptable to God. It is not keeping rituals or rites that opens God’s ear. Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. Please pray that our S Asian friends will realize the only washing that cleanses hearts is the blood of Jesus. Prayer that is through Jesus is how we come into the very presence of the living God, the most holy place. Pray for our S. Asian friends to come to faith in Him.
Courage to Share
Pray for those who are being discipled to share with boldness with their families and neighbours.
Please pray for believers whose spouses are not following Jesus. Please pray that they would have courage to faithfully witness to their spouses and that their lives would demonstrate Jesus’ love.
Arrests
5 local bel’s have been arrested- 4 adults and 1 new born. They have been charged with human trafficking. Pray for God’s intervention!
Disciples growing
We are THANKING the Lord for the men who are being discipled. In Feb. 2020 there were 2 coming…and now there are 10! Praise God. The Sunday after Christmas, 8 of them were baptized. Continue to pray for the Oral Bible Story Project as 10 stories are in various stages of translation. ASK God to use these stories to take the Gospel to some who have never heard.
Stoke! Opportunity for a miracle!
We have prayed for Z before: She and her brother are natural leaders. She is a best friend and clinic assistant and has had a severe stroke this past week. Our hearts are burdened with the physical needs for rehab and healing! Our hearts are even more burdened with the spiritual needs, knowing that right now she is perishing without Christ. Pray for a breakthrough against the kingdom of darkness – for God’s gracious drawing of her and her family into his kingdom! And for the physical healing for Z in the name , Power and authority of Jesus the Messiah!
A KING IN A SEARCH OF THE KING
Recently, we had a Bara king come to Zaona’s house (Zaona is a Bara converted man). The king of that village is not a Christian. Sometime ago, we gave him one AudioBible with Bible stories in Bara language. Last week he told Zaona that he was interested in praying to Jesus. So, he invited us to go to his village and broadcast the Jesus film. This is a great opportunity to share the gospel to this people group that is so resistant to the Gospel.
Please pray for JESUS FILM PROJECT opportunities and fruitful work.
Disciple
Please ask that new believers who are proclaiming and seeing fruit will be discipled well and disciple well… will teach to obey all Jesus commanded… will abide in the vine.
What shall we do?
‘When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”’ Acts 2:37.
Please pray for the Alagwa, that the Holy Spirit would bring true and life-giving conviction to them and prepare their hearts to receive Him. Pray that as God’s word is shared, many would be cut to the heart and be willing to ask: “What shall we do?”
Jabs and Jesus
Please pray with me for our student and friend – Mun.
We have been discussing whether to take the Corona vaccine jab when it arrives in Kenya next month. He believes he should as there are many varieties available, but he is also aware there is a lot of conflicting news on the vaccines. I told him that if we pray, God will give us the answer as He is All-knowing, Sovereign and Healer. Mun. is eager to hear more on this. Pray that our interaction will lead Mun. to know the Great Physician who not only heals our diseases but our sins and souls.
Break the power
Pray that Victor’s neighbours will continue to come to hear the stories on Sundays at his place, and that those who hear will not only be hearers, but doers also, telling their friends and neighbours the good news of Jesus Christ. We pray, Jesus, “Break the power of him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death” (Hebrews 2:14-15).
Healings Among New Fledgling Churches
Praise God for recent demonstrations of Christ’s character revealed to Muslims who were in need of physical healing and spiritual release from demons. One man was healed from chest infirmities and oppression by demons. Local healers could do nothing. Another woman now walks after her legs were paralyzed and burned like fire for three months. God is using these acts to draw people to Himself in areas with new church growth, confirming the message that Christ “came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) Praising God for His extraordinary power in these events to set people free. Pray these new believers and others in their households will grow in their faith and join in fellowship praising Almighty God with other believers.
Restored to health!
God has graciously restored John to health and provided for him a portable oxygen concentrator; he will take the tank with him back to the village where the Wycliffe team is based as they work on the translation of the New Testament into Suri. John is a valuable member of the translation team. Pray that God will sustain him in good health and use him to get His Word to the Suri.
Grace to receive for “Frank”
A young man we’ll call Frank is in medical training, and has been working with us in our medical ministry to get more experience and knowledge during his Covid delays from finishing his schooling. So Frank has been exposed to daily Bible teaching, prayer and regular witness through our clinic work. He’s gone from strong resistance to softened seeking for truth. Pray that the Holy Spirit would convict his heart and draw him to the Father as a strong disciple of Jesus who will be used powerfully to make more disciples….
New workers!
We praise God for Luka and Umjuma who have responded in faith to God’s call on their lives to move to Iboni. This young South Sudanese couple will be living in the house left by Marlene and Andrea and will be mentored by the Betts. Pray for the Lord’s provision for their physical needs, and that the church in Torit will walk this missional journey with them. Pray for spiritual strength, assurance of the Lord’s presence and guidance, and strength to persevere. Pray the Lord will open a door for fruitful ministry and that many Lopit will be saved!
Encouraged and Supported
Pray that Andrew and Eunice, who share the gospel and make disciples among the Zigua, will be encouraged and supported in that work. Pray for many Christians to rise up and focus on the Zigua people and their great need for salvation. Pray for the Lord to strengthen the Zigua Christians and make them bold witnesses for Christ. Pray for a reproducing, indigenous, Christ-centered church among the Zigua people.
New opportunities
With international travel restrictions in and out of Australia and New Zealand likely to continue for some time, ask God to raise up more Aussie and Kiwi citizens and residents to make disciples among Africa’s UPGs who are living in Australia and New Zealand.
Growing Up
Please pray that the small group of believers who are growing in discipleship to Jesus Christ in one town will be greatly strengthened to begin sending the gospel to other Zaramo towns and villages. Pray that the evangelist/teacher who leads the group will be filled with the Holy Spirit to lead the group in just the ways they need in order to grow in Christ.
Meeting together
A mixture of Arabs and Berbers have been gathering faithfully to study and pray together. Praise Jesus for their love for each other and their desire to grow in fellowship. Ask the Lord to meet with them and encourage each one.
Read and Understand
Pray for those Ndengereko who own Bibles to read them and understand the word. Pray that those who have Christian friends would hear the gospel from them. Pray for the Ndengereko to be dissatisfied with Islam and eager to become disciples of Jesus Christ. Pray that strong, vibrant, Christ-centered churches will be planted among them.
Fruit!
Two new believers in the south and one more asking of Christ. Hallelujah! Pray for the Amazigh sisters who are sharing the gospel boldly. One just sent Matthew 5-7 online and feels that the one seeking is close to believing. May each one be fruitful.
Abounding in Love
Pray that the M believers will abound in love more and more with real knowledge and discernment, to approve what is excellent and be sincere and without offense till the Day of Christ. Pray that the Holy Spirit will purify and refine them, that the testing of their faith will strengthen, establish and perfect them.
Set Free
Pray for the South Asian community to begin to be infiltrated by Christians who love them, listen to them, pray for them, and share the gospel with them. Pray that as they meet and get to know more and more people who are committed to Jesus Christ, they will see that Islam and Hinduism offer no answers and no power to those who are lost and bound. Pray that they will be set free to come into the community of those who worship the true and living God.
Slowly Multiplying
The Digo believers are slowly multiplying. Some have suffered difficult persecution and ostracism because of their faith in Jesus. Please pray that in 2021 the power of Islam among the Digo will be broken and many new believers will zealously follow the Savior into eternal life. Pray for the missionaries who live among them to be greatly encouraged by how God works.
Moving
Pray for the Christians–evangelists, pastors, business owners–who are moving into Datooga towns in order to share the gospel and plant churches among them. Pray for them to be strong and courageous, and to persevere in the work. Pray for their sending churches to support them well, and pray for them. Pray for much fruit.
Diaspora in Minnesota
* Praise God that we are finding creative ways to connect with some refugee friends even amidst COVID and the cold weather. We have been able to go snowboarding and ice skating.
* Pray for these relationships to continue to develop. Pray that they understand the gospel message as Jesus is normally a significant part of our discussions.
Weekly training and studies
Pray for the weekly Bible studies and teachers’ training that Marlene continues to lead, that there would be a hunger and thirst for more knowledge and understanding of the Bible, that people would commit themselves to attending the studies and training, and that God’s Word would be a light that reveals truth and hope to all the Lopit.
Diaspora in South Carolina
* On a recent prayer walk we were praying for a Indian family and as we passed by their house a man came out of the garage and we were able to have a long chat with him(JD) and his father(BL). There are 4 generations living in the house. We mentioned we were followers of Jesus and found out they are Hindu and attend (pre covid) a nearby Hindu Temple. We expressed interest in getting to know them better. Pray for additional opportunities.
* Then just yesterday in another part of our walk we met another Indian (we think he is Hindu) who has been here for over 15 years. Pray as we plan time to meet up with these families.
* We did give our Liberian neighbor a children’s Nativity Christmas story book to read to her three young children. Pray for them.
God’s drawing power!
Pray for God to lead us to share with those who He’s been working in and drawing – that all of our team may bear much lasting fruit.
Diaspora in Malta
*Thankful for being able to serve here in Malta during a global pandemic and still see God moving in me and in the people around me.
* Praise to start using the 3 circles tool at our youth group so the teens can have an easy way of sharing Jesus with their friends. Pray for boldness and the Lord’s leading to open hearts.
* Praise to have been able to tell the story of Jesus’ birth to my Muslim friends. Pray the Lord will grant them faith to believe it.
School’s Open!
Praise God for the start of schools again! It’s so good to see the students back at Tirrim. We have new teachers, new students, and some new structure to the school. We praise God for all that He has done and is going to do here! Our prayer request is that the staff and students remain healthy, and for our new teachers who are not from Northern Kenya as they adjust to a new environment. Pray for disciples who make disciples to Jesus.
Diaspora in Kentucky
* Praise God for avenues both locally and globally to connect with and minister to S people.
* Praise God for our home church and other churches in Kentucky who are reaching out.
* Pray for opportunities to reconnect with S friends after a busy holiday season.
* Pray that those reaching out to S people would be prayerful, bold, and patient.
* Pray for a healthy S church, for sound doctrine, godliness, unity, and leadership.
Insecure
The uncertainty of these times is causing S. Asians to feel insecure. Pray that they will realize the cornerstone and firm foundation is the Lord Jesus Christ, and that they will put their trust in Him.
Diaspora in Canada
* Praise that our seeker friend N is safe and happy in the believer’s home where she is now staying.
* Please pray for students, both young and old, and their families affected by our latest lockdown. We have a province wide lockdown going on right now, and many students in our area will not be back in school except online for the next month. Please pray for us to continue to have an effective witness in those families via ZOOM, or telephone.
* We’re still allowed outside meetings – please pray that our fireside chats about Jesus will continue and grow.
* Pray for Christians from our favorite people group struggling with mental, emotional and spiritual issues right now.
* Pray for renewed contacts with two young men who were on fire for Jesus and then dropped off the map.
Singing
Pray that the Word of God will dwell richly in the Borana, that they will speak to one another in Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in their hearts to Him. Pray that through this more Borana will come to know the Lord Jesus Christ.
Diaspora in Portland
* Pray about our next steps in the continuing discipleship of the local Ethiopian young people and their parents. On December 20th, we concluded 6 months of weekly Zoom Bible classes for Ethiopian youth! The day before, Pastor Wo. led us through Portland to deliver gift bags and cookies to most of the youth in our class. What fun! We were delighted to finally meet—most for the first time— parents and children in each family. We gave our students certificates of participation, and encouraged them to continue to make God’s Word a lamp for their feet and a light for their path!
* Pray for a job for our Christian Iranian friend, Sa., with his wife and 2 little boys. We would love it if the job was local so that after COVID we might continue to partner together.
Diaspora in South America
* Pray for the difficulties that we are finding to restart the ministries in different cities in Brazil this year. The Covid situation is complicated and many restrictions are making it hard to be close to everyone.
* Pray that this year 2021 we will begin to reap fruit from the seeds that we sowed in 2020. Pray that many will respond to the Gospel.
Needing comfort and courage
There have been two deaths in the immediate families of local believers… both were young and seemed healthy and then were suddenly dead within one day. Both believers are struggling with thoughts of family members facing eternity separate from Jesus… one had heard some of the gospel; the other was vocally Muslim. Pray for the faith of the believers… that they would not be crushed under guilt for not speaking and that they will not drift to lies of ‘all being saved’ because of their pain. May they have courage to speak the gospel to remaining family.
Diaspora in France
* Here in Strasbourg we are looking towards reopening our café, potentially just as take-away coffee and baked goods. Please pray that God gives us wisdom in this.
* Lockdown in France lifted on Dec 15, and I have been able to have friends over again! I’m looking forward to continuing that this month, but I need wisdom in whom to invite, and how often. Praise God for the good spiritual conversations – especially the recent occasion to tell the Christmas story with a new North African friend, Alice! She said she wants to invite me to her home sometime this month – please pray that this friendship develops! Please pray also for more conversations and openness with other friends that I meet up with.
* Pray for two Middle Eastern friends – one who is engaged and pregnant and looking for mom-friends, and her sister who is seeking. Please pray that God would use this time to draw them to Himself, and that He would show me how to be a good “older sister” and friend to them both.
