Please pray for the Lord to work in the hearts of S. Asian friends so they will begin to seek to meet for Bible study with their Christian neighbors. Pray that the Holy Spirit will give them an insatiable hunger to know what is in the Bible and to believe that it is the very Word of God, without error and inspired by Him.
Diaspora in Philadelphia
Praise that our team Christmas party brought out North Africans from Morocco, Algeria, Egypt and Sudan. They took parts in our Christmas story dramatic reading and sang Christmas carols.
Praise for ESL Christmas parties that shared the Biblical account with many students.
Praise for a mosque Christmas party that gave space for the hearing of the birth of Jesus from both books and the beginning of friendships.
Praise for a living nativity outdoor drama that told the story of Jesus (birth through ascension) to 100+ ESL students. Pray for lasting fruit!
New small group
Lift up a group meeting to study together on a Sunday. Ask that others would be drawn to them and to the word and that they would continue to trust despite difficulties.
Chaos in Canada
Please pray for unity and peace and for God to help us be true agents of shalom in our sadly divided community. A recent city initiative to expand services in our community has led to enough infighting among local agencies (some from our favorite people group) that the city is considering abandoning the project. The young men of our community have been involved in multiple shootings in the last few weeks.
Please pray for us to be effective channels of Jesus’ shalom here. Pray for wisdom and guidance in every conversation we have.
The Seaweed Ladies
There is a group of ladies whom we consistently see gathering seaweed off the coast during low tide. They dry it, and then sell it to a business in town. A few team members have been discussing ways to reach out to and connect with these woman. Starting this week, 2 of us are going out hopefully once a week to find a woman who will welcome us and be willing to talk as she works. We hope to be able to share with her how she is loved and valued by God and how Jesus came to save her, and then read a Bible story demonstrating Jesus’ love for women, and also give her an audio Bible to listen to. Please pray that God would lead us to the right women whom He would have us share with, and for them to have open and receptive hearts to the Gospel of the God who sees, knows, and loves them very much!
Pray the seed fall on good soil
H sends her two daughters (8 and 6) to Impact Kids. Please pray that God would give her peace to continue to send her children.
Pray for K: please pray for her as she digests the gospel and more of the Word. May she come to know Him. She is also very stressed, along with all the Algerians we know, at the outcome of the (corrupt) election and protests that are going on today. Please pray that she would experience peace and attribute that to K’s prayers in Jesus’ name.
Pray for ESL: Please pray for the other students (Algerian + 1 Tunisian) who came to G&KB’s Christmas party (Y., A., L., K., W., A. and S.) and read the word and heard the gospel. Please pray that this taste of Truth would create a hunger for more.
Prayers for growth
Pray for deep discipleship among the Toposa believers – for spiritual growth and renewal of their minds.
Pray for Toposa leaders to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.
Pray for Joseph Lobaringa, who is set to go to a Bible school in Kenya for 1 year.
Diaspora in Canada
Pray for W: This is the Algerian woman who wanted to debate with me for most of the evening during the Christmas dinner and over e-mail since. She has written pages and pages of accusations of Bible corruption. My one praise in this is that we are discussing Scripture, even though she seems to be just repeating things she has heard from people such as Ahmad Deedat; although she claims it is from her own reading. Please pray that the word of God would pierce her and convict her.
The Lord provides
I can’t control my joy for this young Nyangatom boy named Daniel. The Lord has provided for him to go back to school. He starts at Turkana Talent High School. Please pray that the Lord will provide for all he needs. Pray also for his spiritual life that he may continue in the life of Christ and share the Gospel with his class mates.
Diaspora in France
Praise for more children who came to kid’s club who heard a clear presentation of the Truth, as well as 3 friends who came to our outreach. Ask that their hearts will remember and search for a relationship with the Father.
Pray for an opportunity for a DBS with an islander sister. She tends to be difficult to connect with but always ready to have conversations.
Pray for new opportunities for spiritual conversations with islanders; for their hearts to be opened to hear and seek after the Father.
showing interest
The wife of a believer, who has previously been very closed to the gospel , recently said she was “coming to believing”. Ask that her heart would be fully surrendered and that she would know that He who started the work will complete it.
Breakthrough Meeting
The women of our local church held a meeting after church last Sunday. The officials of the ladies presented the year plan, told the women about conferences and seminars to prepare for financially so they can attend without stress. Right now ladies gather at church 4 times a week to meet, pray, sing, and attend church. But the most encouraging thing was that they told the women instead of continuing to gather at church to pray together on Wednesdays, they should gather in their communities. They were also told to ask women who aren’t attending AIC to join them in prayer and fellowship, and to visit widows, orphans and the sick. The goal is to be a LIGHT and to welcome others into the family of God.
Diaspora in USA
Pray for A from India- that he would receive God’s gift of salvation. He has heard and now needs to make a decision.
Pray for both USA and International students who will be going on a ski trip in January- that they would hear the Gospel clearly and believe. Pray that they would ask questions from their hearts so to get a better understanding of their journey with the Lord.
Diaspora in Florida
Pray for more opportunities for DM to meet with his Muslim friends. They work so much, it’s hard to get time with them.
Praise God for 12 Muslims that came to JM’s Winter Tea in December. Pray for good relationships and follow up with these ladies in January.
Pray for the Lord to provide a place for meeting with Muslim friends and do activities.
3 new contacts
Pray for 3 new contacts for the team and believers – for discipleship and facilitating Bible studies through them. So many seeds are planted regularly among the O, pray that God would draw them to respond and receive and start the disciple making movement now – in 2020!
Diaspora in Europe
Pray for mid- January New Years celebration in our church. It is a free dinner for the poor people of the city. KB will be responsible for sharing with refugees and migrants present. Pray for clarity and soft hearts to respond to the Gospel News.
Bold evangelist
One young woman is a bold evangelist, broken-hearted over friends that refuse grace, boldly identifying with Jesus, diligently declaring the gospel, unafraid to face the mysteries and questions. Her physical health is not good; some of her family are involved in witchcraft. Pray for strength and protection from the evil one. And praise Jesus for her classmate that just believed and received a Bible and is reading, sending screenshots and questions!!
Diaspora in Canada
7 of G & KB’s Muslim friends joined them for an evening of good food, Bible reading and gospel sharing at their family Christmas dinner. Lots of conversations have continued from this, and they look forward to more in the new year.
God continues to bring the kids to the children’s drop- in program every month. After Impact Kids on Saturday, one Muslim father gave them $20 dollars to support the program!
The Al Massira study has continued with R (a believer) and his wife, F, (still Muslim). They studied the story of Noah last weekend. F continues to think and answer thoughtfully and openly as we read the word together. They have gone through four studies together now.
Please pray for these gospel opportunities.
Invitation to join a prayer initiative for Somalis
We are inspired by the prison break story in Acts 12 where a bright light illuminated Peter’s prison cell as he was awakend by the angel. His chains fell off and he walked out past the guards, and through an iron gate that “opened by itself.”
Please pray with us for the light of the Gospel to shine brightly to awaken Somalis to the truth, that Jesus is the Messiah, and the Injeel or Evangel (Gospel) is a generous invitation to join His Kingdom. Lets pray they will be freed from the prison of deception, from the lie that Jesus did not really die on the cross, and freedom from fear of the threat of death against Muslims who choose to follow Jesus. https://arriveministries.org/jan-10-2020-awaken24-global-prayer-initiative-kick-off/
For healed hearts
A thirteen year old boy has been sick for years with a heart condition. He was pale, always short of breath, and stick thin. They knew he needed to see a specialist, but just didn’t have the money. God provided the money and he has recently gone to see a specialist. They are still working out the exact nature of his heart condition, but already he is eating more, the color has returned to his skin, and he can walk across the room without being short of breath. Praise God he is getting the care he needs! Pray that he would be completely healed and that his healing would show God’s glory to his village.
Meeting with pastors and imams
We have lunch next Saturday, (Jan 11th) with local pastors and imams. We had a similar event a couple of years ago which was very much appreciated by all parties. This is usually a time to break down barriers and build relationships. Please pray for good conversations and for much wisdom and guidance from our Lord.
Arrived!
Petera and Francine, a Malagasy missionary couple, are settled in Nosy Mitsio. They moved there a couple of weeks ago. When Petera talked with the leaders of the village, they agreed that he could have a service in their home. Thank the Lord for this first step, please pray that villagers will be open and their hearts will be prepared to hear and receive the gospel message.
Discipleship training
Pray for the team serving among the Toposa as they prepare to return by the 20th from Kenya. Pray that God may provide for their needs.
Pray for the plan to bring disciples from different areas for 2 months of full-time discipleship training in Naliel.
Evangelist using photography
From a Tanzanian Evangelist: “I am working with the Zaramo tribe here in Coastal region. It is a wonderful thing I am seeing in my work of video shooting and photo taking. I normally participate in their traditional culture and many ceremonies. May you please pray for me to stand faithfuly in this work?” Please pray for this evangelist to see many people come to faith in Christ. Pray for other Christians to join him in sharing the gospel with the Zaramo people. Pray for a good wife, who has the same missionary call he does. Pray for a reproducing, indigenous, Christ-centered church among the Zaramo people.
Protect her Lord
Pray for a woman who has put her faith in Christ recently. She told her family she is no longer a Muslim but has become a Christian. Her relatives are threatening her. Pray for her safety.
Zaona
Zaona is a good friend of mine and we have known him since 2013. Back then, he was a cattle thief and witchdoctor’s son. However, he converted to Jesus when he was sick and no witchdoctor could heal him. He took a step of “last hope” and came to the church in 2013. He was healed and became a follower of Christ. A real one! From that time on, we have challenged him to read the Bible and share about Christ in his own village (Mbebakaka) and with family. For some years, he was afraid and timid. As time passed, he learned more about Jesus and since the Jesus Film was shown in his village, he has started to more openly share about Christ.
The result? 4 people of his village have decided to follow Christ and to baptized! This is a miracle. Also, the King of the village has given him land to build a church. Praise God. Praise Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Not alone
Please pray for several isolated believers – some because of threats, some by choice, some because of distance from other believers. Ask for increasing love for the brothers and sisters, for unselfishness, and for boldness and perseverance. May each one know that they are not alone. May God Almighty guard their hearts against the lies of the enemy.
Bring the Kids back.
A young believer had an ongoing ministry with neighboring children who would come to her house in the evenings to read an O Bible story book and talk. Recently the kids stopped coming- she doesn’t know why. Pray that the kids would come back to hear more.
Youth Camp
There have been several youth camps over the holiday. 24 youth have accepted Christ. And this week, church pastors and elders from AIC Korr/ Tirrim will lead a youth camp in a (unreached) Rendille village outside of Ilaut where our Korr Rendille have been ministering for over a year now. Pray for much fruit and many new Rendille churches to be planted in the new year.
New believer!
Praise! We have a new sister in the family! A few weeks ago we shared about a new brother we called “Yael”. Well, he shared with his wife and has been ministering to her daily. December 12th she decided to follow Jesus! We praise Jesus for another sister in the family and that this woman is our first 3rd generation believer.
Willing
Praising Jesus for increasing willingness to lead. Ask for more believers to be faithful in encouraging other believers and to be willing to gather, willing to study, willing to share what they are learning in a group.
Asking for mighty signs and fruitful lives
There has been increasing persecution, imprisonment, threats. Please pray that each believer would not be overcome by evil, but would walk in the authority of the Spirit. Ask that each would be transformed by the Spirit to be bold for witness and filled with praise in sorrow, asking and believing for mighty signs and fruitful lives for their time here on earth.
Receive the greatest gift
Z is a highly respected woman in our communities who knows the Gospel well and has regular exposure to reading and hearing God’s Word -yet she remains resistant. Her children, M&N also know and even have memorized much Scripture through Kid’s Club. Pray that God would get their attention and they’ll open their hearts to His grace in all of its truth and receive Jesus as the greatest gift ever.
That They Would Feel His Love Near
This past week we had our normal Christmas celebrations in our neighborhoods where many of our Muslim friends gathered to eat, share, and enjoy the day with us. We also had a Christmas study group where those who have been studying the Word with us all came together to study the Christmas story and share a meal together. We are so excited about this more intentional and close look at what Christmas is all about. Please lift up all who gathered, that His presence would be so close to them. Pray that as we continue to declare the name of Emmanuel, our friends would feel His love near and their hearts would be changed.
A Wedding Coming
Pray for a Muslim S. Asian family who are preparing for the wedding of their eldest daughter this month. They have heard the gospel but have steadfastly resisted putting their faith in Christ for salvation, preferring to cling to legalism. Pray that the Lord will bring a breakthrough as they pass through this Christmas season, and that if the marriage will hinder the daughter from believing in Christ, that she will be delivered from that alliance.
New Year requests!
Please pray for God’s blessing on our outreach and for many to embrace the Gospel this year! Specifically pray:
1. That God would continue to encourage us as a team.
2. For a storying workshop Chris will be running in early Jan. That those with a genuine heart to further the kingdom would come.
3. For Margaret & the ministry she is beginning as a midwife in the local clinic. Also for a ‘FAT’ (Faithful, Reliable & Teachable) Didinga person to help with the literacy program so that adults can learn to read the Bible in their own language.
4. For Elly as she starts a children’s & young peoples ministry.
5. For Fiona as she starts working with the women at a local centre & a sewing ministry with the young mothers in the church.
6. For a solution to Lokulang’s wife Lucy’s on going health issues & that she can return from Chukudum so the family can be together again.
7. For Martha who recently gave her life to Jesus- that she would fully understand the gospel and walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.
8. For the ministry that has begun in Mahiria & Ligilic- that Jesus would build His church there.
Retreat report
The camp was a great success! We read, discussed, dramatized and meditated on the scriptures. We managed to read through Luke and John. It was joy to sit and immerse ourselves in God’s Word read in our heart language for four full days. It was refreshing to see the hunger for His Word displayed in the zeal and excitement in the study times.
Some of the outcomes we hoped for from this camp are beginning to be realized. Some of the participants lamented that in most of their fellowship times they hardly spend time in the scriptures and they expressed a desire to change that. They suggested once a month, to have overnight meetings in each other’s homes to study and discuss a book from the scriptures. We were hoping for such initiatives to emerge and we are very excited to hear a desire for them expressed. Please pray for good follow through on these commitments.
Reaching Out
This year the Rendille church has been reaching out to the other areas where there was no church. So far we have had 4 evangelism trips to Daadabohigugudan, and there is now a church plant going on there! This month of December we had 3 youth camps and 14 students gave their lives to Christ. Pray for much more fruit in 2020 and many more churches planted among the Rendille. Praise be to God.
Light of Christ
Please pray for this Muslim majority people, who drove missionaries away with violence in the past. Pray that the light of Christ would penetrate their darkness and they would recognize the Savior of the world, the eternal King, from whom no deed is hidden and to whom all will give an account.
Celebration of Christmas
Samburu love celebrations! They enjoy the good food, especially if there is meat, and they like the time of fellowship with friends. Recently, we have been going to a number of celebrations. Pray for those who came to the Christmas celebration. The church women did the cooking. We had a bit of program as well, explaining why we were celebrating, the importance of the birth of Jesus Christ, and the reason this is very good news! Pray that God will work in hearts and enable them to understand and respond.
