May 7, 2012

From co-workers in East Africa: “Off today to our neighboring country.  Looking forward to an interesting journey...  Don't like our family being spread over 3 countries… parents ministering for a few days in the DRofCongo, young 3 in Rwanda, and older 3 at boarding school in Kenya – but excited about ministering with/ to local Believers!”  Unshared NUDGES:  Pray for traveling mercies, easy border crossings, etc.  Pray for good communication during separations.  Pray for encouragement and strengthening as local Believers learn more of serving as our Father’s hands, heart and voice in their country where many lack our Good News.

PHOTO:  Not a movie/photo 'prop' - but one way to travel in the DRofCongo, though likely propelled by someone with longer legs!

May 6, 2012

She stood in opening of the ‘borrowed’ class throughout Sunday School! Peering out with interest, at least one little fist always clutched the door frame.  Did she fear punishment from within for venturing further, or did she fear leaving?  Pray for East African missionary families who are in transition – Families following God to new places and new work – Kids graduating from high school and heading to the US for college. One missionary in transition is claiming this verse:  “He will keep me as the apple of His eye, and hide me in the shadow of His wings” (Psalms 17:8).

May 5, 2012

From co-workers in South Sudan:  “Several of the young men arrived at the preaching point with injuries… gashes on swollen feet… arms in makeshift slings… bandages on heads.  A few days earlier at dusk, another clan invaded, wielding clubs and spears. Why? The age old conflict of a daughter marrying outside the clan. So these young men now arrive at ‘church’ carrying clubs and spears…yet they are coming to learn more about Jesus. Pray for these young men and women who want to know more about the Bible.  Pray that Satan will not distract these seekers.  Pray for peace to reign in this war torn country.”

May 4, 2012

East African style portable/ reliable/ reasonably priced watch repair!  Pray today for missionaries facing ‘time’ frustrations!  Example: A couple is eager to return to their work in another East African country – work like Bible Storying with Believers hungry for discipleship and sharing our Father’s love and care among Unreached Peoples by digging wells.  Their problem? Needed  travel/ legal papers are stuck in a s-l-o-w moving office!  As missionaries deal with delays and frustrations, pray for a strong sense of trusting our Father, the creator of time, and for peace and flexibility as they seek His plans for their waiting time!

May 3, 2012

NOT the photo in an East African newspaper of a very confident little girl, her face framed by her purple head covering, quoting a chapter from the Quran at her ‘school’ graduation, but another that leads to reflection.  As you pray for children in East Africa, remember that like all children, they need time for play, time for friends, and time for learning.  Pray that they will be taught truths which lead to true joy and peace.  Pray that they will be taught to question what they learn so that they can truly “seek the LORD and live.” (Amos 5:6)

May 2, 2012

From co-workers:  “Pray for four volunteers in Iowa and six Florida volunteers as they prepare logistically and spiritually to come to northwest Uganda in mid-August, to disciple students in our third annual student camp. Expectations are high that we will have more students than ever to participate! Pray for another IMB couple in Arua as they make preparations for the camp and communicate with the churches. The participants, local students (ages 14-22) who are leading already in Bible Storying, will meet for 5 days at a local secondary school campus.” (Photo:  Maybe one day these kids will attend this camp!)

May 1, 2012

Some missionaries cannot get needed work permits simply for ‘being God’s messenger.’  Others cannot openly do ‘God’s work’ as those hearing our Father’s Good News may be at risk.  So they find other jobs “so that all the peoples of the earth may know OUR FATHER’S name and fear HIM.”  (I Kings 8:43) Have you ever thought that their required ‘cover’ may bring lots of frustrations and undesired restraints?  Pray for wisdom, peace and affirmation of God’s guidance as missionaries work out how they do things and how they can best share our Father’s Good News in difficult, limited situations.