Please pray that during this dry season the brief opportunities we have to interact with the Datooga in the community will be times where by His Spirit we will have the words to encourage to them. The days are long and hard for those herding animals, so please pray that they will start to know they do not need to trust on their own strength but have a Heavenly Father who loves them and knows their individual needs.
Update on The Rendille of Kenya
There is a beggar in our village who lost his leg as a teenager in a tribal raid on Rendille cattle. He walks around town with the aid of some metal crutches that are mismatched and uncomfortable. We tried to even them out a bit with the welder. When we first met him, he was miserable and a grouch. We listened to his story and also advised him to say “Thank you” when he received help from us. He always says Thank you now, which is nice to see. He has been to church a few times.
Several years ago he told us that he was looking for a wife. He went all over to village after village and finally got one. He now has 2 children. His older child, around 2 years old, threw a rock and it hit the baby in the eye. Apparently the baby can no longer see out of that eye. This beggar lives by getting hand-outs from anyone whose willing to give. He’s not really a “nice” person but his life is really tough.
First, pray that he can know Jesus as his Savior and Lord. Secondly, pray that there could be some kind of change in his circumstances to make his life a bit better- though I don’t know what that could be – but God could figure out something if He wanted to! Thirdly, pray for our attitude towards him. We do not enjoy our transactions with him as they are so burdensome. He’s always so full of overwhelming problems. We can’t possibly fulfill all he needs, so it’s difficult facing him regularly. We need to see him as Jesus sees him and have wisdom in our interactions and conversations with him.
Update on The Sandawe of Tanzania
Please continue to pray for the churches here in Usandawe. The local church will be hosting a denominational seminar here this month. This is for pastors and their wives from all over Central TZ. Please pray that as these church leaders interact with one another, it might be a catalyst to bring healing and unity to our own churches here. And pray for encouragement and refreshment for all those attending, for the teachers to be sensitive to God’s Spirit as they bring His message.
Update on The Samburu of Kenya
Lord, we pray for all those amongst the Samburu who have looked to you for salvation in faith. We pray that they will feel the burden for sharing this good news with others. We pray that they will get adequate teaching to understand the gospel in a way that will help them to clearly and simply explain it to other Samburu in a culturally sensitive, but non-compromising way. We pray that they will clothe themselves with ”gospel shoes”, a readiness to share the gospel wherever they go. We pray that you will give them opportunities to share and lead them to people whose hearts are prepared for the gospel in the way that Lydia the purple seller’s heart was. We pray that, as they speak, Samburu will be convicted by your Holy Spirit of sin, righteousness and judgment. We pray for those hearers that you will remove the veil from their minds that keeps them from understanding your Word. We pray that you will help them to see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ and shine the light of the gospel in their hearts, bringing them too to a saving faith in Christ, to the glory of God. In Jesus’ name Amen
Update on The Rangi of Tanzania
I thank God last weekend was a good one because we were able to gather together with other believers, to praise and serve the Lord together. I also praise Him that two of my Muslim friends want to meet with me to study God’s Word. So please let’s pray that the Lord will help me have opportunity and time to meet with them.
There are places among the Rangi where the gospel of Jesus Christ has not yet reached. I would also ask you to pray that we agree together to pray and ask the Lord to work. Thank you, and God bless you for praying.
Update on The Makwe of Mozambique
Pray for Sheepfold as they launch Tyrans School of Missions in October. They plan to train 10 African missionaries to reach the Makwe and other UPGs in Northern Mozambique. Pray for the 10 msionaries that the Lord would equip them for the task.
Update on The Gujarati of Madagascar
Anna Jarmy AIM missionary in the capital writes”Please pray for the discernment needed as we seek to reach the Gujarati population. we also need to have updated info regarding this UPG” pray for these two requests, also for Anna as she mobilizes and supports local Malagasy missionaries who may be willing to reach out to the Gujarati, in the future.
Update on The Nyamwezi of Tanzania
• The 3/10/2016 prayer request was for “introductions and opportunities to build relationships with Nyamwezi people of influence in the community”. Praise God for having met many leaders and people in influence both in the town and in the village. Recently village officials came to ask if we would host 40-50 children who lack a classroom building for Kindergarten. We replied the same as Jesus, “Let the little children come”. Pray for continued connections with these leaders, the children, and their parents.
Update on The O of East Africa
Continue to pray that God will prepare and lead us to ‘men of peace’ from family groups who will become instrumental in leading their families/communities to become disciples of Jesus who will reach out to other family groups to make more disciples of Jesus – that a Disciple Making Movement (DMM) may begin among the O. Pray also that these men of peace will embrace and be strengthened be the persecution that is certain to come. Pray that all of our team-mates and all current O disciples may also be trained in Obedience Based Bible Studies – That each new disciple may obey all that Jesus commanded the first disciples.
Update on The Swahili of Kenya and Tanzania
We desperately need prayer that our people would come to realize that all of their legalism and rule following is meaningless; that it’s not helping them have any kind of righteousness before God. I’ve never had a conversation with anyone who seemed particularly concerned about that. Most of the women I’ve talked to here have told me that they are doing “enough” to please God. We need prayer that they would be shaken out of that fog.
My house helper, who is from a different people group but also a Muslim, is incredibly malnourished and sick. She told me the other day that during Ramadan this year she knew she was too sick to fast but she was scared not to do it. Her daughter told her God would forgive her because of her illness but she still walks around with the weight of that. That’s the kind of spiritual wrestling we actually hope to see in people from our people group. And not only the wrestling but the willingness to be honest about those things with us, so we have the opportunity to speak the Truth about the freedom Jesus offers them.
Update on The Datooga of Tanzania
The Datooga have a ceremony for the cleansing of serious sins that involves the slaughter of a sheep and ‘washing’ of the guilty in its blood, resulting, they believe, in the person’s being purified or “reborn.” Please pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to them that all of us have committed sin, Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world by His blood, and by faith in Him a person can be born again to eternal life.
Update on The Nyamwezi of Tanzania
• A centennarian who had turned many in his family to Islam died. As one of his grandsons was driving a motorcycle to come to his funeral, he was hit by a train and died. Grief tore through those mourning at the wake, with no certainty of going to Heaven for either of the deceased. Pray that these coinciding deaths would lead the family and attending mourners to consider the assurance of salvation found only in Christ. John 5:24 “”Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.”
Update on The Alagwa of Tanzania
Please pray for four Alagwa women seeking Jesus in one community. Please pray for them to be inspired by the Holy Spirit to have the passion and courage to meet together to listen to God’s word and pray with one another.
Medical Ministry
Katy is a doctor in the local hospital in Mandritsara. Pray for wisdom and faith opportunities, as she sees to many Tsimihety patient’s needs. Pray that there will be many opportunities to share the gospel with Tsimihety for the Lindley family (AIM missionaries).
Ndau Church Plants
Praise the Lord for the church plants amongst the Ndau. Praise the Lord for strong leadership amongst the churches of central Mozambique. Pray that those who know the Lord will be willing to step out of their comfort zone and preach the gospel to their neighbors.
Believers Nearby
The Makhuwa Nahara worship the ancestors and rely a lot on witchdoctors. There are believers in the area where they live (Northern Mozambique). These believers have a similar language and come from a similar culture. Pray that these believers would not stay in their churches but reach out to proclaim Christ. Pray that the Makhuwa Nahara would know their true Saviour.
Update on The Makhuwa Nahara of Mozambique
The Makhuwa Nahara worship the ancestors and rely a lot on witchdoctors. There are believers in the area where they live(Northern Mozambique) These believers have a similar language and come from a similar culture.. Pray that these believers would not stay in their churches but reach out to proclaim Christ. Pray that the Makhuwa nahara would know their true Saviour.
Update on The Ndau of Mozambique
Praise the Lord for the church plants amongst the Ndau. Praise the Lord for strong leadership amongst the churches of central Mozambique. Pray that those who know the Lord will be willing to step out of their comfort zone and preach the gospel to their neighbors.
Update on The Tsimihety of Madagascar
Katy is a doctor in the local hospital in Mandritsara. Pray for wisdom and faith opportunities, as she sees to many Tsimihety patient’s needs. Pray that there will be many opportunities to share the gospel with Tsimihety for the Lindley family( AIM missionaries)
Update on The Sandawe of Tanzania
We were so encouraged a few weeks ago when we visited one of the smaller congregations in our area but one that is made up of entirely Sandawe people. Of the four adults that were in attendance, two were old people and a third is severely physically challenged, yet they were there with full hearts. The singing was enthusiastic if somewhat off key. The small group of children sang together as a choir. After the service, we shared a meal and visited with one of the families, the head of the home is one of the main Bible translators and one of the only Sandawe church leaders in the area. While small in terms of numbers of people who attend, this body is thriving and is strong. We pray for more of this kind of faith and commitment among the Sandawe people.
Update on The Machinga of Tanzania
Please pray that the Machinga will begin to seek the Lord. Pray also for the Christians of other tribes who live near them–whether overseas missionaries or national church members–that they will be filled with the Spirit and empowered to be Christ’s witnesses to the Machinga. Pray for many to be saved.
Update on The Rendille of Kenya
There is a young Rendille student – Form 2 (10th grade) – who has been chosen to be the school head prefect. Usually the new head is chosen from the Form 3 class (11th grade), but there were no good candidates this year. Pray for Chulayo. He has shown a past of seriously wanting to serve God. While in Standard 8 (8th grade) he formed a group called Warriors for Jesus. They would get up every day at 5:00 to pray as a group. He will be challenged in his leadership role. His ethics will be challenged as students like head prefects who let them get away with disobeying school rules and regulations. Pray for him to have balance in his leadership, love for his fellow students and humility. It’s a big role. Above all, may his love for God develop during this time and may he stay true to the truth. Sometimes it is even more difficult to stand for Jesus in so-called Christian schools!
Update on The Rangi of Tanzania
There are about 10 new Rangi believers living in Kon– (Largest town among the Rangi). They meet each week to pray and read God’s word. This group is extremely fragile; following Jesus is so new. Pray for their spiritual growth and for them to cling to truth.
Update on The Rangi of Tanzania
The Jesus Film in Rangi is about to be finished. Already the recordings are finished, only the final editing. This distribution of this film can help in proclaiming God’s truth among the Rangi. Many have simple video players on their mobile phones.
Update on The Sandawe of Tanzania
We learned that there are preparations in place for “simbo” in our village of Magambua. This is basically a satanic party. We have heard of these demonic celebrations going on in surrounding areas but apparently our village does not have a history of putting on these particular events. This is, of course, disturbing but we know that this is a battle in a war that has already been won and we are confident in the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Victorious One. Please pray that these evil plans will fall through and that this event will not take place. Please pray for the Christians in Usandawe that they will be faithful and shine like the stars in the heavens.
Update on The M of Tanzania
M
Pray that God would raise up 3 local dependable believers who will be storytellers and testers for “Jesus the Rescuer” Bible story set.
Pray for unity between the outreach team and local believers.
Pray that the gospel would be sown widely by outreach trips to at least 30 new villages this next year.
Update on The O of East Africa
We sadly report that Sid refused to continue studying God’s Word because of the pressures his sons and neighbours put on him to stop. Pray against the spirit of fear which has such a grip on people! Pray for release from the bondage that is keeping people in darkness! Pray that God will lead us and provide for new ‘men (and women) of Peace’ as we continue to share the Good News – encouraged and empowered by God’s grace and the Holy Spirit.
Update on The Samburu of Kenya
Another prayer request for the Samburu today: “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation”- Colossians 1: 21-22
The Samburu believe in one creator God, the giver of all good things. They pray to him often and ask for his blessings. Yet they have a very limited definition of sin. Most would say that they have not sinned and therefore are not alienated from God. Therefore they do not feel the need for a Saviour to reconcile them to God. Pray that many will recognize their sinfulness, seek and find reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. Pray specifically for Lemusi, a morani (warrior) friend of ours, who shows compassion and concern for many, observes the rules of Samburu tradition, yet doesn’t understand his need for Jesus.
Update on The Samburu of Kenya
One thing that seems to hinder the gospel from taking root among the Samburu is the consumption of local alcohol by men and women. It is quite common that after a market day, where many people meet and animals and other goods are bought and sold, some of the men come home drunk. Money they received from selling an animal was eaten up in buying alcohol rather than food for their families. Their treatment of their wives on those days is not the best. Even men who seem interested in the gospel when they are sober, fall into this trap. A number of women make an income by brewing and selling alcohol, especially on market days. Pray that Satan’s hold on them all will be broken. Pray that there will be a seeking after God rather than alcohol.
Update on The M of Tanzania
Pray for whole families to come to Christ and that they would have a vision for reaching their own people with the gospel. Pray also that God would give 5 people who can be discipled and trained this next year who can then begin witnessing to and discipling others.
Update on The Antakarana of Madagascar
Please pray for the Bible storying efforts on Nosy Mitsio. There hasn’t been much progress for the last few weeks, as several villages (or their headmen) have appeared reluctant to gather and meet to discuss the stories. Praise God that one village (Marimbehely) has been faithful to meet and learn more. Pray that the Holy Spirit would draw the people of Nosy Mitsio to himself, that he would help them understand and remember the Bible stories, and that he would convict the people on how to follow him, and to share his stories with others.
Update on The Bara of Madagascar
God is at work. He never forgot His Special Creation the Man. We cannot deny this. He is the Ruller of the World, and all the nations will come to glorify him. In that very Day, we will see all the nations, tongues, tribes – well the word is Ethnicity – before him, worshiping the Lamb.
ONE BARA GIRL, FROM ONE OF THE MANY BARA’S VILLAGES THAT SURROUND BETROKA, AFTER COMING TO SABS (SATURDAY AFTERNOON BIBLE’S STORIES) SAID: I WILL TAKE THOSE STORIES AND TELL TO THEM ( MY PEOPLE) IN THE VILLAGE.
WHO KNOWS HOW GOD WILL WORK? COULD HER BE A MISSIONARY TO HER VILLAGE, LIKE THE SAMARITAN WOMAN WAS FOR HER IN JOHN 4?
PLEASE, PRAY THAT THE GOSPEL SPREAD RAPIDLY AMONG BARA. GOD IS AT WORK.
OBS: SABS – IS A BIBLE STORIE PROGRAM THAT JANAINE AND NARINDRA ( MALAGASY MISSIONARY LAIDY) ARE RUNNIG EVERY SATURDAY AFTERNOON. THE FOCOUS IS TO REACH CHILDREN AND TEACH THEM ABOUT JESUS AND THE GREAT COMMISSION. SOME OF THEM GOES TO CHURCH, BUT DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE GREAT COMMISSION. THOSE THAT DOESN’T GOES TO CHURCH, ARE BEING EXPOSED TO THE GOSPLE IN HOPE THAT, THEY WILL UNDERSTAND THE GOSPEL, FOLLOW JESUS AND BE MISSIONARIES TO BARA PEOPLE.
Update on The Sakalava of Madagascar
Praise the Lord! One of the Sakalava musicians that came to Christ would like to be a pastor and is being sent for training. (News from Missionary, Rosina, Nosy Be)
Update on The San of Namibia
Missionary working with San writes, “Please pray for close friend and language helper #Oma (# is a click sound) who recently lost his only son.” Pray for his family at this difficult time and pray for missionary, Zeka to be salt and light.
Update on The Ndau of Mozambique
There is an AIM team of missionaries working with the Ndau. They have planted several churches. However the team has recently been evacuated due to political unrest. Pray for the new church plants, that they will be faithful to their Lord during this time of testing as well as the right timing for the missionaries to return.
Update on The Tsimihety of Madagascar
A team from SIL/Wycliffe Bible translators is arriving by MAF plane to run a workshop exploring whether to begin a translation project. Please pray for wisdom and discernment as they hope to make known the gospel in the Tsimihety mother tongue.
Update on The Nyamwezi of Tanzania
Pray that God’s unity would prevail, as missionaries from various organizations met together for a Prayer Summit on July 6th for those working among the Nyamwezi. Pray for unity, blessing, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Pray for networking to begin among Nyamwezi who have a passion to reach those in their tribe.
Update on The Alagwa of Tanzania
Please pray for the Holy Spirit to prepare many Alagwa hearts as a Christian Sports team arrives at the end this week from the States. They will be working mostly in two Alagwa communities, sharing Jesus and teaching football skills. Pray particularly for many Alagwa young men to understand God’s love through these guys.
Update on The Kacipo of South Sudan
Please pray for those Kacipo men and women, young and old, who were seen some time ago now, to be potential leaders, that they would step up and boldly take responsibility to share the good news of salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ to the rest of the Kacipo who live and work among them.
Update on The Lokwa of South Sudan
The area where the Lokwa people live is still constantly facing troubles and conflict, as there are a few tribes that are forced to live together in this area. Hunger causes many to turn to sinful behaviour. Please pray for this people group that as they hear the Word of God faithfully being preached to them, that peace would return once more, in their hearts as they are united with Christ, and in the area in which they live.
