(Posted 15-5-15: Pray for a woman in our village who is recovering from a brutal beating. Pray for her continued recovery, especially that she would start to eat with her mouth, and for improvement in her speaking. She is currently being fed by an NG tube. Pray that she and her wider family would believe the good news of Jesus. Many of her family are open to hear about Jesus. As a team we are praying with her regularly. People from the local church are going to pray with her tomorrow. Pray with us for her healing, that God will be glorified. Also pray with us against spiritual attack on her life and on that of her family.)
Here’s an update on the prayer request:
At the beginning of March, we had the chance to visit this lady, now living in town. She laughed as she greeted us, talked and ate with us. She is almost back to normal, bar some remaining pain in some areas. Physically, she has made a miraculous recovery. Please do continue to pray for her. She refuses to forgive the people who so badly assaulted her, which humanly is very understandable. Without Jesus in her life, such forgiveness is impossible. Please pray that she would submit her whole life to Jesus and so find true freedom, including the freedom to forgive.
Update on The Zaramo of Tanzania
Pray that God would continue to uphold and encourage the few believers in the area. Pray that they would have boldness to share His truth to their neighbors and that the Zaramo would come to see that it is His Truth that will truly set them free.
Update on The Samburu of Kenya
Abortion is common in Samburu. Young unmarried warriors have girlfriends. It is common, almost expected, that they will have sexual intercourse with their girlfriends. Understandably a number of girls become pregnant, but it is not acceptable for an unmarried girl to give birth. That is very bad in their culture. Therefore, the only solution seems to be abortion. Pray that many Samburu, women and men, will recognize the sanctity of the life God has given, reject abortion, and change those traditions that lead to this dilema.
Update on The Alagwa of Tanzania
Please pray for the team as we try to arrange for a good recording
of the Alagwa Chronological Bible Story set so that we can further
distribute the stories via memory card. Please pray for all the
practical arrangements to come together in the coming weeks.
Update on The Islanders of the Indian Ocean
The islands are currently in the midst of presidential elections. After the first round of voting there was widespread accusations of corruption and bribery – and sadly there is nothing particularly unusual about that. Please pray for the future president; pr that God would put people in his path who will share the good news with him. Pray for all the leaders in government, pray that the Holy Spirit would convict them and soften their hearts so that they seek God’s forgiveness. Pray that God would raise up a new
generation of leaders who would seek to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with their God.
Pray also for ordinary islanders, pray that as they suffer from the effects of corruption they would neither become apathetic or look for ways to get ahead themselves at someone else’s expense. Pray that instead it would cause them to cry out to God for justice. And in so doing pray that they would find a God of great justice and great love.
Update on The Nyamwezi of Tanzania
Pray for introductions and opportunities to build relationships with Nyamwezi people of influence in the community of Tabora, and that those key people would accept Christ. Praise the Lord for a piece of property obtained, with permissions to build a church on that property.
Update on The Rendille of Kenya
We are in a consultant checking session for the next two weeks. The checking of Ephesians 5-6 went very well and we have completed the book of James. Pray for Joshua and Laban, the Rendille translators and Tom the SIL consultant. We are hoping to have the majority of the work on the New Testament completed by the end of the year. Then follows typesetting and printing, with a possible dedication happening late in 2017 or early 2018. There is a lot of “clean up” work to do over the New Testament but the only large portion to be revised still is the book of Revelation.
Update on The Dorobo of Kenya
After a church service at AIC Oloika in the Moidapi area near Lake Naivasha, Simon Lempapa, the lead elder of the church, asked me to continue to pray for Zakayo, a young man who has been troubled by demonic attack. A few years ago, he’d run away from home and sleep out in the open in an attempt to escape the spiritual attack. We went and prayed some spiritual warfare type of prayers and since then, he has been much better. But Lempapa said Zakayo is still afflicted with many fears, causing him to lack employment, even though he has gotten an education. He often moves to different people’s homes, hoping for relief, staying there for weeks at a time. Lempapa told me that Zakayo’s father, who has since passed away, had been attracted to witchcraft as a way of solving problems, but now Zakayo and several siblings continue to be afflicted by demonic attack. Pray for Zakayo and his family. Pray that the root of witchcraft would be cut in the name of Jesus. Pray that Zakayo and his siblings would turn fully to Jesus for salvation and complete healing from these demonic attacks.
Update on The Sandawe of Tanzania
The Sandawe are traditionally hunter/gatherers but are now farmers and much of Usandawe (the area in which they live) is not fertile. Last year, the rains were not good. We just finished up some food relief for this year. It’s looking like the harvest this year will be better but we are having a dry spell so please ask for prayer for rain and a good harvest so that the basic needs of these precious people will be met. Also, please pray that their eyes will be open to their need for a Savior. They seem a content enough people, but they have so many traditions that are steeped in fear. Witchcraft is still prevalent.
Update on The Alagwa of Tanzania
From Feb 4 prayer request: Prayer Update: Praise God that the following Friday, a few ladies came, along with a different religious leader, who proceeded to encourage the women present to study the Bible. He also requested a time to come and study with the team members and also the team leaders. Please do continue to pray for these women to be consistent in coming, that they will not be distracted or prevented by busy farm work, sickness and daily chores.
Update on The Mwani of Mozambique
One Mwani believer B has begun to drink. It seems this was a habit he had even before believing in the Lord.He is keeping off from our team because of this habit. Pray that the Lord may help him out of this situation and that his wife may not fall back from the faith because of this discouraging habit.
Update on The Zaramo of Tanzania
Continue to pray for the children of the Zaramo. The preschool that’s
been established in the Mzenga area is just one platform for reaching out and has had amazing inroads to teaching the children about The Way, The Truth, and The Life. However, this school year, there are only 10 children enrolled, so please pray that God would provide more children – not only so the preschool can be self-sustainable, but that more children would hear His Truth.
Update on The Sakalava of Madagascar
We prayed for Angela when her little boy dies 3 months ago. She is from the village of the first believers. She has just put her trust in Jesus!Continue to pray for her and that many will be drawn to His light.
Update on The Mwani of Mozambique
Mr V. Iman of biggest mosque in our village had bought two copies of the Good News and we had been praying for an opportunity to share with him when he emailed us to tell us about the birth of his daughter. We were able to share the gospel with him. Pray that he responds to what he knows is true.
Update on The Rangi of Tanzania
Family is a huge power here- fear of family, and fear of being pushed out of family. Family is your insurance, health care, stability, help in difficult times, etc. A friend of mine who has decided to follow Jesus told me recently that she could no longer follow Jesus… why? Because upon telling her father that Jesus’ power cast demons out of her, and that she now wants to follow Him, she was forbidden. And more than being forbidden, she was threatened with beating and is fearing witchcraft against her. Please pray for this friend- that she would find the courage to follow him anyway, and that Jesus would protect her. Please also pray for her father. He is a hard man and strong in his Islamic faith.
Update on The Samburu of Kenya
Please pray for the mobilization of the existing Samburu church into missions and church planting among their own people. There is particularly a need for this outside of the few major towns where the churches are (Maralal for instance). In the northern Samburu land there is a great lack of faithful pastors.
Update on The Antakarana of Madagascar
Three men died yesterday in Ambilobe when a building they were working on collapsed on top of them. Please pray for those grieving and for those asking “why”, that they would turn to Jesus and find their answers in him. (Luke 13:1-9)
Update on The Borana of Kenya
A Borana student is finishing his first year at Bible College. Please pray that he will grow in his relationship with the Lord and will be well-equipped to minister to his people as a faithful pastor one day. Pray that he can afford to graduate, and pray for others who would also like to attend Bible College to become Borana pastors.
Update on The Rendille of Kenya
The big recent happening in Korr was the death of Pastor Jamhuri Kholbakha, who was the senior pastor of the Korr AIC church. Jamhuri died of pneumonia and TB, leaving a wife and four children. He was the assistant bishop for Marsabit Area Church Council and many expected him to become bishop one day. He was highly respected, a truly humble and godly man. There are more trained pastors in Korr who will be stepping up to the challenge of church leadership, but Jamhuri will be greatly missed. Pray for the Rendille believers to grow and deepen in their commitment and obedience to Christ as they grieve the loss of their pastor.
Update on The Dorobo of Kenya
Pray for Pastor Julius Ng’ayami. He has been a lead pastor with a passion to share Christ with others in the Dorobo community. For the past year he’s been struggling with a blood disorder. Pray for complete healing so he can continue to reach and encourage the Dorobo in their faith.
Update on The Dorobo of Kenya
Message
Update on the Borana of Kenya
A Borana student is finishing his first year at Bible College. Please pray that he will grow in his relationship with the Lord and will be well-equipped to minister to his people as a faithful pastor one day. Pray that he can afford to graduate, and pray for others who would also like to attend Bible College to become Borana pastors.
Update on The O of East Africa
Pray for little 1.18kg baby R (who was born 8 weeks early, a preemie who is now 3 weeks old and has pneumonia). The mom, A, has done such an amazingly great job with her first baby these past 3 weeks – considering the normal situation of dirt floors and no running water or even outhouses. We shared and prayed with them during our worship time yesterday – and improvement was seen today! Pray for Jesus Healing Grace for this baby and family, physically and spiritually!
Update on The O of East Africa
A young Christian couple had a traditional ceremony to dedicate their first baby, a boy to the Lord. Pray that the seeds planted would sink in deep and bear much fruit! Pray that this couple will be used powerfully in boldly sharing and building in God’s Kingdom in O. land!
Update on The Karimojong of Uganda
As discipleship is being initiated, pray for those who are discipling, that they would beat with the heart of Father God for these souls, and have self discernment so that nothing can distract them from growing others into the soil of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Update on The Lokwa of South Sudan
Please pray that the recent trouble and srtife among the Lokwar people would result in more and more wanting to know the peace that only Jesus Christ can bring. Pray for healing, physically and emotionally, and above all spiritually.
Update on The Laarim of South Sudan
Please pray for those that were evangelised during the recent outreaches in the communities around Kimatong, in the Boya Hills. Pray that seeing other young believers prepared to come from nearby towns, joining together with the missionaries, to try their best to reach the Laarim with the gospel, may be challenged and encouraged to take the message they heard seriously. Pray that as the new missionary team leaders arrive that they would be a tremendous witness and be bold in sharing the treasure they hold out to the Laarim, that of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Update on The Toposa of South Sudan
The Toposa are a strong and large people group in Eastern Equitoria, but majority live their lives without any knowledge at all of the Lord Jesus Christ. A few stalwart missionaries, pastors and believers live in the region conducting outreaches, teaching, bible storying among the people and communities that are open to them. Please pray for those that labour among them, that they may themselves be blessed so much by having the privilege of sharing the gospel and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ to the lost and dying.
Update on The Lopit of South Sudan
Please be praying for the new Lopit converts from those last few months of the TIMO Team. Pray that they are able to remain in Christ and not be tempted into falling back into their old ways. Pray for them to know the wonderful Almighty God who loves them more than any of us will ever realise. Pray that they are an encouragement to each other.
Update on The Didinga of South Sudan
Please pray for the Nagishot, Didinga church which is still struggling along, experiencing major discouragment. Pray that the planned courses being considered before more missionaries and a pastor can get on the ground later this year, will be used by the Lord to encourage and strengthen the believers.
Update on The Mbororo of CAR and Chad
Pray for Chief O, who shows a unique openness to the Gospel Message. Pray that his heart would be opened to his need for a Savior, and that through Chief O, many of the Mbororo in Eastern Central African Republic would also be drawn to Jesus. Pray for the local missionary who has been faithfully sharing his life with Chief O, that he would not grow weary nor lose heart.
Update on The Aringa of Uganda
Pray for peaceful elections in Uganda elections on 18 February and following
Praise that the Bible translators have started with portions of OT. Pray for the Lord to give them energy and health needed for the work.
Pray about the poverty among the Aringa people and for the church to have wisdom to know how to best help them.
Pray that the relations between the Christians and the peoples of other religions around them will continue to improve so that the gospel can continue to be shared and that the Lord will touch their hearts.
Update on The Ik/Teus of South Sudan and Uganda
A TIMO Team is scheduled to start in June of 2016 to live the Gospel among the Ik. We are very thankful for a German team coming end of March for two weeks to help to get the houses ready for the team members. Please pray for a good fellowship and protection for the construction team and that they have a good testimony among the Ik.
Update on The Islanders of the Indian Ocean
Continue to pray for the local fellowship on one of the islands as they face intensified pressure including a pronouncement from the Mosque spouting lies and calling for one of them to be kicked out of the country. Pr for wisdom and courage in the midst of this. Praise God that the pressure has increased their commitment to prayer, pray that they would know His presence with them like never before.
Update on The Mwani of Mozambique
Pray for those who have been listening to the word through the radio program at Mocimboa da Praia to believe the word. We seek that they may go beyond the barriers to believe. Pray particularly for E and M that they may believe and turn to Christ as they listen to the word as response to the questions they raise after listening to the program. Pray also for C as he struggles between turning to Christ and the discouragements from his relatives.
Update on The Alagwa of Tanzania
Praise God for the story groups, using the Alagwaisa Chronological Bible Stories which are running in different communities. PLEASE URGENTLY PRAY for one ladies’ group, which has been running for two months. Two ladies on our team write:
“we have been meeting with our neighborhood ladies for about 2 months now, learning Bible stories together, laughing, singing, dancing, etc… We have been amazed to see God bringing them back to our home week after week. We know that it is only because of God’s grace and power that they have been coming and are excited to hear God’s Word. However, this past week no one showed up (except for one lady later on in the evening). We learned that the nearby mosque leader had called a meeting for the ladies the previous Friday and warned them against coming to our home…he told them that we are trying to entice, even force them to follow Christianity. We are reminded that we are in a spiritual battle and we must stand firm together.”
Please pray that God will be glorified in this situation. Please pray that the ladies will return to the group tomorrow and continue to learn about God’s great love for them.
Update on The Antakarana of Madagascar
Please pray for the Antakarana of Nosy Mitsio. A sickness is spreading quickly right now (high fevers and lung congestion) and some are turning to their ancestors to try to remove the sickness. Please pray that the Antakarana people would experience the personal love and power of the Creator, that he would bring healing from this widespread sickness, and that they would know him as revealed in Jesus.
Update on The Karimojong of Uganda
Over the New Year, we have had at least 40 prisoners, 5 women the rest men, ask to receive Jesus as Christ and Lord, The same week, at a youth conference, at least 20-30 teenagers/young adults also gave their lives to Christ. PLEASE pray for discipleship to be initiated with all of these people, that the seed would be watered and grow into fruit that gives glory to God.
Update on The Rangi of Tanzania
“Oh, it would never be possible for me to follow Jesus,” said a dear, elderly friend of mine. She loves hearing the words of God. She loves the story of Jesus, and frankly, I think she believes it. But you know what she is scared of? Dirtying her family line, people thinking she is deceived, being abandoned by those near to her… Please pray for Bebe to have a dream of revelation of the truth of Jesus, and understanding that the price she would pray would be worth it. Pray for her to have courage and trust that Jesus would care for her.
Update on The Islanders of the Indian Ocean
Praise God for new believers on one island. Groups have been meeting, families are showing interest and listening to Bible stories together and older believers are being inspired and challenged by what they see. However there have been reports that some brothers and sisters have been bothered by authorities and are now afraid to meet regularly. This has not yet been confirmed but is likely to happen sooner or later. Pray for wisdom, courage, faith and joy in the midst of adversity and fear.
